Recipes

Our staff and writers share their favorite backcountry eats.

Get the flavor of pizza on the trail with a fraction of the effort.

Leaving a cozy sleeping bag takes its own brand of liquid courage. Find the brew style that suits you best, and use these recipes to serve it with a flourish.

Sorry, pasta and rice: Potatoes are the best comfort food. How, you ask? Let us count the ways. They’re packable, versatile, and nutritious. You can cook them in actual fire and use them for any meal. Going light? Bring instant flakes. Basecamping? Treat yourself to the real thing. No matter your style, the potato is right for you.

Skip the spendy pet treats and make your own. But careful: You might end up eating them yourself.

You’re an adult: Eat like one. Upgrade your mac and cheese by swapping fluorescent powder for old-world flavors, veggies, and spices.

Tasty, fast, easy: What makes tacos great at home also makes them great on a backpacking trip.

We can't promise that they're all good. But these five trail cocktails are all memorable.

Got a camp full of hangry hikers? After years of leading teens, BACKPACKER staffers, and his own family, Editor-in-chief Dennis Lewon has fed more than his share. Here are his favorite easy-prep appetizers.

Upgrade a cold campout with a recipe that warms the insides.

How do you turn cheap packages of instant noodles into priceless backpacking meals? Step 1: Throw away the seasoning packets. Step 2: Follow these recipes from Chef Glenn McAllister.

Like spice? Then you'll love this hot-sweet trail snack.

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this fiber-packed power-up.

Passing around the flask makes you a good friend. Whipping up one of these wilderness-ready cocktails from top bartenders? That makes you a legend.

Cheese, flatbread, and a bar that looks suspiciously like a Kit-Kat: Eat like a Scandanavian hiker on your next trip.

This classic comfort food is quick to throw together from easy-to-find pantry ingredients.

This Southwest classic will soothe your taco craving.

This Japanese-inspired soup is more filling than the version that’s served in sushi restaurants. Bonus: Miso packs tons of flavor and is a complete protein.

Dehydrated tomato powder makes an incredibly easy, tasty soup that pairs perfectly with gooey grilled cheese.

This version of alfredo sauce is actually closer to the authentic Italian style than the cream-based versions you’re used to.

This pesto is easy to make in the field, and the pasta’s carbs will fuel your next day’s hike.

This simplified classic is a high-calorie, gooey, dream come true.

Love to catch, afraid to cook? This foolproof method is for you. Bring some bread to mop up what’s left of the juices.

This grown-up treat makes an awesome dessert, but also goes well with pancakes or oatmeal.

Yes, it’s heavy, but if your fire is hot enough to fully burn the husks and cobs, this crowd-pleaser is totally worth packing in.

Prep these at home for a delicious first-night treat.

This hot, salty starter would be at home in a bar.

Fresh accessories help upgrade the backcountry version of this classic Middle Eastern meal. Got leftovers? One word: breakfast. 2 servings

East meets South in this filling finger food. Option: Sub in tofu for a vegetarian version of these chicken tacos.

Go beyond ramen to fulfill your noodle cravings. By skipping the fish sauce, this popular Thai treat works even for day seven.

These breakfast sammies are grab-and-go perfection. Croissants are actually very rugged when flattened a bit, and they elevate every filling.

This delicious snack is quick enough to whip up mid-hike, and doubles as a sandwich spread.

Once you make your own real honey mustard, you'll never go back—addiction guaranteed.

Yes, you can have this living room luxury in the wilderness.

There’s no mess with this easy-to-eat treat (unless you let a photographer make it)—the toppings are inside.

Kale provides a nutritional boost and fiber, while cheese adds a salty kick and a bit of protein.

This lazy breakfast is ideal for a cold morning when hands and tummies need warming.

The classic yogurt and granola breakfast bowl goes hot.

Mind the inedibles when you’re snacking at the backcountry buffet.

It's easier than you'd think to eat paleo on the trail. These 9 paleo snack and meal recipes will have you focusing on the scenery, not your food.

You've heard of food and wine pairings, but what about drink and place pairings? Match your morning brew to your campsite for a gourmet trailside treat.

Do the hard work at home, then carry this luxurious meal base for a fun, easy first-night treat. We’ve given you four variations, but the trail potatoes possibilities are endless.

This easy, three-ingredient dessert is perfect for a backcountry birthday. Sub in dried cherries or blueberries for a different twist.

Quick-and-easy trail food doesn’t have to be bland. Mix up some flavor-packed spice blends at home to kick your cooking to a new level of yum.

Toasting spices is a time-honored way to guarantee an even bigger flavor burst. Bonus: Hearty quinoa is a complete protein.

People are always impressed with this authentic-tasting Indian dish. Don’t tell ’em how easy it is.

This Buckeye favorite has rich mole flavors without being especially hot. It’s thinner than normal chili, and usually served over hot dogs or spaghetti.

On expeditions, the scent of fresh-baked bread is an unimaginable luxury. Here’s how to whip up a loaf.

Yes, you have to forego boil-in-a-bag convenience. But you won't regret the effort after eating this five-star spread.

This gourmet entree is high-end eatery good, but easy to make over a campfire.

This easy-prep appetizer is frontcountry fine, but easy enough to make at your campsite.

Adapt this classic dessert for the backcountry.

Don’t settle for chocolate. With a little work and planning, your backcountry dessert can be as grand as the scenery.

Bold flavors for the backcountry.

Jerky as an inspired way to treat meat and a great conduit for flavors.

Light and easy to carry, but with gourmet flavors.

Quick-prep, three-ingredient dinners.

No oven? No problem. Make cookies, muffins, bread, and more with these backcountry techniques.

Upgrade traditional no-bake cheesecake with a cascade of Oreos.

It only tastes fancy.

This doughy dessert could also be great for breakfast.

Chocolate bars are easily packable and versatile.

Check out Elizabeth Kwak-Hefferan's author page.

Check out Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan's author page.

Mix up your oatmeal for a savory and delicious twist.

Almonds are a super backpacking snack and this cocoa-dusted recipe makes for a satisfying desert.

This dish is packed with protein and vitamins A & C.

Fast and easy food for your hike.

Paleo snacks pack a nutritional punch.

Bars are an easy way to fuel your body.

Cooking trout over a campfire is amazing with this great recipe.

This dish is salty and crunchy and full of anti inflammatory properties.

Tuna can be served in so many ways, check out these three amazing meals.

This super-easy, pudding-based treat just might ease your day-three ice cream craving.

This fun treat is no-bake, dead easy, and oh-so addictive.

Great food doesn’t have to mean slaving away over the camp stove. Here are four delectable dishes that slash cleanup from the to-do list.

Attention ultra-lazy cooks: This no-mess meal raises the bar on instant mashed potatoes.

Upgrade this no-mess pasta dish by roasting the olives and sausage ahead of time. Or don't--it'll still be delicious.

Consider this list merely a starting point for this fun take on Spanish small plates. Raid your pantry for other ideas, and don’t forget to bring some sherry to sip on the side.

Even without a stove, there's no need to skip your coffee; mint tea adds depth to this cold brew.