9 Quick & Delicious Vegan Camping Breakfast Recipes for 2024
My partner and I have been vegan for over 10 years now and we have learned through trial and error some great vegan camping breakfasts. You might think that vegan breakfasts would be boring, given that you don’t eat eggs, bacon, or cheese, but trust me there are some great recipes out there that will make you excited about getting up in the morning! I personally think breakfast is the best meal of the day, and camping breakfast is even better. There is just something about cooking outside and enjoying the sunshine that cannot be beaten. Vegan breakfast combined with a great cup of coffee? Heaven! These quick and easy meals are perfect for fueling your outdoor adventures in 2024.
If you are looking for ways to make a better cup of camping coffee you can check out my posts about using the Moka Pot and Aeropress.
Why Choose Vegan Breakfasts for Camping?
Before we jump to the recipes, let's talk about why vegan breakfasts are an excellent choice for your camping trips:
1. Health benefits of plant-based meals in the outdoors
Vegan meals are typically packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, giving you sustained energy throughout the day. When you compare plant-based foods to animal-based you’ll find plant-based are often lower in saturated fats and cholesterol. Plant-based choices like nuts, beans, berries, and vegetables are also convenient, lightweight choices when you are out adventuring in the wild.
2. Eco-friendly aspect of vegan camping food
As lovers of the outdoors, it is important to minimize our impact on the environment. Vegan meals generally have a lower carbon footprint than animal-based options. By choosing plant-based breakfasts, you're not only nourishing your body but also showing some love to Mother Nature.
3. Simplicity and convenience of vegan ingredients
When you’re camping you don’t want to have to bring a lot of perishable ingredients to make your meals. Vegan ingredients are often shelf-stable and easy to pack, making them perfect for outdoor adventures. No need to worry about keeping meat or dairy products cold in your cooler!
Essential Vegan Camping Breakfast Gear
To prepare amazing vegan breakfasts, you don’t need much but you will need a few critical pieces of equipment:
1. Portable cooking equipment
Portable camping stove - JetBoil
Invest in a lightweight camping stove or a portable grill grate for your campfire. A good quality cast-iron skillet is also a game-changer for outdoor cooking, this is honestly my favorite piece of equipment for home and camping! If you are cooking over a campfire, don’t forget a set of long-handled utensils to keep your hands safe from the flames.
2. Must-have utensils and containers
GSI Outdoors packable dishes and pot
Pack a set of reusable plates, bowls, and cutlery. Collapsible silicone containers or bags are great for storing leftovers or pre-prepped ingredients. A sharp knife and a small cutting board will come in handy for food prep.
3. Tips for packing and storing vegan ingredients
Use airtight containers or reusable silicone bags to keep your ingredients fresh. Pre-measure dry ingredients at home and store them in labeled bags to save time at the campsite. For liquids like plant-based milk or oil, use leak-proof bottles or containers.
5 Hot Vegan Camping Breakfast Ideas
1. Vegan bacon, egg and cheese bagel
My favorite vegan riff on the classic breakfast sandwich, so filling and delicious.
Ingredients:
-1 tbsp olive oil
-Everything bagels
-One block of firm tofu, sliced
-Vegan Cheese
-Vegan bacon or sausage
-Vegan mayo, ketchup
-Salt & pepper
Instructions:
1.Slice tofu into large squares and fry in a bit of oil in pan until golden brown on each side. The tofu acts as your “egg” so make sure it can cover most of the bagel. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. On the side of the same pan, fry vegan bacon or sausage until golden brown
3. When the bacon is close to being done, slice and toast the bagel
4. Place vegan cheese on top of tofu so it can melt for 1-2 minutes.
5. Put your favorite toppings on the toasted bagel, I prefer mayonnaise and ketchup.
6. Assemble cheesy tofu and bacon onto bagel and enjoy!
2. One-Pan Tofu Scramble with Veggies
If you’ve been vegan for a while, you know that you can judge how good a cook is by their tofu scramble. It’s a staple breakfast dish that can be made in 100 different ways. Use this recipe as a base and add your own twist!
Ingredients:
- 1 block firm tofu, crumbled
- 1 clove of garlic
-Half a diced onion
- 1 cup mixed veggies (bell peppers, tomatoes, spinach)
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional: Hashbrowns, vegan sausage, vegan cheese
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a skillet over your campfire or camping stove.
2. Add garlic, onion, and veggies to the pan, and saute until brown around the edges.
3. Add crumbled tofu, stir, and saute for 2-3 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with nutritional yeast, turmeric, salt, and pepper and stir.
5. Serve hot and enjoy with toast, a wrap or a bagel.
3. Vegan Pancakes with Chia Jam
Pancakes are the ultimate camping comfort food and are elevated with a tasty chia jam! I like to assemble all the dry ingredients at home in bag first and just add wet ingredients at camp.
Pancake ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add milk and oil, stirring until just combined.
3. Heat a greased skillet over your campfire or stove.
4. Pour 1/4 cup batter for each pancake.
5. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook for another minute.
Chia jam ingredients:
-One cup of berries
-Maple syrup to taste
-One tbsp of chia seeds
Instructions:
1.Add berries and maple syrup to a small pot and bring to a boil
2. Stir in chia seeds and simmer for 10 minutes, or until desired thickness.
3. Add on top of pancakes and enjoy!
4. Breakfast Burritos with Plant-Based Sausage
These make-ahead burritos are perfect for busy mornings at camp!
