One of the best aspects of a houseboating vacation is you don’t have to set aside extra funds for dining out because you can make your own meals!
Everything you need for easy houseboat meals – from the coffeemaker to the dish soap – is all provided on board.
So you can enjoy lots of food-centric gatherings with family and friends without ever stepping off your new on-the-water home!
With that being said, no one wants to spend the bulk of their vacation in the kitchen, and there are a few simple and easy food items and ingredients you can bring along to make mealtime a breeze.
So before you start to pack, consider these easy DIY dinners and meals that take just minutes to prepare, but will always be a crowd-pleaser for everyone on board.
1. Grilled Pizza
Your houseboat comes with a grill for easy alfresco cooking. And while burgers and hot dogs are always popular grilling fare, why not mix it up a little when it comes to your grilled main dishes?
Pick up refrigerated or frozen pizzas, thaw as needed, and pop them on the grill for a delicious slice of pie that has a rich and smoky flavor. You can even bring along a few bags of various toppings (such as pepperoni, peppers, sausage, or mushrooms), for a “make your own pizza night” that crew members of all ages will love.
2. Deli Staples
You may want to spend some time exploring the shorelines of Shasta Lake, and the easiest way to enjoy meals on the go is to prepare for a picnic.
Pick up an assortment of lunchmeats, breads, cheeses, and cold salads to pack along for on-shore outings, or just to enjoy as an easy lunch that requires little to no time in the kitchen.
3. Simplified Italian
When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing quite like a big Italian feast, and baked Italian dishes can easily be made ahead of time and refrigerated until it’s time to dine.
Pick up or prepare baked dishes in advance, such as lasagna, baked ziti, stuffed shells, or chicken parmesan, and store your Italian fare in the fridge when you arrive. That way, when you’re ready for a hefty serving of comfort food, you can pop your prepared meal in the oven and enjoy!
4. Breakfast Made Easy
Did you know that you can also prepare a number of breakfast items well in advance to make the first meal of the day a breeze?
Try combining pancake mix, shortening, and dry milk, which requires no refrigeration and can be poured into a frying pan for easy pancakes, or pick up some frozen or refrigerated biscuits and pre-cooked sausages for simple sandwiches that are nicely filling.
Need Inspiration?
Need some more inspiration on what to cook for your time onboard, around the campfire, or during your shoreline excursions? Then check out our list of unique and delicious recipes that go miles beyond the standard burgers and picnic fare.
With so many ways to spice up your meals, you’ll find that a houseboat vacation can easily be a budget-friendly, stress-free, and absolutely delicious affair.