1-844-WILDOAK - Call or Chat: Mon to Fri 10am-5pm CST

0

Your Cart is Empty

Best Camping Recipes With Harvest Right Freeze Dryer

by Cliff Co September 06, 2024 8 min read

Camping is all about embracing the great outdoors and creating memorable experiences with loved ones. But just because you’re out in the wilderness doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice delicious, home-cooked meals. Thanks to the Harvest Right freeze dryer, you can bring the comfort of your kitchen to your campsite with ease. You can freeze dry food for an incredibly convenient camping experience, offering lightweight, easy-to-prepare meals that don’t compromise on flavor or nutrition. Let’s explore how you can use Harvest Right freeze dryers to prepare some of the best camping recipes.

Freeze Dried Camping Recipes

At a Glance

Camping is a wonderful way to connect with nature, and with the Harvest Right freeze dryer, you can enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals even in the wilderness. Freeze drying your food offers convenience, as it allows you to prepare and store a variety of dishes, like Shepherd’s Pie, Rotisserie Chicken, and Mac n Cheese, weeks in advance without needing refrigeration. Rehydrating these meals at the campsite is simple, just add water and enjoy. The Harvest Right freeze dryer also lets you create tasty freeze dried desserts and candies, such as yogurt drops and strawberry cake bites, ensuring your camping experience is both enjoyable and flavorful.

Why Freeze Dried Food is Perfect for Camping

The beauty of freeze dried food lies in its versatility and convenience. Freeze drying removes moisture from food while retaining its flavor, texture, and nutrients, making it ideal for long term food storage. This means you can prepare freeze dried foods weeks in advance and simply pack them up when it’s time to hit the road. No refrigeration is needed, and your meals will remain fresh until you’re ready to eat.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the adventure, freeze dried food can be a game changer for your trips. From savory meals like rotisserie chicken and chili to sweet treats like yogurt drops and cake bites, the possibilities are endless. Plus, with a home freeze dryer like the Harvest Right, you have full control over what goes into your food—no preservatives or artificial ingredients, just fresh, delicious meals.

Freeze Dried Food

Easy Preparation with the Harvest Right Freeze Dryer

Preparing your camping meals with the Harvest Right freeze dryer is a breeze. Start by cooking a batch of your favorite recipes, such as a hearty vegetable soup or some shepherd's pie. Once your meals are cooked, simply load them onto the trays of your freeze dryer. The freeze drying process will remove all the moisture from the food, preserving its flavor and nutritional value.

Once the freeze drying is complete, store your meals in canning jars, vacuum-sealed bags, or Harvest Right's mylar bags. These containers protect your food from moisture and air, ensuring that it stays fresh for months. When it’s time to pack for your camping trip, just grab the jars or bags and you’re good to go.

Freeze Dried Eggs

Rehydrating Your Meals at the Campsite

One of the biggest advantages of freeze dried food is how easy it is to prepare at the campsite. To rehydrate your meals, all you need is some water—preferably hot water for dishes like chili or soup. Simply add the water to your freeze dried food, wait a few minutes, and your meal is ready to eat. The texture and flavor are almost identical to freshly prepared food, making freeze dried meals a delicious and convenient option for camping.

For example, you can rehydrate freeze dried chicken by adding hot water directly to the jar or bag. Let it sit for a few minutes, and you’ll have a warm, comforting meal to enjoy after a day of exploring. The same process works for other recipes like soups, stews, and even breakfast options like oatmeal or scrambled eggs.

Rehydrated turkey dinner

Tasty and Easy Camping Recipes with Your Harvest Right Freeze Dryer

Freeze drying your favorite camping meals at home is an excellent way to enjoy delicious, nutritious food on the go. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing some classic dishes—Shepherd’s Pie, Rotisserie Chicken, Mac n Cheese, and Chili:

Shepherd

1. Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup peas
  • 1 cup corn
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Filling:
  • In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or lamb over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
  • Stir in the carrots, peas, and corn. Cook for another 5 minutes.
  • Add the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
  • Boil the potatoes until tender. Mash them with butter, salt, and pepper.
  1. Assemble the Pie:
  • Spread the meat and vegetable mixture evenly in a baking dish. Top with the mashed potatoes, spreading them out to cover the filling completely.
  1. Bake:
  • Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, until the top is golden brown.

