Cooking Tips for Travelers Who Book a Branson Vacation Home Rental

by | Nov 3, 2022 | Travel

One of the perks of booking a Branson vacation home rental is getting to enjoy the same amenities you have in your own home. For example, the bedrooms are typically bigger than what you’ll find in a standard hotel room. You’ll probably have your own balcony, too, and not just a huge window. And most importantly, most vacation rentals have a fully furnished kitchen so you can cook if you don’t feel like eating out. But before you get too excited about using another home’s oven, you have to keep a few things in mind.

Decide on the menu before booking a Branson vacation home rental

While wide and cozy, Branson vacation home rentals are not all the same. Some have bigger kitchens than others. You must decide whether you’ll cook regular meals in your unit or eat out most of the time (and only use the kitchen for preparing light snacks). This way, you can choose a more suitable rental home. It will also help if you decide which cookware to bring. Most rental home kitchens are equipped with basic appliances but might not have spices, skillets, and baking pans. If you choose to cook proper meals during your vacation, you might want to include these items in your to-bring checklist.

Make simple meals in your Branson vacation home rentals

Let’s face it: cooking is time-consuming. While it’s fun to do, and seeing your family enjoy their meal is fulfilling, it’s not why you’re in Branson. You’re here to take a break and experience the outdoors. So don’t spend too much time in the kitchen. You need to get out of your Branson vacation house rentals early to visit as many attractions as possible. Think of meals that are easy to whip up but yummy and healthy. Stick with dishes that only take about 15 minutes to prepare, such as poached eggs in tomato, one-pot pasta with tuna, and chicken pesto pasta with asparagus. Avoid dishes that require double baking or have long simmering times.

Prepare some of the ingredients before traveling to the Ozarks

Apart from having an oven, your vacation home rental will most likely have a fridge. Most hearty family meals consist of ingredients that you can prepare in advance. Even vegetables, such as radish, broccoli, cauliflower, and lettuce, can stay crisp for up to three days or longer if you keep them in the fridge. Additionally, marinate meat and mix up dressings and sauces at home, so you don’t have to do it in Branson. Just bring a standard cooler to preserve them as you travel by car.

Making meals in Branson vacation house rentals easier by prepping

When you only need half of the cucumber for one meal, you don’t have to stick the other half back in the fridge. Instead, slice the whole cucumber, get the portion you need, and put the rest of the sliced cucumbers back in the refrigerator. This will save you some prep time for the next meal. The same goes for eggs–if you’re boiling eggs to pair with smoked salmon, add some more eggs in the pot for your salads and pickled snacks in the morning. And if you know tomorrow’s recipes include extra work such as shredding or marinating protein, do it at night before bed.

These simple tips can help you make the most of your vacation in Branson. Of course, you don’t have to prepare all of your food in the kitchen. You should make it a point to eat at Branson’s famous diners and restaurants to fully enjoy the local flavors. Also, include local produce in your cooking to add more freshness to your meals. Call Branson Regal at 1.417.203.0402 or visit bransonregal.com to book the best lakefront Branson cabin rentals, luxury condos, and private homes!