Ingredients:
- 4 large tortillas
- 1 package plant-based sausage crumbles
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 cup frozen hash browns
- 1/4 cup salsa
- Optional: vegan cheese shreds, guacamole, tofu, Just Egg
Instructions:
1. At home, cook sausage crumbles, hash browns, and beans.
2. Assemble burritos with the cooked ingredients and salsa.
3. Wrap in foil and refrigerate or freeze.
4. At camp, place foil-wrapped burritos on a cast-iron pan on low heat or near campfire coals for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
5. Unwrap and enjoy your hot, filling breakfast!
5. Savory avocado toast
A classic breakfast with a vegan twist, but this one isn’t $16!
Ingredients:
- One ripe avocado
- Two slices of your favorite bread
- 1 tsp everything bagel seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: vegan feta cheese, pickled red onion, capers, fried mushrooms, greens
Instructions:
1. Brush a bit of oil on each side of bread and toast on cast iron pan.
2. Slice avocado in thin slices or mash if you prefer.
3. Spread avocado onto toasted bread slices.
4. Season with everything bagel seasoning, drizzle a bit of olive oil on top.
5. Add ingredients such as cheese, onions, capers, etc.
6. Enjoy!
5 No-Cook Vegan Camping Breakfast Options
Sometimes you just want to hit the trails without firing up the stove. These no-cook options are perfect for those mornings:
1. Overnight Chia Seed Pudding
Prep this the night before for a creamy, nutritious breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Toppings: fresh fruit, nuts, granola
Instructions:
1. In a jar, mix chia seeds, milk, maple syrup, and vanilla.
2. Seal and shake well, then refrigerate overnight.
3. In the morning, add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
2. PB&J Breakfast Bars
These homemade bars are perfect to pop into your bag to eat on the way to the trail.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup jam of choice
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts
Instructions:
1. At home, mix oats, peanut butter, and maple syrup.
2. Press half the mixture into a lined baking dish.
3. Spread jam over the base, then top with remaining oat mixture and nuts.
4. Refrigerate for 2 hours, then cut into bars.
5. Pack in an airtight container for your camping trip.
3. Fruit and Nut Energy Balls
These bite-sized snacks are perfect for a quick energy boost.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup nuts (almonds, cashews, or walnuts)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder (optional)
Instructions:
1. At home, blend all ingredients in a food processor until sticky.
2. Roll into small balls and refrigerate.
3. Pack in a container for your camping trip.
4. Vegan Yogurt Parfait with Granola
A refreshing and crunchy breakfast that requires no cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vegan yogurt
- 1/2 cup granola
- Fresh fruit (berries, sliced banana, kiwi, or diced apple)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions:
1. In a jar or container, layer vegan yogurt, granola, and fruit.
2. Drizzle with maple syrup.
3. Seal and refrigerate overnight or enjoy immediately.
5. Green Smoothie in a Jar
A nutrient-packed breakfast that's ready in seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 banana
- 1/2 cup frozen mango
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- Optional: vegan protein powder
Instructions:
1. At home, blend all ingredients except milk until smooth.
2. Pour into a jar and freeze.
3. The night before serving, move to your cooler to thaw.
4. In the morning, add milk and shake well!
Tips for Meal Prepping Vegan Camping Breakfasts
1. Make-ahead strategies for easy mornings
Prepare ingredients at home to minimize campsite prep. Chop veggies, mix dry ingredients, and portion out items in reusable containers. This not only saves time but also reduces waste at the campsite.
2. Proper food storage techniques for the outdoors
Invest in a good quality cooler and use ice packs to keep perishables fresh. Store dry goods in airtight containers to protect from moisture and critters. Remember to keep food in bear-safe containers or hang it properly if you're in bear country.
3. Batch cooking ideas for multi-day camping trips
Consider making larger portions of certain dishes, like the breakfast burritos or energy balls, that can be enjoyed over several days. This saves time and ensures you always have a quick meal ready to go.
Nutritional Considerations for Vegan Campers
1. Ensuring adequate protein intake
Include protein-rich foods like tofu, beans, nuts, and seeds in your meals. Plant-based protein powders can also be a convenient option for smoothies or oatmeal.
2. Importance of complex carbohydrates for energy
Whole grains, oats, and starchy vegetables provide sustained energy for your outdoor activities. Don't shy away from carbs – you'll need them for those long hikes!
3. Incorporating essential vitamins and minerals
Pack a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to ensure you're getting a range of nutrients. Consider bringing a vegan multivitamin for longer trips to cover all your bases.
Adapting Traditional Camping Breakfasts to Vegan Options
1. Vegan alternatives for eggs, bacon, and sausage
Try scrambled tofu for eggs, tempeh bacon for a smoky flavor, and plant-based sausages for a meaty texture. Many brands now offer camping-friendly vegan versions of these classics.
2. Plant-based milk options for beverages and recipes
Shelf-stable plant milks are perfect for camping. Opt for small tetra packs or powdered versions to save space. Oat milk tends to work well in most recipes as a dairy milk replacement.
3. Creative uses for nutritional yeast in breakfast dishes
This cheesy-flavored powerhouse is packed with B-vitamins and adds depth to many dishes. Sprinkle it on scrambles, mix into oatmeal, or use it to create a savory sauce for your hash browns.
There you have it, 9 delicious and easy breakfast recipes that prove you don't need animal products to fuel your outdoor adventures! From tofu scrambles to creamy overnight oats, these quick and easy meals will have you excited to get out of your sleeping bag, ready to tackle whatever nature throws your way.