Camping is an excellent way to reconnect with nature, unwind, and spend quality time with loved ones. However, cooking in the great outdoors can sometimes be a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 10 camping recipes that are both easy and delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to outdoor cooking, these recipes will ensure you enjoy tasty meals without the hassle.
Table of Contents
Campfire Breakfast Burritos
Start your day with a hearty and flavorful breakfast burrito. These are easy to make and can be customized to suit everyone’s taste.
Ingredients:
- Flour tortillas
- Scrambled eggs
- Shredded cheese
- Cooked bacon or sausage
- Salsa
- Diced bell peppers
- Onions
Instructions:
- Cook the scrambled eggs, bacon or sausage, bell peppers, and onions over the campfire or a portable stove.
- Lay out a tortilla and add the scrambled eggs, meat, veggies, and cheese.
- Roll up the tortilla and wrap it in aluminum foil.
- Heat the wrapped burrito over the campfire until warm and the cheese is melted.
- Serve with salsa.
Foil Packet Chicken and Veggies
Foil packet meals are perfect for camping because they require minimal cleanup and are very versatile.
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Chopped vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, onions, carrots)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
- Dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
Instructions:
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken and vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried herbs.
- Divide the mixture onto pieces of aluminum foil and fold into packets.
- Cook the packets over the campfire or on a grill for about 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Campfire Pizza
Pizza lovers don’t have to miss out while camping. This campfire pizza recipe is easy to make and satisfies those pizza cravings.
Ingredients:
- Pre-made pizza dough or flatbreads
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, olives)
Instructions:
- Spread the pizza sauce over the dough or flatbreads.
- Sprinkle with cheese and add your favorite toppings.
- Place the pizzas on a grill grate over the campfire.
- Cook until the cheese is melted and the crust is crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
Grilled Steak and Potatoes
A classic and satisfying meal, grilled steak and potatoes are perfect for a camping dinner.
Ingredients:
- Steaks (your preferred cut)
- Potatoes, sliced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic powder
Instructions:
- Season the steaks with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Toss the potato slices in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the steaks over the campfire to your desired doneness.
- Cook the potatoes in a grill basket or foil packet until tender and crispy.
Campfire Quesadillas
Quick, easy, and delicious, campfire quesadillas are a great lunch or snack option.
Ingredients:
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese
- Cooked chicken or beef
- Sliced bell peppers
- Onions
- Salsa
Instructions:
- Place a tortilla on a piece of aluminum foil.
- Add cheese, meat, bell peppers, and onions on one half of the tortilla.
- Fold the tortilla in half and wrap it in the foil.
- Cook over the campfire until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy, about 10 minutes.
- Serve with salsa.
Dutch Oven Chili
A hearty chili cooked in a Dutch oven is perfect for cooler camping nights.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey
- Chopped onions
- Garlic, minced
- Diced tomatoes
- Kidney beans
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Brown the ground meat in the Dutch oven over the campfire.
- Add the onions and garlic, and cook until softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Campfire Fajitas
Fajitas are a fun and interactive meal that everyone can customize to their liking.
Ingredients:
- Sliced chicken or beef
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Onions, sliced
- Olive oil
- Fajita seasoning
- Flour tortillas
- Toppings (sour cream, salsa, guacamole)
Instructions:
- Toss the meat and vegetables with olive oil and fajita seasoning.
- Cook in a cast-iron skillet over the campfire until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
S’mores Dip
No camping trip is complete without s’mores, and this s’mores dip makes it even easier to enjoy this classic treat.
Ingredients:
- Chocolate chips
- Mini marshmallows
- Graham crackers
Instructions:
- In a cast-iron skillet, spread an even layer of chocolate chips.
- Top with mini marshmallows.
- Place the skillet over the campfire until the chocolate is melted and the marshmallows are toasted.
- Use graham crackers to scoop up the gooey, delicious dip.
Campfire Mac and Cheese
Comfort food at its best, campfire mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- Elbow macaroni
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Milk
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a cast-iron skillet, melt the butter and stir in the cooked macaroni.
- Add the cheese and milk, and stir until the cheese is melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve hot.
Grilled Pineapple
A sweet and healthy dessert, grilled pineapple is a perfect way to end a meal.
Ingredients:
- Pineapple, peeled and sliced
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
Instructions:
- Sprinkle the pineapple slices with brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Grill over the campfire until caramelized and slightly charred, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve as is or with a scoop of ice cream.
Tips for Outdoor Cooking
To make your outdoor cooking experience even better, here are a few tips:
- Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables, marinate meats, and measure out spices at home to save time and effort at the campsite.
- Use Backpack Coolers: These are great for keeping perishables cold and easily transportable.
- Invest in Quality Cookware: Cast-iron skillets, Dutch ovens, and grill grates are durable and versatile for campfire cooking.
- Safety First: Always follow campfire safety guidelines and keep a bucket of water or sand nearby.
Cooking while camping doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With these easy and tasty camping recipes, you can enjoy delicious meals in the great outdoors, making your camping experience even more memorable. Happy camping and happy cooking!