Camping is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a first-timer, one of the most important things to consider when planning a camping trip is food. Choosing the right foods can make all the difference in ensuring a successful and enjoyable camping experience. In this article, we’ll share with you our top 10 camping recipes that are both delicious and easy to make, as well as tips on what to bring and cook when camping.
When planning a camping trip, it’s important to pack enough food to sustain you for the duration of your trip. This is especially important if you’re planning on being away from civilization for an extended period of time. Here are some suggestions for what to bring when camping for 3 days:
Non-perishable snacks such as trail mix, beef jerky, and granola bars are great for quick and easy snacks. Canned goods such as beans, soup, and chili can be heated up over a fire or portable stove. Bread, crackers, and tortillas can be used for sandwiches or as a side to meals. Peanut butter, jelly, and honey are great for sandwiches or as a spread for crackers. Fresh fruit such as apples, oranges, and bananas provide a healthy snack option. Vegetables that can last a few days without refrigeration, such as carrots and celery, are great for snacking or as a side to meals. Cheese that doesn’t require refrigeration, such as string cheese, is a great source of protein. Instant oatmeal and hot chocolate are great for a warm breakfast or as a nighttime treat.
When it comes to camping, it’s important to choose foods that are easy to prepare and don’t require a lot of cooking equipment. Here are some ideas for easy foods to take camping:
Sandwiches are a classic and easy option for lunch. Bring bread, meat, cheese, and condiments for a quick and easy meal. Pasta salad is a great option for a filling and flavorful meal. Cook pasta at home and mix it with vegetables, cheese, and dressing. Instant noodles are easy to prepare and require only boiling water. Hot dogs and hamburgers can be cooked over the campfire or a portable grill. Foil packet meals are a great way to cook meat and vegetables over an open flame without any mess or clean up.
Cooking while camping can be a challenge, but with the right tools and equipment, it can also be a lot of fun. Here are some suggestions for what to cook with when camping:
A portable stove is a great option for those who want to cook meals that require more heat and control than a campfire can provide. A cast-iron dutch oven is a versatile and durable tool that can be used for everything from stews to baked goods. A non-stick skillet is great for cooking eggs, pancakes, and other foods that require a flat surface. A portable grill is a great way to cook meat and vegetables over an open flame. Cooking over a campfire is a classic camping experience, and can be done with a grate or by wrapping food in foil and placing it in the coals.
If you’re planning a camping trip, you’ll need some delicious and easy recipes to cook over the campfire or portable stove. Some top options include the classic Campfire Grilled Cheese with Cream Cheese, which features cream cheese for added creaminess. The One-Pot Pasta Primavera is a flavorful and filling pasta dish made with fresh vegetables and penne pasta, while the Foil Packet Lemon Garlic Chicken and Vegetables is a simple and tasty chicken and vegetable dish that’s easy to cook over a campfire or grill. For a sweet and refreshing dessert, try Grilled Pineapple, which is easy to make on the grill or campfire. If you’re in the mood for something hearty, the Campfire Chili is a flavorful and satisfying option, made with ground beef, beans, and tomatoes. Other tasty options include Campfire Quesadillas, Grilled Sausage and Vegetable Skewers, Dutch Oven Apple Cobbler, Grilled Corn on the Cob, and One-Pot S’mores Dip – all of which are easy to make and perfect for camping.
Difficulty Level: 3/10
Makes: 2 sandwiches
Ingredients:
Instructions: Butter one side of each slice of bread. Spread the softened cream cheese on the opposite side of each slice of bread. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese on top of the cream cheese on two slices of bread. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, cream cheese side down, to make two sandwiches. Place the sandwiches on a hot skillet or griddle over the campfire or portable stove. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy and cheesy goodness of this campfire grilled cheese with cream cheese!
Difficulty Level: 4/10
Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients:
Instructions: In a large pot or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and garlic and sauté until tender. Add the penne pasta and enough water to cover it. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer until the pasta is cooked and the water has been absorbed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with grated parmesan cheese.
Difficulty Level: 5/10
Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients:
Instructions: Preheat the grill or campfire. Cut 4 large pieces of foil and divide the chicken and vegetables evenly among them. Drizzle each packet with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Add a few slices of lemon to each packet. Fold the foil tightly around the contents, creating a sealed packet. Place the packets on the grill or in the coals of the campfire and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Difficulty Level: 2/10
Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients:
Instructions: Preheat the grill or campfire. Mix the honey and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Brush the pineapple slices with the honey mixture. Place the pineapple slices on the grill or over the campfire and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until lightly charred and caramelized. Serve as a sweet and refreshing dessert.
Difficulty Level: 6/10
Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients:
Instructions: In a large pot or dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until tender. Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce, along with the chili powder and cumin. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips.
Difficulty Level: 4/10
Ingredients:
Instructions: Lay out four of the tortillas and sprinkle each with cheese, black beans, red pepper, onion, and jalapeño. Top each with another tortilla. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the quesadillas in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown. Serve with salsa.
Difficulty Level: 5/10
Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients:
Instructions: Preheat the grill or campfire. Thread the sausage and vegetables onto skewers, alternating the ingredients. Brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the skewers for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Difficulty Level: 7/10
Makes: 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
Instructions: Preheat the campfire or grill to medium heat. Grease a cast-iron dutch oven. Layer the sliced apples in the bottom of the dutch oven. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add the egg, milk, and melted butter, and mix until well combined. Pour the batter over the apples in the dutch oven. Cover the dutch oven with the lid and place it over the fire. Cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the cobbler is
golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.
Difficulty Level: 3/10
Makes: 4 ears of corn
Ingredients:
Instructions: Preheat the grill or campfire. Brush each ear of corn with butter and season with salt and pepper. Wrap each ear of corn in aluminum foil. Place the corn on the grill or in the coals of the campfire and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the corn is tender and slightly charred.
Difficulty Level: 2/10
Makes: 4-6 servings
Ingredients:
Instructions: In a large pot or dutch oven, heat the sweetened condensed milk over low heat. Add the chocolate chips and stir until melted and smooth. Add the mini marshmallows and stir until they are melted and incorporated. Serve the dip with graham crackers for dipping.
When it comes to camping, choosing the right foods can make all the difference in ensuring a successful and enjoyable trip. From sandwiches and pasta salad to grilled chicken and vegetables, there are plenty of easy and delicious meals that can be prepared with minimal equipment. Whether you prefer cooking over a campfire or using a portable stove, there are a variety of tools and equipment that can make cooking in the great outdoors a fun and rewarding experience. So the next time you plan a camping trip, be sure to pack some of these delicious and easy recipes and enjoy the great outdoors with a full and satisfied stomach!