If this summer has you longing for the great outdoors but feeling like you can’t quite get away, why not turn your backyard into a personal campsite? Get creative, add a touch of imagination, and you’ve got the perfect staycation.
Start by pitching a tent – but make sure you’ve turned off your sprinklers first (nothing like a pretend “rainstorm” to ensure your tent is leakproof). Pull out the hammock and your favorite book. Then set up some camping chairs around the firepit. Don’t have a firepit? Use your grill or that handy camp stove for your meal prep. Now sit back, relax and prepare some of our favorite camping recipes.
- Spice-up the traditional grilled cheese sandwich. Grilled cheese is an easy camping meal if you have a pie iron or a camp stove with a pan or griddle top. Make a plain ol’ grilled cheese or try ham and cheese, a Southwest Grilled Cheese Sandwich or this award-winning Laporte-Obello Grilled Cheese Sandwich for a twist on the traditional fan favorite.
- Foil-packet meals make cooking over the campfire a breeze. From Campfire Chili Cheese Fries and Campfire Spinach Dip to Chicken and Black Bean Nachos and Butter Garlic Herb Steak Foil Packets, the silver lining (literally) is that these little packets are also great on the grill or in the oven and leave minimal cleanup.
- Make mac and cheese to please. One of my family’s favorites, and the ultimate comfort food, this ooey, gooey goodness can be heated up in a similar manner to foil-packet meals, except in a disposable tin pan. Try this Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe for Camping at home and then make and take it on your next outdoor adventure!
- Elevate your s’mores game. While traditional marshmallow roasting and chocolate graham cracker sandwiches will always represent the essence of camping, why not take your s’mores to the next level with this make-ahead Easy S’mores Bars Recipe With Marshmallow or these grilled S’mores Banana Boats? Don’t forget the ice-cold milk to go with dessert around the campfire!
After all, the best part about camping is eating around the fire! For more #DairyAmazing inspiration to enjoy this summer, check out our recipes.
