... Read moreOkay, so I absolutely adore making special breakfasts, and while my fiancé usually gets spoiled at home, I've been experimenting with taking those gourmet vibes to our camping trips! When we're out in nature, there's nothing quite like waking up to the smell of a delicious breakfast cooking over the campfire or on our portable stove. It makes the whole experience feel so much more luxurious, even if we're just in a tent.
One of my go-to's that I've adapted from my home kitchen is French toast. You might think Fruity Pebbles French Toast is too fancy for camping, but hear me out! The key is prep. I usually mix the egg batter (eggs, milk, a dash of vanilla, maybe a little cinnamon) at home and pour it into a sealed container or even a Ziploc bag for easy transport. Then, when we're at the campsite, I just dip the bread slices (sturdy bread like challah or brioche works best) into the mixture. If I'm feeling extra, I'll even crush some Fruity Pebbles cereal at home and bring them in a separate bag to sprinkle on top after cooking, or even before if I want them cooked into the crust. A cast-iron skillet over the fire or a griddle on a camp stove makes perfectly golden French toast.
And what goes better with French toast than a side of cheesy scrambled eggs? These are a camping staple for a reason – they're quick, filling, and so comforting. I crack my eggs into a container at home, whisk them lightly, and add a pinch of salt and pepper. For the "cheesy" part, I'll often pre-shred some cheddar or Monterey Jack and keep it in a small, insulated bag. When it’s cooking time, just pour the egg mixture into a hot, greased pan. As they start to set, stir gently, and then sprinkle in that cheese for a melty, delicious finish. It’s a simple upgrade that makes a big difference.
Crispy hashbrowns are another fantastic addition that brings a diner-style feel to our outdoor feast. You can buy frozen shredded hashbrowns or even shred your own potatoes at home and store them in water with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Drain them well before cooking. A hot skillet with a good amount of oil or butter is essential for getting that golden, crispy exterior. I love adding a bit of onion powder or garlic powder for extra flavor.
And you can't forget the spicy sausage! This is super easy for camping. Just cook it in a pan alongside your eggs or hashbrowns. If you want to elevate it, try pre-cooking the sausage at home and just reheating it at the campsite, or bringing pre-seasoned sausage patties. A little kick of spice is a great way to wake up your taste buds in the morning.
For that "cream cheese sweet cream" mentioned in my other recipes, while it might be a bit much for a rugged camping trip, for a "glamping" experience or if you have good cooler access, you could definitely bring a small container of it for drizzling over the French toast. Or, a simpler camping hack is to bring whipped cream in a can or just some maple syrup!
Remember, preparation is key for a stress-free camping breakfast. Do as much chopping, mixing, and measuring at home as possible. Pack all your ingredients in sturdy, leak-proof containers. And don't forget the coffee! A good cup of joe with a gourmet camping breakfast makes for the perfect start to any outdoor adventure.