Camping with kids is an adventure in itself, but throw in some fun and easy cooking, and you’ve got the recipe for unforgettable memories. It’s not just about roasting marshmallows anymore, instead, we’ve got some amazing camping recipes you’re going to love.
We’re talking about kid-friendly recipes that are as enjoyable to make as they are to eat. Here’s a look at some camping classics and new favorites tailor-made for young chefs.
Campfire Pizza Pockets: A Twist on a Beloved Classic
Who doesn’t love pizza, right? These campfire pizza pockets are a fun, customizable, and mess-free way to enjoy pizza under the stars.
Ingredients.
- Pre-made pizza dough
- Pizza sauce
- Shredded cheese
- Favorite toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers
How to make it.
- Flatten a piece of dough and spread a spoonful of pizza sauce on one half.
- Sprinkle cheese and add toppings.
- Fold the dough over and seal the edges.
- Wrap in foil and cook on campfire coals for about 10-15 minutes.
Kids love the hands-on experience and the freedom to create their own pizza masterpieces. It’s a simple way to introduce them to cooking and flavors.
‘Smores Banana Boats: A Sweet and Healthy Twist
A sweet treat that’s healthier and just as fun as traditional s’mores!
Ingredients:
- Bananas
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips
- Aluminum foil
How to make it.
- Slice the banana lengthwise (keep the peel on).
- Stuff with marshmallows and chocolate chips.
- Wrap the banana in foil and cook on the campfire coals for 5-10 minutes.
It’s a delicious dessert with a fruit base. Kids will get a kick out of stuffing their bananas and watching them transform into gooey goodness.
Campfire Corn on the Cob: Simple and Satisfying
There’s something special about corn cooked over a campfire. It’s a simple, healthy side dish that kids can easily help prepare. This is a camping recipe we make on every trip.
Ingredients.
- Fresh corn on the cob
- Butter
- Salt and pepper (optional)
Steps:
- Peel back the corn husks, leaving them attached. Remove the silk.
- Spread butter on the corn and season if desired.
- Pull the husks back over the corn and wrap them in foil.
- Cook over campfire coals for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally.
Kids can help with husking and buttering. The transformation from raw to perfectly charred corn is both educational and exciting for them.
Foil Packet Fish: An Adventure in Healthy Eating
Introducing kids to seafood can be fun, especially when they get to make their own fish packet. It’s one of those camping recipes that you can actually catch your own ingredients during your camping trip.
Ingredients.
- Fish fillets (like trout or salmon)
- Sliced lemon
- Herbs (like dill or parsley)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
How to make it.
- Place the fish on a foil sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and add lemon slices and herbs.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Seal the foil packet and cook on the campfire for about 10-15 minutes.
It’s a gentle introduction to seafood for kids. The excitement of cooking their fish packet and the joy of seeing it steam when opened is a real treat.
Cheesy Campfire Quesadillas: A Kid-Friendly Mexican Delight
Quesadillas are a great way to get kids involved in cooking. They’re simple, customizable, and always a hit.
Ingredients.
- Tortillas
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Optional fillings: cooked chicken, beans, corn, diced peppers, pepperoni even goes a long way
How to make it.
- Place a tortilla on a piece of foil.
- Sprinkle cheese and any other fillings on one half.
- Fold the tortilla over, wrap it in foil, and cook on the campfire grill for about 5 minutes on each side.
Kids can choose their fillings, making the meal more engaging. The process of flipping the quesadilla to melt the cheese evenly adds an element of fun and skill.
Sweet and Crunchy Trail Mix: A No-Cook Snack Adventure
Making trail mix can be a delightful activity for kids, allowing them to mix and match their favorite ingredients.
Ingredients.
- Nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts)
- Dried fruits (raisins, cranberries)
- Seeds (pumpkin, sunflower)
- Chocolate chips or M&Ms
- Cereal or pretzels for extra crunch
How to make it.
- Let each child mix their preferred combination of nuts, dried fruits, seeds, and sweets in a bowl.
- Stir well and store in zip-lock bags or containers.
It’s a creative and easy way for kids to make their own snacks. The variety of textures and flavors in trail mix keeps it interesting and delicious.
Campfire Veggie and Sausage Skewers: A Grilled Delight
Skewers are fun to make and eat and can be a great way to encourage kids to eat their veggies.
Ingredients.
- Sausages (pre-cooked or smoked)
- Vegetables (bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes, zucchini)
- Skewers (metal or wooden)
- Olive oil
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder)
How to make it.
- Cut sausages and veggies into bite-sized pieces.
- Thread them onto skewers, alternating between sausage and vegetables.
- Brush with olive oil and season.
- Grill on the campfire, turning occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes.
Kids can design their skewers, choosing which veggies and sausage pieces to include. It’s a playful way to introduce more vegetables to their diet and learn basic grilling skills.
Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches: A Campfire Twist on a Classic
Transform the classic peanut butter and banana sandwich into a warm, gooey treat that kids will love making and eating by the campfire.
Ingredients.
- Bread slices
- Peanut butter
- Bananas, sliced
- Butter or margarine
How to make it.
- Spread peanut butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Add banana slices on top of the peanut butter.
- Close the sandwich and lightly butter the outside of the bread.
- Wrap in foil and heat on the campfire grill for about 5 minutes on each side.
This recipe takes a familiar favorite and adds a fun campfire twist. The warm, melted peanut butter and banana combination is a delightful surprise for kids, and flipping the sandwich to get it toasted just right adds an element of fun.
Mini Pancake Skewers: A Breakfast Adventure
Start the day with a unique and interactive breakfast that kids can customize to their liking.
Ingredients.
- Mini pancakes (pre-made or cooked at the campsite)
- Fresh fruits (strawberries, bananas, blueberries)
- Chocolate chips or mini marshmallows
- Skewers (metal or wooden)
- Maple syrup or honey for dipping
How to make it.
- Prepare mini pancakes and cut fruits into bite-sized pieces.
- Allow kids to thread pancakes and fruits onto skewers, adding chocolate chips or marshmallows if desired.
- Warm the skewers over the campfire for a few minutes if needed.
- Serve with maple syrup or honey for dipping.
It’s a playful take on a traditional breakfast. Kids enjoy the process of building their skewers, and the combination of warm pancakes with fresh fruit is both nutritious and delicious.
Cooking is part of the camping experience.
Leveling up your cooking into your camping trip with kids isn’t just about feeding hungry mouths. It’s a chance to teach them basic cooking skills, nutrition, and the joy of creating something with their own hands. As we’ve said before, cooking and camping go hand in hand.
These simple yet engaging recipes make them perfect for young chefs to explore the joys of outdoor cooking.