Gourmet Camping Recipes: Easy and Delicious Dishes to Try

At CoreVibe, we’re passionate about cooking at home as well as outdoor picnics. We’ve spent years handpicking top camping recipes. Our meals strike the perfect balance between convenience and outdoor cooking, with a hint of indulgence, so you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest.

Imagine succulent steaks and golden potatoes cooked by a swaying campfire in a CoreVibe Dutch Oven Combo Cooker – the absolute ultimate in outdoor dining!

Impromptu Cooking You may notice that our recipes don’t have exact measurements. This is intentional and is meant to add a little personal touch to your dishes. Adjust the ingredients to suit your group’s tastes and number of people. Experience will soon lead you to intuitive cooking, when a little addition here and a sprinkle there replaces strict measurements. Add salt and herbs gently, taste often, and trust your instincts.

Steak and Potatoes Outdoor Grilling Hearty steak and potato dinners are synonymous with camping cuisine. For the best experience, we recommend grilling steaks on a bed of coals using CoreVibe premium cast iron. However, for those less inclined to campfires, outdoor stoves and skillets are also great options.

Feel free to read our CoreVibe Foil Wrapped Meal Guide for campfire enthusiasts for suggestions.

Essential Shopping List:

• Steak (1-2 servings, rib eye or butternut bone steak preferred)
• Potatoes (1.5 lb. pouches for two people are fine – small red or golden potatoes are preferred)
• Butter
• Fresh herbs (e.g. rosemary, thyme)
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Cooking oil
• Aluminum foil
• Seasonings (e.g. horseradish, steak sauce, gravy, etc.)

CoreVibe Dutch Oven Combo Cookware is known for its dark design and skillet lid.

CAMPFIRE STEAK AND POTATO COOKING METHODS: For best results, choose rib-eye or butternut bone-in steaks. One large steak will serve 1-2 people in a skillet. Thaw steaks for 20 minutes to 1 hour before cooking. Season steaks well and let stand to room temperature for best flavor. Wrap the washed potatoes in two layers of tinfoil with butter, salt and your favorite herbs. Place the potatoes on the edge of the fire and roast, turning occasionally.

For those who prefer simple cooking, boiled or fried potatoes are equally delicious and tempting.

Cooking the Perfect Steak: Heat the oil in a pan over a high burner and sear the steak until caramelized. If you’re aiming for rare, time is of the essence. You can feel the firmness of the steak with your hands or use a thermometer to measure it accurately. Before drizzling the steak with butter, you can add garlic and herbs to the pan to enhance the culinary experience. After removing from the heat, let the steak sit for a while to lock in the juices.

Slice the steak and serve it with country-style potatoes, then add seasonings to your liking – spicy horseradish, rich steak sauce, or mellow gravy are all good choices.

Outdoor Customizable Tacos Tacos are a camping godsend, easy to make, affordable, and customizable to any preference or dietary need. Whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner, tacos are popular.

Taco Shopping List:

• Tortillas (either small or street taco size)
• Protein (such as ground beef, chicken, pork or fish)
• Seasonings (salt, pepper, cumin, garlic, oregano, chili powder)
• Beans (canned or whole black/spotted beans)
• Assorted toppings ### CoreVibe Selkirk 540 Chicken Tortillas on the Stove

Ingredients:

• Toppings: cheese, sour cream, cabbage, radishes, avocado, jicama, corn or red onion.
• Sauce options: taco sauce, salsa, salsa, Sriracha mayo or lemon juice.

To make a delicious taco at camp, start by browning or heating chicken on the CoreVibe Selkirk 540 stovetop and sautéing vegetables (onions, peppers, etc.). Heat beans for extra flavor. Warm tortillas in a hot pan for a few seconds on each side, then make 2-3 tacos per person (a taco jig makes serving easier). Add your favorite toppings-such as salsa for flavor, cabbage for crunch, avocado for richness, and a little lime juice or chopped queso fresco for extra flavor. For easy preparation, you can pre-chop ingredients and pre-cook meats at home using the Instant Pot.

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Fresh Berry French Toast: sweet, decadent and perfect for leftovers!

Toppings:

• Eggs (1 per 2 slices of bread)
• Milk or milk substitute (1/4 cup per egg)
• Vanilla extract
• Cinnamon
• Sliced bread
• Butter
• Maple syrup, berries or powdered sugar for topping

Make French toast at camp to satisfy your sweet tooth while refueling for your adventure. Crack eggs into a shallow dish (or pre-crack them into a jar prepared at home for transportation). Add the milk, vanilla extract and cinnamon, then stir with a fork. Dip the bread slices into the egg mixture, making sure to coat both sides, then fry in the butter. Drizzle with maple syrup or make your own berry sauce by cooking fresh berries in sugar and cornstarch. Pro tip: Make extra French toast and berry syrup to use the next day for Monte Cristo sandwiches.

