Vacation cooking should be relaxed, fun, and bring everyone together. Here are three crowd-pleasing recipes that work for families of all sizes and can get everyone involved in the kitchen.
Build-Your-Own Taco Bar
Nothing brings a family together like tacos. The beauty is in the simplicity and customization — everyone gets exactly what they want.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef or chicken
- Taco seasoning
- Corn and flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes
- Sour cream, guacamole, salsa
- Black beans and rice for sides
Kid job: Setting up the toppings bar
Grandparent job: Warming tortillas
Parent job: Cooking the protein
One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken
This elegant dish looks impressive but requires minimal effort — perfect when you want a nice dinner without spending your vacation in the kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 chicken thighs
- Cherry tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil, garlic, lemon
- Fresh herbs (oregano, basil)
Arrange everything in one pan, roast at 400°F for 40 minutes. Serve with crusty bread and a simple salad.
Campfire S'mores Bar (Poolside Edition)
Many of our properties have fire pits or outdoor grills perfect for this classic treat. Set up a s'mores station and let everyone create their perfect combination.
Beyond Basic S'mores:
- Reese's cups instead of chocolate
- Nutella and banana
- Caramel and apple slices
- Cookie butter and strawberries
The Secret Ingredient: Togetherness
The best vacation meals aren't about perfect execution — they're about the conversations over chopping vegetables, the laughter when something goes slightly wrong, and the satisfaction of sitting down together to enjoy what you've created.
Our vacation kitchens are fully equipped for family cooking adventures. Large islands for gathering, multiple ovens for big groups, and outdoor grills for those perfect evening barbecues.
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