Remember that camping trip when you tried to cook chili directly in the can? (Yeah, we’re not proud of it either.) Let’s just say, some campfire cooking experiments are better left untried. But fear not, fellow adventurers!
We’ve compiled 17 tried-and-true, delicious over-the-fire recipes that will have you ditching the burnt offerings and embracing wood-fired flavor.
1. Foil Packet Fish Dinner
Catch your dinner or bring along some fillets. Place fish on foil with lemon slices, butter, and herbs. Fold into a secure packet.
Cook directly on hot coals for about 10 minutes. The steam inside creates perfectly flaky fish every time. No dishes to wash!
2. Campfire Pizza Pockets
Store-bought pizza dough becomes magical outdoors. Flatten small portions, add sauce, cheese and toppings, then fold and seal the edges.
Wrap in foil and place on a grill grate over medium coals. Flip occasionally until golden brown. Kids go crazy for these portable pizza treats!
3. Dutch Oven Chili
Cast iron creates camping magic. Brown ground beef in your Dutch oven directly over flames. Add beans, tomatoes, and spices.
Move to indirect heat with coals underneath and on the lid. Let simmer for 30 minutes. The smoky flavor infuses every bite.
4. Breakfast Skillet Hash
Morning campsite aromas can’t be beat! Fry bacon in a cast iron skillet over your fire. Add diced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers.
Cook until potatoes crisp, then crack eggs directly on top. Cover with foil until eggs set. One-pan wonders make camping mornings easier and tastier!
5. Grilled Corn in Husks
Nature’s perfect packaging! Soak corn in husks for 20 minutes before cooking. Place directly on hot grill grate over your campfire.
Turn occasionally for 15-20 minutes. Peel back husks and add butter, salt, and spices. The fire brings out the natural sweetness.
6. Campfire Baked Apples
Core apples and stuff with brown sugar, cinnamon, oats, and butter. Wrap tightly in heavy-duty foil. Nestle in hot coals for 20-30 minutes.
The apples soften while creating their own caramel sauce inside. Unwrap carefully – steam is hot!
7. Fire-Roasted Quesadillas
Butter the outside of tortillas and fill with cheese and pre-cooked ingredients like chicken or beans. Wrap in foil, leaving the top slightly open.
Place on a grill over medium-hot coals. The cheese melts while the tortilla gets crispy. Outdoor quesadillas have an amazing smoky flavor you can’t recreate indoors!
8. Stick Bread
Ancient cooking method meets modern camping! Wrap refrigerated bread dough around peeled sticks in a spiral. Hold over flames, turning constantly.
The outside browns while the inside becomes fluffy. Pull off the stick and fill the hole with jam, chocolate, or savory fillings.
9. Cast Iron Cornbread
Pre-heat your cast iron skillet in the campfire. Add oil, then pour in prepared cornbread batter. Place lid on top with coals.
The bottom gets beautifully crispy while the inside stays moist. Serve with chili or just butter and honey. Cast iron cornbread has the perfect crust you can’t get from an oven!
10. Loaded Campfire Potatoes
Slice potatoes thinly and layer in foil with onions, bell peppers, cheese, and bacon bits. Add butter pats and seasonings between layers.
Seal tightly and cook in hot coals for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway. The flavors meld together beautifully.
11. Banana Boats
Slice bananas lengthwise through the peel, keeping the bottom intact. Stuff with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers.
Wrap in foil and place in hot coals for 5-8 minutes. The banana softens while fillings melt together. S’mores in banana form – a camping dessert revolution!
12. Fire-Roasted Stuffed Bell Peppers
Core bell peppers and fill with a mixture of pre-cooked rice, ground beef, tomatoes, and cheese. Wrap individually in foil.
Cook in hot coals for about 20 minutes. The peppers soften while flavors blend together. Make extras – everyone will want one.
13. Campfire Nachos
Layer tortilla chips, cheese, beans, and toppings in a cast iron skillet. Cover with foil and place over medium coals.
Cook until cheese melts completely, about 10 minutes. Add cold toppings like sour cream after cooking. Communal eating makes these nachos taste even better around the campfire!
14. Grilled Sausage and Veggie Skewers
Thread pre-cooked sausage chunks and colorful vegetables onto metal skewers. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with seasonings.
Place directly over hot coals, turning frequently. The fire gives vegetables a delicious char while heating the sausage.
15. One-Pot Pasta Primavera
Combine uncooked pasta, vegetables, broth, and seasonings in a large pot over your campfire. Bring to a boil, then simmer until pasta is tender.
The starch from the pasta creates its own creamy sauce. Finish with Parmesan cheese. One-pot meals mean less cleanup and more time enjoying nature!
16. Campfire French Toast
Dip thick bread slices in egg mixture with cinnamon and vanilla. Cook in a buttered cast iron skillet over medium campfire heat.
Flip once golden brown. Top with maple syrup, berries, or powdered sugar. Morning campfire cooking creates memories that last longer than the breakfast itself!
17. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
Line Dutch oven with foil and add butter and brown sugar. Arrange pineapple rings and place cake batter on top.
Cover with lid and place coals underneath and on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes. The caramelized pineapple amazes everyone. Who knew you could bake impressive desserts while camping?