Ready to transform your camping experience? Dive into our guide on quick & easy camping side dishes for outdoor adventures! We all know the struggle of cooking in the great outdoors, so we’re serving up easy, minimal prep sides that make your camping meals a breeze. Whether you’re lounging by the fire or exploring nature, these easy and delicious accompaniments are a great way to keep meals simple on your next camping trip.
We all know the brain fog we get planning a camping menu for the whole family. The struggle is real. But, it doesn’t have to be! With so many great options to accompany our easy camping recipes, meal planning should be the least of our adventure worries. So, whether you’re opting to cook over the hot coals or keep it simple after a long day, we have you covered.
Why Quick Camping Side Dishes Are Your New Best Friend.
When we jumped back into camping, easy camping dinners were the FURTHEST thing in our brains. With both of us coming from culinary backgrounds, we wanted our camping experiences to be gourmet! Can you say fine dining with a side of dirt!? You can only imagine the hours of planning, prepping, and hitting the grocery stores just for a weekend camping meal plan! NOT to mention, attempting to keep EVERYTHING iced in the coolers. Ya’ll know!
Then, something magical happened. We discovered our meals didn’t need to be “next level” to be enjoyed out in the great outdoors, nor did we need to pack every spice we owned. AND, camping side dishes could be simple. Who knew!? We did discover our best campfire food to cook! So throw out that complex meal plan and the thirty-five sides for every main course, and let us show you how we side dish on our camping escapades!
We think you’ll also love our EASY CAMPING MEALS: SIMPLE CAPSULE MEAL PLANNING guide paired with this QUICK & EASY CAMPING SIDE DISH IDEAS FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES for a quick and easy camping meal plan!
Benefits of Quick & Easy Camping Side Dish Ideas For Outdoor Adventure.
When it comes to outdoor cooking, quick and easy camping side dish ideas are a game changer for your culinary adventures! These side dishes save you precious time, letting you spend more moments soaking up nature instead of slaving over a camp stove. They’re perfect for those who want to keep meal prep minimal yet flavorful, allowing you to whip up a tasty perfect side without the fuss.
Plus, versatile and adaptable, these sides cater to any palate—whether you’re grilling up a meaty feast or keeping it plant-based. Besides being very tasty, fresh produce such as potatoes, green beans, onions, and squash, can be kept at room temperature. And, by utilizing the convenience of packets, keeping your food fresh is a breeze! With these easy options in your back pocket, every camping trip will be a gourmet experience under the stars!
Our Top 3 Easy Camping Side Dish Ideas.
An easy way to make a simple camping meal side is to grab fresh veggies. Wrapped in foil packets on an open flame is one of the best ways to enjoy camp cooking. Sizzling produce in a little olive oil in a hot cast iron skillet makes our hearts sing!
1. Campfire Green Beans: The Sassy Sidekick.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Green Beans (about 1 pound) – the stars of the show!
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) – because everything’s better with a drizzle of love.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced or garlic powder to taste) – for that aromatic kick that says, “I’m fancy, but camping.”
- Salt & Pepper (to taste) – the classic duo, keeping it real.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – for those who like a little heat in their adventure!
Grab your campfire gear, and let’s make those green beans the talk of the campsite! Heat olive oil in a skillet either on the camp stove or open fire. Add the green beans and everything else except the red pepper flakes. Cook until tender. Last thing, top with red pepper flakes.
2. Fired Up Potatoes: Campfire Spuds That Steal the Show.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 Medium Potatoes (sliced thin) – the MVP of the meal!
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil – because who doesn’t love a little sizzle?
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder – for that magical flavor boost!
- Salt & Pepper (to taste) – the dynamic duo for seasoning success.
- 1 teaspoon Paprika – adding a touch of smokiness, because you’re cooking over fire!
- Fresh Herbs (like rosemary or thyme, optional) – for a dash of gourmet flair.
- 1/2 cup Shredded Cheese (optional, but highly recommended) – because everything’s better with cheese!
Directions:
- Prep Your Potatoes: Slice those spuds into rounds.
- Oil Up: In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika until they’re well-coated and ready to shine.
- Heat the Skillet: Place your trusty cast iron skillet over the campfire grate. Let it get nice and hot—
- Add the Potatoes: Add to hot skillet and cook until fork tender.
