Texas Living

Pack the Perfect Texas-style Picnic

By Callie Leahy 4.13.15

In the great state of Texas, barbecue is more than just a meal — it’s a cultural happening. From cornbread to sweet tea, slaw to potato salad, barbecue is something of a ritual. We’ve scoured the web for the best portable versions of the Lone Star barbecue you know and love for the perfect Texas-style picnic — without the mess!

Cornbread Bites

Take your favorite cornbread recipe on the go by baking them in mini cupcake tins. The bite-sized pieces can be perfectly packed and easily transported. Don’t have a favorite cornbread recipe? Check out this delectable recipe from blogger Jelly Toast.

Mason Jar Lemonade 

Load up your cooler with Mason jar lemonade, complete with frozen lemon wedges in each jar. The lemon wedges will keep your drinks chilled through those warm summer days without watering down your drink.

Barbecue-to-go

The secret to one-handed, mess-free portable barbecue? Tortillas and a little Southern ingenuity. Wrap sausage, pulled pork, rib meat, or chicken in a tortilla (cheese, condiments, slaw, dressing, etc., optional) in foil for a quick and easy lunch.

Cooler Corn

All you need is a cooler, hot or boiling water, and shucked corn for a serving of freshly cooked corn on the go.

Loaded Baked Potato Salad 

It truly is the best of both worlds. Combine boiled potatoes cut into bite-size pieces with all the fixings of a loaded baked potato, plus mayo to create this picnic-style version of two barbecue favorites.

Mac and Cheese Muffins

These muffins turn a cheesy pasta dish into a simple and mess-free finger food, without skimping on flavor or home-style goodness.

Dr Pepper Baked Beans

It wouldn’t be a Texas-style barbecue without Dr Pepper. Check out this recipe for sweet baked beans cooked with the iconic Southern staple.

Texas Sheet Cake Cupcakes

Ooey gooey cake to go? Yes, please! These melt-in-your-mouth cupcakes are the ideal finish to your Texas-style picnic.

Barbecue in a Jar

This blogger has barbecue picnics down to an art by packing meat, slaw, beans, and a pickle all in one single serving jar.

For more Texas-style summer fun, check out our ultimate road trip guide