Easy Picnic Food Ideas for this Autumn: Meals, Snacks & More

Autumn is a lovely season. There are golden leaves everywhere, the sun is bright and warm, and the days are cheerful and calm. These kinds of moments make you want to spend time in nature with friends or family. One of the greatest ways to make those moments genuinely unforgettable is to have a picnic. However, what kind of inexpensive, simple-to-make, and certainly warming picnic menu should you make this autumn?

Luckily, we have everything you need, whether you're an adult with a busy work schedule, a student going on a picnic with friends, a parent searching for kid-friendly options that won't cause sugar crashes, or a vegan looking for delicious vegan alternatives.

Today, you'll discover some healthy picnic recipes for this autumn that are affordable enough for regular gatherings and make use of seasonal, wholesome ingredients. Every recipe includes a comprehensive ingredient list and detailed instructions. Additionally, we'll offer helpful shopping advice to help you find the best discounts on seasonal produce and bulk ingredients.

1. Thermos of Spiced Tea: Autumn Warmth Essential

A warm blanket and a steaming thermos of nutritious, vitamin-rich tea become your best friends when the fall chill sets in. During the picnic, bringing two or three thermoses of various types of tea will keep everyone warm while providing your body with the vital vitamins and antioxidants it needs to support the immune system.

While Honey Lemon Tea blends vitamin C with antibacterial qualities, Ginger Tea naturally increases circulation and facilitates digestion after heavy picnic fare. Each type of tea has its own special health advantages and cozy comfort. You can either buy some tea from the store or make your own satisfying, warming blend at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ginger Honey Tea Recipe

Ingredients (serves 4-6):

1. 6 cups filtered water
2. 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
3. 3 tablespoons raw honey
4. 1 cinnamon stick
5. 2 whole cloves

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Bring water to a boil in a large pot
2. Add sliced ginger, cinnamon stick, and cloves
3. Simmer for 15 minutes to develop rich flavors
4. Remove from heat and stir in honey until dissolved
5. Strain mixture and pour into preheated thermoses
6. Keeps warm for 6-8 hours in a quality thermos

Honey Lemon Tea Recipe

Ingredients (serves 4-6):

1. 6 cups filtered water
2. 4 black tea bags or 4 tsp loose black tea
3. Juice of 2 fresh lemons
4. 4 tablespoons raw honey
5. Lemon slices for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Boil water and pour it over the tea bags in a large pitcher
2. Steep for 5 minutes, then remove the tea bags
3. While warm, stir in honey until completely dissolved
4. Add fresh lemon juice and mix well
5. Pour into thermoses and add lemon slices
6. Serve warm within 6-8 hours for the best flavor

2. Stuffed Mini Baguettes - Easy and Absolutely Delicious

When you want substantial food that travels well, these bite-sized baguettes are ideal for your autumn picnic menu because they are simple to prepare and incredibly delicious. The best part is their versatility - you can customize fillings as you want. That makes them ideal to satisfy different flavor preferences among the group.

Common filling combinations include ham and cheddar with apple slices, Mediterranean vegetables with hummus and roasted peppers, or traditional turkey and Swiss with cranberry sauce. For vegetarians, try the roasted vegetable medley with goat cheese or caprese with fresh mozzarella and basil.

Our advice: Make the baguettes the night before, wrap each one separately in parchment paper, and store them in the refrigerator. In fact, as the ingredients combine overnight, the flavors get better.

Classic Turkey Cranberry Baguettes

Ingredients (makes 8 mini baguettes):

1. 4 small baguettes, halved lengthwise
2. 8 oz sliced turkey breast
3. 4 oz Swiss cheese, sliced
4. 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
5. 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
6. 2 tablespoons of mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Slice baguettes horizontally, creating top and bottom halves
2. Spread mustard on the bottom halves
3. Layer spinach leaves, turkey, cheese, and cranberry sauce
4. Press the top halves firmly and wrap each in parchment paper
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving
6. Pack in a cooler with ice packs for transport

3. Roasted Nuts - Healthy Crunch

Don't forget about the impact of roasted nuts at your picnic this autumn. Healthy fats, plant-based protein, and vital minerals like zinc and magnesium are all abundant in these nutrient-dense snacks. They provide sustained energy without the sugar crash, making them perfect for active outdoor days when kids and adults need lasting fuel.