Montecristo Sandwiches (Leftovers):

• Leftover French toast or fresh bread
• Sliced ham, turkey, or both
• Swiss cheese or provolone
• Mayonnaise.
• Jam or leftover berry syrup
• Optional toppings: tomato, avocado, mustard
• Powdered sugar to sweeten the sandwich

Finish the sandwich by placing the meat, cheese and optional vegetables in order on the French toast. Sprinkle with mayonnaise and jam or syrup. Finish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a savory-sweet taste. These sandwiches are popular with campers for obvious reasons!

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Beans and Eggs: A Hearty Campground Breakfast

Ingredients:

• Canned beans (garbanzo, black, or kidney beans)
• Vegetables (onions, garlic, peppers, tomatoes)
• Spices (chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper)
• Oils or fats (beef tallow, vegetable oil, or bacon grease)
• Eggs (1-2 per person)
• Tortilla chips
• Salsa or hot sauce

Beans and eggs are classic camping foods for energy. Simmer canned beans on the stove in a heaping tablespoon of your favorite cooking fat (do not drain). Mash the beans or leave them as is and add chopped onion, garlic, chili and spices. Divide the beans into bowls and top with a hard-boiled egg. For extra flavor, steam the egg first to make it easier to handle. Want to upgrade it a bit? Mix tortilla chips into this dish and drizzle with salsa for nachos.

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Low and Slow Cooker: a CoreVibe favorite

Low and slow cooking is perfect for a large gathering with unforgettable memories. Once everything is ready (you can chop the ingredients at home), cook the mixture in a camping stove. Line the table with parchment paper and pour the stew on top so everyone can experience the meal for themselves. The meal is festive, perfect for sharing, and flavorful, making it the perfect centerpiece for a camping trip. At the campground, preparing a delicious meal is as simple as dropping ingredients one by one into boiling water. Make sure to keep track of the order and timing, and have a cell phone timer handy!

Shopping List:

(serves 8-10)

• Old Bay Seasoning (about 1/2 cup – or a full can)
• Beer (optional – a medium-high, moderately priced bottle will do)
• Small to medium potatoes (about 4 pounds – red or gold skinned potatoes are ideal)
• Sweet onions (2 or 3)
• Andouille sausage (about 2 pounds)
• Corn (8 ears)
• Shrimp (about 4 pounds – raw, peeled, with tails for camping)
• Butter
• Cocktail sauce
• Lemon
• French bread
• Parchment paper

To simplify the cooking process, you may want to consider preparing low-boiling ingredients at home and adding them to the pot when you arrive at your campsite.

Low boil cooking instructions:

1. Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil, then add Old Bay seasoning and a can of beer (if using).
2. Once boiling again, add the whole red potatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Next, add the chopped onion and 1-inch lengths of smoked sausage and cook for 15 minutes.
4. After that, add the halved ears of corn and cook for 10 minutes.
5. Finally, add the shrimp and cook for 3 minutes.

When you can easily pierce the potatoes with a fork, carefully pour all ingredients into a colander. Pour the remaining broth into a one-gallon bag and store in the refrigerator for making a delicious chowder later. We like to set the food on a table covered with several layers of kraft paper so that everyone can sit around and enjoy it. You can also serve the food from the pot to a platter. Sprinkle the food with additional seasonings and serve with sliced French bread, melted butter, cocktail sauce and lemon wedges. If you have leftovers, bag them and make them into an omelet the next morning with a tangy cilantro lime cream sauce.

Leftover Omelet Recipe:

• Eggs
• Cheese (our favorite is Swiss)
• Red peppers
• Avocado
• Sour cream (last 6 ingredients for the sauce)
• Mayonnaise
• Cilantro
• Lime
• Garlic
• Salt

Toasted Italian bread: a fresh and tasty snack

If you’re planning to stay at the campsite for a long time, a fresh and healthy appetizer, such as Italian Toast, is a great way to start the day and replenish your midday energy. This treat is quick and easy to make.

Italian Toast Shopping List:

(feel free to adjust the amount)

• Roma tomatoes
• Fresh basil
• Minced garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Salt (kosher)
• Pepper
• Parmesan cheese (preferably freshly grated)
• French bread, baguette or pita chips

Make Italian toast at the campground:

1. Dice fresh Roma tomatoes and place in a large pot or bowl.
2. Chop fresh basil or, for a more delicate touch, fold, roll and shred the leaves. Add the basil to the tomatoes.
3. Add the minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well and let sit for a while.
4. Meanwhile, slice the French baguette into thin slices and toast lightly on both sides in a pan.
5. Spoon the tomato sauce onto the toasted bread and serve, or feel free to dip everyone in!

