Are you ready for some outdoor adventures? Whether you’re heading out on a camping trip, hiking excursion, or simply spending a day in the backyard with friends and family, having delicious and easy-to-prepare meals can make all the difference. As Boy Scouts, we know that cooking outdoors is an essential part of the experience – and with these 20 simple recipes, you’ll be well-prepared to fuel your adventures.
From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners and snacks in between, these recipes are designed to be easy to make and transport, using common ingredients and minimal equipment. And the best part? They’re all tried-and-true favorites among Scouts and outdoor enthusiasts alike. So grab a campfire or a picnic blanket, and get ready to indulge in some tasty treats that will keep you going all day long!
Campfire Breakfast Burritos
Start your day with a warm and satisfying breakfast burrito, perfect for camping trips or outdoor adventures. This recipe combines scrambled eggs, savory sausage, and gooey cheese wrapped in a tortilla, all cooked to perfection over the campfire.
Ingredients:
– 1 dozen eggs
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 4 large flour tortillas
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Cooking oil or non-stick spray
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until well-beaten.
2. Cook the sausage in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
3. Add the scrambled eggs to the skillet and stir to combine with the sausage. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
5. Assemble the burritos by spooning the egg-sausage mixture onto a warmed tortilla, followed by shredded cheese.
6. Roll up the burrito tightly and cook over the campfire or grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Dutch Oven Chili
This classic recipe yields a rich, flavorful chili that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a camping trip. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this Dutch oven chili is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium bell peppers, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Dutch oven to 300°F.
2. Brown ground beef in the pot; remove from heat.
3. Add onion, garlic, bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, paprika; cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth; bring to a simmer.
5. Cover Dutch oven and let cook for 2 hours or until flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Foil Packet Garlic Butter Shrimp
Enjoy a flavorful and easy-to-make seafood dish with this recipe for Foil Packet Garlic Butter Shrimp. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 12-15 inch pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic, butter, and lemon juice until well combined.
3. Place a shrimp on each piece of foil, leaving a 1-inch border around the shrimp.
4. Spread a tablespoon of the garlic butter mixture over each shrimp.
5. Fold the foil into a packet, making sure to seal the edges tightly.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Trail Mix Energy Bars
Boost your energy levels with these no-bake trail mix energy bars that combine the convenience of a snack bar with the wholesomeness of homemade treats. Made with rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, these bars are perfect for hiking, camping, or just a quick pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups rolled oats
– 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pecans)
– 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
– 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, nuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together honey and peanut butter until smooth.
3. Add the honey-peanut butter mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
4. Press the mixture into a lined or greased 8×8-inch baking dish.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: None, as these bars are no-bake!
One-Pot Pasta Primavera
Bring together the vibrant flavors of spring with this one-pot pasta recipe, featuring a medley of colorful vegetables and aromatic herbs. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb. pasta of your choice (e.g., bow tie, penne)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed spring vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, snap peas)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add mixed vegetables and cook until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Pour in chicken broth and white wine (if using); bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Stir in cooked pasta, basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Grilled Sausage and Veggie Skewers
Looking for a fun and flavorful way to enjoy the great outdoors? These Grilled Sausage and Veggie Skewers are the perfect solution! With just a few simple ingredients and some quick prep work, you’ll be enjoying a tasty summer snack in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound sweet or hot sausage, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 zucchini, cut into 1-inch slices
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– Olive oil and salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread sausage, bell peppers, onion, garlic, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt.
4. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, or until sausage is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Campfire Cornbread
A warm and comforting classic, Campfire Cornbread is a perfect treat after a long day of camping or outdoor adventure. This recipe brings the flavors of the great outdoors to your campsite, with the added bonus of being easy to make over a campfire.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire by adding larger logs to the fire and letting them burn down to coals.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into a greased 8-inch cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven.
6. Place skillet over campfire coals and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until cornbread is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Beef and Bean Campfire Stew
A hearty and comforting stew that’s perfect for a camping trip or a chilly evening at home. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal equipment, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef cubes (chuck or round)
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the beef cubes over medium-high heat, breaking them up with a spoon as they cook.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the chili powder, diced tomatoes, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add the black beans to the pot and continue to simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the stew has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Banana Boat S’mores
Transform the campfire classic into a unique dessert experience with Banana Boat S’mores! This sweet treat combines the gooey goodness of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers with the warmth and comfort of banana.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe bananas
– 1 bag of marshmallows (mini or regular)
– 1 cup of milk chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup of crushed graham crackers
– Fire pit or grill for toasting marshmallows
Instructions:
1. Cut the bananas in half lengthwise, creating a “boat” shape.
2. Place a marshmallow on top of each banana boat.
3. Roast the marshmallow over the fire pit or grill until it reaches your desired level of toastiness.
4. Sandwich the toasted marshmallow between two halves of the banana boat and a piece of graham cracker.
5. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl for 10-15 seconds, then drizzle over the top of each s’mores.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes per batch (depending on marshmallow toasting)
Cast Iron Skillet Pizza
This recipe brings together the best of both worlds – a crispy cast iron skillet crust and melty, flavorful pizza toppings. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep work, you’ll be enjoying a delicious homemade pizza in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 large cast iron skillet (at least 10 inches in diameter)
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 cup warm water
– 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Your favorite pizza toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add warm water, stirring with a fork until dough forms.
3. Knead dough for 2-3 minutes until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out dough into a circle, about 1/8 inch thick.
