Skip the Takeout & Maximize Vacation Time!
- Stay Cushy
- 9 hours ago
- 4 min read
When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen. Between the beach, the pool, and all the local exploring, cooking should be quick, simple, and, most importantly, delicious.
The good news? With a few smart grocery hacks and easy meal ideas, you can keep everyone fed without missing a single sunset.
At Cushy Vacation Rentals, our homes are designed with fully stocked kitchens and outdoor grills that make vacation cooking a breeze. Here are five simple meal ideas you can whip up on your next getaway, plus a peek at some of our favorite Cushy kitchens to try them in!
🍔 1. Beachside Burger Night
Nothing says vacation like firing up the grill. Burgers are a crowd-pleaser, they require almost no prep, and you can dress them up as little or as much as you like. For a tropical twist, throw on sliced avocado or pineapple and pair it with chips or a simple salad. Clean-up is as easy as tossing the paper plates, leaving you free for an evening walk on the beach.
Recipe Hack: Pick up pre-formed burger patties, buns, and toppings to keep it effortless.
Grocery Tip: Local markets often have ready-to-grill kabobs or pre-chopped veggies if you want variety without the work.
✨ Try It At: Cushy Coast House – Topsail Beach, NC. With a breezy back deck and an outdoor grill, Cushy Coast House is perfect for flipping burgers while enjoying the salty air. You can even grill up your own fresh catch of the day!
🍝 2. One-Pot Pasta Dinner
Some nights call for something hearty and warm after a long day outside. Enter: the one-pot pasta. This meal is fast, filling, and, best of all, requires minimal cleanup. Toss your pasta, protein, and veggies into one pot, let it simmer, and dinner is ready before you know it.
Recipe Hack: Combine pasta, garlic, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and shrimp or sausage with olive oil and pasta water until it thickens into a sauce.
Grocery Tip: Pre-cooked proteins like rotisserie chicken or sausage links cut prep time in half.
✨ Try It At: Queen’s Quarters – Charlotte, NC. The modern kitchen at Queen’s Quarters is stocked and ready for nights when you want something quick yet delicious. Cook, plate, and relax with plenty of space to gather and enjoy.
🌮 3. DIY Taco Bar
Vacation is all about fun and flexibility, so why not bring that energy to dinner? A DIY taco bar lets everyone build their own plate, making it perfect for kids, adults, and picky eaters alike. It’s colorful, easy to set up, and a great way to feed a group without breaking a sweat.
Recipe Hack: Pre-cook seasoned beef or shredded chicken, then set out tortillas and toppings like lettuce, cheese, salsa, and sour cream.
Grocery Tip: Taco kits and pre-shredded cheese save tons of time.
✨ Try It At: Green Gulf Bungalow – Gulf Shores, AL. After a day on the sugar-white beaches, taco night hits different at Green Gulf Bungalow. Its open kitchen and cozy dining area make gathering around for a laid-back meal effortless.
🍗 4. Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies
If you’re craving something healthy but don’t want to fuss over multiple pots and pans, this meal is for you. Sheet pan dinners are simple, delicious, and practically clean themselves up. Just season everything, roast, and relax while the oven does the heavy lifting.
Recipe Hack: Toss chicken and chopped veggies with olive oil, salt, and your favorite seasoning. Roast in one pan until golden.
Grocery Tip: Pre-marinated chicken packs and produce trays make this even easier.
✨ Try It At: Cushy Cabin – Smoky Mountains, TN. Surrounded by mountain views, the rustic yet modern kitchen at Cushy Cabin makes sheet pan meals a dream. After a day of exploring, it’s the perfect no-fuss dinner.
🍳 5. Breakfast-for-Dinner
Who says pancakes are only for the morning? Breakfast-for-dinner is fun, fast, and always a family favorite. Pancakes, bacon, and eggs cook quickly and make for a hearty meal after an active day. Add fruit or chocolate chips for an extra vacation treat.
Recipe Hack: Pancake mix, eggs, and frozen fruit are all you need for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Grocery Tip: Keep these staples on hand - they’ll come in handy for any meal.
✨ Try It At: Cushy Lake Frame – Guntersville, AL. With its charming A-frame design and fully equipped kitchen, Cushy Lake Frame is the perfect spot to flip pancakes while overlooking the lake. Breakfast under the stars? Absolutely.
Make Cooking Part of the Fun!
Cooking on vacation doesn’t have to feel like work - it can be part of the memories you create. With these quick, easy meals and the right kitchen setup, you’ll spend less time chopping and more time enjoying the beach, lake, or mountains.
At Cushy Vacation Rentals, every home is designed to make meals effortless and enjoyable, whether you’re grilling outdoors, cooking family favorites, or whipping up something quick before sunset.
Ready to book a vacation rental with a kitchen that makes cooking easy?
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