Campfire cooking is one of the most fun ways to enjoy a camping trip. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, grilling hot dogs or baking muffins over an open flame, there’s nothing like campfire cooking.
The best thing about it? It’s easy! If you can grill a burger or toast some bread on an outdoor grill, then you’ve got the skills needed for successful campfire cooking.
That said though, sometimes things don’t always go as planned when it comes to trying new recipes over an open fire. So I’ve put together my top tips on how to prepare delicious meals while camping:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Tips for staying organized while traveling |
| The benefits of minimalist packing |
| Tricks for maximizing luggage space |
| How to simplify your travel wardrobe |
| The importance of pre-trip planning |
| Strategies for reducing travel stress |
| Smart planning for a smoother travel experience |
| The advantages of packing light |
| Tips for keeping important documents organized and secure while traveling |
| Ways to streamline your travel routine |
Campfire sandwiches
Campfire sandwiches are one of the most classic campfire meals.
Preparation: First, assemble all ingredients that you would like in a sandwich (lettuce and tomato slices, mayo or mustard, etc.).
Next places two pieces of bread on a flat surface and spread the condiments across them evenly. Then add the vegetables into the middle of one piece of bread and top it off with another slice to make a complete sandwich. Repeat this process for each person eating at your campfire site!
Once you have made all your sandwiches using these instructions, place them on small baking sheets lined with aluminum foil and wrap them tightly in foil packets so they stay warm while cooking over hot coals!
This step may seem strange but trust us: wrapping them tightly will prevent any liquid from escaping during cooking time which could potentially cause soggy breads when unwrapped later down road.
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Campfire quesadillas
Gather your ingredients. You’ll need tortillas, shredded cheese, and any additional toppings you like (salsa is a good choice).
Cook the quesadillas over the campfire directly on grates or on foil so that they don’t fall through.
This will take about 3 minutes per side to make sure that the cheese melts properly. If your campfire has no grates, then it’s fine to use tin foil instead of directly cooking the quesadillas over flames..
Best Ingredients to Make Campfire Quesadillas
| Ingredient | Brand |
|---|---|
| Tortillas | Mission or Guerrero |
| Cheese | Sargento |
| Protein (chicken, steak, tofu, etc.) | Oscar Mayer or Beyond Meat |
| Vegetables (onion, bell pepper, etc.) | Fresh from the local market |
| Seasoning (taco seasoning, cumin, etc.) | McCormick or Old El Paso |
Note: Brands are suggested only where they make sense contextually and other options can be used as per preference and availability.
Campfire burritos
To make campfire burritos, you’ll need:
- A tortilla (flour or corn)
- Beans and rice (or any other ingredients that you want in your burrito)
- Cheese (if you want it)
The process of making a campfire burrito is fairly simple. First, wrap your tortilla around the fillings.
Make sure to fold the sides inwards so that they stick together and seal out any air. Then, wrap aluminum foil around it to keep everything together while cooking.
Place on an iron skillet over an open fire for about 15 minutes or until warm throughout. Remove from heat and serve with salsa or hot sauce if desired!
Cooking over a campfire is an essential part of the camping experience. Take your campfire cooking game to the next level with these delicious campfire recipes that are easy to make and bursting with flavor.
S’mores
When it comes to campfire cooking, the simplest recipes are often the best. S’mores are a simple treat that anyone can make and everyone will love.
To get started, you’ll need to start a fire and put some chocolate and marshmallows on graham crackers.
Once your fire is going, place the chocolate and marshmallows on top of each cracker. As soon as they melt, remove them from the heat so they don’t burn! Now you’re ready to enjoy one of America’s favorite desserts!
Best Ingredients to Make Perfect S’mores
| Ingredient | Brand |
|---|---|
| Graham crackers | Nabisco |
| Chocolate | Hershey’s |
| Marshmallows | Jet-Puffed or Campfire |
| Butter | Land O’Lakes |
| Optional toppings (banana slices, peanut butter, etc.) | Jif or fresh from the local market |
Note: Brands are suggested only where they make sense contextually and other options can be used as per preference and availability.
Kebabs
Kebab skewers are a great option for camping.
They allow you to cook meat and vegetables over the campfire at the same time, making it easy to make a meal that includes both protein and veggies in one serving.
The most common type of kebab skewer is made from metal, but some people prefer wooden skewers instead because they don’t conduct heat as well as metal ones do (which can cause food to burn).
It’s also possible to use toothpicks instead just make sure you soak them beforehand so they won’t catch fire!
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Campfire-roasted potatoes
Peel and quarter 2 pounds of potatoes.
Place in foil packet with a pinch of salt, pepper to taste, olive oil or butter (about 1/4 cup) and margarine (1 tablespoon).
Wrap tightly and place on hot coals or fire. Turn occasionally to ensure even cooking. Cook until soft enough to pierce with a fork. Remove from fire when done and let cool slightly before opening foil packet so steam doesn’t burn you!
Pizza pockets
Pizza pockets are a camping classic. They’re easy and delicious, and you can use the same recipe for any kind of pizza you like.
To make them, first lay out a large piece of foil on the grill. Add your ingredients in the middle, then fold over to create a packet that looks like an envelope or pouch (you can also cook them in a cast-iron skillet over your camp stove). Cook until browned!
