When it comes to camping, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the campfire with a delicious meal. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting out, cooking in the great outdoors can be a fun and rewarding experience. But what if you’re not sure where to start? With these 18 easy camping recipes for two, you’ll never have to worry about sacrificing flavor for convenience again.
From classic campfire fare like s’mores and nachos to more substantial meals like steak and potatoes or Dutch oven chili, we’ve got a recipe for every camper’s taste buds. And the best part? Each of these dishes is designed specifically for two people, making them perfect for a romantic camping getaway or a quick weekend escape.
In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the great outdoors, sharing our favorite recipes and tips for cooking up a storm in the wilderness. So grab your tent, pack your bags, and get ready to taste the adventure!
One-Pot Cheesy Campfire Pasta
Satisfy your campfire cravings with this comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s ready in just one pot!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb. penne pasta
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
2. In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add the diced tomatoes and cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the flavors have melded together.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grilled Foil Packet Garlic Butter Shrimp
Savor the flavors of garlic butter and succulent shrimp with this easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 pieces heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12 inches square)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Place one shrimp on each piece of foil, leaving a 1-inch border around the shrimp.
4. Divide the garlic butter mixture evenly among the shrimp, spooning it over the top of each one.
5. Fold the foil over the shrimp to create a packet, sealing by folding the edges tightly.
6. Grill packets for 8-10 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Campfire Quesadillas with Avocado
Gather ’round the campsite and savor the flavors of the great outdoors with these easy-to-make Campfire Quesadillas with Avocado. Perfect for a camping trip or a backyard gathering, this recipe combines the warmth of a campfire with the creaminess of ripe avocado.
Ingredients:
– 4 large flour tortillas
– 1 ripe avocado, mashed
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken (or beef or veggies for a vegetarian option)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: salsa, sour cream, and cilantro for toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire grill or a regular skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together mashed avocado, shredded cheese, and diced chicken (or alternative protein).
3. Place a tortilla on the grill or skillet and sprinkle half of the avocado-chicken mixture onto one half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted, flipping occasionally.
6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Dutch Oven Chili for Two
This recipe yields a rich and flavorful chili that’s perfect for a romantic evening in or a cozy night by the fire. With its tender ground beef, sweet and tangy tomatoes, and aromatic spices, this dish is sure to warm your hearts (and bellies)!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapenos, sour cream, shredded cheese, and diced onions for toppings
Instructions:
1. Preheat Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, and cumin. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped as desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Skillet Breakfast Hash with Eggs
A hearty breakfast or brunch option that combines crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and fluffy eggs all in one skillet.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 pound sweet or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the sausage in the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the diced potatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Crack in the eggs and scramble them with a spatula until cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Foil Packets
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Foil Packets: A sweet and tangy twist on classic grilled chicken, these foil packets are perfect for a quick and easy dinner or picnic.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons mustard (such as Dijon or whole-grain)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, and olive oil until smooth.
3. Place a chicken breast on a large piece of aluminum foil.
4. Brush the honey-mustard mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Sprinkle garlic powder and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fold the foil into a packet, sealing the edges tightly.
7. Grill for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Campfire Sausage and Veggie Stir-Fry
A hearty and flavorful campfire recipe that’s perfect for a outdoor adventure or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sausage (e.g., hot Italian or chorizo), sliced
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (e.g., button, cremini, shiitake)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: paprika, chili flakes for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire cooking grate or grill over medium-high heat.
2. In a large cast-iron skillet or wok, cook the sausage slices until browned and cooked through (about 5 minutes).
3. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the olive oil to the skillet and sauté the onion, garlic, bell pepper, zucchini, and mushrooms until tender (about 10-12 minutes).
5. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired additional flavorings (paprika, chili flakes).
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: About 15-18 minutes total.
Easy Campfire Pizza Pockets
Transform your campsite into a pizzeria with these simple and delicious pizza pockets. Perfect for a camping trip or backyard gathering, this recipe is sure to please the whole gang!
Ingredients:
– 1 package of refrigerated pizza dough (12-16 inches)
– 1/2 cup tomato sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped pepperoni slices
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire by adding larger logs to the fire, allowing them to burn down to embers.
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness.
3. Spread tomato sauce evenly over half of the dough, leaving a small border around edges.
4. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices over the sauce.
5. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling, pressing edges together to seal.
6. Brush tops with olive oil.
7. Place pockets in the campfire grill or a cast-iron skillet, cooking for 10-12 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-24 minutes
Two-Ingredient Campfire Breadsticks
Satisfy your campfire cravings with this simple and delicious recipe that requires just two ingredients!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of refrigerated biscuit or crescent roll dough, separated into individual triangles
– 1/4 cup of melted butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, brush the melted butter evenly onto each biscuit triangle.
