Heading to the cottage is always a treat, whether it's in the Summer or Fall. Fall is especially magical with cool weather, crisp air, and the mesmerizing colors of the season—plus, fewer bugs! But planning cottage meals can be a bit of a challenge when you want to maximize relaxation and minimize time in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve created this one-week easy cottage meal plan, packed with simple, flavorful recipes. These meals require minimal prep and cooking time, especially if you have access to a barbeque, so you can spend more time enjoying the outdoors and less time cooking.
If you're only going for a weekend, don’t worry—this plan has you covered. Just pick a few of your favorite meals and opt for dishes with overlapping ingredients to streamline your grocery list. With these easy cottage meals, you’ll be able to relax and fully enjoy your getaway. You can download a printable version of the cottage meal plan at the bottom of this post.
Breakfast Delights
Start your mornings with these high-protein breakfasts, designed to be quick, easy, and delicious:
- Saturday: Ricotta, Tomato & Spinach Frittata
- Sunday: Ham & Cheese Croissant with Fresh Fruit
- Monday: Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, and Toast
- Tuesday: Greek Yogurt with Honey, Granola, and Berries
- Wednesday: Avocado & Egg on Toast
- Thursday: Potato Hash & Ham with Fresh Fruit
- Friday: Avocado & Tomato on Toast
- Saturday: Cottage Cheese & Berries on Toast
Lunchtime Favorites
Keep lunch light and easy with these quick-to-make options, perfect for enjoying on the deck or packing for a hike:
- Saturday: Charcuterie Board (Cheese, Crackers, Cured Meats)
- Sunday: Rotisserie Caesar Chicken Sandwiches
- Monday: Grilled Hot Dogs, Sausages & Potato Salad
- Tuesday: Rotisserie Chicken Cobb Salad
- Wednesday: Chicken Noodles Soup & Garlic Toast
- Thursday: Salami, Cheese & Arugula Sandwiches
- Friday: Caprese Sandwiches
- Saturday: Enjoy leftovers or get creative with any remaining ingredients to whip up something new—a great way to reduce food waste!
Dinner Extravaganza
End your day with these crowd-pleasing cottage dinners that are easy and quick to cook and guaranteed to satisfy:
- Saturday: Grilled Steak, Fries & Asparagus
- Sunday: Grilled Chicken Wings, Shrimps & Veggies
- Monday: Lasagna & Salad
- Tuesday: Grilled Salmon & Veggies with Rice
- Wednesday: BBQ Burgers, Fries & Coleslaw
- Thursday: Grilled Chicken Skewers with Veggies
- Friday: Grilled Ribs (recipe from Taste of Home) & Corn Salad
- Saturday: Enjoy leftovers or whip up something fresh with remaining ingredients—perfect for a hassle-free final meal!
Notes:
- I cooked the fries directly on the BBQ by laying aluminum foil on the grill and placing the fries on top. They took about 20 minutes to crisp up nicely.
- I purchased the lasagna pre-made from Costco, making it a convenient, no-fuss option.
Snacks & Desserts
Make the most of your cottage time with these easy, fun snacks and treats that are perfect for afternoons or late-night indulgence:
- Mixed Nuts: Ideal for hikes or casual snacking.
- Chips & Guacamole: Quick, easy, and perfect for sharing while soaking up the outdoors.
- Banana, Apple, or Pumpkin Bread: Bake a loaf at home and enjoy slices all week long.
- S’mores Night: A cottage essential—grab graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate for a classic fireside treat.
- Frozen Yogurt Bark: Spread yogurt on a baking sheet, sprinkle with fruits and nuts, freeze, and enjoy a cool, refreshing snack.
- Pina Colada Grilled Pineapple (recipe from Taste of Home): Sweet and tangy, this is a fun twist on a tropical treat.
Notes & Tips
- Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken wings, chicken skewers, and ribs at home, then store them in Ziploc bags. You can also freeze them so they transport well, especially in warm weather.
- Already Prepared Items: I purchased the burgers, lasagna, chicken soup and rotisserie chicken already prepared from Costco to save time.
- Flexible Ingredients: Don’t worry if you don’t have every item. This plan is designed to be flexible—substitute ingredients based on what’s available and in season.
- Keep It Simple: Most of these recipes use just a few ingredients, many of which overlap, making it easier to keep your grocery list short and manageable for a hassle-free week.
With this easy cottage meal plan, you’ll be able to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. Whether it’s for a full week or just a weekend, these simple, delicious meals will keep you satisfied and stress-free.
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