5 Simple and Delicious Recipes for Camping and Hiking

When you’re out in the great outdoors, whether camping under the stars or trekking along a rugged trail, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a tasty meal after a long day of adventure. But just because you’re away from your kitchen doesn’t mean you have to settle for bland, boring food. With a little preparation and the right ingredients, you can whip up satisfying meals that are both easy to make and delicious. In this guide, we’ll share five simple and flavorful recipes perfect for camping and hiking trips, including favorites like Monkey Bread and Backpacker Noodle Bowls. These recipes are designed to be cooked with minimal equipment and ingredients, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy great food on the go.

Ingredients for Monkey Bread

• 1 can refrigerated biscuit dough: Provides a quick and easy base for the Monkey Bread.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized coating.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the Monkey Bread.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Enhances the caramelization and adds depth of flavor.
• 1/2 cup butter, melted: Helps bind the ingredients and adds richness.
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., pecans, walnuts): Adds crunch and flavor.

How to Make Monkey Bread

1. Prepare your cooking area: Whether you’re using a campfire or a portable stove, ensure your cooking area is safe and stable. If you’re using a Dutch oven, lightly grease the inside with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mix the sugar and cinnamon: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This mixture will be used to coat the biscuit dough.
3. Cut the biscuit dough: Open the can of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate the biscuits. Cut each biscuit into quarters to create bite-sized pieces.
4. Coat the dough pieces: Toss the biscuit pieces in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated. This will give the Monkey Bread its signature sweet and spiced flavor.
5. Layer the dough in the Dutch oven: Place the coated biscuit pieces into the greased Dutch oven or a similar campfire-safe pot. If you’re adding nuts, sprinkle them between the layers of dough.
6. Prepare the caramel sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar and melted butter until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the biscuit dough in the Dutch oven.
7. Cook the Monkey Bread: Place the Dutch oven over your campfire or on a portable stove, ensuring it’s not directly over high flames. Cover with the lid and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling. If using a campfire, you may need to rotate the Dutch oven occasionally to ensure even cooking.
8. Serve and enjoy: Once cooked, carefully remove the Dutch oven from the heat and let the Monkey Bread cool slightly before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm, with the gooey caramel sauce drizzled over the top.

Ingredients for Backpacker Noodle Bowls

• 1 package instant ramen noodles: A quick and lightweight base for the noodle bowl.
• 1 cup dehydrated vegetables: Adds nutrients and flavor without adding weight.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Enhances the umami flavor of the dish.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and richness.
• Optional: Protein add-ins (e.g., jerky, tofu, canned chicken): Boosts the meal’s protein content.

How to Make Backpacker Noodle Bowls

1. Boil water: Start by heating a pot of water over your campfire or portable stove. You’ll need enough water to fully cook the ramen noodles, typically about 2 cups per package.
2. Cook the noodles: Once the water is boiling, add the instant ramen noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually 3-4 minutes.
3. Add dehydrated vegetables: While the noodles are cooking, toss in the dehydrated vegetables. They’ll rehydrate in the boiling water and add both texture and nutrients to the noodle bowl.
4. Season the noodles: After the noodles and vegetables are fully cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil to give the broth a rich, savory flavor. If you have protein add-ins, mix them in at this stage to warm them through.
5. Serve and enjoy: Pour the noodle soup into bowls or enjoy it straight from the pot. This hearty and warming dish is perfect for refueling after a long day of hiking.

About the Main Ingredients

Refrigerated Biscuit Dough: A convenient option for making Monkey Bread while camping. It saves time and effort compared to making dough from scratch, and the texture is ideal for creating a light, fluffy pastry.

Instant Ramen Noodles: A staple for campers and backpackers due to their light weight, quick cooking time, and satisfying taste. When paired with dehydrated vegetables and protein add-ins, they make for a nutritious and energizing meal.

Dehydrated Vegetables: These are essential for outdoor cooking as they are lightweight and have a long shelf life. Dehydrated vegetables rehydrate quickly in hot water, adding flavor, texture, and nutrients to your meals.

Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil: These ingredients add a deep, savory flavor to the noodle bowls, transforming a simple dish into something special. Soy sauce provides the saltiness and umami, while sesame oil adds richness and a nutty aroma.

Camping and hiking trips offer a unique opportunity to enjoy meals in nature, and with the right recipes, you can make your outdoor culinary experience just as enjoyable as any meal prepared at home. These recipes are designed to be easy, delicious, and portable, ensuring that you can eat well no matter where your adventures take you. Whether you’re making a sweet treat like Monkey Bread or a satisfying meal like Backpacker Noodle Bowls, you’ll appreciate the simplicity and flavor of these outdoor-friendly dishes.