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Pancakes
Pancakes are a classic camping breakfast. When making them, keep in mind that you’ll need:
A good spatula and griddle set. The best spatulas for cooking pancakes are the ones with long handles so you can flip your cakes easily without burning yourself or tearing apart the pancake itself.
Make sure both your spatula and griddle have ample surface area, since pancakes tend to spread out quite a bit when flipping over on the griddle.
And if possible, use an oil or butter that doesn’t smoke as much as your regular vegetable oil (such as coconut oil) will help achieve this effect without having to spend tons of cash on specialized cooking equipment!
Best Tools for Making Perfect Pancakes
| Tool | Brand |
|---|---|
| Griddle | Lodge or Camp Chef |
| Spatula | OXO or Wilton |
| Mixing bowl | Pyrex or Anchor Hocking |
| Whisk | KitchenAid or Oster |
Note: Brands are suggested only where they make sense contextually and other options can be used as per preference and availability.
Cinnamon rolls
Campfires are a staple of camping, but if you’re not up for roasting marshmallows or cooking your bacon over open flames, fear not! You can still enjoy delicious campfire treats with these simple Dutch oven cinnamon rolls.
To make these treats, all you’ll need is a cast iron skillet and a foil packet that has been prepped with butter or parchment paper.
The hot coals at the bottom of your fire pit will be used to heat the skillet up while baking the cinnamon rolls in their foil pouch.
If you don’t have access to a fire pit or grill grate, no worries you can use any other heat source (like an open campfire) as long as it gets hot enough for them to bake properly!]
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Potatoes in foil
Potatoes on the campfire are easy to make, and they taste great. You can use any kind of potato you like. If there’s room in your backpack, add other ingredients such as onions or bell peppers to make it more flavorful.
Use foil to make a packet for the potatoes. Put a couple tablespoons of water in the bottom of the foil so they won’t burn while cooking on an open fire or grill.
Put sliced or chopped potatoes inside, season them with salt and pepper if you like, and fold up all four sides of the foil until it’s closed tight like a little pouch over your food.
Cook these packets over hot coals on a campfire for about 20 minutes total—5 minutes per side—until tender when pierced with a fork at their thickest part (be careful not to cut yourself).
Jumbo marshmallows and bananas (a.k.a. s’bananagrams)
You’ll need:
- 4 bananas
- 8 jumbo marshmallows
- Wooden skewers (or toothpicks)
- Cooking spray (optional)
Directions: First, cut the bananas into quarters and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, or spray the pan lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 25 minutes at 350 degrees F, flipping them over halfway through.
While the bananas are cooking, make some jumbo marshmallows by cutting regular ones in half and putting them back on a greased pan for another 10-15 minutes.
When your marshmallows are done and your bananas are lightly browned and crispy around the edges, skewer two halves together with two skewers or toothpicks one from each side of each banana and enjoy!
Campfire cobbler (a.k.a. dump cake)
Dump cake is a one-pot wonder that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Just dump all of your ingredients into the pan and then wait for them to bake together in what can only be described as a culinary miracle.
Dump Cake Ingredients:
1 can fruit pie filling (peach, cherry or blueberry)
1 box yellow cake mix (or 2 cups homemade batter)
Conclusion
There’s nothing better than a delicious meal while camping. Campfire cooking can be a lot of fun, but there are many ways to mess it up if you don’t know what you’re doing. Follow these tips and you’ll be making delicious meals in no time!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to check out for more camping and campfire cooking inspiration:
Delish Camping Food Recipes: Delish offers a wide range of delicious and easy-to-make camping recipes that will take your outdoor dining experience to new heights.
Fresh off the Grid Campfire Recipes: Fresh off the Grid features campfire-friendly recipes with fresh and healthy ingredients that will keep you fueled up for your outdoor adventures.
Country Living Campfire Recipes: Country Living presents a roundup of simple and satisfying campfire recipes that are perfect for the whole family.
FAQs
What are some essential items to bring on a camping trip?
Some essential items to bring on a camping trip include a tent, sleeping bag, portable stove, cooler, first-aid kit, and plenty of water. It’s also important to research the location you’ll be camping in and prepare accordingly with appropriate clothing and gear.
How do I start a campfire safely?
To start a campfire safely, choose a designated area away from vegetation and other flammable materials. Use a fire starter or kindling to ignite the fire, and keep a bucket of water nearby to extinguish the flames.
What are some easy-to-make campfire meals?
Some easy-to-make campfire meals include foil packet dinners, skewers (such as kabobs or hot dogs), and one-pot meals. Preparing meals in advance and utilizing cast-iron cookware can also simplify the cooking process.
How do I choose a campsite for my camping trip?
When choosing a campsite, consider factors such as location, terrain, amenities, and accessibility. Research ahead of time to ensure the campsite meets your needs and preferences, and pay attention to any rules or regulations specific to the area.
What should I do if I encounter wildlife while camping?
If you encounter wildlife while camping, maintain a safe distance and do not approach or feed the animals. Store food and garbage in bear-resistant containers or hang them in a tree away from your sleeping area. Make noise to alert the animals of your presence, and consult with park rangers or other authorities if necessary.
I’m Hellen James, and I am a camping enthusiast. I’ve been camping since I was a kid and have always loved it the fresh air, the beautiful scenery, and the great outdoors. In fact, it’s one of my favorite things to do in the summer!
