Go Back

Foxhole Dinner for Two

Foxhole Dinner for Two is a hearty, improvised casserole made from Vietnam-era C-Rations, combining canned turkey, chicken and noodles, and cheese spread with a creamy sauce and crunchy saltine topping. It’s a creative and nostalgic dish that showcases the resourcefulness of soldiers during the Vietnam War, offering a taste of history with a comforting, homey flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes

Jump To

IngredientsMethodVideoNotes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can turkey or substitute canned chicken
  • 1 can chicken and noodles
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 12 tablespoons milk or reconstituted powdered milk
  • 2 tablespoons canned cheese spread
  • 4 –6 saltine crackers crumbled
  • Optional: Black pepper or Tabasco sauce for seasoning

Instructions
 

  1. Prepare the Base: In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in the milk until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.
  2. Add the Rations: Stir in the canned turkey and chicken and noodles. Mix in the cheese spread until melted and combined.
  3. Assemble the Dish: Pour the mixture into a small baking dish or skillet. Top with crumbled saltine crackers for texture.
  4. Finish Cooking: If in the field, heat over a flame until bubbling. In a modern kitchen, bake at 350°F for 10 minutes to crisp the topping.
  5. Serve: Pair with a side of canned macaroni in tomato sauce and pound cake for dessert. Add a dash of Tabasco for authenticity!

Notes

  • Modern Substitutes: If canned turkey or chicken isn’t available, use cooked shredded chicken or turkey from your fridge or grocery store. For cheese spread, Velveeta or another processed cheese works well.
 
  • Add Authentic Flavor: A dash of Tabasco sauce (as recommended in the original C-Ration Cookbook) adds a spicy kick and ties the dish to its Vietnam-era roots.
 
  • Field Cooking Tips: To replicate the field experience, this dish can be made in a single pan over a campfire or portable stove, keeping it simple and portable like the soldiers intended.