Picnic Food Ideas — 20 Easy Make-Ahead Recipes Perfect for Outdoor Eating

Picnic Food Ideas — 20 Easy Make-Ahead Recipes Perfect for Outdoor Eating

A crowd-proof Italian-inspired antipasto board with marinated sliced meat, olives, roasted peppers, and homemade focaccia

Prep Time30 mins

Cook Time25 mins

Total Time55 mins

Servings: 8 servings Course: Appetizer Cuisine: Italian Calories: 420 kcal

Ingredients

Meat

200g g salami or prosciutto
150g g bresaola or coppa

Cheese

200g g aged pecorino or Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 ball fresh mozzarella or burrata (packed in its liquid)

Accompaniments

1 cup cup marinated mixed olives
1 jar (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers (drained and sliced)
1 cup cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
1 large loaf loaf focaccia (torn into pieces)
½ cup cup basil pesto or olive tapenade
good olive oil (for drizzling)
flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper

Focaccia

3 cups (360g) cup bread flour
1 packet (7g) packet instant yeast
1½ tsp tsp salt
1¼ cups cup warm water
¼ cup + 2 tbsp cup good olive oil (divided)
flaky salt, rosemary, and garlic (for topping)

Instructions

Make the Focaccia

1

Combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and 3 tablespoons olive oil and mix until a shaggy dough forms.

2

Cover and let rise for 1 hour.

3

Pour remaining oil into a 9×13 inch baking pan and stretch the dough in.

4

Dimple deeply with your fingers, drizzle with oil, and add rosemary and flaky salt.

5

Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 20–22 minutes until deeply golden.

Prep the Marinated Components

6

Combine pitted olives with olive oil, orange zest, fresh thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

7

Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Assemble the Board

8

Group items in clusters — don't mix meats and cheeses at the center.

9

Build the board on a flat cutting board, wooden tray, or large slate.

Equipment

9×13 inch baking pan
cloth bag
cutting board

Nutrition

Serving1 generous board portion with focaccia

Calories420 kcal

Carbohydrates28g

Protein22g

Fat26g

Saturated Fat9g

Sodium890mg

Notes

Best served at room temperature, with a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments

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