- Cook ‘Em Good: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil, and let those potatoes cook for about 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally. Keep an eye on them; you want golden-brown, not charcoal!
- Cheesy Finale: If you’re feeling cheesy, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cover again until it’s melty and gooey.
- Serve & Savor: Once they’re crispy and golden, remove from heat, garnish with fresh herbs if you’re fancy, and dig in! Your taste buds will thank you!
3. Boozy Peaches
Ingredients:
- 1 large can or 4 Ripe Peaches (halved and pitted)
- 1/2 cup Bourbon or Rum – because who doesn’t love a little kick?
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar – for that sweet, caramelized goodness.
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon – adding warmth and spice like a cozy campfire!
- 1 tablespoon Butter – because everything’s better with butter, right?
Directions:
- Prep the Peaches: Halve and pit your ripe peaches, or drain the can. Set aside.
- Mix the Magic: In a bowl, combine the bourbon or rum, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until the sugar is dissolved—this is your peachy potion!
- Heat the Camp Stove: Place a skillet on your camp stove and add the butter. Let it melt and bubble, filling the air with deliciousness!
- Sizzle and Soak: Place the peach halves cut-side down in the skillet. Pour the boozy mixture over them, letting those flavors soak in. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the peaches are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Serve It Up: Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Makes a great side for pancakes.
- Enjoy Responsibly: Dive into your boozy peaches, and let the flavors take you on a sweet, campfire adventure!
Fast & Flavorful: Quick Prep Tips for Easy Camping Side Dish Ideas.
- Chop Before You Camp: Slice, dice, and prep your veggies at home. A little chopping in your kitchen means more time enjoying the great outdoors!
- Zip It Up: Use resealable bags for easy storage and transport of prepped ingredients. Just grab a bag, toss it in the skillet, and voilà—campfire magic!
- Foil is Your Friend: Wrap veggies in foil with a splash of olive oil and seasoning. Just toss them on the grill or campfire for hassle-free cooking!
- Mix and Match: Pack a variety of pre-packaged grains (like quinoa or couscous) that only need boiling water. Instant side dishes? Yes, please!
- Flavor Boosters: Bring along small containers of spices and herbs to elevate your pre-packaged meals. A pinch of magic can turn plain into wow!
- Go for the Gusto: Don’t shy away from ready-made sauces or dressings. A quick drizzle can transform a simple side into a gourmet delight!
- Bring the Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese on just about anything can make it taste gourmet. Who can resist melty goodness over grilled veggies?
- Get creative. Use leftover potatoes in a breakfast taco. We have a GREAT one with our Easy Campfire Breakfast Tacos!
With these tips in your camping toolkit, you’ll whip up delicious sides in no time, leaving more moments for fun and adventure!
Pack It Up: Use Pre-Packaged Foods for Effortless Camping Sides.
Holy Glory! Angels sang when pre-packaged sides were invented! Honestly, I LOVE these things! Perfect for ANY camping adventure, these high rollers get the job done QUICK! Just add water and you are golden. Here are our All-Stars:
- Idahoan Instant Mash Potatoes- ANY flavor! (Easy Potato soup anyone!?)
- Uncle Ben’s Quick Rice
- Knorr Pasta Sides
- Rice A Roni- This stuff is delicious!
- Fresh fruit makes an EXCELLENT healthy easy camping meal side dish.
Final Thoughts: Savor the Outdoors with Easy Side Delights!
In a nutshell, QUICK & EASY CAMPING SIDE DISH IDEAS FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURES are your ticket to transforming any camping trip into a delicious escapade! With minimal fuss and maximum flavor, you can spend less time cooking and more time enjoying nature’s beauty (and maybe the occasional campfire cigar!). So grab those easy-to-pack ingredients, unleash your inner outdoor chef, and elevate your meals from mundane to magnificent. Here’s to tasty bites and unforgettable nights—may your camping adventures be as delightful as your newfound side dish skills! Happy wandering!
For more easy camping meal ideas, check out our Friends over at Fresh Off The Grid for more camp cooking inspiration.
Thanks for stopping by! Come along for the adventure as we explore Florida & beyond. Discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations, testing out cool gear, eating & creating fantastic food along the way. Happy wandering!
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