When it comes to camping, the more you prep ahead, the more time you get to kick back and enjoy the great outdoors. I’ve picked up a few habits over the years that make my trips smoother, tastier, and a whole lot less stressful. Here's how I get my kitchen (and cooler) ready for the road:
1. Par-Cook Breakfast Meats (Goodbye Grease, Hello Convenience)
Partially cook sausage and bacon (about 2/3 done) before your trip. It speeds up breakfast and reduces greasy messes or flare-ups on your camp griddle or grill. Pro tip: Bake them in the oven on a parchment-lined cookie sheet for minimal cleanup. Let them cool, layer with paper towels in a quart-size Ziplock, and freeze flat.
2. Save That Bacon Grease (Trust Me on This)
No cholesterol worries? Save some bacon fat for the ultimate home fries. Toss it in with a sprinkle of seasoning - pure gold in a pan.
3. Prep Home Fries Like a Pro
Peel, dice, and parboil your potatoes just until fork-tender. Spread them out to cool on a cookie sheet, refrigerate for 15 minutes, then bag them up (flat!) and keep cold. You’ll thank yourself at breakfast.
4. Don’t Forget the Onions
Dice a cup of white onions while you're at it. Seal them in a Ziplock, keep them cold, and boom—one less thing to chop at camp.
5. Freeze Pancake Batter (Yes, Really)
Mix up your favorite batter ahead of time, chill it, and then freeze it flat. Bonus: Use it as an ice pack in your cooler. It’ll thaw slowly and help keep your drinks cold. Pancakes and cold beer? Win-win.
6. Pre-Season and Freeze Your Burgers
Mix up your fresh hamburger meat and form it into 4–5 oz patties, and layer (4 per layer) in Ziplocks with plastic wrap in between. Freeze flat, then tuck them into a plastic grocery bag for transport to avoid any cross-contamination in your cooler.
7. Don’t Skip the Steak Tips
My wife trims and cubes Beef Flap Sirloin into perfect 1.5" chunks, gives them a good tenderizing with the meat hammer, and marinates them. Flatten in a Ziplock, press out the air, and freeze. Marinated, tender steak tips over a fire? Yes, please.
8. Why Flat is the Way to Go
Flattening everything in bags saves space, speeds up thawing, and makes it easier to grab what you need without defrosting everything. Trust me—it’s a game-changer.
Ready to Up Your Camp Cooking Game?
I love a trip where the hard work is done before you even hit the road. Prep now, relax later—and spend more time enjoying that fire with family and friends.
If you’re curious about Uncle Bernie’s Magic Recipes—for home fries, pancakes, marinades, burger blends, and more—I’ve got you covered. Stay updated, because soon I’ll whip up a whole blog dedicated to Easy DIY Camping Recipes + Kitchen Essentials for Your RV. It's as easy as hanging out by the campfire!