camp meals

Skillet Cornbread

Cornbread mixed and baked in one skillet. Basecamp fuel.

calories
250
weight
2 oz
cal / oz
125
protein
4 g
serves
4, scales
prep
5 min
cook
15 min
total time
20 min
water
200 ml boiled
cost
$

Calorie and protein figures are my own estimates, good enough for planning a food bag and not meant as precise nutrition data.

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Canister stove
  • Campfire coals
  • Car camping
  • Basecamp
  • Vegetarian
  • One pot
  • Pre-mix at home
  • Shelf stable
  • Basic

Ingredients

All-purpose flour 2/3 cup
Cornmeal 1/2 cup
Sugar 3 tbsp
Baking powder 1 tbsp
Salt 1/4 tsp
Powdered egg 1 tbsp reconstitutes to 1 fresh egg
Oil 2 tbsp carried in a small dropper bottle
Water 1/3 cup added at camp

Method

  1. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
  2. While the skillet heats, mix flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and powdered egg in a small bag or bowl.
  3. Pour 1/3 cup boiled water into the dry mix and stir until a thick batter forms. A few lumps are fine.
  4. Carefully pour the batter into the hot oiled skillet, tilting to coat the bottom evenly.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet with foil or a lid, and cook for 12-15 minutes.
  6. The cornbread is done when a stick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
  7. Let cool for 5 minutes, then slice into wedges and serve warm.

Cornbread in a skillet sidesteps the oven problem entirely. The covered pan holds heat just like an oven would, and the flour-forward batter is thick enough to set without constant attention. Everything ships dry and mixes with boiled water at camp.

This recipe is good weight-to-calorie only at basecamp, where a cast iron already lives in the kitchen box and you’re staying put long enough to justify the fuel. Each slice is dense carbs, useful for breakfast or a substantial side. Skip it on anything longer than a weekend.

Packing

Mix flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and powdered egg into a quart freezer bag at home. Carry oil in a small dropper bottle. Water is added at camp.

Variations

  • Add 2 tbsp honey to the dry mix for a sweeter bread.
  • Sprinkle 1 tbsp fine cornmeal into the hot oiled skillet before pouring batter for a crispy crust.
  • Stir 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar and a pinch of cayenne into the wet batter for a savory variation.

https://www.littlehouseliving.com/how-to-make-corn-muffins-mix-recipe.html