There’s something so relaxing about kicking back in a lodge, talking about your day and tucking into a hearty meal. But, what are you going to be tucking into? Here are some of our top lodge-friendly dinner ideas that the whole family is sure to love.

Lodge-Friendly Dinner Recipes for the Whole Family

• One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta – This is a creamy, filling and comforting meal that’s sure to appeal to everyone. Plus, it’s ready in no time. Simply sauté the chicken and garlic, add pasta, heavy cream and parmesan. Keep everything simmering until the pasta is cooked, and then add in spinach. Once it’s been seasoned to your personal taste, you will have a creamy delight that the whole family will enjoy.

• Caprese Grilled Chicken – If you are looking for something on the healthier side, these caprese grilled chicken will tick a lot of boxes. It’s healthy, fresh and flavourful. Start by seasoning and grilling chicken breasts, and then top with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil to add a tang, and tuck it. It’s a quick and simple dish, but one that’s perfect for a lodge dinner.

• Beef and Vegetable Stir Fry – After a long day exploring the local area, you will probably want your lodge-friendly dinner to be one you can rustle up in no time. Beef and vegetable stir fry is a great example of this, and it can be tailored to include your favourite ingredients. Throw beef and your chosen vegetables into a pan – broccoli, onion and peppers are great for this – with soy sauce, ginger and garlic. Serve it over rice or noodles for a hearty, warming and tasty meal.

• Sheet Pan Salmon and Vegetables – It’s hard to find a dinner simpler than this one. Place salmon, broccoli, cherry tomatoes and baby potatoes on a pan, and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. You can season with garlic powder, salt and pepper as per your liking. All you need to do is bake it in the oven until the salmon is cooked through, and then dish it up to your hungry diners.

What Makes a Recipe Ideal for a Lodge Dinner?

Lodge-friendly dinner ideas often focus on simplicity. It’s a good idea to choose recipes that are quick to prepare, with minimal ingredients and uncomplicated cooking techniques. Consider recipes that can be prepared with basic kitchen equipment commonly found in lodges, and avoid anything that requires specialised appliances.

Recipes that require a minimal number of ingredients are well suited to cooking in a lodge. This makes it easier to plan and shop for everything, without having to venture too far from the local area. You don’t want to spend your time away scouring the surroundings for a specific vegetable or seasoning. Incorporate local and seasonal ingredients when possible into your lodge-friendly dinner. This not only enhances the freshness of the meal but also connects the dining experience to the lodge’s surroundings.

Lodge kitchens may not have the same conveniences as home kitchens, so choose recipes that are easy to clean up. Opt for dinners that result in minimal mess and are easy to clean up, allowing everyone to enjoy the evening without worrying about a pile of dishes. After all, you’re on holiday. With a little bit of planning, rustling up dinner in a lodge can be quick, simple and convenient.