11 Easy 5-Ingredient Camping Recipes for Every Meal of the Day

WD 11

You don’t need to be a master chef to enjoy a good camping meal. No matter where you’re camping, these recipes will keep you satisfied while providing essential nutrients throughout the day. These quick, effortless camping recipes are all five ingredients or less, freeing up space for the brews and s’mores. 

Go on. Enjoy these easy, delicious camping meals in the comfort of your White Duck canvas tent

Easy Camping Recipes for Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We’ve got the best recipes to start your day with a delicious meal. 

Mixed Berry Parfait

There’s nothing more refreshing in the morning than a sweet cup of yogurt and berries. Packed with protein and antioxidants, this breakfast delight will rev up your engine and keep you satisfied through the morning hours. This sweet treat can also be served as dessert.

Serving size: 1

Ingredients

  • ½ cup of fresh mixed berries
  • 1 cup (or a single-serving container) of vanilla Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup of granola

Directions

  1. Pour the yogurt into a bowl or cup
  2. Add mixed berries and granola to the top
  3. Mix and enjoy

Note: If you don’t have berries on hand, you can mix ½ cup of fruit jam into the yogurt instead.

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Breakfast Sandwich

Start your day right with a classic breakfast sandwich. This sandwich provides a healthy balance of protein, carbs, and fats, fueling you for the day’s adventures. It’s such a nutrient-rich meal, you can eat it for lunch and dinner too.

Serving size: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of bread
  • 1 egg
  • 2 slices of cheese
  • 2 slices of bacon
  • 1 teaspoon of your favorite spread (optional)

Directions

  1. Use a skillet to cook the bacon slices, then set aside
  2. With the skillet still hot, crack your egg in and cook both sides, then set aside
  3. Place one slice of bread in the skillet and top it with a slice of cheese
  4. When the cheese begins melting, add the bacon slices and egg
  5. Add the second slice of cheese 
  6. Top it with the second slice of bread
  7. After about a minute, flip the sandwich over to melt the top slice of cheese
  8. Add any optional spreads and enjoy

Note: You can swap the bacon for sausage or lox or add a mix of veggies for a vegetarian option. You can substitute the bread with a tortilla wrap, English muffin, or croissant.

Effortless Pancakes

Pancakes are a favorite breakfast staple for everyone in the family. They’re easy, delicious, and fulfilling. Add versatility to your pancakes by using a variety of sweet and savory toppings. You can make this meal even easier by preparing the batter ahead of time and pouring it into a large ziplock bag. When you’re ready to make breakfast, just cut a small hole into the corner of the bag and squeeze out the batter. 

Serving size: 1

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of pancake mix
  • ½ cup of milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon of butter (optional)
  •  ¼ cup of syrup (optional)

Directions

  1. Pour the pancake mix, milk, and eggs into a bowl
  2. Whisk or stir until the ingredients are mixed thoroughly without any lumps
  3. Slowly pour the batter onto a skillet until you reach your desired pancake size
  4. Let the pancake cook, then flip over to cook the other side (about a minute for each side)
  5. Add toppings and enjoy

Note: You can use any flavor of syrup or substitute with another topping (like peanut butter, fruit slices, Nutella, or compote). 

Zesty Fajita Scramble

Don’t miss out on this savory adaptation of the classic breakfast scramble. The combination of eggs and vegetables gives this hearty breakfast everything you need to fuel your day. If salsa isn’t your thing, swap it out for hot sauce, mayonnaise, or cream cheese. There are limitless variations for this recipe to make it your own.

Serving size: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ cup of shredded cheese
  • ½ cup of diced potato
  • ½ cup of diced bell pepper
  • ¼ cup of salsa

Directions

  1. Dice the potato into small pieces, then set aside
  2. Dice the bell pepper into small pieces, then set aside 
  3. Crack the eggs into a hot skillet
  4. Add the diced potato and bell pepper pieces
  5. Sprinkle shredded cheese into the skillet with the rest of the ingredients
  6. Cook the mixture until the eggs are solid, the vegetables are soft, and the cheese is melted
  7. Scramble the mixture with a spoon or spatula while it’s cooking
  8. When the scramble is cooked, remove it from the skillet and top it off with salsa
  9. Combine and enjoy

Note: You can adjust the flavor of this scramble by substituting the veggies for other ingredients (like different vegetables, mushrooms, bacon, sausage, and spices. You can also make the eggs fluffier by adding a tablespoon of clarified butter or a ¼ cup of milk.

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Easy Camping Recipes for Lunch

Fuel your outdoor adventures with these easy, delicious lunch ideas that will keep you satisfied throughout the day.

Creamy Mac and Cheese

You can’t go wrong with mac and cheese. This timeless dish has been a crowd-pleaser since its inception, filling the bellies of kids and adults worldwide. It’s a mouth-watering treat that keeps you satisfied for hours. You can mix it by adding different cheeses, seasonings, meat products, or vegetables. But even in its purest form, it’s a winner every time.

Serving size: 1

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of elbow macaroni
  • ½ cup of evaporated milk
  • 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
  • 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
  • A dash of salt and pepper (optional)

Directions

  1. Boil the macaroni noodles in water until they’re soft (about 5 minutes)
  2. Drain the water from the macaroni, then set aside
  3. In a skillet, melt the butter
  4. Add the shredded cheese and optional seasonings, stir until the cheese is melted
  5. Add the macaroni and noodles and combine until you have a cheesy mixture
  6. For a baked flavor, you can transfer the mixture to an aluminum tray or pie tin and place it on a grill until the top layer is golden brown (about 10 minutes)

Note: You can use any cheese for this dish or a combination of cheeses. You can also add extra seasonings or alfredo sauce for a more complex flavor profile. If you’re baking the mac and cheese, consider topping it off with bread crumbs or parmesan.

