It can be tough to come up with new and exciting camping recipes that are easy to make and satisfying.
It can be hard to cook good food when you're camping-especially if you don't have a lot of space or equipment. But with these recipes, you'll be able to eat well and stay healthy on your next camping trip.
These recipes are all easy to make in a camper, and they're all delicious too. You'll love the variety of flavors and textures in these dishes-from savory to sweet and everything in between. So pack your bags and get ready for some good eats on your next camping trip!
Cooking in a Camper
There are a few things to keep in mind when cooking in a camper. First, you'll want to make sure you have enough space to work in. Camper kitchens can be small, so you'll need to be efficient with your movements.
Second, you'll want to ensure you have all the equipment and ingredients you need. After parking your camper, the last thing you want to do is search for ingredients or equipment. So it is always important to come prepared.
Finally, you'll want to make sure you're familiar with the limitations of your camper kitchen. Camper ovens, for example, often don't reach very high temperatures, so you'll need to adjust your recipes accordingly.
With that in mind, let's get started with some delicious and easy camper cooking recipes!
Tips for Cooking Easy Camper Meals
Cooking in a camper will be slightly different from cooking in your traditional kitchen. However, here are some tips to keep in mind to make cooking a fun experience.
Have go-to easy meals:
One of the best ways to make cooking in a camper stress-free is to have a few go-to easy meals. You know how to make these meals and only require a few ingredients. This way, you won't have to worry about what you're going to cook for dinner, and you can spend more time enjoying your camping trip.
Plan your meals ahead of time
Another way to make cooking in a camper stress-free is to plan your meals ahead of time. This means knowing what ingredients you need and what recipes you want to make, and this will help you stay organized and efficient while cooking.
Pack essential spices
One of the best ways to add flavor to your camper meals is to pack essential spices. These are spices that you know how to use and complement a variety of dishes. This way, you'll be able to create flavorful meals without having to bring a lot of extra ingredients. I personally keep a basket with all my favorite spices handy to quickly grab them when I am ready to head out.
How do you meal prep in a camper?
Meal prepping is a great way to stay healthy and organized when you are on the go. However, doing it in a camper can be a little bit tricky. Here are some tips for how to meal prep in a camper:
-Plan your ingredients in advance. If you know that you will need to have a certain amount of chopped veggies, prep them before you go and store them in reusable bags like these.
-Use small containers to separate your ingredients ahead of time. Instead of trying to figure out how much salt you need on the fly before starting your meal, measure out and separate your spices into small ramekins like these.
-Embrace semi-homemade. Homemade spaghetti sauce is nice, but the jar stuff is just as good when you're in a camper. Don't be afraid to “cheat” and buy ready-made ingredients that will help to cut down on your prep time.
-Stick to recipes with 5 or fewer ingredients. It is hard to prep for meals when you're in a small space. So opt for recipes with few ingredients, so there is less prep for you.
Clean as you cook
One of the best ways to avoid a massive mess in your camper kitchen is to clean as you cook. This means wiping down surfaces as you go and putting away ingredients when you are finished using them. Not only will this help keep your kitchen tidy, but it will also help to prevent any pesky ants from making an appearance.
Cook enough for leftovers
Cooking enough for leftovers is a great way to ensure you have a quick and easy meal later in the week. When you are cooking in a camper, it's important to make dishes that can be easily reheated, or that can be eaten cold. Some of my favorite recipes for leftovers are pasta dishes, and they are easily reheated and, depending on the ingredients, can even be eaten cold.
Equipment for cooking in a Camper
Now that we have gone over some tips for cooking easy and delicious meals in a camper, let's take a look at some of the essential equipment you will need:
Quality Cast-Iron Skillet
A quality cast-iron skillet is a must for any camper kitchen. This heavy-duty skillet can be used to cook everything from bacon to pancakes.
Dutch Oven
A dutch oven is another essential piece of cooking equipment for campers. This oven is perfect for casseroles and stews that require a longer cook time.
Camp Stove
If your camper does not have a built-in kitchen, a camp stove is a must for cooking on the go. This small stove can be used to cook everything from pancakes to pasta.
Cooler
If you don't have a refrigerator, a cooler is a must for keeping food cold while camping. (This one is great).Make sure to pack plenty of ice packs or freeze some water bottles to help keep your food cold. Hot dogs and other meats can also be packed frozen to help keep the food colder for longer.
Storage Containers
Reusable storage containers are a must for any camper kitchen. These containers can be used to store everything from leftovers to ingredients. For example, I love to store olive oil in mason jars and salt and pepper in jelly jars.
