When camping, there is nothing better than spending as much time outdoors as possible. The best way to enjoy a meal is to do it over a campfire. No need to get fancy, there are lots of creative ways to make a great meal!
So gather around the campfire, have a hearty meal and perhaps tell a few tales to keep the family entertained. There’s nothing better than an old-fashioned camping meal to provide that enjoyment we so love in our lives. Here are a few recipes that create casual meals that the whole family will love.
French Toast
Here is a delicious breakfast to start the day, and making a healthy choice as well.
Ingredients:
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A loaf of your favorite bread
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8 eggs
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¼ cup milk
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1 tsp cinnamon
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1 tsp vanilla
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¼ cup sliced almonds
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Fresh strawberries, or fruit of your choice
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Confectioners’ sugar
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Your choice of syrup
Instructions:
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Wash and slice the strawberries.
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Take the loaf of bread and put it in an envelope of parchment paper, then place that in a “dish” of foil. The bread slices should fall open a bit.
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Sprinkle some of the strawberry slices and all of the almond slices over the loaf, allowing some to fall between the slices. (Save some strawberry slices to use later.)
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Mix and stir the eggs, milk, cinnamon and vanilla together until the mixture is frothy.
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Make the foil tighter around the loaf of bread.
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Pour the egg mixture over the whole loaf of bread.
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Wrap the loaf tightly within the foil with a piece of foil over the top so it can’t leak.
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Place over low to medium heat (on campfire or grill) for about 40 minutes, moving it around so it cooks evenly. Cook longer if the bread seems soggy.
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Let it sit for about 10 minutes after removing from the heat, then serve with Confectioners’ sugar, syrup and the remaining strawberries.
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For meat lovers, add bacon, sausage, ham or any other favorite breakfast meat.
Hot Dogs and Beans
This makes a fabulous lunch and is so easy to make!
Ingredients:
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1 1-lb package of hot dogs
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2 28-oz cans of pork and beans
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½ cup ketchup
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½ cup barbecue sauce
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¼ cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon yellow mustard
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1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce
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¼ teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
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Open each can of beans, discarding the liquid then add beans to a pan.
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Add all other ingredients except the hot dogs and stir well.
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Cut hot dogs into small pieces and add to the pan.
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Heat over medium-high heat until it starts to boil.
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Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
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Try different toppings such as onions, cheese and/or sour cream to make it even more tasty.
Also Read: 7 Delicious Campfire Dessert Recipes Anyone Can Make
Grilled Burgers
No one in your family will complain about having some grilled burgers for lunch or dinner. They make a great meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
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1 ½ pounds of ground beef
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Salt and ground black pepper
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Spices for seasoning (optional)
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Canola oil for oiling grate of grill
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Hamburger buns
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Condiments: mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup
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Toppings: chopped onions, your favorite vegetables – fresh or grilled, experiment with different cheeses like muenster, provolone, gouda
Instructions:
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Shape ground beef into four separate patties roughly the same size.
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Make an indentation in the middle of each beef patty so they won’t dome while cooking.
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Salt each side of the patty, then also season with pepper and additional spices if desired.
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Set up your grill for direct cooking and with medium to high heat.
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After the grill is hot, brush the grates with the canola oil. Be prepared as the oil will smoke.
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Grill 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
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Ensure the temperature is right by using a meat thermometer placed in the side of the burger. The following is what temperatures you are looking for:
Rare – 120°F
Medium rare – 130°F
Medium – 140°F
Medium well – 150°F
Well done – 160°F
French Dip Sandwiches
This might seem a casual meal, but your family will consider it very fancy for a camping trip. Take this opportunity to surprise them.
Ingredients:
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Heavy-duty foil
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1 long baguette
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1 pound of rare deli roast beef
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1 package of pre-sliced provolone cheese, 12 slices
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1 package au jus gravy mix, separated
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1/2 cup of unsalted butter, soft not melted
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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3/4 teaspoon dried minced garlic
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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A butter knife
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A pastry brush
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Small saucepan
Instructions:
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Pre-heat the grill to medium to high heat.
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In a bowl, combine the soft butter, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, 1 tablespoon of the au jus gravy mix and the dried minced garlic. Stir until completely mixed and set to the side.
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Cut the baguette into parts about 6 to 10 inches in length.
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Then make ½ inch wide slices through each piece, cutting ¾ of the way through the bread.
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The butter mixture is now taken and separated into two equal parts. With half of the mixture, spread some into each slice of bread with a butter knife. (Put aside the other half of the mixture.)
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Take a slice of cheese and a slice of roast beef and put one in between every two slices of bread. In other words you are putting them into a sandwich, not between every slice in the bread.
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The rest of the butter mix is brushed along the tops and sides of the sandwiches using a pastry brush.
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Wrap each section of baguette in foil so no bread is showing.
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Place on the grill for 6 to 9 minutes and turn frequently.
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Prepare the au jus by placing the remaining mixture in a small saucepan over medium heat.
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Add 2 cups of cold water and stir well.
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Bring to a boil then allow it to thicken by reducing the heat to a simmer.
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Open the foil packages carefully so the steam can escape.
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Pull apart the sandwiches and enjoy dipping them in the au jus sauce.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
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For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.