Freeze Drying Instructions:

  • Step 1: Let the Shepherd’s Pie cool completely.
  • Step 2: Cut it into serving-sized portions and place them on the freeze dryer trays.
  • Step 3: Load the trays into your Harvest Right freeze dryer. Select the appropriate drying cycle.
  • Step 4: Once the cycle is complete, store the freeze dried Shepherd’s Pie in airtight canning jars or vacuum-sealed bags for long term food storage.
Rotisserie Chicken

2. Rotisserie Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole chicken
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
  • Rub the chicken with olive oil, then season it with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  1. Cook the Chicken:
  • Roast the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  1. Cool and Shred:
  • Allow the chicken to cool, then remove the meat from the bones and shred it.

Freeze Drying Instructions:

  • Step 1: Spread the shredded chicken evenly on the freeze dryer trays.
  • Step 2: Load the trays into your Harvest Right freeze dryer and select the appropriate drying cycle.
  • Step 3: Once dried, store the chicken in airtight canning jars or vacuum-sealed bags.
Mac and Cheese

3. Mac n Cheese

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta:
  • Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  1. Make the Cheese Sauce:
  • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  • Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
  • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  1. Combine and Bake:
  • Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Pour the mixture into a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, until bubbly.

Freeze Drying Instructions:

  • Step 1: Let the Mac n Cheese cool completely.
  • Step 2: Spread it onto the freeze dryer trays.
  • Step 3: Load the trays into your Harvest Right freeze dryer and start the freeze drying process.
  • Step 4: Once dried, store the Mac n Cheese in airtight canning jars or vacuum-sealed bags.
Freeze Dried Chili

4. Chili

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Meat:
  • In a large pot, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook until the vegetables are softened.
  1. Add Tomatoes and Beans:
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  1. Simmer the Chili:
  • Reduce the heat and let the chili simmer for 20-30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Freeze Drying Instructions:

  • Step 1: Allow the chili to cool completely.
  • Step 2: Pour the chili into the freeze dryer trays, spreading it out evenly.
  • Step 3: Load the trays into your Harvest Right freeze dryer and start the freeze drying process.
  • Step 4: Once dried, store the chili in airtight canning jars or vacuum-sealed bags.

Freeze Dried Desserts and Candies

No camping trip is complete without a sweet treat to enjoy by the campfire. With your Harvest Right freeze dryer, you can create delicious freeze dried desserts and candies that are lightweight, easy to pack, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Popular Freeze Dried Desserts and Candies

  • Strawberry Cake Bites: Prepare your favorite strawberry cake, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and freeze dry them. These cake bites are light, airy, and full of flavor—an ideal dessert after a hearty camp meal.
  • Yogurt Drops: Freeze dry dollops of flavored yogurt to create crunchy, tangy treats. These yogurt drops are a healthy and refreshing snack that’s perfect for hot summer days.
  • Dried Candy: Candy like Skittles, marshmallows, or gummy bears can be freeze dried to create an entirely new texture. Freeze dried candy becomes crunchy and intensifies in flavor, making it a fun and unique treat to share around the campfire.
  • Rhubarb Crumble: Make a traditional rhubarb crumble, freeze dry it, and enjoy a warm, comforting dessert even when you’re far from home. Simply rehydrate with a little water, and you’re ready to dig in.
Freeze Dried Gummy Bears

Tips for Successful Freeze Drying

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats freeze dry best and retain their flavor and nutrition.
  • Prepare in Batches: Maximize your freeze dryer’s capacity by preparing large batches of meals. This saves time and ensures you have a variety of options for your trip.
  • Proper Dried Food Storage: Store your freeze dried meals in airtight containers, such as canning jars or vacuum-sealed bags, to maintain freshness.
  • Label Your Jars: Clearly label your jars or bags with the contents and the date they were freeze dried. This helps you keep track of your meals and ensures you’re eating the freshest food.
Freeze Dried Meat

Final Thoughts

The Harvest Right freeze dryer is a must-have for any camping enthusiast. It allows you to enjoy homemade meals no matter where your adventures take you. Freeze drying your food is a convenient way to ensure that you have nutritious, delicious meals ready to go whenever you need them. Whether you’re preparing a quick breakfast, a hearty dinner, or a sweet dessert, your Harvest Right freeze dryer will make it easy to enjoy great food in the great outdoors.

So, next time you’re planning a camping trip, don’t forget to prepare some of these delicious freeze dried meals. With the Harvest Right freeze dryer, you’ll be able to eat well and travel light, making your camping experience even more enjoyable.

Have any questions or would like to place an order? We'd love to help! Chat with our friendly customer service team by calling 1-844-945-3625, chatting in on our website or email us at customersupport@wildoaktrail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Cliff Co
Cliff Co

Cliff, a passionate storyteller and hardcore seller, here to share insights and knowledge on all things prep. He firmly believes in only selling things he'd use himself, making sure only the best get to his readers' hands.

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.