A Guide to the Best Kitchen Camp Set-ups
There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy for your camp kitchen and campsite cooking, but there are a lot of really great ways to get the job done. Creating your system and cooking meals will probably take some trial and error before you figure out the best setup, and there are a few things to take into account before you start cooking. Consider how long you’ll be at the campsite, how many people you need to feed, and the type of meals you want to prepare. Here are three different systems to get you started, along with the benefits to each one. We’ve also included a recipe for each system to kickstart your campsite meals and keep you well fed for any outdoor adventures.
1. Best for Complete Meals on an Easy-To-Use Camping Stovetop
For car campers who like to prepare good-as-at-home meals, the Ignite Stove is the key to your camp kitchen. Flip up the lid, set the stove on a picnic table, and prepare food at your campsite with the ease of a stovetop at home. The stove fits two 10-inch pans, and the Ignite Plus is available for those who want a larger cooking area (it holds two 12-inch pans). This durable, suitcase-style system folds up and transports like a dream. It has two burners with adjustable flame settings for simmering and boiling, allowing you to control the temperature and speed of cooking just like you would at home—but with a much nicer view. Car campers can also snag a foldable Camp Kitchen to make life even easier. This table stows easily in a car or truck, then flips out and locks in place for stability at campsites that don’t come with a picnic table.
Make This: Chicken and Pesto Pasta
Ingredients: Two four-ounce chicken breasts, one package of your favorite pasta, one package sun-dried tomatoes, a pouch of pre-washed baby spinach, and one jar prepared pesto
Make it at camp: Stash two chicken breasts in the coldest part of your cooler. On one burner, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to directions. On the other burner, cook the chicken in a nonstick skillet, adding sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and pesto when chicken is fully cooked through. Warm for a few minutes until the spinach wilts. Mix it all together and enjoy.
2. Best for Versatility
If you want to make a variety of items, the Gonzo Grill should be the centerpiece of your camp kitchen. Make paninis, pancakes, scrambles, or burgers on this do-it-all, cast-iron grill. Multiple surfaces mean you can make pancakes on the griddle side, then flip it over for traditional grilling of steak, chicken, skewers, or whatever else is on the menu. The bottom level can function as support for boiling a pot of water as well, perfect for anyone who wants a truly all-in-one system. The integrated Jetlink system allows you to connect the Gonzo Grill to a larger propane source, so no need to worry about separate fuel canisters. You won’t find a more versatile way of cooking at camp. Bring it up one more notch with a reclining camp chair so you can kick back, enjoy your meal, and look up at the stars.
Make This: Fully Loaded Pancakes
Ingredients: Pancake mix, mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, slivered almonds, or coconut flakes, protein powder (optional),
Make it at camp: Mix up the pancake batter at home or at camp. Set out mix-ins and let each person choose their combination. Fire up the Gonzo Grill, making sure to grease the griddle surface if it isn’t already seasoned. Cook the pancakes like you would at home, adding the mix-ins before the first flip. Add protein powder to the pancake mix if you have a big day planned in the great outdoors. Pro tip: Stash the prepared pancake batter in a squeeze bottle (empty ketchup bottles work well) and squeeze the mixture onto the griddle for no hassle or mess.
3. Hot Water for Everyone in Camp
Can’t go a day without coffee, no matter where you are? Then you need the Camp Cafe, which comes with a kettle, carafe, and pour-over filter—all of which nest together. The kettle is highly efficient and will boil 60 ounces water in just a few minutes—enough to get that caffeine fix for the entire crew before you start your day. It’s not just for coffee either. If you’re feeding yourselves with primarily dehydrated food, this can be a perfect setup. Most dehydrated meals take 1.5-2 cups of water, which can be prepared quickly and efficiently with the Camp Cafe. This setup will also work splendidly for people setting up camp at a frontcountry site.
Make This: Best Ever Campsite Mocha
Ingredients: Two tablespoons cocoa powder, tablespoon powdered creamer, coffee
Make it at camp: Bring along your favorite coffee beans (ground in advance for convenience) and add to your pour-over filter. Boil as much water as you need for 6-8 ounces per person, then pour the hot water over the filter. Once it has drained into the cup, add the cocoa powder and creamer. It’s a perfect way to start the morning.
Written by Matcha for Eureka!.