Seasonal Varieties: Almonds with pumpkin spice blend, walnuts with rosemary and sea salt, or pecans with maple and cinnamon all produce genuine fall flavors. Dried cranberries and mixed nuts provide additional antioxidants and a natural sweetness.

If you want to find the best deals and discounts for your autumn picnic foods, smart shopping apps can make a big difference. For example, in Costless, you can compare prices and spot discounts or limited offers across different stores. You may find price differences of up to 60% when purchasing autumn essentials like nuts, which make a great picnic snack. This will allow you to save money while stocking up on seasonal favorites.

Maple Cinnamon Pecans

Ingredients (serves 6-8):

1. 2 cups raw pecan halves
2. 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
3. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4. 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
5. 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with parchment
2. Mix maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and coconut oil in a large bowl
3. Add pecans and toss until evenly coated
4. Spread in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet
5. Roast for 12-15 minutes, stirring once halfway through
6. Cool completely before storing in an airtight container

4. Chocolate Brownies - Kid-Approved Sweet Treats

Picture yourself nestled into a warm blanket, sipping warm ginger tea, and now all you need is a bite of a rich chocolate brownie. These bite-sized squares are ideal for picnics because of their perfect portability. You can enjoy pure chocolate perfection in your hands without having to worry about plates or messy cleanup.

If you're pressed for time, in less than an hour, a high-quality box mix will produce delicious results. Maybe you want to impress with your homemade goodness? Then try making them with our recipe, which includes a full list of ingredients for your convenience and a clear list of instructions that will save you a lot of time.

Combining the rich sweetness of chocolate brownies with the warming spices of tea creates a flavorful combination that perfectly captures all the wonderful aspects of fall outdoor dining.

Perfect Picnic Brownies

Ingredients (makes 16 squares):

1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2. 1 cup granulated sugar
3. 2 large eggs
4. 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
5. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
6. 1/4 teaspoon salt
7. 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper
2. Mix melted butter and sugar in a large bowl until combined
3. Beat in eggs one at a time until smooth
4. Whisk together cocoa, flour, and salt in a separate bowl
5. Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined
6. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour into the prepared pan
7. Bake 25-28 minutes until the toothpick has a few moist crumbs
8. Cool completely before cutting into squares

5. Carrot & Celery Sticks with Hummus - Fresh, Healthy Perfection

This nutritious snack is ideal for busy students or parents who want wholesome options without the hassle, because it only takes 5 to 10 minutes to prepare and tastes fantastic. By clearing the palate in between richer foods like baguettes and brownies, these crisp veggies offer a welcome counterpoint to heavier picnic fare.

There are plenty of hummus variations, and each of them has its own unique taste. For example, roasted red pepper hummus adds sweetness, and traditional tahini hummus goes well with both veggies. You can also try beetroot hummus or pumpkin spice hummus for autumn flavors and bright colors.

You can easily find hummus in any store, but it's surprisingly easy to make at home. You can customize it and add your favorite flavors to give it a homemade, fresh taste.

Classic Tahini Hummus

Ingredients (serves 6-8):

1. 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2. 2 tablespoons tahini
3. 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 3 tablespoons olive oil
6. 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Add chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic to the food processor
2. Process for 30 seconds until roughly chopped
3. Slowly add olive oil while processing until smooth
4. Add salt and process for an additional 30 seconds
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
6. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to pack

Vegetable Prep

Ingredients:

1. 6 large carrots, peeled
2. 4 celery stalks, washed
3. Ice water for storage

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut carrots into 4-inch sticks, about 1/2 inch thick
2. Cut celery stalks into similar-sized pieces
3. Place cut vegetables in a bowl of ice water for 30 minutes
4. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels
5. Pack in containers lined with paper towels
6. Keep refrigerated until ready to transport

6. Apple & Cinnamon Muffins - Autumn's Perfect Handheld Treat

These muffins perfectly reflect everything about the fall. Their individual size makes them perfect for eating outdoors without mess, and the combination of warm cinnamon and fresh apples creates seasonal flavors that taste like autumn itself.

