15 Straightforward Meal Ideas for Camping Trips or Backyard Barbecues
Grilling Outdoor Delights: 20 Scrumptious Recipes for Your Campfire or Backyard BBQ
Embrace the alfresco dining spirit this summer! Whether you're settling for a luxe cabin in Vancouver Island or spending the night under the stars next to a rustic tent in your yard, there's something about sizzling meals cooked outdoors that always hits the spot. Plus, the stifling heat remains outdoors, allowing you to transform dinner into a captivating event that the entire family can assist with. Here's a roundup of 20 simple, mouth-watering recipes that will make you feel like a grill master and keep your kitchen spotless.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Turn up the fun factor and cook these flavor-rich skewers over an open flame! Mix and match your favorite veggies, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions, for a versatile dish that's a hit with kids [5]. Pro tip: Whip up the marinade ahead of your camping trip for added dynamic flavors [5].
Campfire Nachos
This adaptable meal is a breeze to put together, cooks fast, and is customizable with your preferred toppings. Whether you're catering to picky eaters or adventurous snackers, everyone will find something delightful in thisGOOEY cheesy skillet dish shared under the open sky [2]. Get creative with unique toppings and instructions for cooking over a campfire [2].
Campfire Mac and Cheese
Craving comfort food? This one-pot campfire mac and cheese from Simple Bites is the ultimate indulgence for the whole family. Cooked effortlessly over the campfire using a cast-iron Dutch oven, this creamy, cheesy delight is guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds [5].
Grilled Fruit Delights
Take advantage of summer's prime fruit offerings and grill watermelon, peaches, and nectarines for an unforgettable taste experience. You can even drizzle honey yogurt or sprinkle coarse salt and lime juice for added deliciousness [5]. Learn two methods for grilling fruit and various toppings from Ambitious Kitchen [5].
Grilled and Loaded "Baked" Potatoes
Swap the oven-baked potatoes for their smoky counterparts grilled to perfection. And don't forget the toppings! This easy recipe from Delish works flawlessly for campfires as well as backyard barbecues, resulting in fluffy spuds bursting with flavor [2].
Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
These triple-apple pancakes from Fresh Off the Grid are ideal for both breakfast and dinner around a campfire. Whether you're using a camp stove or an open flame, these warm, fruity pancakes are sure to win over the whole family [5].
Dutch Oven Stuffed Peppers
Treat your family to a hearty meal with these Dutch oven stuffed peppers filled with ground meat, rice, tomato sauce, and cheddar cheese by Dirty Gourmet [3].
Walking Campfire Tacos
Bring taco night to the campsite with this simple idea from Dine and Dish. Divide the usual taco fixings among single-serving chip bags, allowing you and your family to roam around the campsite or sit by the fire [5].
Campfire Banana Boats
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this irresistible campfire banana boats recipe by Classy Clutter. Simply split a banana, stuff it with your preferred chocolate treats and mini marshmallows, wrap it in foil, and toss it on the coals [5].
Campfire Pizza
Allow everyone to choose their own toppings using this innovative campfire pizza idea from Dirty Gourmet. The use of premade flatbread and toppings makes this pizza party an easy-to-plan and prepare affair [5].
Campfire Lasagna
Transform your family's favorite homemade lasagna into a campfire treat with this campfire lasagna recipe from Fresh Off the Grid. This versatile recipe includes tips for cooking the lasagna in a Dutch oven and on a grate [5].
Camp Stove Chilaquiles
Make camping breakfast or dinner a breeze with these hassle-free camp stove chilaquiles from Fresh Off the Grid. This flavorful, vegetarian meal requires only a non-stick skillet with high sides for easy preparation [5].
Campfire Cones
Forget traditional s'mores and indulge in these gooier, more candy-filled desserts known as campfire cones [5]. Follow the instructions for creating these unique desserts in foil wrappers by The Girl Who Ate Everything [5].
Foil Paella
Cook Spanish-inspired paella in foil using this innovative recipe from Zestuous. With crispy rice, chorizo, and chicken, this dish is perfect for impressing your camping companions [3].
Ice Cream in a Bag
Create your own creamy, frozen treats while camping with this exciting "ice cream in a bag" recipe from Fresh Off the Grid. This fun and easy method uses half-and-half or coconut creamer and zip-top bags for a science experiment that results in delicious ice cream [5].
Beer Brats
Simmer brats in beer and onions before finishing them off on the grill for a satisfying meal that's sure to please the whole family [5].
Beer Can Chicken
Grill chicken using a beer can to infuse it with unforgettable flavors [5].
Grilled Veggie Skewers with Marinade
Marinate grilled vegetable skewers for an added layer of flavor. Mix and match veggies and experiment with marinade recipes to create a customized dish [5].
Grilled Watermelon
Grill this refreshing fruit for a smoky twist and satisfying snack. Serve with a sprinkle of cilantro, lime zest, or salt for a hearfty snack or side dish [5].
Mexican Corn
Add spice and Southwestern flavors to grilled corn on the cob with cotija cheese, chili powder, lime zest, and other tantalizing toppings [2].
Enjoy your all-natural culinary adventure and create priceless memories with these fantastic recipes!
Disclaimer: Some recipes may require additional preparation or cooking equipment before heading out on a camping trip, and others may work better with a campfire, a grill, or a camp stove.
Sources:1. Dirty Gourmet2. Camp Kitchen3. Food524. Spend With Pennies5. Fresh Off the Grid6. The Girl Who Ate Everything7. Classy Clutter
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- Spelunk! Explore Washington's Coolest Kid-Friendly Caves
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- Kids will adore the flavor-rich Grilled Veggie Skewers recipe from Fresh Off the Grid, making it an excellent choice for a versatile and kid-friendly dish.
- For a captivating event that the entire family can assist with, consider making Campfire Nachos, a customizable and family-friendly meal shared under the open sky.
- To indulge in comfort food during your outdoor adventure, try Campfire Mac and Cheese from Simple Bites, a one-pot dish cooked effortlessly over the campfire.
- Grilled and Loaded "Baked" Potatoes from Delish is an easy-to-make recipe that brings a smoky twist to the classic oven-baked potato, perfect for family gatherings.
- Enjoy dessert and satisfy your sweet tooth with the irresistible Campfire Banana Boats recipe by Classy Clutter, which allows you to switch up the chocolate treats and mini marshmallows according to taste.
