Spring Break Dinner Ideas
Who’s ready for a break? Meeeeee! I’m beyond excited to get to my happy place next week and breath the fresh mountain air. I won’t send a meal plan this Saturday, so I want to share my spring break dinner ideas. Since we’ll be skiing, these are pretty hearty, but many of them work for a beach vacation just as well.
We’ll have a group of teenagers with us, and you know how teenagers eat. We definitely plan to order pizza one night (two “grown up” pizzas from our favorite local restaurant and two “teenager” pizzas from the local delivery place). But beyond that, I’ll need to feed 8 people most nights. Remember, a trip with family in tow is just that. A trip, not exactly a vacation. Especially for moms! But a little advance planning can make a week off with kids a lot more relaxing. Here’s what’s on tap.
Chili Night
Chili and baked potato night with all the toppings. If I have my act together, the chili will go in the slow cooker before we head out to ski. The baked potatoes can go in when we head to the hot tub to soak sore muscles! You could also make veggie chili or chicken and white bean chili. Beef and vegetable soup would be another hearty option. Or lamb stew is always a hit, use beef stew meat if you prefer!
Lasagna Night
Lasagna, garlic bread (or cheesy pull-apart garlic bread) and a simple salad. I’ve been doing a mini Whole30 reset, and this dinner is the opposite of Whole30. But bring it on! I also love lasagna soup if you want to give it a try!
Taco Night
Tacos. Duh! This is the easiest dinner known to man, and favorite of teenagers everywhere. Make creamy jalapeño sauce to drizzle on top in 5 minutes flat. If you’re in beach mode, make easy fish tacos or a big side of roasted salmon that can be flaked into tortillas with guac or eaten with a side salad. Tortilla soup is another delicious option, you could make this slow cooker version in the morning and cross dinner off your list. Or slow cooker carnitas always satisfies a crowd, don’t forget the quick pickled red onions. Enchilada casserole, with either shredded chicken or ground beef, is another great way to feed a crowd.
Soup Night
Chicken and Sausage Gumbo with a big pot of rice or pork picadillo can be made on the stove top or in an Instant Pot. Or just make a big batch of roasted red pepper and tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches on the side.
Sandwich Night
French dip sandwiches are the best on toasted hoagie rolls with melted mozzarella. Extra au jus on the side for dipping. This is such a super easy slow cooker recipe that makes your whole house smell amazing. You could also do burgers, hot dogs, grilled sausages or a panini bar. If you’re renting a vacation house and don’t have a panini maker, cook your sandwich in a pan like you would a grilled cheese. Then while the sandwich cooks, press down on the top with a small skillet lid. You could also make (or buy) meatballs and serve meatball sliders or subs with a side of Rao’s Marinara.
What are your spring bread dinner ideas? Share your go-to sanity savers in the comments below!
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