Weekends away at the cottage should be about rest and relaxation, which is why you’ll be glad you made these delicious dishes in advance. From portable breakfast dishes to main meals, enjoy that much-needed downtime with these make-ahead recipes.
![croissant casserole with blueberries and bacon](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/croissant-casserole-feature.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Blueberry and Bacon Croissant Breakfast Casserole
Allow us to introduce you to the heavenly breakfast casserole you’ve been missing all your life. Featuring leftover croissants, bacon, frozen wild blueberries and maple syrup, the make-ahead dish will have guests salivating for a second serving.
![Close-up shot of red beet hummus with radishes and pita bread](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/beet-hummus-1280.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Beet Hummus
This bright hummus replaces the usual suspect (chickpeas) with fibre-rich black beans and magenta-hued beets. Served with wedges of pita or crudités, it’s a pretty, wholesome appetizer that’ll give your garden blooms a run for their money.
![smores butter tarts](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/smores-butter-tarts-complete.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
S'mores Butter Tarts
In addition to bringing some make-ahead meals to the cottage, be sure to prepare a few desserts as well (your sweet tooth will thank you). These s’mores butter tarts are an incredible fusion of everyone’s favourite campfire treat and the classic Canadian dessert.
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Gluten-Free Tabbouleh Pasta Salad
The best make-ahead summer meals are fresh, light, delicious and involve minimal prep. This vibrant tabbouleh pasta salad checks all the boxes.
![A loaf of banana bread in a pan](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Banana-Bread-1280.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
The Perfect Banana Bread
Don’t let your bananas go to waste while you’re out of town. This comforting banana bread recipe makes for the ideal road trip snack and is an excellent option for a treat while lounging by the lake.
![Overview shot of a bowl of couscous](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/mint-couscous-1280.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Mint and Lemon Pearl Couscous Salad
Impress your guests at the cottage this summer with this vibrant salad with fresh mint, citrus, cucumber and pearl couscous.
![a closeup of Canadian cheesecake bars](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/canadian-cheesecake-feature.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Canadian No-Bake Cheesecake Bars
If you’re heading up to the cottage for Canada Day long weekend, these no-bake cheesecake bars are a festive Instagram-worthy dessert that you can make in advance.
![](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cinnamon-muffin-1280.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Cinnamon Streusel Muffins
Before you leave for cottage country, be sure to make a batch of muffins for an easy grab-and-go breakfast option. These delicious cinnamon streusel muffins are soft, fluffy and have a hidden layer of streusel.
![everything bagel sausage rolls with a side of mustard](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/everything-sausage-rolls.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
25-Minute Everything Bagel Smoked Sausage Rolls with Puff Pastry
For the perfect cottage snack in no time, these everything bagel smoked sausage rolls are made with puff pastry and come together in just 25 minutes. Even the kids will love them.
![Bulgur salad in white bowl](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Bulgur-Almond-Salad-1280.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Middle Eastern Bulgur, Pomegranate and Almond Salad
Eating healthy at the cottage is made easy with this colourful Middle Eastern salad. Full of whole grains, juicy pomegranate seeds and crunchy slivered almonds, you’ll feel good about serving this balanced meal.
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Hot Dog Fried Rice
We love the idea of prepping this family-friendly fried rice recipe before you leave for the cottage. All you need to do is add some freshly grilled hotdogs to the dish, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing recipe all ages will enjoy.
![slow cooker bolognese on a white plate](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/bolognese-feature-1.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef Bolognese
If you’re short on time before your trip to the cottage, this five-ingredient slow cooker beef bolognese is an awesome make-ahead meal.