Simple Outdoor Bread Fritters: Made With Just a Few Ingredients, Perfect for Your Next Adventure

Hello, fellow outdoor enthusiasts! Isn’t there something special about cooking and enjoying a meal outdoors, surrounded by nature? This timeless recipe, cherished by generations, captures that spirit perfectly. Originally created as a way to avoid wasting food, these traditional Spanish bread fritters are the perfect dish for outdoor adventures—whether you’re on a camping trip, having a picnic, or enjoying a backyard barbecue.

Made from simple, everyday ingredients—stale bread, milk, eggs, garlic, and parsley—these fritters are easy to prepare, even in a rustic outdoor setting. The mixture is shaped into small fritters and fried until golden, creating a crispy exterior with a soft, flavorful center.

While the classic version remains a favorite, these fritters are versatile enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand. Whether you add diced ham, shredded chicken, or keep them traditional, they make for a satisfying and hearty snack that’s perfect for sharing around a campfire or enjoying under the open sky.

So, gather your ingredients, step outside, and bring a taste of tradition to your next outdoor adventure.

Ingredients:

1. 100g Bread crumbs (preferably from stale bread)
2. 3 Garlic cloves, finely grated
3. 2 Medium eggs
4. 50ml Milk
5. 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
6. Salt and pepper
7. Sunflower oil

Tools:

1. Mixing bowl
2. Fork
3. Knife
4. Grater
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Frying pan
7. Cooking spoon
8. Paper towels
9. Plate or serving dish

Grate the Bread: Use a grater to grate the stale bread into fine crumbs. You can use about 10 slices of crustless bread for this. Place the grated bread crumbs into a mixing bowl.

Grate the Garlic: Use a knife to finely chop the garlic cloves. Add the grated garlic to the bowl with the bread crumbs.

Prepare Additional Ingredients: If you’re adding extras like diced ham (e.g., ham slices or ham york), use a knife to finely chop it. Add the chopped ham to the mixing bowl with the bread crumbs and garlic.

Note: If you prefer, you can also buy pre-made bread crumbs from the supermarket. However, grating the bread yourself is a great option for outdoor cooking, especially when you want to make the most of what you have on hand. It allows you to use stale bread, reducing waste and adding a personal touch to your outdoor meal.

In the bowl add the following:

1. 2 beaten eggs
2. 1 tablespoon dried parsley
3. Salt and pepper to taste
4. 50ml milk

Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.

Gradually add the grated bread crumbs to the liquid mixture. Stir continuously as you add the bread crumbs to ensure even distribution and proper mixing. If you’re including any extras like chopped ham (e.g., ham york), add them to the mixture now.

Continue stirring until the bread crumbs are fully incorporated into the mixture, and it forms a uniform, somewhat sticky dough. The dough should hold together when formed into small portions. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a bit more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

If the dough is too wet and not holding together well, add more grated bread crumbs to firm it up. The final dough should be thick enough to shape but not overly stiff.

Allow the mixture to rest for about 30 minutes. This helps the bread crumbs absorb the liquid fully and improves the texture of the dough.

Take portions of the dough and shape them into small, round patties or balls using your hands or a spoon. Aim for a size that will cook evenly.

Pour enough sunflower oil into a frying pan to cover the bottom with about 1-2 cm of oil. Heat the oil over medium heat until it's hot but not smoking. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is at the right temperature.

Carefully place the shaped fritters into the hot oil. Space them out to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and affect cooking. Cook the fritters for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to turn them gently to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

Once cooked, remove the fritters from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions: While traditionally enjoyed on their own, you can also serve these fritters with dipping sauces or sides. Options like a tangy mustard, a creamy dip, or a simple salsa can complement the fritters nicely.

The fritters can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. They make a great snack or appetizer, especially when served with a refreshing beverage at your outdoor gathering.

These delicious fritters are not just a treat for your taste buds but also a perfect companion for any outdoor adventure. Whether you’re enjoying a picnic in the park, a camping trip in the woods, or a backyard barbecue, these fritters add a touch of homemade comfort to your outdoor dining experience.

I prepared these fritters at home with the intention of taking them out to enjoy in the great outdoors. However, they can be easily cooked on a portable gas stove or camping stove if you’re cooking directly at your campsite. The recipe is versatile and adaptable, making it ideal for various outdoor settings.

Embrace the spirit of outdoor living and make your next meal an enjoyable adventure with these flavorful fritters. Whether you’re cooking at home or on the go, they’re sure to be a hit wherever you choose to enjoy them.

Thank you for checking out this recipe. Happy cooking, and may your outdoor experiences be filled with great food and even better memories!