3. Place the buttered biscuit triangles on the grill or griddle, leaving about 1 inch of space between each stick.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes total
Enjoy your tasty Two-Ingredient Campfire Breadsticks!
Grilled Steak and Potato Foil Dinner
A classic combination of grilled steak and roasted potatoes, all wrapped up in a convenient foil package.
Ingredients:
– 1-2 steaks (depending on size and number of servings)
– 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large piece of foil, place the steak(s) in the center.
3. Arrange the potato wedges around the steak, leaving some space between each wedge.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and season with salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you like.
5. Fold the foil over the ingredients to create a packet, making sure to seal the edges tightly.
6. Place the foil packet on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Campfire Mac and Cheese with Bacon
There’s nothing like a warm, gooey mac and cheese to brighten up your camping trip. This recipe combines the comfort of macaroni and cheese with the smoky flavor of bacon, all cooked to perfection over a campfire.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
4. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add the cooked macaroni, crumbled bacon, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
8. Serve hot, straight from the campfire!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler for Two
This classic dessert gets a cozy twist when cooked in a Dutch oven, perfect for a romantic evening or a small gathering. With fresh peaches and a crispy cobbler topping, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe peaches, sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Instructions:
1. Preheat Dutch oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together sliced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Pour melted butter over the peach mixture, then beat in egg and heavy cream until well combined.
4. Top with flour mixture, spreading evenly.
5. Cook for 30-35 minutes or until crust is golden brown and peaches are tender.
6. Serve warm, topped with whipped cream if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Foil Packet Lemon Garlic Salmon
Brighten up your mealtime with this easy and flavorful recipe that combines the freshness of lemon, the pungency of garlic, and the tender goodness of salmon. This one-pan wonder requires minimal cleanup and is ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
3. Place a salmon fillet in the center of each foil square.
4. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with lemon juice and minced garlic.
5. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
6. Fold the foil to create a packet, making sure to seal tightly.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Campfire Nachos with Melted Cheese
Gather ’round the campfire and enjoy a delicious twist on traditional nachos, perfect for your next outdoor adventure. This recipe combines the comfort of melted cheese with the warmth of a campfire.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tortilla chips
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro, and/or cooked ground beef
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire by adding larger logs to the flames.
2. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven.
3. In a separate pot, melt butter over low heat. Add milk and stir until smooth.
4. Gradually add shredded cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
5. Pour the cheesy mixture over the tortilla chips.
6. Top with black beans and any desired optional toppings.
7. Place the skillet or Dutch oven over the campfire, allowing the nachos to melt and warm for 10-15 minutes.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Herb Butter
Elevate your summer gatherings with this simple and flavorful recipe that combines the sweetness of grilled corn with the richness of herb butter.
Ingredients:
– 4 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Grill corn ears for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until slightly charred and tender.
3. Meanwhile, mix softened butter with chopped parsley, chives, and lemon zest.
4. Slather herb butter onto grilled corn ears while still warm.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes (grilling + prep)
Simple Campfire Pancakes with Maple Syrup
Start your day off right with a warm and delicious campfire breakfast, featuring fluffy pancakes smothered in sweet maple syrup. This easy recipe is perfect for camping trips or backyard gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– Butter or oil for greasing the pan
– Maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and egg.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
4. Heat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat.
5. Grease the pan with butter or oil.
6. Using 1/4 cup measuring cups, scoop batter onto the pan.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until bubbles appear and edges start to dry.
8. Flip pancakes and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
9. Serve warm with maple syrup, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Dutch Oven Beef Stew for Two
This Dutch oven beef stew is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for a cozy night in. With tender chunks of beef, vegetables, and rich broth, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced
– 1 large celery stalk, sliced
– 1 can of beef broth (14.5 oz)
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Dutch oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the beef stew meat, potatoes, carrot, celery, beef broth, tomato paste, and thyme.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover the Dutch oven and cook for 2 hours.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Foil Packet S’mores Dip
A twist on the classic campfire treat, this Foil Packet S’mores Dip is a fun and easy dessert to make at your next gathering. Perfect for parties or as a unique camping snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup chocolate chips
– 1 cup marshmallows
– 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham cracker crumbs.
3. Add softened butter and salt; stir until combined.
4. Place the mixture on a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the foil over the mixture to form a packet, sealing it tightly by twisting the ends together.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the marshmallows are puffed and the chocolate is melted.
7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fuel your camping adventure with these 18 easy and delicious recipes, perfect for two people! From campfire classics like mac and cheese with bacon and quesadillas with avocado, to hearty meals like Dutch oven chili and skillet breakfast hash, there’s something for every taste. Plus, don’t miss out on sweet treats like peach cobbler and s’mores dip. With simple ingredients and minimal equipment required, these recipes are sure to become your new camping favorites.