5. Place dough in the preheated cast iron skillet, pressing edges to form a crust.
6. Top with mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and your favorite toppings.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Campfire Baked Apples
Enjoy the warm, cozy flavors of autumn with this simple recipe that combines the sweetness of baked apples with the smokiness of campfire cooking.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 baking apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– Optional: chopped nuts, raisins, or other toppings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat a campfire to medium-high heat.
2. Core the apples and place them in a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven.
3. Mix together brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Divide the mixture evenly among the apples, spooning it into the cores.
5. Place the skillet or pot over the campfire, ensuring the heat is evenly distributed.
6. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and caramelized.
7. Serve warm, topped with chopped nuts or raisins if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
BBQ Chicken Foil Packets
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with this simple and flavorful recipe for BBQ chicken foil packets. Perfect for camping trips, backyard gatherings, or a weeknight dinner, these individualized packets are easy to prepare and require minimal cleanup.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 6-8 foil packets (12×12 inches)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or cooking surface to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, and oregano.
3. Place chicken pieces in the center of each foil packet.
4. Brush with BBQ sauce and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Top with the garlic-oregano mixture.
6. Fold foil over to form a packet, sealing edges tightly.
7. Grill or cook for 10-12 minutes per side, or until chicken is cooked through.
8. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-24 minutes
Walking Tacos
This recipe is perfect for parties, camping trips, or any occasion where you want to serve a delicious and easy-to-eat meal. Walking tacos are essentially tacos in a bag, where each guest assembles their own taco by pouring the contents of a packaged tortilla chip bag into a bowl.
Ingredients:
– 1 (12 oz) bag of Fritos corn chips
– 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for alternative options)
– 1 packet of taco seasoning
– 1 can of refried beans (optional)
– Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced onions, sour cream, salsa
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add taco seasoning and follow package instructions to season the beef.
3. Cook the beef until it reaches desired doneness.
4. Serve the cooked beef in individual bowls or bags with Fritos corn chips.
5. Offer optional toppings for guests to customize their own tacos.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Campfire Nachos
Elevate your camping trip with this delicious twist on traditional nachos. Cooked to perfection over the campfire, these cheesy treats are sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of tortilla chips
– 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
– Campfire-roasted garlic (see note)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire to medium-high heat.
2. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a cast-iron skillet or camping grill grate.
3. Top with black beans, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Place the skillet or grate over the campfire for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle with Monterey Jack cheese, cilantro, and jalapeño pepper.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with roasted garlic (see note).
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler
A classic summer dessert that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings. This recipe yields a tender, flaky crust and sweet, juicy peaches.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh peaches, sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing crust)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Dutch oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until fruit is evenly coated.
3. Pour melted butter over peach mixture; stir to combine.
4. Roll out pie crust to fit the top of the Dutch oven. Brush edges with beaten egg.
5. Place peach mixture in the Dutch oven, followed by rolled-out crust.
6. Cover the Dutch oven and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove cover and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Hot Dog and Bean Casserole
A comforting and satisfying casserole that combines the flavors of hot dogs, beans, and pasta in a creamy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound hot dogs, sliced
– 1 cup canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 8 oz macaroni
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then set aside.
3. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add sliced hot dogs and cook until browned.
4. Stir in cream of mushroom soup, milk, and oregano. Bring mixture to a simmer.
5. Combine cooked macaroni, kidney beans, and hot dog mixture in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Campfire Quesadillas
Savor the flavors of the great outdoors with these easy-to-make Campfire Quesadillas, perfect for your next camping trip or backyard gathering. These cheesy, crispy treats are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken (or beef, pork, or veggies for a vegetarian option)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, avocado, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire grill or a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together the shredded cheese and diced chicken (or alternative filling).
3. Place a tortilla on a flat surface and brush with olive oil.
4. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the cheese-chicken mixture onto half of the tortilla.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted, flipping halfway through.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Scout’s Breakfast Hash
A hearty and satisfying breakfast dish that’s perfect for a family morning or a camping trip with friends. This recipe combines crispy potatoes, savory sausage, and scrambled eggs for a filling start to the day.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 4 large eggs
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Cooking oil or butter, for greasing the pan
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the same pan and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the diced potatoes and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Crack in the eggs and scramble them with the potato mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Return the cooked sausage to the pan and stir to combine.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Campfire Pancakes
Start your day off right with these campfire-pancakes, perfect for the great outdoors or a cozy morning at home. These fluffy, golden-brown pancakes are infused with the subtle sweetness of caramelized marshmallows and the smoky flavor of campfire-roasted bananas.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– Caramelized marshmallows (see note)
– Campfire-roasted bananas, sliced
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
4. Fold in caramelized marshmallows and roasted banana slices.
5. Cook on a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Marshmallow Hot Chocolate
Warm up with a rich and creamy hot chocolate infused with the sweet and gooey goodness of roasted marshmallows. This decadent treat is perfect for a cold winter’s day.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk or dark chocolate chips
– 2 cups water
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
– 2-3 marshmallows, roasted and chopped
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine milk or chocolate chips, water, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
2. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the chocolate is melted.
3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and whisk in heavy cream, if using.
5. Stir in chopped roasted marshmallows.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional marshmallows and whipped cream, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Summary
Get ready for your next outdoor adventure with these easy and delicious Boy Scout recipes! From campfire breakfast burritos to Dutch oven chili, and from foil packet garlic butter shrimp to trail mix energy bars, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just need a quick snack, these recipes are perfect for any outdoor enthusiast. With ingredients like sausage, veggies, pasta, and more, you’ll be fueling your adventure in no time. Try out these 20 easy recipes and get ready to enjoy the great outdoors!
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