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Easy Campfire Meals That Don’t Require a Cool Box
- UKSN
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
When you’re out in the wild with your tent pitched, a fire crackling, and the stars above, there’s nothing better than a hearty meal to bring people together. At UKSN, we know how important food is on any outdoor adventure. Whether you’re camping, attending a Charter meet-up, or simply enjoying a weekend bushcraft session with the family, keeping things simple, safe, and satisfying is key.
One of the most common challenges faced by outdoor enthusiasts is food storage, especially when you’re travelling light or staying off-grid without a cool box. But don’t worry – you can still cook delicious, energy-boosting meals with ingredients that don’t need refrigeration.
In this post, we’ll share easy, practical, and tasty campfire meals that are ideal for your next trip – all designed with the UK climate, family needs, and prepper practicality in mind. No cool box required!
Why Avoid the Cool Box?
Cool boxes are bulky, require ice or power to stay effective, and can become impractical during multi-day adventures or when you're aiming for self-sufficiency. For many UKSN members, reducing dependence on refrigeration is a step towards more sustainable and resilient outdoor living.
By planning meals that don’t require chilled ingredients, you reduce weight, avoid food spoilage, and make your campsite set-up more streamlined.
Essentials for No-Cool Box Cooking
Before diving into the recipes, it’s worth having a few basics on hand that will make your meals easier and tastier:
Cooking foil: Great for wrapping and cooking food directly in the embers.
Cast iron pan or Dutch oven: Durable and perfect for even heat distribution over an open flame.
Reusable containers or dry bags: Keep your dry goods organised and protected from moisture.
Oil or ghee in a small bottle: Doesn’t require refrigeration and adds flavour.
Spices and seasonings: A small kit with salt, pepper, garlic granules, paprika, and herbs goes a long way.
Top Easy Campfire Meals That Don’t Require a Cool Box
Here’s our list of easy-to-prepare meals that work brilliantly over a fire and keep well in a rucksack. They’re ideal for family campers, bushcrafters, and Charter members looking for reliable go-to recipes in the field.
Sausage and Veggie Foil Parcels (Using Ambient-Cured Sausages) Ingredients:
Ambient shelf-stable sausages (look for vacuum-packed or tinned varieties)
Tinned potatoes or dried potato flakes
Carrots, onions, and peppers (fresh veg that travel well)
Oil or ghee
Seasoning
Method:
Chop all vegetables into chunks.
Tear off a sheet of foil and add a handful of vegetables, a sausage or two, and a splash of oil.
Season well, wrap tightly, and place on hot embers.
Cook for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally.
Tip: Add a splash of water inside the foil to create steam and prevent burning.
Smoky Bean Stew
Ingredients:
1 tin mixed beans or kidney beans
1 tin chopped tomatoes
Dried onion flakes or a fresh onion
Smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder
A stock cube
Water
Method:
Heat your pan or pot over the fire.
Add a little oil and sauté the onion if using fresh.
Stir in the beans, tomatoes, a cup of water, and your seasonings.
Crumble in the stock cube and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
Optional: Serve with bannock bread (see recipe below).
Flatbread on a Stick (Bannock-Style)
Ingredients:
2 cups plain flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
A splash of oil or dry milk powder (optional)
Enough water to make a firm dough
Method:
Mix the dry ingredients and slowly add water to form a dough.
Knead lightly and divide into small balls.
Flatten each ball into a sausage shape and wrap around a clean, thick stick.
Hold over the fire, turning slowly, until golden brown.
Great with: Soups, stews, or as a snack with honey or jam.
Tinned Fish Couscous Bowl
Ingredients:
1 cup couscous
1 tin sardines or mackerel in oil/tomato sauce
Boiling water
Mixed herbs or chilli flakes (optional)
Method:
Pour couscous into a bowl or mess tin.
Add boiling water to just cover and stir once.
Cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
Fluff with a fork and stir in the tinned fish.
Season to taste.
Tip: Couscous is lightweight and cooks with minimal fuel – perfect for prepping.
Oatcake Pizza Snacks
Ingredients:
Scottish oatcakes (hardy and shelf-stable)
Tomato puree sachet or sun-dried tomato paste
Tinned mushrooms, olives, or any veg
Hard cheese that doesn’t require refrigeration (like wax-covered mini cheddars)
Method:
Spread tomato puree on oatcakes.
Top with your chosen ingredients and grated or sliced cheese.
Place on a flat rock or pan over the fire until warmed through and cheese softens.
A fun meal for kids to assemble!
Stuffed Baked Potatoes (No Foil Needed)
Ingredients:
Whole potatoes (take ones with firm skin)
Tinned beans or curry
Optional: powdered cheese sauce or packet soup mix
Method:
Bury potatoes in the embers of your fire.
Let cook for 40–60 minutes, turning occasionally.
Once soft inside, split open and top with tinned fillings.
No need for foil if you don’t mind a smoky, crisped skin.
Instant Noodle Upgrade
Ingredients:
Instant noodles (any flavour)
Dried mushrooms or seaweed
A boiled egg (if pre-cooked at home) or jerky strips
Soy sauce or hot sauce sachets
Method:
Boil water in a pot.
Add noodles and any extras.
Let cook for 3–5 minutes.
Add protein and nutrients easily to a classic camp favourite.
Trail Mix Porridge
Ingredients:
Rolled oats
Powdered milk or plant-based milk powder
Dried fruit (raisins, banana chips, chopped apricots)
A spoonful of honey or brown sugar
Method:
Combine all dry ingredients in a container.
Add boiling water and stir well.
Cover and let sit for 5–10 minutes.
A warm, energy-packed breakfast that sets you up for the day.
Pro Tips for No-Fridge Camp Cooking
Rotate your stores: Choose tinned and dried foods with a long shelf life, and regularly cycle them in your home pantry to stay prepared.
Check the weather: Warm conditions can spoil even stable foods if left in direct sunlight. Use shaded areas or bury items for natural cooling.
Prep at home: Pre-mix dry ingredients and store in labelled zip bags for quick access at camp.
Hydration first: Choose meals that maximise water use – rehydrated stews and soups are nourishing and save pack space.
Charter Ready, Family Friendly
One of the best parts of being a UKSN member is sharing knowledge and meals around the campfire. These recipes are ideal for Charter gatherings, wild weekends, or solo trips. They’re designed to be nutritious, low waste, and adaptable for kids and adults alike.
For families, it’s a brilliant opportunity to get kids involved in campfire cooking. Let them help shape the bannock, wrap the foil parcels, or assemble oatcake pizzas. It builds confidence, creativity, and appreciation for the simplicity of outdoor life.
Final Thought
Great meals don’t need fridges, gadgets, or endless ingredients. With a little planning and the right approach, you can enjoy wholesome, warm food that lifts the spirit and feeds the body – even in the heart of the forest.
At UKSN, we believe self-sufficiency and community go hand in hand. So next time you gather around a fire, whether it’s at a Charter event or a solo overnight in the woods, remember that the best meals are the ones shared with good people and made with simple ingredients.
Stay safe, eat well, and see you at the next campfire.
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