Camping trips are always fun and exciting, but the meals you eat can make or break your outdoor experience. When it comes to side dishes, it’s essential to have something that everyone can enjoy.
So, whether you’re traveling with kids, friends, or family, these 60 camping side dishes are sure to be a hit.
Camping Kid-Friendly Grilled Side Dishes
Grilling is an excellent way to cook your side dishes when you’re camping. Not only does it add a unique flavor, but it’s also a quick and easy cooking method. Here are some grilled side dishes that everyone will love:
- Grilled corn on the cob with butter and herbs: Corn on the cob is a classic camping side dish that everyone loves. To make it even more delicious, grill it with butter and your favorite herbs. Simply brush the corn with melted butter and sprinkle with herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme before grilling.
- Grilled zucchini with parmesan cheese: Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be grilled to perfection. Cut the zucchini into thick slices, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese before grilling. This side dish is easy to make and full of flavor.
- Grilled eggplant with balsamic glaze: Grilled eggplant is a delicious and healthy side dish that’s perfect for camping. Simply cut the eggplant into thick slices, brush with olive oil, and grill until tender. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
- Grilled pineapple with honey and cinnamon: Grilled pineapple is a sweet and tangy side dish that’s perfect for camping. Cut the pineapple into thick slices, brush with honey, and sprinkle with cinnamon before grilling. This side dish is easy to make and pairs well with grilled meat or fish.
- Grilled sweet potato wedges with paprika: Sweet potato wedges are a hearty and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for camping. Cut the sweet potatoes into wedges, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with paprika before grilling. This side dish is easy to make and packed with nutrients.
Camping Kid-Friendly Salads
Salads are perfect for camping because they’re refreshing, easy to make, and healthy. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some veggies for picky eaters. Here are some salad ideas for your next camping trip:
- Classic Caesar salad: Caesar salad is a classic that everyone loves. Simply toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, croutons, and parmesan cheese. For an extra protein boost, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Greek salad with feta cheese and olives: Greek salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for camping. Simply toss chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and olives with feta cheese and a lemon vinaigrette. This side dish pairs well with grilled meat or fish.
- Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil: Caprese salad is a simple and delicious side dish that’s perfect for camping. Simply slice fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, and layer them with fresh basil. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze before serving.
- Broccoli salad with bacon and cheese: Broccoli salad is a hearty and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for camping. Simply toss broccoli florets with bacon, cheddar cheese, and a creamy dressing. This side dish can be made ahead of time and pairs well with grilled meat or fish.
- Potato salad with hard-boiled eggs and bacon bits: Potato salad is a classic camping side dish that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Simply boil potatoes until tender, and then mix with chopped hard-boiled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and a creamy dressing. This side dish is perfect for picnics and BBQs.
Camping Kid-Friendly Pasta Dishes
Pasta dishes are a great option for camping because they’re filling and easy to make. Plus, there are so many different variations to choose from. Here are some pasta dish ideas for your next camping trip:
- Spaghetti with meat sauce: Spaghetti with meat sauce is a classic pasta dish that everyone loves. Simply cook spaghetti noodles and top with your favorite meat sauce. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a hearty meal.
- Pesto pasta salad: Pesto pasta salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for camping. Simply cook your favorite pasta and mix with pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella cheese. This side dish can be made ahead of time and is perfect for a picnic or BBQ.
- Mac and cheese with bacon bits: Mac and cheese is a comfort food favorite that’s perfect for camping. Simply cook macaroni noodles and mix with a creamy cheese sauce and crispy bacon bits. This dish is easy to make and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Lemon garlic shrimp pasta: Lemon garlic shrimp pasta is a light and flavorful dish that’s perfect for camping. Simply cook your favorite pasta and toss with sautéed shrimp, garlic, and lemon juice. This dish is easy to make and perfect for a summer evening meal.
- Lasagna with meat and veggies: Lasagna is a hearty and filling pasta dish that’s perfect for camping. Simply layer lasagna noodles with your favorite meat sauce, vegetables, and cheese. This dish can be made ahead of time and is perfect for a crowd.
Camping Kid-Friendly Rice Dishes
Rice dishes are a great option for camping because they’re filling, easy to make, and can be cooked in one pot. Here are some rice dish ideas for your next camping trip:
- Fried rice with veggies and eggs: Fried rice is a tasty and filling dish that’s perfect for camping. Simply cook rice and mix with sautéed vegetables, scrambled eggs, and soy sauce. This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated over the fire.
