5 Must-Try Camping Recipes for Outdoor Chefs

If you're planning to embark on a camping adventure, you know that the culinary experience can be just as memorable as the natural surroundings. With the right ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can elevate your outdoor meals to gourmet levels. Whether you're setting up camp in the backcountry or enjoying a luxury campsite, here are five must-try camping recipes that will leave your taste buds camping-craving for more.

1. Campfire Pizza

Pizza, made right at the campsite, sounds nearly impossible, but with the right setup, it can be your next glamping delight. Here’s how you can do it:

• Dough: Bring pre-made pizza dough or make your own with flour, water, yeast, salt, and olive oil.
• Sauce: A good quality marinara sauce or even a pesto can work wonders.
• Toppings: Pre-cooked meats, vegetables, and cheeses of your choice.

To make your campfire pizza:

1. Prepare your fire to have a good amount of coals.
2. Use a skillet with a lid or a cast iron pizza pan.
3. Spread your dough in the pan, add sauce, toppings, and cheese.
4. Place the pan on the grill over the coals, cover with a lid or foil to help cook the top, and rotate for even cooking.
5. Cook until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted, about 10-15 minutes.

🔥 Note: Be cautious with the fire, keep water handy, and never leave your cooking unattended.

2. Campfire Shakshuka

Shakshuka, a North African dish, is perfect for a hearty breakfast or even dinner:

• Ingredients: Canned tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, eggs, garlic, spices like cumin, paprika, cayenne, parsley.

To prepare:

1. Heat some oil in your skillet, sauté onions and garlic until they soften.
2. Add diced bell peppers, cook until they start to soften.
3. Pour in the tomatoes, add spices, and let it simmer until it thickens.
4. Make small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each well.
5. Cover and let the eggs poach until they reach your desired consistency.
6. Sprinkle with parsley and serve with flatbread or pita.

3. Dutch Oven Apple Crisp

Nothing beats a warm dessert around the campfire, and this apple crisp is as comforting as it gets:

• Filling: Sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, cornstarch.
• Topping: Oats, brown sugar, flour, butter, nuts (optional).

Here’s how to make it:

1. Mix your filling ingredients in one bowl and your topping in another.
2. Prepare your Dutch oven by greasing it or lining with parchment paper.
3. Add the apple filling, then top with the crumble.
4. Cover and place the Dutch oven over coals, add coals on top of the lid, and bake for about 45 minutes to an hour.

🍎 Note: Adjust coal placement to control cooking temperature and avoid burning the bottom.

4. Backpacker’s Frittata

For those who love to keep their camping gear light, this frittata can be made with minimal equipment:

• Ingredients: Pre-cooked bacon or sausage, dehydrated vegetables, eggs or egg powder, cheese, salt, pepper.

To make:

1. If using dehydrated veggies, rehydrate them with a bit of boiling water.
2. Heat some oil in a small pan, add your meats and veggies, and cook until heated through.
3. Whisk eggs or rehydrated egg powder with a bit of water, pour over the mixture, and sprinkle with cheese.
4. Cover and cook until eggs are set.

5. Campfire Steamed Mussels

If you’re near a water source where mussels can be found or if you brought them with you, steaming them over the campfire can be a true gourmet experience:

• Ingredients: Mussels, wine or beer for steaming, garlic, herbs (like thyme or parsley), butter.

Here’s the method:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter and sauté garlic until aromatic.
2. Add mussels, pour in your liquid (wine or beer), and add herbs.
3. Cover and place over the fire, ensuring the coals are not too hot.
4. Steam until all mussels are open, discard any that don’t open.

Serve with the cooking liquid as a broth or dip for crusty bread.

To wrap up our journey into the world of camping recipes, we've explored not just how to cook in the wild but also how to bring flavors and dishes that feel like home, or even better, like a gourmet restaurant, to your campsite. Each of these recipes requires minimal equipment, proving that with a bit of preparation and creativity, the outdoor kitchen can be as fulfilling and exciting as any indoor setup. From the simple yet flavorful campfire pizza to the luxurious steamed mussels, your camping meals can become the highlight of your trip, leaving you with memories and full bellies, ready for whatever nature has in store next.

What can I use instead of a cast iron skillet for campfire cooking?

+

If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, consider using a stainless steel or heavy-duty aluminum pan, or even a camping grill for outdoor cooking. Aluminum foil packets are also an excellent option for cooking without any pan at all.

How do I keep my camping food from spoiling?

+

To prevent food spoilage while camping, use a cooler with plenty of ice or ice packs. Pack perishable items last to keep them cold longer. Consider using dehydrated or canned foods which have longer shelf life, and always keep food in a bear-proof container if you’re in bear country.

Can these recipes be adapted for vegetarians?

+

Absolutely! Substitute any meat in these recipes with vegetables or vegetarian meat alternatives. For example, in the Shakshuka, skip the meat or use plant-based sausages; in the Frittata, stick with vegetables; and for the Mussels, use other seafood or simply focus on the broth with garlic and herbs.