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Last Updated on January 27, 2023
There is no better place to cook when it comes to cooking outdoors than over a crackling campfire. A level of elegance is always possible for campfire cooking, it’s not always bacon grease and cowboy grits. So we have put together these four elegant campfire cooking recipes to help you create a great environment around your camp side food.
Simplicity at its finest
The modern convenience of air fryers and instapots sometimes feels a little too modern. Sometimes, you need rustic cast iron cooking comfort. There are times when a log fire, outside under the stars on a chilly evening, is just the right kind of natural medicine you need.
Whether you are going on a family camping trip or merely indulging the kids in a backyard campout, here are some authentic campsite cooking recipe ideas. Pie irons, also known as a pudgy pie iron, are cast iron pie irons that can be used over a campfire or in the comfort of your oven at home.
1. Cherry pie
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This sweet treat is welcome at every campfire! This tart pie is not only a winner after dinner; it is simpler than you think.
Ingredients:
- 1 Pilsbury flaky roll/pie crust
- 1 Can Cherry pie filling/homemade filling
- Butter to grease the pie iron
- Whipped cream to garnish
- Optional: Fresh fruit salad
Method:
On a greased pie iron, place 1 cut-to-size dough layer onto the pie iron. Place 2 tbsp of cherry filling on the dough. Top the pie with the second layer of dough. Close the pie iron and cook for 5 minutes on each side in the campfire. The pastry should be golden brown on each side. Check frequently to make sure the pie doesn’t burn. Serve with whipped cream and fresh fruit as an added treat.
Tip: Toast some marshmallows over the fire and serve with your cherry pies.
You can prep the pie crust and filling at home and keep it in your freezer for quick and easy campsite cherry pies.
2. Campfire tacos
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Comfort food on the campfire! These tacos are so good it will have you camping regularly.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 10 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded jack cheese
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 jar of salsa
- 1 jar of sour cream
- 1 package guacamole
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- Oil for frying
Method:
Heat a greased pie iron on the campfire. Place a griddle down so the iron can stay there supported. Oil the pan and cook the ground beef until browned and crumbling. Pour off any excess fat, add in the taco seasoning and cook until cooked thoroughly. In another greased pie iron, place a corn tortilla and scoop ground beef on top. Sprinkle with salsa and chopped onion. Top with a tortilla and close the iron. Place into the fire and cook on each side until the tortillas are golden brown. When ready, allow standing for 2-minutes Serve hot with sour cream, shredded lettuce, extra salsa, and guacamole.
Tip: any leftover meat like chicken, pulled pork, or beef will also work well instead of ground beef.
3. Pie iron pizza calzone
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When put together, there are three words: that elicit happiness and sheer glee in both kids and adults: Pepperoni Pizza Pie.
Ingredients:
- Premade pizza dough, rolled out
- 1 jar pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup pepperoni slices
- Optional: chopped mushrooms, peppers, pineapple
Method:
Place pizza dough across both sides of a greased pie iron and spread a sauce layer over each side. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and pepperoni slices and additional toppings. Close the pie iron, trim any dough off that sticks out of the iron. Cook over the campfire for 5 -10 minutes. Check your pie at 4 minutes. Cook until golden brown. Serve hot.
4. Cinnamon rolls
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Your campsite will smell like Cinnamon in no time. You can cut your prep time down when using pre-packaged cinnamon roll dough from Pilsbury. However, you can also make the delicious dough from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 1 can Pillsbury cinnamon roll (skip this if making dough from scratch)
- 2 cups icing sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Dough:
- 3 cups biscuit mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup sugar
Method:
Mix the biscuit mix and milk until it forms a sticky dough. Knead your dough on a floured surface. Roll the dough out; it should be approximately 1 inch thick. Combine the cinnamon and sugar in a mixing bowl. Coat the rolled out dough with melted butter, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top. Roll into a tight log, slice into 1inch slices. In a greased pie iron, place the pieces in, arrange the slices around until the iron is full. The iron should fit two cinnamon rounds comfortably. Close the iron and put it into the fire. Turning regularly, cook each side for 5 minutes each side. Top with icing. Enjoy!
If using the pre-made cinnamon roll, slice into 1-inch rounds and place into a greased pie iron, cook for 5 minutes on each side.
Icing: Combine the ingredients for the icing together in a bowl. Mix until the mixture is smooth. While the rolls are hot, pour the icing over.
Campside happiness
Campfire cooking is always a memorable experience. Whether you are silly for sweet-stuff or prefer a more savory take on life, campfire cooking is great for any palate. With more than one way to cook on a fire, it is no wonder so many people are going back to the good old rustic outdoor cooking ways.
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