For gluten-free versions, use xanthan gum and almond flour instead. For vegan muffins, use flax eggs instead of regular ones and plant-based milk and oil in place of butter.

Classic Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Ingredients (makes 12 muffins):

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 2 teaspoons baking powder
3. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
5. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
6. 3/4 cup brown sugar
7. 2 large eggs
8. 1 cup milk
9. 1 1/2 cups diced apples
10. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and line muffin tin with paper liners
2. Whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl
3. Mix melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla in a separate bowl
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined
5. Fold in diced apples gently to avoid overmixing
6. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter
7. Bake 18-20 minutes until golden brown and the toothpick comes out clean
8. Cool in the pan 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack

This recipe calls for a long list of ingredients, and sometimes it takes a lot of time to write everything down, especially when you are in a hurry. The majority of people use their phones these days to manage their shopping lists, and Costless makes it even simpler. You can create a fully customizable list for your autumn picnic, then compare prices across different stores to make sure you’re getting the best deals without the hassle.

7. Mini Sandwiches - Timeless Picnic Food

Mini sandwiches are probably the easiest dish in the world to prepare and customize. At any event, they are always among the most popular foods. Why? It's easy: it's because of their wide range of tastes, handy design, and capacity to sample multiple at once!

Try a traditional cheese and sausage filling, a chocolate and jam variant, or whatever else you like! Cut ordinary bread into quarters for the best portion control. Mini amounts make eating easier during busy outdoor play, reduce waste, and let kids try different flavors.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Minis

Ingredients (makes 12 mini sandwiches):

1. 6 slices whole-grain bread
2. 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
3. 1/3 cup grape or strawberry jelly
4. Pinch of salt (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lay bread slices on a clean work surface
2. Spread peanut butter evenly on 3 slices, leaving a small border
3. Add a thin layer of jelly on top of the peanut butter
4. Top with the remaining bread slices and press gently
5. Remove crusts if desired, then cut each sandwich into 4 squares
6. Wrap individual minis in parchment paper for easy handling

Cheese & Ham Minis

Ingredients (makes 12 mini sandwiches):

1. 6 slider buns, halved
2. 6 oz sliced deli ham
3. 6 slices mild cheddar cheese
4. 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
5. Butter lettuce leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lightly toast slider buns if desired for extra texture
2. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the bottom buns
3. Layer lettuce, ham, and cheese on each bottom bun
4. Top with the remaining bun halves and press lightly
5. Wrap each sandwich individually in parchment paper
6. Pack in a rigid container to maintain shape during transport

8. Roasted Veggie Wraps - Plant-Based Autumn Perfection

These vibrant, vegan-friendly wraps highlight the best vegetables of the fall while offering filling, plant-based options that even meat eaters will enjoy. A delightful blend of flavors and textures is produced when roasted seasonal vegetables are served with fresh avocado or creamy hummus.

Use bell peppers to add crunch and vivid color, while roasted butternut squash adds natural sweetness. For variation, include tomatoes, cucumbers, roasted red onions, and carrots. Sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts make wholesome, satisfying pairings.

Rolling Lifehack: Preheat the tortillas a little to make them pliable, spread the filling in the middle, leaving 2-inch edges, fold the bottoms up, and then roll tightly from one side. To make eating easier, secure with toothpicks and cut in half.

