Camping is all about enjoying the great outdoors, but that doesn’t mean you need to settle for boring meals. With a little creativity and preparation, you can whip up delicious dishes that will have your family and friends raving around the campfire. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to outdoor adventures, these five camping recipes are easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to impress.
1. Campfire Breakfast Burritos
Starting your day with a hearty breakfast is essential for outdoor adventures, and these campfire breakfast burritos will fuel your morning.
Ingredients:
- 6 large flour tortillas
- 6 eggs
- 1 lb breakfast sausage or bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup diced onions and bell peppers
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Pre-cook the sausage or bacon: In a skillet over the fire or camp stove, cook the sausage or bacon until crispy. Set aside.
- Scramble the eggs: In the same skillet, scramble the eggs until fully cooked. Add salt and pepper for seasoning.
- Assemble the burritos: Lay out the tortillas. Divide the eggs, sausage, and cheese evenly among them. Top with salsa and veggies for an extra burst of flavor.
- Wrap in foil: Roll each tortilla into a burrito and wrap it in aluminum foil.
- Heat over the fire: Place the foil-wrapped burritos on the campfire grate and cook for about 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.
2. Grilled Campfire Pizza
Pizza lovers, rejoice! You can enjoy a delicious pizza right at your campsite with this easy grilled campfire pizza recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough (or make your own)
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Assorted toppings (pepperoni, olives, mushrooms, etc.)
- Olive oil
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Prepare the dough: Roll out your pizza dough into individual-sized portions, about 6-8 inches in diameter. Brush both sides with olive oil.
- Grill the dough: Place the dough on a preheated campfire grill grate or a cast-iron skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom gets slightly crispy.
- Add toppings: Flip the dough, spread a thin layer of pizza sauce, and add your cheese and favorite toppings.
- Cook until cheese melts: Cover with a lid or tent aluminum foil over the pizza. Let it cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust is golden brown.
3. Foil Packet Garlic Butter Salmon and Veggies
For a healthy, gourmet meal at the campsite, try this flavorful garlic butter salmon foil packet. It’s packed with nutrition and requires minimal cleanup!
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 1 lb green beans
- 4 tbsp garlic butter (or regular butter mixed with minced garlic)
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs (dill or parsley)
- Aluminum foil
Instructions:
- Prepare the foil packets: Tear off large pieces of aluminum foil. In each piece, place a salmon fillet, a handful of baby potatoes, and green beans.
- Add garlic butter and seasoning: Top each salmon fillet with a tablespoon of garlic butter, a couple of lemon slices, and a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Seal the packets: Fold the foil over the ingredients to create a sealed packet.
- Cook on the campfire: Place the foil packets on the campfire grate or a grill over medium heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily and the veggies are tender.
4. Campfire Chili
Nothing says comfort food like a warm bowl of chili, especially after a long day of outdoor activities. This campfire chili is rich, hearty, and can be made in advance.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- Shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Cook the meat and onions: In a large cast-iron Dutch oven, brown the ground beef or turkey over the campfire. Add the diced onions and garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the rest of the ingredients: Pour in the beans, diced tomatoes, chili seasoning, and broth. Stir everything together.
- Simmer over the fire: Let the chili simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve and garnish: Once the chili has thickened, serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions for garnish.
5. S’mores Nachos
End your camping trip on a sweet note with this unique twist on a classic dessert. S’mores nachos take everything you love about s’mores and make it sharable!
Ingredients:
- 1 bag graham crackers, broken into pieces
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate bars)
- Optional toppings: peanut butter, caramel sauce, or fruit
Instructions:
- Prepare a cast-iron skillet: Layer the graham cracker pieces at the bottom of the skillet.
- Add marshmallows and chocolate: Sprinkle the marshmallows and chocolate chips evenly over the top of the graham crackers.
- Heat over the campfire: Place the skillet over low heat on the campfire, or cover with aluminum foil and let it cook for 5-10 minutes, until the marshmallows are toasted and the chocolate has melted.
- Customize and enjoy: Add your favorite toppings, like drizzled peanut butter or caramel sauce, for an extra indulgent touch. Grab a fork and dig in!
Pro Tips for Campfire Cooking:
- Plan Ahead: Prep as much as you can before you leave home. Pre-chop veggies, marinate meats, and pack ingredients in organized containers or zip-lock bags.
- Use a Grill Grate: A portable grill grate makes campfire cooking much easier, giving you a stable surface to cook on.
- Foil Packets are Your Friend: Cooking in foil packets reduces cleanup and locks in moisture, making your meals juicy and flavorful.
- Invest in Cast Iron: A good cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven is perfect for campfire cooking because it distributes heat evenly and is incredibly durable.
Conclusion:
With these five camping recipes, your outdoor meals will be anything but ordinary. From breakfast burritos to grilled pizzas and foil packet salmon, these dishes are not only easy to prepare but also guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Don’t forget to end the day with some s’mores nachos for a memorable campfire dessert. Happy camping and bon appétit!
