Easy outdoor recipes that taste great

Whether it’s a weekend in the woods, a weeklong backpacking trek or an overnight hike, outdoor cooking can be simple, satisfying — and surprisingly gourmet with the right recipes and equipment. In 2025, outdoor kitchen gear has evolved, from lightweight backpacking stoves to rugged cooksets that make preparing meals under the open sky almost as easy as in your own kitchen.

Here’s how to elevate back-to-basics meals on the trail without fuss.

Gear That Makes Cooking Outdoors Easier

Great meals start with great tools. For fast hydration and boiling, the MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove remains a backpacking favorite. It’s ultralight (about 2.6 ounces), boils water quickly and fits in the smallest day pack. For slightly more control — including simmering — the Jetboil MiniMo Cooking System combines power and convenience, letting cooks boil water and prepare sauces or stews in a compact, efficient package.

Campers who want a full kitchen setup should consider the Coleman Cascade 3‑in‑1 Camping Stove. Its multiple cooking surfaces let you fry, sauté and grill, making everything from breakfast burritos to camp-fire fajitas possible. Meanwhile, the Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo offers a cost-effective all-in-one kit ideal for smaller groups or beginner outdoor cooks.

Cookware matters too. A reliable pot like the MSR Alpine Stowaway Pot or lightweight titanium set like the Snow Peak Trek 1400 Titanium Cookset brings versatility without adding extra weight. For those cooking for groups, a more substantial option like the GSI Glacier Stainless Base Camper offers multiple pot sizes for meals big and small. Don’t forget utensils and accessories: tools such as the OXO Outdoor 4‑Piece Camp Stove Cooking Set make stirring, flipping and serving far easier.

Breakfast Made Simple

Mornings are minimal outdoors, and breakfast should be too. A classic, no-frills start is instant oatmeal — just add boiling water from your stove. For more protein, cook scrambled eggs with pre-chopped veggies in a shallow pan, like a Foldable Titanium Frying / Baking Pan, over low heat. Season with salt and pepper, or add cheese for extra flavor.

Another easy breakfast is breakfast burritos. At home, pre-assemble tortillas with scrambled eggs, cheese, beans, and spices. Wrap them in foil and heat them on your camp stove in the morning. Minimal prep, minimal cleanup.

One-Pot Lunches on the Trail

For lunches on hikes or at camp, one-pot meals are trail favorites. Pour instant couscous into a bowl with dried vegetables, olive oil and hot water; let stand five minutes, then fluff and eat. Couscous is lightweight and brings energy to your midday break.

Another easy option is tuna or chicken wraps. Keep pouch tuna or chicken, tortillas, and condiment packets on hand. Mix tuna with mayo or mustard, add seasonings and vegetables, and wrap for a hearty on-trail lunch.

Camp-Fire Dinners That Impress

Dinners can be just as easy — and more delicious than freeze dried meals. Foil packet meals are a go-to solution: combine bite-sized potatoes, carrots, sliced sausage, olive oil and seasoning in a foil packet and cook over coals or a grill surface. The result is a flavorful, mess-free entrée that requires just one piece of foil and minimal cleanup.

On cooler nights, a hearty chili is hard to beat. At home, cook ground meat, beans, corn, diced tomatoes and chili seasoning in a pot. Freeze or refrigerate and reheat over your camp stove. Serve with tortillas or crackers for a filling meal. Backpackers on lighter trips can make a quick bean chili with canned or rehydrated beans and taco seasoning.

Snacks and Sweet Finishes

No outdoor menu is complete without snacks. Trail mix, nuts, dried fruit and energy bars are easy to pack. For a sweet camping treat, try banana boats: slice a banana lengthwise, fill with chocolate chunks and marshmallows, wrap in foil, and heat until gooey.

Tips for Outdoor Cooking Success

Plan meals ahead and pack ingredients smartly — pre-chop veggies, pre-mix seasonings and use ingredients that don’t spoil easily. If cooking on a campfire, make sure coals are hot and stable before placing cookware atop. Boil water safely before adding to meals, especially for instant foods.

With the right gear and simple recipes, cooking outdoors doesn’t have to be a chore. From quick breakfasts to satisfying dinners, eating under the open sky can be one of the highlights of any adventure.