Camping is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy simple, delicious meals with friends and family. One of the easiest, mess-free ways to prepare camping meals is with foil packet cooking. Whether you’re grilling over a campfire or using a portable stove, foil packets allow you to cook a variety of meals with minimal effort and cleanup.
What makes foil packet cooking so appealing is its versatility: from veggies to meat, you can make virtually any meal in a foil packet. Everything cooks together, allowing the flavors to meld into a delicious, one-pan feast. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep—just prepare your ingredients ahead of time and seal them in foil, ready to cook whenever you’re hungry!
Here are 5 foil packet recipes that are guaranteed to satisfy everyone—from vegetable lovers to meat enthusiasts.
1. Campfire Veggie Medley Foil Packets
For those who prefer plant-based meals or want to enjoy a healthy side dish, these Campfire Veggie Medley Foil Packets are a must-try. This recipe allows you to combine a mix of fresh vegetables for a savory, flavorful dish that’s both light and satisfying. Perfect for vegetarians or as a side to complement your grilled meats.
Ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
Instructions:
- Toss the diced potatoes and vegetables in olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and fresh herbs.
- Place the veggie mixture in the center of a large piece of foil and seal the edges to form a packet.
- Cook over medium heat on the campfire or grill for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are tender.
Tip: Add a sprinkle of cheese in the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy, gooey veggie dish.
2. BBQ Chicken and Veggie Foil Packets
Nothing says “camping” like BBQ, and these BBQ Chicken and Veggie Foil Packets are the ultimate way to enjoy a flavorful, hassle-free meal outdoors. The chicken cooks tender and juicy while absorbing all the smokey, sweet flavors of BBQ sauce. Add some veggies, and you have a complete, balanced meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Drizzle with BBQ sauce and toss the veggies in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Lay the chicken breasts in the center of a large piece of foil, and surround them with the veggies.
- Fold the foil into a packet, sealing it tightly.
- Cook over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the veggies are tender.
Tip: You can also add corn on the cob wrapped in foil for a complete BBQ meal!
3. Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus
If you’re craving something light, flavorful, and incredibly easy, this Garlic Butter Shrimp and Asparagus foil packet recipe is perfect. The shrimp cooks perfectly in a bath of garlicky butter, while the asparagus stays crisp and tender. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Toss the shrimp and asparagus in melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Place the shrimp and asparagus on a large sheet of foil, then top with lemon slices.
- Seal the foil tightly and cook over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve!
Tip: Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese just before sealing for a little extra flavor.
4. Steak and Potatoes Foil Packets
For meat lovers, Steak and Potatoes Foil Packets are a camping classic. This hearty meal combines tender steak with crispy potatoes, making it the perfect option for a satisfying dinner under the stars. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite seasonings and veggies.
Ingredients:
- 2 small steaks (sirloin, ribeye, or your choice)
- 2 medium potatoes, sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Season the steaks with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Toss the sliced potatoes in olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Lay the steak in the center of a large piece of foil and surround it with the seasoned potatoes.
- Seal the foil packet and cook over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you’d like cheese, sprinkle it on top in the last few minutes of cooking.
Tip: For extra flavor, add a dollop of butter to the steak before sealing the foil.
5. Campfire Breakfast Sausage and Eggs Packets
Start your day with a hearty breakfast that’s easy to cook and clean up with these Campfire Breakfast Sausage and Eggs Packets. This breakfast recipe combines breakfast sausage, crispy potatoes, and eggs, all cooked together in a foil packet for a filling morning meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 breakfast sausage links, cut into chunks
- 2 small potatoes, diced
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs like chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Toss the diced potatoes and sausage in a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Lay the sausage and potatoes in the center of a large piece of foil and seal into a packet.
- Cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and sausage is cooked through.
- Crack the eggs into the packet, being careful not to break the yolks. Seal the foil and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the eggs are cooked to your liking.
- Sprinkle with cheese (if using) and fresh herbs before serving.