Reusable freezer bags are great for storing all the vegetables. And you can even make your scrambled eggs or pancakes ahead of time and store them in a squeeze bottle.
Saucepan with a lid
A saucepan with a lid is perfect for dishes that require simmering. This pan can also be used to cook pasta and other grains.
Sharp knives
A good set of sharp knives is a must for any cook. Make sure to pack a few knives that you are comfortable using to quickly and easily prep your meals.
Cutting Board
A cutting board is another essential piece of equipment for any camper kitchen. This board will help protect your countertops from knife cuts and make it easier to chop vegetables.
Cleanup & Dishes in a Camper
One of the biggest challenges when cooking in a camper is dealing with the dishes. When you are done cooking, make sure to clean all of your dishes and utensils as soon as possible. This will help prevent any build-up and make dishwashing much easier later on.
One way to make cleanup a bit easier is to use disposable dishes. These dishes can be easily thrown away after use and do not require washing.
However, if you are like me and prefer reusable, a way to reduce the number of dishes you have to wash is to cook meals that can be eaten with utensils that can be easily cleaned with a quick rinse.
Conserving water
It's important to remember that we need to conserve water while cleaning up after cooking in a camper. Here are a few tips for conserving water while doing dishes:
-Use a small amount of dish soap when washing dishes. A little bit of soap will go a long way.
-Rinse dishes and utensils as soon as possible. This will help prevent any food from sticking and make it easier to clean later on.
-Use a dish sink like this one. Fill it with water and use it to rinse off your dishes. This works better than just running water.
Pre-cleaning dishes
Once you are done cooking and eating, you wipe down your dishes and cooking utensils before washing. This will help to reduce the number of dishes you have to wash later on.
-Use a paper towel to wipe down your cooking utensils. This will help remove any food residue and make it easier to clean later.
-Wash dishes as soon as possible. The sooner you wash them, the less likely they will build up dirt and food residue.
-Soak dishes that are difficult to clean. If you have a dish that is difficult to clean, try soaking it in hot water and soap before washing. This will help to loosen any stuck-on food particles.
-Use a dish brush to scrub dishes. A dish brush can help scrub away any stubborn food residue.
Gray water disposal
When you are done cooking, it's essential to properly dispose of the gray water. Gray water is water that has been used for dishes, cleaning, or bathing.
Make sure that you dispose of gray water in the places designated for your campsite. If your campsite does not have a designated spot, you can dispose of gray water in a utility sink or a flush toilet.
Drying Dishes
There are a few ways to dry dishes when camping.
-Air-dry dishes. This is the easiest way to dry dishes, but it can take a while to dry completely.
-Use a dishtowel. A dishtowel can help speed up the drying process.
-Use a dish rack. A dish rack will help keep dishes off the counter and allow them to dry faster.
-Use a dish drying mat. A dish drying mat will help keep dishes from slipping and make it easier to dry them.
Easy Camper Cooking Recipes
Now that you have the essential tools and tips for cooking in a camper, it's time to get cooking! These recipes are easy to follow and make your camping trip much more enjoyable.
Breakfast Camper Recipes
Every time I go to brunch, I almost always order french toast. It is a brunch favorite. However, cooking french toast in a camper can be a bit tricky. The key to making perfect french toast in a camper is using foil packets. This recipe can be made either on a grill or over a campfire, and no frying pan is required. Just add maple syrup, and you have brunch.
Damper is a rustic bread that has been cooked in Australia for generations. This bread can be cooked in a dutch oven and served with butter and syrup for breakfast, and it can also be paired with a stew for lunch or dinner.
Grilled cheese is a classic breakfast staple in my house. But it is also great for lunch and dinner. It's easy to make, and everyone loves it. This recipe takes grilled cheese to the next level by adding honey and provolone. This recipe can be made in a cast-iron pan.
Overnight oats are a great way to have a healthy breakfast without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. This recipe is simple and can be made with any ingredients on hand. These oats can be made with coconut milk or any plant-based milk of your choice. You can also add anything from bananas to peanut butter to make them to your taste.
This breakfast hash is a great way to start your day. It is easy to make and includes sausage, eggs, and potatoes. This recipe can be made in an electric skillet or on a campfire.
Add a few slices of toast, and you have a filling and hearty breakfast.
Camper Recipes for Lunch and Dinner
Campfire Stew - 4 Ways {Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, Oven, Campfire}
This stew can be made over a campfire or in an Instant Pot, slow cooker, or oven. This stew is made with pork, but you can use the protein of your choice. Packed with bell pepper, chopped onions, and other veggies, this stew is a hearty recipe that everyone will love.
