Rugged terrain, picturesque landscape, and a feeling of adventure await those willing to venture off the beaten path. But what about when you’re ready to settle into an outdoor campsite with dinner on the horizon? Are you left exhausted from your day without any resources for cooking up an easy campfire meal? Fear not - you don’t have to resort to packaged foods or energy bars when camping! Whether you want to unlock the joy of cooking in camp for beginners or you are exploring new cooking in camp ideas that can be cooked easily in campsites, this guide has something to offer. Read on as we share essential tips and tricks for success in preparing delicious meals while out camping!
Cooking in Camp Recipes - 10 Easy Camping Meals
Here are 10 delectable camping recipes that we have carefully selected for you. From hearty breakfasts to indulgent sweet treats and refreshing cocktails, we've got you covered from morning 'til night.
1. Apple Sausage Breakfast Sandwich
Start your day off right with this sandwich featuring a harmonious blend of homemade maple and apple sausage patties, melted cheese, and a fried egg, all nestled between a toasted bun.
Ingredients:
- Homemade sausage patties (flavored with fennel seeds, thyme, sage, smoked paprika, cinnamon, maple syrup, and shredded apples)
- English muffins
- Fried eggs
- Swiss cheese slices
Instructions:
- Prepare sausage patties in advance.
- Place cooked patty on toasted, buttered English muffin.
- Add fried egg and Swiss cheese.
2. Cowboy Coffee
Pair the sandwich above with a robust cup of Cowboy Coffee, brewed over the campfire for an energizing morning ritual.
Ingredients:
- Finely ground coffee
- Water (fresh spring water if available)
Instructions:
- Boil water in a pot.
- Add 2 tbsp ground coffee per 8 oz water.
- Stir, let sit for 2 mins, and repeat once.
- Sprinkle cold water to sink the coffee grounds.
- Pour coffee, keeping grounds at the bottom.
3. Campfire Nachos
Nachos is one of the most popular easy camping meals for 2. It is customizable, so you can add whatever toppings you like.
Ingredients:
- Tortilla chips
- Cheese (shredded)
- Toppings of your choice (e.g., diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, black olives, chopped green onions)
Instructions:
- Layer tortilla chips, cheese, and toppings in a pot or pan, starting with chips on the bottom.
- Repeat the layering process until the pot is full or ingredients are used up, ensuring an extra helping of cheese and toppings on the top layer.
- Place the pot over heat (campfire or grill) until the cheese melts and the toppings are heated through.
4. Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
These foil packets are a delicious and easy way to cook shrimp and sausage on the grill or campfire, with the bonus of minimal cleanup.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Smoked sausage, sliced
- Corn on the cob, cut into chunks
- Zucchini, sliced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Butter
- Spices of your choice (e.g., Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper)
- Chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions:
- Layer ingredients on foil: corn, zucchini, sausage, shrimp, garlic, butter, and spices.
- Fold and seal foil packet by rolling edges.
- Cook on grate/grill for 8-10 mins.
- Remove from heat, cool briefly.
- Garnish with parsley, lemon.
5. Beef Kebabs
One of the easy camping meals for family is the beef kebabs. The juicy tender pieces of flavorful, marinated beef are paired with colorful vegetables, making for a meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds beef, cut into cubes
- Mushrooms
- Onion
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Wooden skewers
- Prepared marinade
- Chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F).
- Skewer beef, mushrooms, onion, and bell peppers.
- Grill kebabs for 4 mins, flip, grill 3-4 mins.
- Brush with marinade in last few mins.
- Remove from grill, rest for 5 mins.
- Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
6. Campfire Pizza Cones
The Campfire Pizza Cone offers a clever and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of pizza in the great outdoors. Made with just a few simple ingredients, you can conveniently pack your leftover pizza sauce and cheese for a delightful experience.
Ingredients:
- Tortillas
- Pepperoni
- Pizza Sauce
- Shredded Cheese
Instructions:
- Shape tortilla into a cone, secure with toothpick.
- Trim excess tortilla (optional).
- Add pepperoni slice to seal.
- Layer shredded cheese inside.
- Spread pizza sauce over cheese.
- Add more pepperoni.
- Sprinkle final layer of cheese.
- Wrap cone tightly in foil.
- Cook in fire for 5-7 mins.
7. Camping-Style Budae Jjigae
Warm your soul with a comforting bowl of Budae Jjigae, a Korean-inspired soup that combines spicy kimchi, savory bacon, and an assortment of ingredients, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- Budae Jjigae Sauce (prepared in advance)
- Kimchi
- Bacon
- Onion
- Tofu
- Hot dog slices
- Ramen noodles
- Tteok (rice cakes)
- Mozzarella slices
- Steamed rice
Instructions:
- Layer kimchi, bacon, onion, and Budae Jjigae sauce in Dutch oven.
- Add tofu and hot dog slices.
- Pour 7 cups water, cover, and place in coals.
- Bring to boil, cook 5 mins until broth thickens.
- Adjust seasoning, add water if needed.
- Add noodles and tteok, cover and cook 4-5 mins.
- Place mozzarella slices on ramen.
