Mountain Man Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Mountain Man Breakfast is a great recipe for youth who want to learn simple outdoor cooking. It’s easy to make, and the ingredients are flexible. This recipe doesn’t need special skills, so scouts or young campers can help with each step. Cooking this meal teaches them basic skills, like cracking eggs and layering ingredients. It’s a hands-on experience that builds confidence.

This recipe is also perfect for group settings. Mountain Man Breakfast is cooked in a Dutch oven, which can feed a lot of people, making it ideal for patrols or camp groups. Youth can work together to cook it, sharing tasks like preparing the meat, whisking the eggs, and adding the layers. Cooking together helps them learn teamwork and communication in a real-life setting.

Nutrition is another big benefit of the Mountain Man Breakfast. It’s a protein-rich meal with eggs, cheese, and meat, or they can skip the meat for a vegetarian version. This meal provides energy and keeps everyone feeling full. It’s a healthy option to start an active day outdoors, giving youth the fuel they need for hiking, games, or other camp activities.

Mountain Man Breakfast is also about fun and creativity. Youth can customize the recipe with different ingredients, like adding veggies or trying different cheeses. They get to experiment and make it their own. This simple, hearty meal shows them that cooking can be both practical and enjoyable, even out in the wild.

The Mountain Man Breakfast recipe fits right into the Scouting experience. Scouts learn by doing, and cooking is one of the best ways to practice this. This recipe gives them a chance to try out cooking skills in a fun, outdoor setting. It also teaches them how to follow instructions, prepare ingredients, and manage cooking times. These are real-life skills they can use in camp and at home.

Cooking Mountain Man Breakfast also encourages teamwork. Scouts can take turns handling different parts of the meal, like cracking eggs, stirring, or layering ingredients in the Dutch oven. Working together helps them learn cooperation and respect. Each Scout has an important role, and each task helps make a meal they can all share. This teamwork builds trust and creates positive memories.

Finally, the Mountain Man Breakfast helps Scouts experience “being prepared.” They learn to gather supplies, set up the cooking area, and check that they have everything they need before cooking. If something goes wrong, like if they forget an ingredient, they learn to think on their feet and adapt. These are key skills in Scouting that they can use in many situations, on and off the trail.

Equipment / Materials Needed:

• Dutch oven (deep, with lid)
• Charcoal briquettes (for outdoor cooking)
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Long tongs for charcoal
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Cooking oil or spray (for greasing the Dutch oven)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork sausage, bacon, or ham (choose one, cooked and crumbled or diced)
• 1 bag frozen shredded hash browns
• 12 eggs
• 1 lb shredded cheddar cheese

Setup Instructions:

1. Prepare Cooking Area: If cooking outdoors, set up a safe area for the Dutch oven with space for hot charcoal. Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby for safety.
2. Light Charcoal: Light about 20 charcoal briquettes. Let them heat until they are mostly white and ashy.
3. Grease the Dutch Oven: Coat the bottom and sides of the Dutch oven with cooking oil or spray to prevent sticking.

Recipe Instructions:

1. Layer Hash Browns: Spread the frozen hash browns evenly across the bottom of the greased Dutch oven.
2. Whisk Eggs: In a mixing bowl, crack and whisk the 12 eggs until mixed well. Pour the eggs evenly over the hash browns.
3. Add Meat and Cheese: Sprinkle the cooked meat (sausage, bacon, or ham) and shredded cheddar cheese on top of the eggs.
4. Start Cooking:
   • For Outdoor Cooking: Place about 12 hot briquettes under the Dutch oven and 8 on top of the lid.
   • For Indoor Cooking: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
5. Bake: Cook until the eggs are set, about 20 – 30 minutes.
6. Check and Serve: Check every 10 minutes to see if the eggs are fully set. When ready, carefully remove the Dutch oven from heat, serve, and enjoy.

Additional Notes:

• Variations: For a vegetarian version, skip the meat or add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or spinach.
• Safety: Always use gloves when handling the hot Dutch oven and charcoal. Keep a safe distance from the hot coals, and make sure to fully extinguish any remaining charcoal when done cooking.

