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Grilling Getaway: Plan the Ultimate Outdoor Cooking Vacation With Your Big Green Egg

Grilling Getaway: Plan the Ultimate Outdoor Cooking Vacation With Your Big Green Egg

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What beats waking up to crisp morning air and a chorus of birds chirping away? Easy—enjoying delicious food grilled to perfection (and in style!) on your Big Green Egg.

Smoky, charred, juicy yumminess fresh off the grill, y’all!

Today, I’m helping you plan your most epic grill-cation yet. So, who’s ready to take this BBQ show on the road with your Egg in tow?

Choose Your Destination

First things first, scout for scenic locations that make you want to fire up your Egg ASAP. Think campgrounds with mountain vistas or vacation rentals by the shore.

Bonus points if there’s a nearby farmer’s market to grab fresh local goodies or a convenience store for when you forgot the burger buns.

Also, check the area for restrictions regarding grilling or smoking. Some places don’t allow charcoal grills, especially during fire season.

No one wants a hangry meltdown because you can’t use your Egg!

Next, weather check! Is your chosen destination grilling-friendly year-round?

We all live for sunny skies, but winter grilling can be just as fun with a cozy setup.

Pack the Essentials

Before you hit the road, you’ll need a serious inventory of your BBQ supplies.

Your Big Green Egg is too big to miss packing, but what about your Eggcessories? Here’s a grilling checklist so you don’t forget anything:

  • Charcoal (lots!) and wood chips for smoking, preferably in a weatherproof storage bag
  • Charcoal starters and lighter (or matches)
  • Extra grids
  • Metal or wooden skewers
  • Grill brush
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer
  • Skillet
  • Drip pan
  • Ash poker and ash removal pan

Here are more essentials for your makeshift kitchen:

  • Cooler and ice
  • Rubs, marinades, and seasonings
  • Aluminum foil
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Plates, cups, and utensils
  • Scrubber and dish soap
  • Trash bag

Plan Your Menu

Cooking for your family while on vacation shouldn’t feel like a chore. The key?

Easy-breezy, grill-friendly recipes!

Let’s make your cabin or beach retreat a true escape with smart meal prep that leaves loads of time for fun and soaking up the sun! Here’s a quick questionnaire for your mealtime goals:

  • How many people are you feeding?
  • How long is your vacation?
  • Are you aiming for three square meals a day? Or do you prefer grab-and-go options early in the day?
  • How much time are you spending on cooking?
  • Any allergies or dietary restrictions to keep in mind?

Once you have all that sorted out, it’s time to make a meal plan. Here’s how I do mine.

For breakfast, I aim for make-ahead, no-cook, or easy recipes, such as:

  • Grilled sandwiches
  • Bread and your favorite spreads and jams
  • Breakfast cake or muffins you can make the day before you leave
  • Frittata
  • Yogurt parfaits

For lunch, quick, portable lunches are the way to go. Below are some tasty options you can prepare using marinated or leftover meats from the night before:

  • Sandwiches or wraps
  • Grilled beer brats
  • Salad bowls with grilled chicken
  • Surf ‘n turf foil packets

Dinners are much busier times for your Egg. I save these meals for grill nights:

  • Steak and veggie kebabs
  • Hotdog skewers
  • Campfire nacho platters
  • Shrimp piccata skewers
  • Smoked BBQ ribs
  • Grilled stuffed peppers
  • Smoked corn on the cob

Stock Up on Ingredients

Now, let’s stock up for your grilling vacation:

  • Raid your freezer and pantry first. Check for any ingredients you already have—oils, spices, cold cuts, pasta, etc.
  • Pick fruits and vegetables that can handle the trip without getting squished or bruised.
  • While shopping for your must-haves (eggs, veggies, meats), grab some quick snacks like chips and nuts, too.
  • Wait to buy certain items until you get to a local market or seafood shack at your destination. That way, you’ll grab the freshest catch and local produce.

Pack Food Safely

Here are some tips for packing all your vacation food:

  • For kebabs or skewers, pre-cut your meat into bite-sized pieces.
  • Marinate your meats with your favorite sauces or spice rubs before your trip. Let all those mouthwatering flavors soak in!
  • Season your burger patties and layer them between parchment paper in a container.
  • Wash your fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water or using a veggie soak. Dry them completely.
  • Pack everything in airtight containers or zip-top bags.
  • Use leak-proof jars for liquids and sauces to prevent spills.
  • Pack your perishables in a cooler with plenty of ice packs.
  • If traveling a long distance, replenish ice packs at rest stops.

Enjoy Grilling and Smoking!

Your Big Green Egg is a workhorse; it’s a grill, smoker, and oven all rolled into one. Check out these hot tips for making the most out of yours:

  • Start by loading up your Egg with natural lump charcoal.
  • Use natural starters or electric lighters to ignite your charcoal.
  • When firing up the charcoal, keep the vents and lid wide open for the first 7–10 minutes. Then shut the lid to get the Egg to your desired cooking temperature, which should take about 15–20 minutes (or a tad longer if it’s chilly out).
  • Keep the draft door mesh closed to prevent sparks and flying embers. Slide it open only when removing cold ashes.
  • Burp your Egg! That means cracking the lid a few inches and closing it a few times before opening it to avoid bursts of eyebrow-singeing heat.
  • Preheat your Egg to 600–700 degrees for grilling pork chops, steaks, and burgers.
  • Want extra smokiness? Toss a few hardwood chips!

Final Thoughts

Your weekend getaway can be the perfect gathering with your favorite people. Take your Big Green Egg vacationing with you for the most sizzling cookouts!

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