Peach Steel Cut Oats: a healthy breakfast

If you think oatmeal tastes bland, it’s because you haven’t tried this recipe yet! Steel cut oatmeal is chewy, not mushy, nutritious and delicious. This breakfast is a favorite among campers, especially in colder weather.

Steel cut oats shopping list:

• Steel cut oats (1 cup makes 2 hearty breakfasts)
• Water or milk (3 cups of water or milk per 1 cup of oats)
• Salt (about 1/2 teaspoon per 1 cup of oats – kosher salt is best)
• Frozen peaches (medium sized bag for groups)
• Cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream or milk substitute

Prepare the peach oats:

1. Place steel cut oats in a saucepan with water or milk.
2. Add salt and bring to a boil, then simmer over low heat.
3. Add frozen peaches, cinnamon and brown sugar and stir to combine.
4. Cook until oats are tender and creamy, then drizzle with heavy cream or milk substitute to serve.

CoreVibe accompanies you in your camp cooking endeavors! ### Cooking Oats and Peaches at the Campground

In a saucepan combine the oats, your choice of liquid (water or milk) and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir from time to time for about 20 minutes. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on your preferred texture. after 30 minutes, the oats will be thick, soft and creamy. The oats will continue to thicken as they sit, so you can add more liquid when you turn off the heat.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan, toss the frozen peaches with a pinch of cinnamon, a pinch of brown sugar and a little water. Want to give it a try? Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme to enhance the flavor as the ingredients slowly meld together.

To serve, scoop oats into a bowl and top with peaches. Finish with a generous drizzle of cold cream for the perfect balance of flavors.

For group get-togethers , the CoreVibe Folding Table is perfect for sharing a meal and a game.

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More Simple and Delicious Picnics

We love food so much, and we love sharing picnic-friendly food ideas. Here are a few of our favorite dishes:

• Breakfast essentials: yogurt with granola and fresh berries, blueberry pancakes with crispy bacon.
• Delicious Oats: use broth instead of poached oats, then top with a fried egg and sautéed veggies.
• QUICK LUNCH: Sandwich bar with a variety of fillings, served with chips.
• Deli platter: salami, cheese, nuts, fruit, pickles, jam and crackers.
• Hearty dinners: sautéed meat and veggies in soy sauce, homemade chili with chips and toppings (like sour cream and cilantro), or beans and rice with smoked sausage, peppers, and hot sauce.
• Pasta Night: Add your favorite veggies, meats, cheeses and sauces to create a classic cookout meal.

Want to upgrade your gear ? Multi-tools like the CoreVibe Swiss Utility Knife are a must-have for the camping kitchen.

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Choosing the right camping food

When planning meals, consider the balance between simplicity and enjoyment. Here are the types of food to consider:

Dehydrated meals

Dehydrated meals are lightweight, small and easy to prepare. Ideal for long trips when refrigeration is not possible, they require minimal cookware and time. Although convenient, store-bought dehydrated meals are expensive, so making your own can save you money.

Canned and dry goods

For car camping, where weight is not an issue, canned and prepared foods are good choices. They are easier to prepare than fresh food and offer good flavor and variety.

Fresh Foods

We often pair fresh ingredients such as meats, vegetables and fruits with dry goods such as bread, pasta and beans. Fresh foods are not only delicious and nutritious, but they need refrigeration and plenty of ice to stay fresh. Pack dry goods in sturdy containers for easy access and to keep wildlife from stealing them.

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Creating the Ultimate Camping Kitchen

Great food starts with the right tools. Here are some essential tools to enhance your camp cooking:

• Portable stove
• Knife set or multi-tool
• CoreVibe Camping Cookware Set

Outdoor cooking should be as enjoyable as the food itself. With the right recipes, ingredients, and gear, every camping trip can become a culinary adventure. ### CoreVibe Camping Essentials

Camping kitchen gear:

• Knives
• Cutlery
• Ultra-lightweight mugs/travel mugs
• Coffee maker
• Spice sets
• Quick Drying Towel
• Sponges/Scrubbers
• Lighters
• Picnic Tables
• Coolers
• Cooking utensils
• Can opener, bottle opener or multi-tool
• Cutting boards
• Hand washing basins
• Eco-friendly soap
• Storage bins (for food and gear)
• Water containers

For a complete guide to camping gear, check out CoreVibe’s Ultimate Camping Checklist.

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Outdoor cooking: inspiration for every adventure

There’s no greater joy than cooking bacon and blueberry pancakes at the campground. With the CoreVibe Genesis Basecamp System, creating your family’s favorite meals is easy and fun. From hot breakfasts to hearty dinners, it’s never been easier to create memorable meals in nature.

We hope this inspires you to get creative and create delicious meals with your loved ones. Stay tuned for more recipe ideas and feel free to share your favorite picnic fare. Let’s get outside and enjoy every bite – bon appétit!