8. Vegan Tahini Potato Salad
This refreshing and creamy potato salad is made with a luscious tahini dressing, fresh herbs, and a delightful crunch, providing a vegan-friendly option that is bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- Yellow potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Bunches of scallions
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Garlic cloves, finely grated
- Ground cumin
- Tahini
- Soft herbs (cilantro, parsley, mint, dill, or a combination)
Instructions:
- Boil yellow potatoes until tender, then drain.
- Char scallions under broiler, chop them.
- Whisk lemon juice, grated garlic, cumin, salt, and tahini. Gradually add ice water until sauce thickens.
- Add cooked potatoes and charred scallions to dressing. Toss with olive oil.
- Let salad cool before serving. Add raw scallion slices and herbs.
9. S'mores
The beloved campfire treat, S'mores, adds a sweet touch to evenings around the campfire, combining gooey marshmallows, melted chocolate, and crisp graham crackers.
Ingredients:
- Graham crackers
- Chocolate bars
- Marshmallows
Instructions:
- Break graham crackers in half.
- Add chocolate to some pieces.
- Toast marshmallows over flame.
- Place marshmallow on cracker with chocolate.
- Top with another cracker.
10.Paloma Cocktail
After a long day of hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors, there's nothing quite like relaxing with a refreshing Paloma cocktail. The tangy juice, the effervescence of the seltzer, and the smoothness of the tequila create the perfect companion for your camping evenings.
Ingredients:
- Silver tequila
- Fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
- Simple syrup
- Lime juice
- Seltzer
- Kosher salt
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions:
- Rim glass with salt: Run lime on rim, dip in salt.
- Fill glass with ice cubes.
- Shake tequila, grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and lime juice in shaker with ice.
- Strain mixture into salt-rimmed glass.
- Top with seltzer for effervescence.
What Should I Take Cooking in Camp?
To make your camping cooking experience a success, having the right gear is essential.
Fire Grates or Stoves:
- Campfire grill grate: A grate placed over an open fire for grilling.
- Camp stove: A portable stove fueled by propane or butane for cooking.
- Firestarter (Matches or lighter): Helps start the campfire or stove easily.
Cookware & Utensils:
- Pots (various sizes): Select according to your specific requirements, whether it be for boiling, simmering, or sautéing.
- Roasting pan: Used for roasting meats or vegetables in the oven.
- Essential Utensils: chef's knife, cutting board, spatulas, and tongs for your cooking needs.
Kitchen Appliances:
- Blender: Used for pureeing, blending, and making smoothies.
- Toaster or toaster oven: For toasting bread or heating small food items.
- Coffee maker or electric kettle: Needed for brewing coffee or boiling water.
Notes: If you're looking for a way to power these above-mentioned appliances at the campsite without electric hookups, then you'll want to check out the Anker SOLIX F2000 portable power station. It offers a massive 2048Wh capacity and 2400W AC output to easily power almost any appliance, be it blenders, coffee makers, or electric stovetops. But if you’re planning a long camping trip to a sun-soaked destination without access to a reliable electric hook-up, a solar generator like Anker 767 Solar Generator will be the perfect solution, allowing you confidently tackle every recipe on your camping food list for 7 days.
Serving and Dining:
- Plates and bowls: Used for serving meals.
- Glasses and cups: For beverages and drinks.
- Silverware: Utensils like spoons, forks, and knives.
Food/Water Storage:
- Camp cooler: To keep food fresh and beverages cold.
- Water storage: Container for storing drinking water and facilitating cooking and dishwashing.
Cleaning Supplies:
- Dish soap: Used for washing dishes and utensils.
- Dish towels: Absorbent towels for drying dishes.
Cooking in Camp Rules
- Campfire Safety: Follow fire regulations, use designated fire rings or pits, and never leave a fire unattended. Be mindful of fire dangers and extinguish fires completely before leaving.
- Food Storage: Store food properly to prevent attracting wildlife. Use bear-proof containers or hang food from trees, away from sleeping areas. Keep your cooking area clean and free of food scraps.
- Camp Stoves: If using camp stoves, ensure they are in good working condition and follow manufacturer instructions. Set up stoves on stable surfaces and keep them away from flammable materials.
- Respect Quiet Hours: Be considerate of other campers by observing quiet hours, especially when cooking early in the morning or late at night.
- Leave No Trace: Practice Leave No Trace principles, which include minimizing campfire impacts, disposing of waste properly, respecting wildlife, and leaving natural and cultural features undisturbed.
How Do You Wash Dishes While Camping?
Now that we've covered the essential rules for cooking in camp, let's explore an important aspect of camping hygiene: dishwashing.
When camping, there are several ways to wash dishes effectively. One option is the three-bucket method, which involves using separate buckets for washing, rinsing, and sanitizing. Alternatively, you can use a mesh bag to contain and scrub dishes, or even use disposable foil for easy cleanup. Remember to use biodegradable soap, dispose of food waste properly, and follow the Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up this blog, we hope we've inspired you to embark on flavorful culinary adventures during your camping trips. With the right cooking gear, you can create delicious meals that satisfy your taste buds and fuel your outdoor adventures. Remember, cooking in camp is not just about the food—it's about the experience. The crackling fire, the fresh air, and the camaraderie of sharing a meal in nature enhance the flavors and create lasting memories. So, embrace your inner chef, try new recipes, and adapt them to suit your taste and camping style.