- Spanish rice with chicken: Spanish rice with chicken is a flavorful and filling dish that’s perfect for camping. Simply cook rice with diced tomatoes, onions, and chicken broth. Add diced chicken and seasonings like cumin and chili powder for extra flavor.
- Coconut rice with pineapple: Coconut rice with pineapple is a sweet and tangy dish that’s perfect for camping. Simply cook rice with coconut milk and add diced pineapple before serving. This side dish pairs well with grilled meat or fish.
- Jambalaya with sausage and shrimp: Jambalaya is a hearty and flavorful rice dish that’s perfect for camping. Simply cook rice with sausage, shrimp, and a variety of vegetables and seasonings. This dish can be made in one pot and is perfect for a crowd.
- Risotto with mushrooms and parmesan cheese: Risotto is a creamy and flavorful rice dish that’s perfect for camping. Simply cook Arborio rice with sautéed mushrooms, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese. This dish takes a bit more effort to make but is worth it for the delicious flavor.
Camping Kid-Friendly Skewers and Kabobs
Skewers and kabobs are perfect for camping because they’re easy to prepare and cook over an open flame. Here are some skewer and kabob ideas for your next camping trip:
- Chicken and vegetable skewers: Chicken and vegetable skewers are a classic camping dish that’s easy to make and always a hit. Simply skewer cubed chicken breast, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions and grill over an open flame. Brush with your favorite marinade for extra flavor.
- Shrimp and pineapple skewers: Shrimp and pineapple skewers are a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for camping. Simply skewer large shrimp and pineapple chunks and grill over an open flame. Brush with teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.
- Steak and mushroom kabobs: Steak and mushroom kabobs are a hearty and filling dish that’s perfect for camping. Simply skewer cubed steak and mushrooms and grill over an open flame. Brush with your favorite marinade for extra flavor.
- Vegetable kabobs with tzatziki sauce: Vegetable kabobs with tzatziki sauce are a refreshing and healthy dish that’s perfect for camping. Simply skewer your favorite vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers and grill over an open flame. Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.
- Fruit skewers with honey and cinnamon: Fruit skewers with honey and cinnamon are a sweet and healthy dessert that’s perfect for camping. Simply skewer your favorite fruits like strawberries, pineapple, and kiwi and grill over an open flame. Brush with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon before serving.
Camping Kid-Friendly S’mores Variations
No camping trip is complete without s’mores! While the classic s’mores recipe is always a hit, here are some fun variations to try:
- Peanut butter cup s’mores: Peanut butter cup s’mores are a delicious twist on the classic recipe. Simply replace the traditional chocolate bar with a peanut butter cup and enjoy!
- Nutella s’mores: Nutella s’mores are a tasty and indulgent variation on the classic recipe. Simply replace the traditional chocolate bar with a spoonful of Nutella and enjoy!
- S’mores dip: S’mores dip is a fun and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors without the mess. Simply melt chocolate chips and marshmallows in a cast iron skillet over the fire and use graham crackers for dipping.
- S’mores nachos: S’mores nachos are a fun and shareable way to enjoy the classic flavors. Simply layer graham crackers, chocolate chips, and marshmallows in a cast iron skillet and bake over the fire until melted and gooey.
- S’mores ice cream sandwich: S’mores ice cream sandwiches are a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy the classic flavors. Simply sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two graham crackers and top with a toasted marshmallow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make these dishes ahead of time?
Yes, many of these dishes can be made ahead of time and stored in airtight containers or zip-top bags. Just be sure to keep them in a cooler with plenty of ice until ready to serve.
Q: Can I cook these dishes over a campfire?
Absolutely! Many of these dishes can be cooked over an open flame using a grill or cast iron skillet.
Q: What if I don’t have access to a grill or campfire?
Many of these dishes can be adapted for cooking on a portable camping stove or even a hot plate. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.
Q: Are these dishes kid-friendly?
Yes, all of these dishes are kid-friendly and loved by adults as well.
Q: What if I have dietary restrictions?
Many of these dishes can be adapted to accommodate dietary restrictions like gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan. Just be sure to check the ingredient list and make any necessary substitutions.
In conclusion, camping side dishes don’t have to be boring or difficult to prepare. With these 60 kid-friendly but loved-by-adults camping side dish ideas, you’ll have plenty of delicious and easy options to choose from for your next camping trip.
Whether you’re grilling up some burgers or roasting hot dogs over the campfire, these sides are sure to make your camping experience a memorable one. So, grab your camping gear and get ready to enjoy some delicious food in the great outdoors!
Remember to always practice fire safety when cooking over an open flame, and be sure to pack plenty of extra ingredients in case of unexpected camping guests. Happy camping!