When I first started spending nights in the wild, I wasn’t sure what to pack. For backpacking trips, I usually ate freeze-dried meals. Car camping trips would consist of the traditional hot dogs and s’mores. Sometimes I would just grab a pizza on my way out of town.
The hotdogs and s’mores got really old really quick. The cost of the fast food and Mountain Houses added up. It was then that I decided I needed to make a collection of go-to meals for my overnight trips. Here is my list of five great food ideas for your outdoor adventure!
#1: Foil Wraps
This was the first dinner I added to my repertoire. It’s simple, fast, and really easy. Most of the time it takes will be spent chopping in prep. However, once that’s done, you can sit back and enjoy the fire. Here’s my original recipe!
Ingredients:
- Potatoes
- Carrots
- Onions
- Red, green, and/or orange bell peppers
- Sausages, pepperonis, or other meat of choice
- Cheese of choice (I prefer sharp cheddar)
- Olive oil (or oil of choice)
Additional Materials:
- Foil
- Grate (optional)
- Tongs or other instruments to get packs out of the fire
Instructions:
- Chop up the veggies. You can do this before you go camping or while you are at the campsite. It’s up to your personal preference and how much time you have.
- Apply oil, and wrap all the ingredients except your cheese in the foil.
- Wrap a second layer of foil around the pack.
- Carefully place inside the fire or on a grate.
- Wait 10 minutes and flip over for another 5 of cooking. It may take longer but after 15 minutes check the progress.
#2: French Bread Pizza
This is a personal favorite. I like to take these ingredients on overnight backpacking trips. Just remember to choose pizza sauce in a plastic container. Or, transfer from a glass container to a plastic bag for a lighter pack! Do the same for items you purchase in a can.
Ingredients:
- Loaf of pre-baked garlic bread
- Pizza sauce
- Pepperonis or other preserved meat of choice
- Olives
- Pineapple chunks
- Cheese
- Any other topping you like!
Additional Materials:
- Foil
- Grate (optional)
Instructions:
- Wrap your bread in the foil and set on top of a grate or indirectly in the flames (or on coals).
- After 5 minutes, put all of your toppings on the bread.
- Re-wrap in foil and put back in for 2 more minutes or until the cheese has melted.
#3: Fish and Asparagus
Whether you’re preparing the catch of the day or defrosted salmon, you can’t go wrong with these ingredients for a healthy car camping meal!
Ingredients:
- Fish of choice
- Fresh asparagus
- Butter and olive oil
- Chopped garlic or garlic powder
- Chopped onions or onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh lemon slices (optional)
Additional Materials:
- Foil
- Grate (optional but preferred)
Instructions:
- Cover the foil with a light layer of olive oil and place the fish inside.
- Cover with butter and place the asparagus on top.
- Add the lemons and spices to your taste.
- Re-wrap in a second layer of foil and let the whole thing cook for 10 to 15 minutes. You want the fish to be cooked but not overdone.
#4. Santa Fe Chicken Packets
The way you cook this recipe is similar to the first. However, the flavors are completely different. You’ll need a cooler for this one, but it’s one of my camping classics! Bon appétit!
Ingredients:
- Frozen corn
- 1 can black beans
- 2 raw chicken breasts
- 1 tsp taco seasoning
- Salsa
- Shredded cheese of choice
- Olive oil
- Guacamole or avocado (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
Additional Materials:
- Foil
- Grate (optional)
- Tongs or other instruments to get packs out of the fire
- Meat thermometer
Instructions:
- Oil a layer of foil and place the chicken inside.
- Mix together the corn, black beans, and taco seasoning. Place on top of the chicken.
- Layer on some salsa and cheese.
- Wrap a second layer of foil around the pack.
- Carefully place inside the fire or on a grate.
- Cook for 30 to 40 minutes on coals or a grate until the chicken is cooked all the way through.
#5. Chocolate Berry Pound Cake
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you will be craving this family favorite dessert. Heck, you might even go camping just to eat this savory treat!
Ingredients:
- 2 Rolo bars
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 tbs sugar
- 1 pound of pound cake
- 12-16 ounces fresh berries of choice (I recommend using more than one kind)
Additional Materials:
- Mixing bowl
- 12 inch cast iron skillet
- Spatula
- Grate
- Foil
Instructions:
- Mix the sugar and the berries in your bowl. Let them sit and mingle for about 15 minutes. If you can manage to do this step in prep the night before the results will be tastier.
- Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt.
- Cut the pound cake into 1-inch squares and add them to the cast iron.
- Move around frequently so all sides get evenly toasted.
- Remove from the heat and add the berries.
- Place the Rolos on top and cover with foil.
- Allow the whole thing to sit for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the chocolate is melted.
