Delicious Camping Meals to Share with Friends

Camping isn’t just about connecting with nature; it’s also about sharing good food with great company. When you’re out in the wild with friends, there’s no better way to enhance the experience than with hearty, delicious meals. This summer, our neighborhood group from New Town at Saint Charles went on a camping trip, and we made sure to bring along some mouthwatering meals that kept us fueled for outdoor adventures.

Here are three of our favorite camping meals that are perfect for a group setting: Steak and Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Biscuits and Gravy, and Sourdough Toast with Ricotta and Tomato. These dishes are simple to prepare, incredibly satisfying, and full of flavor.

1. Steak and Mashed Sweet Potatoes

There’s something about grilling steak over a campfire that takes the meal to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a newbie, this dish will become your go-to for any camping trip.

Ingredients:

• Ribeye or sirloin steaks (enough for everyone)

• Olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning

• Fresh rosemary (optional)

• Sweet potatoes (peeled and diced)

• Butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the mashed potatoes

Directions:

1. Prepare the Steaks: Season your steaks with olive oil, salt, and pepper. If you have fresh rosemary, it adds a fragrant touch – simply rub it on the steak before grilling. Grill over an open flame or cook on a portable grill until the desired doneness is reached.

2. Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Boil the diced sweet potatoes until tender. Drain, then mash with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon for a lovely, comforting side dish that pairs perfectly with the steak. This will bring warmth and flavor to your meal, and your friends will love the rich, creamy texture.

Pro Tip: The key to great campfire steak is letting it rest for a few minutes after cooking so it retains its juices.

2. Biscuits and Gravy

This classic breakfast dish is a must-have for any camping trip, especially when you’re starting the day with a hearty meal. Biscuits and gravy are simple, comforting, and sure to please the crowd.  Our friend Tim creates this breakfast for us and it is so delicious!  This isn't Tim's recipe, but this is the one we use when we are camping with just the two of us.

Ingredients:

• Pre-made biscuit dough (or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous!)

• Breakfast sausage

• Milk, flour, and butter

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook the Sausage: Brown your sausage over the campfire in a large skillet. Once cooked, remove the sausage and set it aside.

2. Make the Gravy: In the same skillet, melt butter, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens. Add the cooked sausage back in and season with salt and pepper.

3. Bake the Biscuits: Bake your biscuits on a grill or in a Dutch oven until golden brown. Serve with the creamy sausage gravy poured over the top.

Pro Tip: To make things easier, prep the biscuit dough at home and just bake it over the fire. This will save time and make clean-up a breeze.

3. Sourdough Toast with Ricotta and Tomato

For a lighter, more refreshing camping meal, this sourdough toast with ricotta and tomato is a perfect option for lunch or a snack around the campfire.

Ingredients:

• Sourdough bread slices

• Fresh ricotta cheese

• Ripe tomatoes (sliced)

• Fresh basil (optional)

• Olive oil, salt, and pepper for seasoning

Directions:

1. Toast the Bread: Toast the sourdough slices over the fire until they’re golden and crispy.

2. Prepare the Topping: Spread a generous layer of fresh ricotta on each slice of toast. Top with tomato slices, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Add some fresh basil if you’ve got it on hand.

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling extra adventurous, drizzle some balsamic vinegar over the top for a sweet and tangy kick.

Conclusion

Camping meals don’t have to be bland or difficult to prepare. With a little planning, you can enjoy delicious, comforting dishes that make your outdoor experience even more memorable. Our camping trip with friends from New Town at Saint Charles was a perfect opportunity to share these meals, connect, and create lasting memories. If you’re heading out on your own camping adventure, try these meals and make your trip even more delicious!