Campground Chili Dog

You’ll love this variation on the classic ball game favorite. The chili and barbecue sauce add a bit of zest, and the veggies provide necessary lunchtime nutrients. You can make it your own by adding your favorite toppings or a meatless hot dog substitute.

Serving size: 1

Ingredients

  • 1 hot dog bun
  • 1 all-beef hot dog
  • ½ cup of chili
  • ¼ cup of diced onion
  • 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce

Directions

  1. Lay the hot dog bun flat on a grill and cook it until the bread is crispy, then set aside
  2. Use a grill or campfire to cook the hot dog to your desired temperature, then set aside
  3. In a bowl, mix the chili, diced onion pieces, and barbecue sauce
  4. Place the hot dog in the bun
  5. Pour the topping mixture over the hot dog and enjoy

Note: You can add complexity to this meal by adding melted cheese, additional vegetables, ketchup, or sauerkraut. You can also swap the hot dog for a sausage link or use a hoagie roll instead of a traditional hot dog bun.

Perfect PB&J

Nobody gets through life without enjoying the iconic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It’s a kitchen staple for people all over the world. This simple combination of ingredients provides healthy fats, sugar, and energizing carbs. It’s a great option for a quick lunch or mid-afternoon snack.

Serving size: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 slices of bread
  • 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon of jam, jelly, or preserves

Directions

  1. Lay your bread slices flat
  2. Evenly spread the peanut butter on one slice of bread
  3. Evenly spread the jelly on the other slice of bread
  4. Press the bread slices together and enjoy

Note: You can play around with peanut butter and jelly ratios until you reach the perfect balance to quench your hunger. Or you can add your other favorite ingredients (like fruit slices, potato chips, honey, or Nutella).

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Veggie Hummus Wrap

This healthy Mediterranean option packs a punch of flavor and beneficial nutrients. You can use any hummus flavor, vegetables, and cheese. It’s a versatile option that’s healthy and nutritious for a fulfilling lunch.

Serving size: 1

Ingredients

  • 1 pita slice
  • ¼ cup of hummus
  • ¼ cup of diced bell pepper
  • ¼ cup of diced carrot
  • 2 tablespoons of feta cheese

Directions

  1. Dice the bell pepper into small pieces, then set aside
  2. Dice the carrot into small pieces, then set aside
  3. Lay the pita flat
  4. Evenly spread the hummus onto the surface of the pita
  5. Add the diced vegetable pieces
  6. Sprinkle the feta cheese over the veggies and hummus
  7. Roll the pita into a wrap and enjoy

Note: You can make this wrap your own by swapping the hummus for another spread (like baba ghanoush or tahini sauce). You can also add your favorite veggies, proteins, or meat.

Easy Camping Recipes for Dinner

Wind down your day with these easy, sumptuous dinner recipes that will fill you up and help you relax into the evening. And don’t forget to pair your dinner any a delicious camp cocktail.

Campfire Burrito

Bring Mexico to your campsite with this simple variation of the famous Latin food. You can make it as mild or spicy as you like or mix-and-match ingredients for a protein-rich meal that will leave you feeling satisfied all night long.

Serving size: 1

Ingredients

  • 1 fajita-sized tortilla
  • ¼ cup of salsa
  • ¼ cup of instant brown rice
  • ½ cup of black beans, drained
  • ¼ cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese

Directions

  1. Cook the rice per the package instructions
  2. Add the black beans to the rice and stir
  3. Combine the salsa and cheese and add it to the rice mixture
  4. Heat your tortilla on a skillet or grill until it’s slightly warm to the touch
  5. Place your ingredient mixture into the tortilla and wrap it tightly
  6. Wrap the burrito in tin foil and place it on a grill or campfire for another minute until the cheese is melted

Note: You can put virtually anything into this burrito. You can add your favorite vegetables, seasoned beef or shredded chicken, sour cream, or even eggs (for a breakfast burrito).

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EZ Pepperoni Pizza

This easy-to-make version of your favorite pizza is a crowd-pleaser for everyone in the family. It’s a clever combination of grilled cheese and pizza, resulting in a delightful flavor profile that will leave you smiling.

Serving size: 1

Ingredients

  • 1 slice of white bread
  • ½ tablespoon of butter
  • ½ cup of pizza sauce
  • ¼ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 6-9 pepperoni slices

Directions

  1. Evenly spread the butter onto one side of the bread
  2. Place the bread onto a hot skillet or grill, buttered side down
  3. Evenly spread the pizza sauce onto the unbuttered side of the bread
  4. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese onto the sauced bread
  5. Top with pepperoni slices
  6. Cover with tin foil and cook on low heat until the cheese is melted

Note: You can swap the pepperoni for other meats (like Canadian bacon or sausage) or add vegetables for a veggie pizza. 

Fireside Spaghetti

It doesn’t get any easier or more delicious than this classic Italian dish. The carbs and healthy fats make this meal a sumptuous option that will carry you into a restful bedtime.

Serving size: 1

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces of spaghetti noodles
  • 1 cup of marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese

Directions

  1. Place the spaghetti noodles in a saucepan of water and boil for about 5 minutes
  2. Drain the noodles and place them back into the saucepan
  3. Add the marina sauce and heat on medium-low until it’s hot
  4. Top with the parmesan cheese and enjoy

Note: You can add some complexity to this recipe by adding your favorite seasonings or a few meatballs.