Camp Cooking, Camping

High-Protein Campfire Breakfast Ideas for Your Next Adventure

Starting your day with a protein-packed breakfast is essential, especially during camping trips where energy demands are high. Preparing nutritious meals over a campfire can be both enjoyable and straightforward. Here are five high-protein breakfast recipes designed for the great outdoors, complete with ingredient lists and measurements.

1. Campfire Skillet Breakfast

Ingredients:

  • ½ pound sliced bacon
  • 4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • ½ onion, chopped (optional)
  • 6 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook Bacon: In a cast-iron skillet over campfire coals, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
  2. Sauté Vegetables: Add potatoes (and onion, if using) to the skillet. Cook until potatoes are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Crumble the cooked bacon back into the skillet. Pour in beaten eggs, stirring gently until set.
  4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle with cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt before serving.

This hearty meal combines protein from eggs and bacon with the energy-boosting carbohydrates of potatoes, making it perfect for an active day ahead.

2. Salmon Scramble

Ingredients:

  • 1 pouch (3 oz) smoked salmon
  • ¼ cup powdered eggs
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • Dried dill to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Eggs: In a bowl, mix powdered eggs with water until well combined.
  2. Heat Skillet: Melt coconut oil in a skillet over the campfire.
  3. Cook Eggs: Pour egg mixture into the skillet, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add Salmon: Once eggs begin to set, add smoked salmon, dill, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until eggs are fully cooked.

This dish offers a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for muscle recovery and overall health.

3. Breakfast Burritos

Ingredients:

  • 4 flour tortillas (6-8 inches)
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¼ cup couscous
  • ⅓ cup diced SPAM or pre-cooked bacon
  • 2 cheddar cheese sticks
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Cook couscous according to package instructions.
  2. Cook Meat: In a skillet, cook diced SPAM or bacon until browned.
  3. Scramble Eggs: Add beaten eggs to the skillet, stirring until partially set.
  4. Combine: Mix in cooked couscous and continue cooking until eggs are fully set.
  5. Assemble Burritos: Place the mixture onto tortillas, add cheese sticks, and roll up. Wrap in foil for easy reheating over the campfire.

These burritos are convenient and customizable, providing a balanced mix of protein and carbohydrates.

4. Breakfast in a Bag

Ingredients:

  • 12 large eggs
  • 1 pound bacon
  • Shredded cheese (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 paper lunch bags

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Bags: Line the bottom of each paper bag with bacon slices.
  2. Add Eggs: Crack 3 eggs into each bag over the bacon. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Cook: Fold the top of the bag to seal and cook over campfire coals for about 20 minutes, ensuring the bag doesn’t catch fire.
  4. Add Cheese: If desired, sprinkle cheese into the bag during the last few minutes of cooking.

This method offers a fun, mess-free way to enjoy a protein-rich breakfast.

5. High-Protein Pumpkin Pancakes

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup cottage cheese
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice
  • Cooking oil or butter for the skillet

Instructions:

  1. Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth.
  2. Heat Skillet: Grease a skillet with oil or butter and place over campfire heat.
  3. Cook Pancakes: Pour batter onto the skillet, cooking until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and cook until golden brown.

These pancakes are not only delicious but also packed with protein to keep you energized.

Incorporating these high-protein breakfasts into your camping menu will ensure you start each day fueled and ready for adventure. Enjoy the process of cooking over the campfire and savor the hearty flavors of these nutritious meals.