8 Mouthwatering Campfire Meals That Will Make You Crave Outdoor Cooking
My friend Lily recently shared her camping adventure, raving about the delicious meals she cooked over the campfire. Her stories of sizzling aromas and hearty flavors under the starry sky inspired me to explore the world of campfire cooking.
Who said camping food can’t be fancy? This foil-wrapped salmon dish is both elegant and easy to prepare. Simply place a salmon fillet on a piece of foil, add some garlic butter, lemon slices, and your favorite herbs. Wrap it up tightly and place it on the grill grate over your campfire.
The result? A perfectly cooked, moist, and flavorful fish that’ll make you feel like you’re dining at a high-end restaurant in the middle of the wilderness. It’s a great way to impress your camping buddies or treat yourself to something special after a long day of hiking.
2. Campfire Chili Dogs
Nothing says “camping” quite like hot dogs, but let’s kick it up a notch with some chili! Start by warming up your favorite canned chili in a pot over the fire. While that’s heating, roast some hot dogs on skewers over the flames until they’re nicely charred.
Place the hot dogs in buns, top with the warm chili, and add some shredded cheese, diced onions, and a dollop of sour cream. It’s a messy, delicious meal that’ll satisfy even the hungriest campers. Plus, it’s super fun to eat around the campfire!
3. Breakfast Burritos in a Bag
Who doesn’t love a hearty breakfast after sleeping under the stars? These breakfast burritos are not only delicious but also fun to make. Start by scrambling some eggs in a pan over the fire. In separate zip-lock bags, give each camper tortillas, the scrambled eggs, pre-cooked bacon or sausage, shredded cheese, and some salsa.
Everyone can then assemble their own burrito in the bag, squishing the ingredients together to mix them up. It’s a hands-on breakfast that’s customizable and requires minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s a great way to get kids involved in meal prep!
4. Campfire Pizza Nachos
This creative twist on two beloved comfort foods is sure to be a hit at your campsite. In a cast-iron skillet, layer tortilla chips with pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings like pepperoni, olives, or bell peppers.
Cover the skillet with foil and place it on a grill grate over the fire. Let it cook until the cheese is melty and bubbly. The result is a gooey, savory treat that combines the best of both worlds – nachos and pizza! It’s perfect for sharing and will definitely become a camping trip favorite.
5. S’mores Banana Boats
Let’s not forget about dessert! This twist on the classic s’more is both delicious and somewhat healthier (hey, there’s fruit involved!). Take a banana and make a lengthwise cut, being careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff the banana with mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.
Wrap the stuffed banana in foil and place it near the edge of the fire for about 5-10 minutes. When you unwrap it, you’ll have a gooey, chocolatey, marshmallowy delight with a hint of caramelized banana. It’s a fun, less messy alternative to traditional s’mores that both kids and adults will love.
6. Campfire Quesadillas
Quesadillas are always a crowd-pleaser, and they’re surprisingly easy to make over a campfire. Bring along some large tortillas, shredded cheese, and your favorite fillings like pre-cooked chicken, black beans, or veggies.
Place a tortilla on a piece of foil, add your fillings to one half, and fold the tortilla over. Wrap it in the foil and place it on a grill grate over the fire, flipping occasionally until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy. It’s a versatile meal that can be customized to everyone’s tastes and is perfect for lunch or dinner.
7. One-Pot Campfire Mac and Cheese
Who says you can’t have creamy, comforting mac and cheese while camping? This one-pot wonder is sure to become a staple in your outdoor cooking repertoire. In a large pot, boil some water over the campfire and cook your pasta until it’s almost done.
Drain most of the water, leaving just a little in the pot. Add in some butter, milk, and plenty of shredded cheese. Stir until everything is melty and combined. The result is a rich, creamy mac and cheese that’ll warm you up on chilly camping nights. For an extra kick, try adding some diced jalapeños or crumbled bacon!
8. Campfire Cinnamon Rolls
Start your day with a sweet treat that’ll make you the most popular person at the campsite. Bring along a tube of store-bought cinnamon roll dough (the kind that comes in those pop-open cans). Carefully wrap each roll in foil and place them on a grill grate over low campfire coals.
Cook for about 15-20 minutes, rotating occasionally, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Unwrap and drizzle with the included icing for a breakfast that’ll make you feel like you’re at a cozy cabin instead of roughing it in the great outdoors. The aroma alone will have everyone at the campsite begging for a taste!
These campfire meals prove that outdoor cooking can be both fun and delicious. From savory dinners to sweet treats, there’s something for every palate and skill level.
