Dining Outdoors with Fall Food On the Go

When the weather starts to cool, there’s nothing quite like savoring a warm, hearty meal straight from a thermos or insulated food container. This trusty container isn’t just for coffee—it's perfect for keeping soups, stews, and all kinds of beverages hot and ready to enjoy wherever you are. The key is to choose dishes that not only hold up well in a thermos but also taste even better as they sit and develop their flavors.

Hot soups and stews are fall classics, and they’re incredibly easy to transport in a thermos. A pumpkin soup or hearty chili is ideal for outdoor fall activities, keeping you warm while you have a fabulous, filling meal. If you’re planning to spend the day outdoors, consider filling a thermos with one of Betty’s Slow-Cooker Chilis, Soups & Stews. These recipes are designed to be flavorful and filling, making them the perfect addition to any fall outing. Pair your soup with some crusty bread, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal on the go!

Warm beverages are another must-have for gatherings or fall camping food. A thermos filled with spiced cider or hot chocolate is the perfect companion for a cool day spent outside. For a fun twist that will wow a crowd, try setting up a Slow-Cooker Deluxe Hot Chocolate Buffet where everyone can customize their own cup of hot cocoa with toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and caramel drizzle. And don’t forget about Hot Spiced Cider—a seasonal favorite that warms you up from the inside out. To keep your food and drinks warm, preheat your thermos with boiling water before adding your soup or beverage, and make sure the lid is tightly sealed to retain the heat.

The slow cooker is a total game-changer when it comes to preparing and transporting meals for outdoor events. It’s the ultimate tool for creating dishes that can be kept warm for hours, making it perfect for tailgating, picnics, and backyard gatherings. Plus, with the variety of on the go recipes available, you can whip up everything from main courses to desserts with ease.

For a tailgate or picnic, consider making a pulled pork or vegetarian chili in your slow cooker. These dishes are guaranteed crowd-pleasers and are easy to serve straight from the pot. You can find some incredible ideas in Betty's Zero-Effort Slow-Cooker Recipes collection. These recipes are designed to be simple yet full of flavor, allowing you to focus on enjoying the event rather than worrying about the food.

Transporting slow-cooker dishes is easier than you might think. Simply wrap your slow cooker in a blanket or place it in an insulated carrier to keep it warm during transport. Once you arrive at your destination, plug it in to maintain the temperature until you’re ready to eat. For a truly effortless setup, create a station outdoors. This works particularly well for tailgating or casual gatherings where everyone can help themselves to a warm, hearty meal.

If you want to up your slow-cooker game, consider experimenting with these Slow Cooker Tips for Flavorful Fall Meals. These tips will help you enhance your slow-cooker creations, ensuring that your meals are anything but ordinary. And if you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, don’t miss Betty's 12 Slow Cooker Desserts for Fall—because who doesn’t love a warm, gooey, ultra-indulgent dessert after a day of outdoor fun?

Grilling isn’t just a summer activity—it’s a fantastic way to cook up some tasty treats during the fall as well. Whether you’re at a sporting event, a scenic park, a campsite, or simply in your backyard, a portable grill can transform your outdoor meal into a memorable experience. The key is to choose on the go recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to transport and prepare anywhere.

Portable grill recipes like kebabs and foil packet meals are perfect for outdoor cooking. They’re easy to assemble ahead of time and cook quickly on a grill, making them great fall camping food or ideal for any seasonal gathering. Give Betty’s All-Star Tailgate Grill Menu a try, it offers a variety of options that are sure to impress your fellow fans. Whether you’re grilling up some marinated chicken skewers or sizzling sausages, these recipes are designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

One of the best things about grilling in the fall is the opportunity to experiment with different marinades and rubs. A Lemon Herb Marinade is a great option that works with everything from chicken to pork. One of Betty's 5 Easy Marinades can elevate any of your grilled dishes and add a burst of flavor. These marinades are simple to make and can be prepared in advance, so all you have to do is fire up the grill when you’re ready to eat.

Grilling on the go does require a bit of preparation, but with a few tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. First, make sure your grill is portable and easy to transport. Preheat the grill before you leave home to save time, and pack all necessary utensils, including tongs, a spatula, and a meat thermometer to ensure your food is cooked to perfection. Safety is also important—be sure to grill in a well-ventilated area and keep a spray bottle of water nearby in case of flare-ups. For more grilling ideas that are perfect for fall, check out Betty's Foil Packs That Reinvent Grilling—they’re not only easy to make but also a breeze to clean up, making them an awesome option for outdoor dining.

While main dishes are usually the star of the show, a great assortment of snacks or sides can help you round out your outdoor eating experience. Fall offers a bounty of seasonal ingredients that can be transformed into creative and packable snacks that will add a little extra flavor to any excursion.

Snacks like caramel apple slices or pumpkin spice trail mix are festive and easy to pack. You can put them in airtight containers or reusable snack bags and toss them in a backpack or cute cooler bag. These treats are not only delicious but they also provide a quick energy boost, making them ideal for on-the-go munching. Make sure to check out more fall snack recipes, like the ones in Betty's Favorite DIY Trail Mix Recipes, for plenty of additional snacking inspiration.

For sides, consider dishes that travel well, like a roasted fall vegetable medley or a quinoa salad. These options are nutritious and they also pair perfectly with a variety of main dishes, creating a balanced and satisfying outdoor meal. You can also try our tips on Tasty Ways to Cook With Root Vegetables to help ensure your veggie sides really capture all the flavor fall has to offer.