If you're looking for a healthy and plant-based meal, then this is it. These tacos are made with sweet potatoes, black beans, and corn, and they are easy to make and can be topped with hot sauce, vegan sour cream, and vegan cheddar cheese. These tacos are a healthy and tasty option for a quick and easy meal.
Salmon paired with your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and green beans makes this a great recipe to make during your camping adventure.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, wrap it all up in tin foil, and you have a recipe that is not only amazing but easy to make and clean up.
This potato salad is perfect for a side dish or even a main course, and it can be made ahead of time and stored in a fridge or cooler. This recipe is simple yet flavorful, and the dill really makes this dish shine. You can also spice up this recipe by adding red onion and feta cheese.
What is better than a margarita and chicken fajitas?
Chicken Fajitas and a margarita while camping, of course. These foil fajitas can be cooked over a campfire or on a grill. This is a great meal to make when you have a big group as they are very easy to put together.
Camper Recipes for Dessert
Campfire Cones are a fun and easy way to enjoy a sweet treat while camping. This simple recipe can be made ahead of time, which reduces prep time at the campsite.
Grilled pineapple is a delicious and easy way to add sweetness to your camping meal. This recipe only requires a few simple ingredients and can be cooked on the grill or over a campfire.
This basic recipe is made right on a grill which means minimal cleanup.
S'mores are a classic camping treat and for good reason-they are delicious! This recipe takes s'mores to the next level by adding toffee and peppermint pieces.
These no-bake energy bites are the perfect snack for camping. They are easy to make and require only a few simple ingredients.
There is always room on the list for another smores recipe. Bananas are a great snack option for camping, and they are even better when smores are involved! This recipe is simple to follow and can be cooked over a campfire or on the grill.
Cooking Delicious Meals in a Small Space
Now that you have some fantastic recipes to cook while camping, here are a few tips to help make the most of your space.
-Create an outdoor kitchen by cooking over the campfire or setting up a grill.
-Pack spices and condiments in small containers to save space.
– invest in a portable kitchen island or table to give you extra counter space.
-use skewers and tin foil packets for cooking food instead of using pots and pans.
-plan your meals ahead of time to know what ingredients you will need and how much space they will take up.
Saving Money & Reducing Waste When Grocery Shopping
I am always looking for ways to save money and reduce waste. And camping is no different. Here are some ways to save money and reduce waste when planning your camping meals.
Plan ahead
Meal planning is a game-changer both at home and when you're on the road, and it has helped us save so much money on groceries. Make a menu and before heading out to the store, make a list of everything you will need.
Look for recipes that require similar ingredients. So, for example, if one recipe requires fresh herbs, look for other recipes that likewise use the same fresh herbs.
Shop the sales
If you've been around here for a bit, you know I love me a sale. Be on the lookout for what is on sale at your local supermarket. Extra points if you can get deals on non-perishables like black beans, canned vegetables, rice, and pasta.
Then plan your meals based on what is on sale. You will be surprised at the delicious meal you can come up with just by buying what is on sale.
Shop local
I'm a big fan of buying local. Not only do you get to support your community, but often the produce is better and cheaper than what you would find at the supermarket. Not to mention you can create a great fresh and super healthy meal.
There are usually farmer's markets in most towns, so be sure to check out what's available in your area.
Use what you have
This is my favorite way to reduce waste when grocery shopping. Before heading out to the store, take a look in your pantry and fridge. See what you already have and come up with recipes based on those ingredients.
This is a great way to use up items that might otherwise go bad. And it's also a great way to save money.
Repurpose leftovers
If you have leftovers from a previous meal, repurpose them into a new meal. This is a great way to reduce waste and create a new dish.
Limit your grocery list
Believe it or not, this is another way to reduce waste when grocery shopping. When you only have a few things to work with, you are forced to be more creative in the kitchen.
This is a great way to get out of your cooking rut. Camper cooking can be a lot of fun if you take the time to plan ahead and get creative in the kitchen. With a little bit of planning, you can create some delicious and easy meals that will be sure to please everyone in your family.
Buy in bulk
Certain meats like ground beef and chicken breast are cheaper when you buy in bulk and easily frozen. Just make sure you have a place to store them. Look for items that you can freeze or easily store.
When buying skinless chicken breasts, divvy them up into individual servings before storing them, and this makes it easier to grab what you need instead of dealing with a giant pack of chicken.
What can you make in a camper?
Camper cooking can be a lot of fun if you take the time to plan ahead and get creative in the kitchen.
There are so many possibilities!
The options are endless, from French Toast to Grilled Cheese and even Chicken Fajitas.
With a little bit of planning, you can create some delicious and easy meals that will be sure to please everyone in your family.
So which recipe will you be trying first?
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