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Breakfast Hobo Packs with Polenta, Prosciutto, and Cherry Tomatoes

These savoury breakfast foil packs offer a sophisticated twist on outdoor cooking, swapping traditional potatoes for golden cubes of polenta. This high-protein dish combines salty ribbons of prosciutto with bursting cherry tomatoes, creating a Mediterranean-inspired flavour profile that is both hearty and refreshing. Preparing these parcels over hot coals or a barbecue adds a wonderful charred depth that is difficult to replicate in a standard kitchen, making them an ideal choice for summer mornings or active camping trips.

Designed for convenience, this recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a fuss-free start to the day without compromising on quality ingredients. The individual portions ensure everyone gets a perfectly poached egg nestled amongst the melting cheese and fresh basil. If you find yourself short on time, these packs can be assembled up to two days in advance and kept chilled, or even frozen for a month, allowing you to simply grab and grill whenever the mood strikes.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Breakfast Hobo Packs with Polenta, Prosciutto, and Cherry Tomatoes

  • 675g pre-cooked polenta, cut into 1/2" cubes

  • 575ml cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 170g sliced prosciutto (about 12 slices), torn into large pieces

  • 60ml olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

  • 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste

  • 6 large eggs

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (optional)

  • 1/4 cup torn basil leaves (optional)

Cut 12 (12x16") pieces of heavy-duty foil. Layer 2 pieces of foil on top of each other to create 6 stacks. Line top pieces of foil with parchment paper cut to the same size.

Toss polenta, tomatoes, prosciutto, oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Divide mixture among prepared packs, arranging in the centre of each piece of parchment. Bring edges of foil together to enclose each pack, covering completely, then crimp to seal packs closed.

Prepare a campfire or grill for medium, indirect heat, preferably with hardwood or hardwood charcoal. Let coals burn until covered with ash and glowing red with no black remaining.

Place packs side by side directly onto hot coals or grill and cook, rotating with tongs occasionally, about 5 minutes. Carefully remove 1 pack from heat and check if ingredients are steaming hot. If necessary, return pack to coals and continue to cook, 5–10 minutes more.

Transfer packs with tongs to a flat surface and carefully open them (they will be full of hot steam). Crack 1 egg into the centre of each pack and season with salt and pepper. Reseal, return to coals, and cook until egg whites are opaque but yolks are still runny, 4–5 minutes.

Carefully remove packs from coals, open, and sprinkle evenly with Parmesan and basil, if using. Serve immediately.

Packs can be assembled and chilled for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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