No outdoor meal is complete without a sweet treat to cap it off, and fall desserts bring all the flavors of the season to your plate. While the challenge lies in finding desserts that are easy to pack and transport without losing their appeal, Betty has plenty of sweet and simple on the go recipes to choose from.

Apple hand pies are delicious handheld treats that are easy to make, pack, and eat on the go. Their flaky crust and warm apple filling make them the perfect finale for any fall meal. Another great option is pumpkin bars, which are moist, spiced, and perfect for fall. Betty’s Mini S'mores Hand Pies are a fun twist on the classic campfire treat and are easy to take along on your next outing. And our Harvest Pumpkin-Spice Bars are a crowd-pleaser completely bursting with seasonal flavor.

When it comes to transporting desserts, packaging is key to maintaining their freshness and presentation. Use airtight containers to keep treats from getting soggy or stale, and consider using parchment paper or cupcake liners to separate individual portions and stop them from sticking together. If you’re packing items like pies or bars, use a sturdy container to prevent them from getting crushed in transit. For added convenience, pre-cut your desserts into individual servings so they’re ready to eat when you arrive. With these tips, your desserts will be just as delightful at your destination as they were when you first made them.

Incorporating seasonal flavors into your desserts is a great way to make them even more special. Think cinnamon, nutmeg, apple, pumpkin, and caramel—ingredients that capture the cozy, comforting essence of fall. These flavors taste amazing and will add a sweet finish to all your fall adventures.

To complement your outdoor dining experience, you’ll need some delicious beverages that cater to both kids and adults. The right drink can warm you up on a chilly day or provide a refreshing treat after a day of outdoor activities. Best of all, many of these drinks can be easily prepared ahead of time and transported to your destination.

For the kids (and the young at heart), hot apple cider is a classic choice. The warm, comforting flavors of apple cider are perfect for sipping by the fire or during a cozy backyard gathering. Betty’s Hot Cranberry-Apple Cider offers a slightly tart twist on the traditional cider, making it a refreshing yet warming option. For a fun and creamy treat, try Snickerdoodle Shakes, which combine the flavors of cinnamon and sugar in a drink that’s both sweet and satisfying. These kid-friendly options are sure to be a hit at any fall outing.

For the adults, consider serving mulled wine or spiked cider—both are warming, flavorful, and perfect for enjoying under the stars. Betty’s Slow-Cooker White Chocolate Hot Cocoa is another decadent option, offering a rich and indulgent drink that’s sure to please. If you’re looking for something with a bit more kick, the Slow-Cooker Hot Buttered Rum is a cozy, spiced drink that’s perfect for cooler evenings. These beverages taste amazing and bring a festive touch to any outdoor gathering.

When transporting drinks, it’s important to keep them at the right temperature. For hot beverages, preheat your thermos with boiling water before filling it with your drink of choice. This will help keep the beverage warm for several hours. For cold drinks, use a cooler with plenty of ice packs to ensure they stay chilled until you’re ready to serve. Bringing along some insulated cups or mugs will also help maintain the temperature of your drinks while you’re enjoying them outdoors.

Outdoor fall dining is so much fun, and with just a bit of preparation you can be sure everything will go smoothly. With the right packing essentials and a few safety tips, you can enjoy an alfresco meal that’s both delicious and stress-free.

Start by packing reusable containers that are durable and easy to transport. They’ll keep your food fresh and prevent spills, making them ideal for outdoor meals. Blankets, portable tables, and camping chairs help create a comfortable dining space—lay out a blanket for a picnic-style meal or set up a portable table for a more traditional dining experience. Don’t forget to pack utensils, napkins, and any serving tools you might need, as well as trash bags for easy cleanup.

When it comes to food transport and storage, safety is key. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold to prevent any risk of spoilage. For cold dishes, use a cooler with plenty of ice, and for hot dishes, consider using insulated carriers or wrapping your containers in towels to maintain the temperature. Make sure to pack perishable items in a way that ensures they remain at a safe temperature throughout your outing.

Setting up a cozy and inviting outdoor dining space is all about the details. Bringing along battery-powered string lights or lanterns is an easy way to create a warm, inviting atmosphere as the sun sets. To take the autumn entertaining vibes up a notch, consider using hay bales or fall-themed decorations to enhance the seasonal feel. And if you’re dining in a larger group, setting up a buffet-style table with your dishes displayed creates a laid back atmosphere and makes serving easy and enjoyable for everyone.

Enjoy More Fall On the Go Recipes

Fall is a season that’s made for outdoor adventures, and with the right food and drinks, you can turn any outing into a seriously memorable dining experience. Whether you’re tailgating, camping, or simply enjoying a meal in your backyard, these on the go recipes and tips will help you make the most of the season.

Remember, no matter what you’re creating in the kitchen, Betty’s got your back! With her timeless expertise, delicious recipe ideas, and helpful shortcuts, you’ll be prepared to tackle any outdoor dining adventure with confidence. If you loved these ideas, be sure to check out more fall recipes and tips on the Betty Crocker website. And don’t forget to share your own alfresco dining experiences and fall on the go recipes on social media using #BettyCrocker—we’d love to see how you’re making the most of this amazing season!