For some people, camping food means baked beans on toast and cheap sausages. As a French couple, we’ll admit we’ve never quite understood this – we love good food, even when we’re remote in the outdoors. We’ve been told more than once that we’re the most gourmet campers people have ever met. But trust us, you don’t need to be French to make easy gourmet camping meals!
With a few quality ingredients – like truffle oil, balsamic glaze, and fresh herbs – you can turn simple dishes into something that feels gourmet without adding extra hassle. Here are some of our favourite camping meals that are easy to prepare, full of flavour, and made for slow, delicious nights outdoors – perfect to impress your better half or your friends.
Equipment that makes it easier
Over time, we’ve upgraded a few things in our camp kitchen that really changed how well we eat outdoors. Our camping fridge has been a game-changer – no more soggy food from melted ice, and it means we can pack fresh ingredients like cheese, butter and meat. It’s harder to prepare meals when you’re camping without a fridge.
Make it feel gourmet
Sometimes it’s not just about the food but how you present it. A simple tablecloth, real plates, and wine glasses can completely change the mood of your meal. Even in the bush, we like adding small touches – like colourful dishes, a mix of textures, and a good bottle of wine – to make dinner feel special. Presentation makes any camping meal feel more gourmet.
Lighting also makes a big difference in setting the mood. Go for candles for a romantic touch, or an oil lantern for a camping vibe – with citronella scent to double as mosquito protection. A few soft LED lights will also create a warm glow around the table.
Gourmet breakfast ideas
Croissant and hot chocolate (or coffee)
Sometimes the simplest breakfasts feel the most luxurious. Toast your croissants in a pan and enjoy them the French way: dipped in good-quality coffee (using a moka pot) or thick hot chocolate. Fancy a change? Try brioche instead of croissant for a different morning indulgence.
Smoked salmon and avocado on crostini
An avocado toast topped with smoked salmon and a drizzle of truffle oil. It’s rich yet quick to prepare on a camp stove and feels like a proper café breakfast. Add a layer of your favourite cream cheese for an extra decadent touch.
Truffle oil mushrooms on rusks
Sauté mushrooms in butter, finish with a splash of truffle oil and salt, and serve on toasted sourdough. Add garlic and grated parmesan for an indulgent twist.
Tip: Truffle oil and salt also work beautifully to turn your usual scrambled eggs or omelettes into something more gourmet.
Quick gourmet lunches
Baguette sandwich
A proper French-style picnic sandwich. Use a crusty baguette, a bit of butter, comté or gruyère, sliced ham, and a few gherkins. A great alternative is simply French paté with gherkins.
Prosciutto and melon with balsamic glaze
Fresh, sweet, and salty – this no-cook lunch feels like summer in Italy or southern France. Slice melon, layer prosciutto, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. A glass of cold rosé goes perfectly with this meal.
Crunchy feta and chickpea salad
A fresh and colourful lunch that takes only a few minutes to prepare. Mix leafy greens with chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, capsicum, sweet corn, and chickpeas for extra protein. Add cubes of Danish feta marinated in oil and herbs – the oil doubles as a dressing and brings everything together. For crunch and a little surprise, top with wasabi peas. It’s simple, healthy, and has that touch of originality and gourmet flair – plus, it looks as good as it tastes.
Tip: Balsamic glaze is perfect for adding sweetness to salads!
Seafood with a smoky twist
If you’re camping near the coast, take advantage of local seafood. We love grilling prawns or Moreton Bay bugs on our small Korean-style grill – it sits neatly on top of a gas burner and gives that perfect charred, smoky flavour without needing a campfire. Add a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of truffle oil or butter with truffle salt before serving.
Gourmet camping dinners
Raclette by candlelight
If you can find raclette cheese where you live, this one’s a must-try. It’s also very quick to prepare! Cook small potatoes wrapped in aluminium foil in the campfire or boil them. Melt slices of cheese using a candle-powered raclette set, and pour on top of your cooked potatoes, with ham or prosciutto and gherkins. It’s indulgent, comforting, and perfect for cooler nights.
Baked camembert
One of our favourite easy gourmet campfire meals. Wrap a whole camembert in aluminium foil with a drizzle of olive oil, a spoonful of honey, chopped French shallots, walnuts, and rosemary. Place it in the fire for about 10 minutes until melted and gooey, then dip bread or fancy crackers into it. Absolutely divine.
Mechoui-style lamb leg on rotisserie
A true showstopper – slow-cooked over the fire until the meat is tender and smoky. It’s easy to prepare but takes time, so start early and enjoy the process with a drink in hand. The marinade makes it melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Add slices of zucchini to the grill and wrap sweet potatoes in foil to cook in the fire for an easy, balanced meal.
Rotisserie chicken with oyster mushrooms
Rub the chicken with butter, garlic, and herbs, and roast it slowly on the rotisserie. Serve with oyster mushrooms finished with a few drops of truffle oil. Simple, earthy, and full of flavour.
Tomahawk steak or lamb cutlets on the grill
If you want something faster, a good steak or lamb cutlets are perfect for the grill. Cook them with fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary. Add garlic butter to make it even fancier. We like to serve it with corn or confit capsicum (simply let them grill on their skin on the fire until completely charred).
Boerewors sausage with rustic sides
If you love a good sausage but want to skip the usual BBQ fare, look for Boerewors – a South African-style sausage full of herbs and spices. It’s delicious on the grill and pairs beautifully with fire-roasted sweet potatoes or a balsamic-dressed salad.
Blue cheese burgers with caramelised onions
Juicy burgers topped with blue cheese and caramelised onions. You can add a touch of balsamic glaze before serving for a perfect balance of salty and sweet. A gourmet twist on a camping classic.
Have you tried any of these easy gourmet camping meals? Share your experience in the comments below!
