Camp Cooking, Camping

Campfire Lunch Ideas: Foil-Pack Meals

Campfire cooking can turn a simple lunch into an adventurous meal, especially with the ease and versatility of foil-pack cooking. These meals require minimal equipment, cook evenly over coals, and are perfect for camping, hiking, or any outdoor activity. Here’s how to make some delicious, easy-to-prepare foil-pack lunches that will enhance your outdoor experience.

Why Foil-Pack Meals?

  • Convenience: No pots, pans, or a lot of cleanup; just foil and heat.
  • Even Cooking: Foil packets distribute heat evenly, ensuring that all ingredients cook at the same rate.
  • Flavor Infusion: Wrapping food in foil helps lock in flavors, steaming them together for a burst of taste.

Foil-Pack Campfire Lunch Recipes

1. Classic Ham and Cheese Melt Foil Pack

Ingredients (per serving):

  • 1 hoagie roll or sandwich bun
  • 4 slices deli ham
  • 2 slices cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp mustard or mayonnaise (optional)
  • 1 tsp honey (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Slice the hoagie roll and spread butter on both sides.
  2. Layer ham, cheese, and optional condiments inside the roll.
  3. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil.
  4. Place the foil pack over campfire coals for 5–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  5. Open carefully and enjoy a hot, melty sandwich.

2. Campfire Chicken Fajitas

Ingredients (per serving):

  • 1/2 chicken breast, sliced
  • 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1/4 onion, sliced
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small tortilla (for serving)
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Combine chicken, bell pepper, onion, olive oil, and spices in a foil packet.
  2. Seal tightly and place over campfire coals for 10–15 minutes, flipping occasionally.
  3. Open carefully and serve with a tortilla and fresh lime wedges.

3. Sausage and Potato Hash

Ingredients (per serving):

  • 1 smoked sausage, sliced
  • 1 small potato, diced
  • 1/4 cup bell peppers, diced
  • 1/4 cup onion, diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a foil packet and toss to coat with olive oil and seasonings.
  2. Seal the packet tightly and cook over campfire coals for 20–25 minutes, flipping occasionally.
  3. Open carefully and serve hot.

4. Lemon Garlic Chicken and Veggies

Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 2 lemons, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups baby potatoes, quartered
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 zucchini, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prep: If you have whole potatoes, quarter them. Slice all other veggies and lemons.
  2. Season: In a bowl, toss chicken and vegetables with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. Assemble: Divide the mixture among four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Top each with lemon slices.
  4. Seal: Fold the foil over the ingredients, sealing tightly to keep the steam in.
  5. Cook: Place packets on hot coals or a grill for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Serve: Open carefully to avoid steam burns, garnish with fresh herbs.

5. BBQ Beef and Sweet Potato Foil Packs

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef strips or ground beef
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: jalapeño for spice

Instructions:

  1. Prep: Dice sweet potatoes, slice onions, and prepare beef.
  2. Mix: Combine all ingredients except BBQ sauce in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Assemble: Distribute the mixture into foil packets, drizzle with BBQ sauce.
  4. Seal: Fold and seal the packets well.
  5. Cook: Place on coals for about 25-30 minutes, turning once, until beef is cooked and veggies are tender.
  6. Serve: Open packets, stir contents to mix flavors, and enjoy.

6. Shrimp Boil Foil Packs

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 ears of corn, cut into rounds
  • 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, sliced
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • Old Bay seasoning or similar seafood seasoning
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prep: Halve potatoes, slice corn, and prepare shrimp.
  2. Season: Toss potatoes, corn, and shrimp with seasoning.
  3. Assemble: Divide into four foil packets, adding slices of butter and lemon to each.
  4. Seal: Close the packets securely.
  5. Cook: Cook over coals for 15-20 minutes or until shrimp are pink and potatoes are tender.
  6. Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Final Thoughts

Foil-pack campfire lunches are a convenient and delicious way to enjoy a meal in the great outdoors. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, these meals let you focus on your adventure while still enjoying a hot and satisfying lunch. Looking for more outdoor meal ideas? Check out our campfire cooking guide and meal planning tips for your next trip!