Roasted Vegetable Wraps

Ingredients (makes 4 large wraps):

1. 4 large flour tortillas
2. 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
3. 1 red bell pepper, sliced
4. 1 medium zucchini, sliced
5. 1 red onion, sliced
6. 3 tablespoons olive oil
7. 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme or oregano)
8. Salt and pepper to taste
9. 1/2 cup hummus or 2 ripe avocados, mashed
10. 2 cups fresh spinach leaves

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment
2. Toss all vegetables with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper
3. Spread vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet
4. Roast 25-30 minutes until tender and lightly browned
5. Let vegetables cool to room temperature before assembling
6. Warm tortillas in the microwave for 15 seconds to soften
7. Spread hummus or mashed avocado down the center of each tortilla
8. Add roasted vegetables and spinach leaves
9. Roll tightly, secure with toothpicks, and slice in half
10. Wrap individual halves in parchment paper for transport

9. Hot Mulled Apple Cider

Something warmer than cola and juice is needed at this time of year, and here's another excellent suggestion for a warm beverage that perfectly embodies the spirit of autumn. Traditional hot mulled apple cider turns your ordinary picnic into a warm seasonal celebration, filling the air with beautiful aromas of cinnamon, cloves, and fresh apples.

You can try different recipes. The traditional blend contains orange peel, whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks. For exotic warmth, try adding cardamom pods and star anise, or for added heat, try adding fresh ginger and nutmeg.

Traditional Mulled Apple Cider

Ingredients (serves 6-8):

1. 8 cups fresh apple cider
2. 3 cinnamon sticks
3. 6 whole cloves
4. 3 whole allspice berries
5. 1 orange, sliced into rounds
6. 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Pour apple cider into a large pot over medium heat
2. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice berries
3. Add orange slices and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes for flavor infusion
5. Taste and add maple syrup if desired for extra sweetness
6. Stir in vanilla extract just before serving
7. Strain out spices and orange slices before pouring into thermoses
8. Keeps warm and flavorful for 6-8 hours in quality thermoses

10. Fresh Fruit Salad - Healthy Mix for Every Picnic Menu

Fresh fruits are a simple, colorful, and healthy choice for any autumn picnic. They give your picnic basket a burst of freshness, are naturally sweet, and are packed with vitamins. Seasonal favorites like apples, pears, grapes, and pomegranate seeds are easy to transport, don't require much preparation, and are adored by both children and adults. All it takes to prepare a tasty, hassle-free snack in a matter of minutes is to slice and package them.

But why limit yourself to only raw fruits? Simple, seasonal recipes that showcase the flavors of fall can elevate your picnic to a whole new level. Simple ingredients can be turned into a warm, unforgettable meal with roasted apples, pumpkin, and a dash of honey or cinnamon. This fruit-based mix is visually appealing in addition to being delicious.

Autumn Fruit Salad Recipe:

Ingredients (serves 4):

1. 2 medium apples, sliced
2. 1 small pumpkin or 300g pumpkin cubes
3. 2 tsp olive oil
4. 1 tsp cinnamon
5. 1 tbsp honey
6. 50g arugula or mixed greens
7. 2 tbsp toasted walnuts or pecans
8. Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Toss pumpkin cubes with 1 tsp olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
3. In a separate tray, toss apple slices with 1 tsp olive oil, honey, and cinnamon. Roast for 10-12 minutes until slightly soft.
4. In a large bowl, combine arugula, roasted pumpkin, and roasted apples.
5. Sprinkle toasted nuts on top and drizzle with any leftover honey from roasting.
6. Pack in an airtight container and enjoy at your picnic!

Cooler weather doesn't have to mean that outdoor dining is over, as these ten autumn picnic meal options demonstrate. Every dish, from sweet treats like apple cinnamon muffins and chocolate brownies to warming beverages like spiced tea and mulled apple cider, brings a little bit of home and seasonal flavor to your get-togethers.

The versatility of this picnic menu is what really sets it apart: kids will enjoy the simple, portable snacks, vegans will have plenty of healthy, plant-based options like roasted veggie wraps, and busy parents can prepare the majority of the dishes ahead of time. Whether you’re organizing a weekend family outing or an unplanned meet-up with friends, these wholesome, fall-inspired foods will bring everyone together and make your picnic both tasty and memorable.

What autumn flavors will your family discover this season?