Introduction
Easy camping dinner ideas are everywhere. I’m going to assume you don’t want to just eat fruit, raw vegetables or sandwiches and that you actually want to enjoy the atmosphere of campfire cooking. When it comes to camping, one of my most anticipated activities is cooking over a campfire. There’s something incredibly satisfying about preparing meals in the great outdoors, surrounded by nature’s beauty. However, if you are like most people you have memories of campfire cooking involving roasting hotdogs and marshmallows. While those are quite tasty, they really aren’t healthy campfire cooking recipes and when you are camping you really need to eat healthy in order to have enough energy and vitality to do what you want to be able to do, like hiking for example. In this blog post, we will explore some simple and healthy easy camping dinner ideas that are perfect for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned camper or a beginner. I’m not an expert camper or campfire cooker but I have done it from time to time and I can and have made all of these recipes.
The Recipes
Foil Packet Veggie Medley:
- This recipe is incredibly versatile and requires minimal preparation. Start by cutting your favorite vegetables into bite-sized pieces—think bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and onions. Season them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Wrap the seasoned veggies in a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil and place the packet directly on hot coals. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is a delicious and healthy veggie medley, packed with nutrients and flavors. I’ve also made a packet with potatoes, onions and carrots with an optional add in of asparagus or broccoli.
- Foil Packet with Meat and Veggies:
- You prepare it just like the foil packet with veggies but you add in a turkey burger, beef patty, or chicken breast or thigh.
Grilled Chicken Skewers:
Grilled chicken skewers are a campfire classic, and they can be made healthier with a few simple tweaks. Marinate chicken breast chunks in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your preferred herbs and spices. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers along with colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and red onions. Grill the skewers over the campfire, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through. This recipe offers a good balance of lean protein and veggies, making it a nutritious and delicious option.
Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers:
For a heartier campfire meal, try quinoa stuffed bell peppers. Begin by pre-cooking quinoa at home and seasoning it with your favorite herbs and spices. Cut the tops off bell peppers, remove the seeds, and stuff them with the cooked quinoa mixture. Wrap each stuffed pepper in aluminum foil and place them near the edge of the campfire for 25-30 minutes. The peppers will become tender, and the flavors will meld together, creating a satisfying and nutritious dish. You can also use rice instead of quinoa. This one requires advance prep at home but is a really good and delicious option.
Campfire Baked Apples:
End your camping day on a sweet note with these campfire baked apples. Core apples and fill the cavity with a mixture of oats, honey, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. Wrap each apple tightly in aluminum foil and place them on the hot coals. Allow them to cook for 20-30 minutes until the apples are tender and the filling is golden and caramelized. These warm, naturally sweet treats are a delightful way to enjoy a healthier dessert option while camping.
Campfire cooking doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your healthy eating habits. With a little planning and creativity, you can enjoy delicious, nutritious meals while embracing the great outdoors. These simple recipes showcase the versatility of campfire cooking, offering a range of options for every palate. So, the next time you’re heading out for a camping adventure, pack these recipes along with your camping gear and enjoy the wholesome flavors of nature around a crackling campfire. You can of course enjoy some roasted marshmallows or hotdogs too, these just give you some healthier options, I’ve found can be really good to help you have more energy and eat healthier while camping.
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