Click here for a printable copy of the Mountain Man Breakfast Recipe

Dutch Oven Breakfast Quiche

If you like the Mountain Man Breakfast, try this Dutch Oven Breakfast Quiche for another easy camp breakfast. This recipe uses simple ingredients, so it’s easy to put together in the morning. Just add everything to the Dutch oven and let it cook while you relax around the campfire. This recipe is great for campers who enjoy eggs and want a tasty, filling start to the day. Cooking meals like this helps everyone relax and enjoy the camping experience. Check out the full recipe to make your next camp breakfast delicious!

Easy Scrambled Eggs at Camp

If you’re a fan of Mountain Man Breakfast, try these tips for Easy Scrambled Eggs at Camp for a quick and filling start to the day. This is a simple and mess-free method with a little prep. Crack your eggs at home into a container, add milk and seasonings, then shake it up. Pack it securely in the cooler, and you’re set for a fast breakfast. When ready, just pour the eggs into a hot skillet over your camp stove or fire. It’s an easy way to enjoy fresh scrambled eggs at camp without the hassle!

Camp McMuffins Recipe

If you like the Mountain Man Breakfast, try this Camp McMuffins Recipe for a quick, hearty camp breakfast. These breakfast sandwiches are simple to make and don’t need a lot of prep or ingredients. Just grab some English muffins, eggs, cheese, and ham. Heat everything over the campfire or camp stove, and assemble your sandwich. Camp McMuffins are a fast and tasty way to start a busy camp day, giving scouts the energy they need for the morning ahead. Try this easy recipe for a satisfying meal!

Camping Recipes

For more ideas like the Mountain Man Breakfast, check out my Camping Recipes page. You’ll find a variety of outdoor-friendly meals that are simple to make and perfect for groups like scouts. These recipes go beyond basic hot dogs and s’mores, with options that need minimal equipment and are great for camp settings. Each recipe is designed to be practical, giving youth hands-on learning with cooking methods and outdoor safety. Visit the page for more camping meals that make outdoor adventures even more enjoyable!

Dutch Oven Cooking

For more Dutch oven recipes like the Mountain Man Breakfast, visit my Dutch Oven Cooking page. There, you’ll find a range of recipes perfect for Dutch ovens, from hearty stews to sweet cobblers. Each recipe is simple, using a few ingredients and easy steps, making them ideal for young scouts learning to cook outdoors. This page also shares tips on using Dutch ovens safely, helping scouts gain confidence with outdoor cooking equipment. Check it out to explore recipes and tips that will make your next campfire meal memorable!

See and hear a video version of this Mountain Man Breakfast recipe.

See and hear a video version of this Mountain Man Breakfast recipe.

What Scouts Learn Beyond the Meal

Can I make the Mountain Man Breakfast without meat?

Yes, you can leave out the meat for a vegetarian version. You can add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or spinach instead.

Can I cook Mountain Man Breakfast indoors?

Yes, you can bake it in a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 20-30 minutes or until the eggs are set.

How do I know when the Mountain Man Breakfast is done?

Check to see if the eggs are fully set and not runny. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes. Check every 10 minutes if cooking over charcoal.

Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, you can use fresh shredded potatoes, but you may need to cook them a little longer to ensure they’re done.

What kind of Dutch oven should I use for Mountain Man Breakfast?

Use a deep Dutch oven with a lid. A camp-style Dutch oven with legs works best for outdoor cooking.

How many people does this Mountain Man Breakfast recipe serve?

This recipe makes about 8 servings, depending on portion size. It’s a good choice for a group or patrol.

The Mountain Man Breakfast recipe is a hearty and easy meal made for camping. It’s packed with protein and carbs, giving campers the energy they need for an active day outdoors. Made with simple ingredients like eggs, cheese, hash browns, and a choice of meat, it’s a satisfying way to start the day. It cooks in a Dutch oven, making it perfect for outdoor cooking, and can also be baked in a regular oven at home.

This recipe is a great way for youth to practice cooking skills in a group setting. Scouts or campers can work together, taking turns preparing ingredients and layering them in the Dutch oven. Cooking as a team helps build confidence and teamwork. Plus, it’s a recipe they can customize to fit different tastes or dietary needs. Leaving out the meat or adding veggies makes it an easy vegetarian option, too.

Mountain Man Breakfast also teaches valuable camp cooking techniques, like handling a Dutch oven and managing charcoal heat. Cooking over coals is a skill that takes practice, and this recipe is simple enough for beginners to try. It’s a fun, hands-on experience, and the end result is a delicious breakfast everyone can enjoy together around the campfire.