Everyone knows that the best part of camping, other than the whole being away from the daily stresses of life for a little bit, is the food.
Making it, though? That’s another thing entirely. While we all enjoy leisurely roasting hot dogs over a campfire, that’s pretty easy stuff. But you can only eat so many hot dogs; you’ll need some sides. But preparing all the other sides you need to round out the meal can be a drag—especially after a long day exploring the wilderness.
Luckily, a lot of camping dishes can easily be made at home before you’re out there roughing it, and they can actually hold up for a few days. Think coleslaw, pasta salad, and baked potatoes, for starters. These food items and dishes won’t easily spoil, and are hearty enough to keep you satisfied through the long days and nights.
Before you stick a tray of mac and cheese in your trunk and hit the road, though, read this article. Consider bringing a few other tools to lessen your load and ensure your food lasts longer. Here are some essentials for your next trip, to make sure your make-ahead camping meals last:
- Ice packs are necessary. They will keep your food fresh for twice as long
- Cast-iron skillet is absolutely great for reheating food over a fire. Virtually indestructible!
- A good knife must be packed! If you catch a big fish, you’ll need a knife to break it down!
- A cooler for safely storing it all. This is the most ideal way to get the longest life out of the food you prepare in advance.
Below, we’ve rounded up 9 excellent make ahead camping meals. From vegan options like mayo-free coleslaw and chickpea salad sandwiches to beef stuffed empanadas, there’s something here that will satisfy everyone.
Pasta Salad
Pasta salad tends to develop more flavor the longer it sits. With more time to soak up all the fresh and zesty flavors, it’s really one of my favorite make ahead camping meals. The nice thing about this recipe from The Hungry Hutch is that it retains a bit of crunch even after a few days thanks to crispy celery.
Muffins
Muffins are the ideal camping breakfast/snack because you can eat them at room temperature, or wrap them in a bit of foil and heat them up over hot coals. So good either way! Our savory muffins with cheddar cheese are delicious, but if you are looking for something sweet, try our banana chocolate chip muffins!
Vinegar Coleslaw
Not only is this coleslaw from Foodie Crush totally vegan, it’s less likely to spoil when compared to its mayo-filled counterpart. After a few days, this slaw begins to take on a tangy, sauerkraut-like flavor. It’s great in whatever you might be eating around the campfire, whether that’s on top of hot dogs or alongside grilled fish.
Mac and Cheese
Try to freeze this recipe from Lauren’s Latest for a full 24 hours before you depart—that’ll guarantee it stays frozen and safe until you’re ready to eat it, a day later or so. When you’re ready to heat it and eat it, give it about 8 to 10 minutes over hot coals.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is another side dish that was built to last and ideal for bringing on your next camping trip. This Southern Style potato salad cxrecipe from Dash of Jazz adds a simple twist to the classic by using balsamic vinegar to give the whole thing a bright, tangy flavor—like the supermarket deli section potato salad we all know and love!
Chili
Chili is another one of my favorite make ahead camping meals. It’s a great camping side because it goes with practically everything. Hot dogs? Check. Burgers? Why not! And since your main might be meat, consider opting for a vegetarian chili to pair it with, like this one from Minimalist Baker.
Chickpea Salad Sandwiches
Even though this chickpea salad sandwich from 40 Aprons is totally vegan, you’d honestly never guess that it wasn’t chicken salad. It’s pretty sneaky that way! But it’s precisely this sandwich’s vegan status that enables it to stay fresh a bit longer.
Marinated Beans
Baked beans are old news and sometimes just way too sweet. Mix it up by bringing along these bright and colorful marinated beans instead. This recipe from How Sweet Eats is all fresh flavors—basil, tomato, and plenty of olive oil. It’s also best eaten on toasted bread, so be sure to bring a loaf to toast over the fire.
Empanadas
These little protein pockets from A Cozy Kitchen are great whether you’re eating them as a side or as a snack. And the filling can be anything. This recipe uses beef, but you can just as easily swap in something vegan or vegetarian instead. Pro tip: They come in really handy when you’re hangry.
In the mood to go on a trip? If you can’t leave home, explore the world with one of these 8 international recipes.
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