There’s an unmatched magic in the fusion of crackling campfires and delectable dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a backyard bonfire enthusiast, the allure of a perfect campfire recipe is universal. Dive into a world where flames meet flavor, and every bite is a testament to the timeless charm of open-fire cooking. Ready to transform your next outdoor gathering with the ultimate campfire recipes? Let’s ignite your culinary imagination!
Our 7 Favorite Campfire Recipes and Tips
Fire-roasted Ribeye Steaks with Charred Green Beans
Experience luxury by the campfire with this ribeye steak campfire recipe. Paired with charred green beans, it’s a feast for the senses.
Ingredients:
- Ribeye steaks
- Fresh green beans
- Olive oil
- Sea salt and black pepper
Instructions:
- Season the ribeye steaks generously with sea salt and black pepper.
- Toss the green beans in olive oil and season.
- Place the steaks on a grill over the campfire. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes for medium-rare.
- On a separate section of the grill, spread out the green beans. Grill them until they’re charred and tender.
- Serve the steaks with the charred green beans on the side. Bon appétit!
Shrimp Boil Foil Packets
Dive into a seafood symphony with this easy campfire recipe. Shrimp, corn, and zucchini come together for a fuss-free, flavorful delight.
Ingredients:
- Fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Andouiile Sausage
- Corn on the cob (cut into small rounds)
- Zucchinis (sliced) or Red Potatoes (cut)
- Olive oil or butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper (Pro Tip: Old Bay Seasoning can spice things up)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix shrimp, sausage, corn, and zucchinis with olive oil and seasonings.
- Lay out foil sheets and distribute the mixture evenly.
- Fold the foil into packets, sealing them tightly.
- Place the packets on the campfire grill for about 10-12 minutes.
- Open with caution (watch for steam) and enjoy your shrimp boil!
Campfire Scrambled Eggs with Chipotle Pork Sausage
Elevate your morning with a spicy twist on a classic campfire recipe. Chipotle pork sausage adds a kick to your scrambled eggs.
Ingredients:
- Eggs
- Chipotle pork sausage (sliced)
- Bell peppers (diced)
- Onions (diced)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- In a skillet over the campfire, cook the sliced sausage until browned.
- Add in the diced peppers and onions, sautéing until soft.
- Whisk the eggs in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and pour into the skillet.
- Stir occasionally until the eggs are scrambled and fully cooked.
- Serve hot and kickstart your overlanding day!
Dutch Oven Elk Lasagna
Venture into the wild with this game meat campfire recipe. Layers of elk meat, cheese, and pasta promise a hearty meal under the stars.
Ingredients:
- Lasagna sheets
- Ground elk meat
- Tomato sauce
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil, garlic, salt, and herbs
Instructions:
- In a Dutch oven over the campfire, heat olive oil and sauté garlic.
- Add the ground elk meat, cooking until browned. Mix in the tomato sauce and herbs.
- Layer the bottom of the Dutch oven with lasagna sheets. Top with the elk meat sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
- Cover the Dutch oven and let it cook over the campfire for about 40 minutes or until the lasagna is bubbly and golden.
- Dive into this hearty dish and savor every bite!
Grilled Margherita Pizza
An Italian classic gets a campfire recipe makeover. Fresh ingredients on a crispy crust, all grilled to perfection by the fire.
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh tomatoes (sliced)
- Fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface.
- Place the rolled dough directly on the campfire grill for 2-3 minutes until it’s slightly charred.
- Flip the dough and quickly add olive oil, sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, and season.
- Cover the pizza with a makeshift aluminum foil dome to melt the cheese.
- Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove from the grill, top with fresh basil, slice, and serve!
Caramelized Pork Chops with Apple Relish
Sweet meets savory in this campfire recipe. Golden pork chops paired with caramelized apples offer a symphony of flavors.
Ingredients:
- Pork chops
- Apples (sliced)
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Season the pork chops with salt and pepper.
- On a grill over the campfire, cook the pork chops until they’re golden brown on both sides.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and add the sliced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until the apples are caramelized.
- Serve the pork chops hot with the caramelized apple relish on top.
Campfire Cinnamon Rolls
Indulge in a sweet treat with this campfire recipe. Warm, gooey cinnamon rolls, perfect for chilly mornings or dessert by the fire.
Ingredients:
- Store-bought cinnamon roll dough
- Icing (usually included with the dough)
Instructions:
- Place the cinnamon rolls in a Dutch oven or on a stovetop pan.
- Cover and cook over the campfire until they’re golden brown and fully baked.
- Drizzle with icing while they’re still warm.
- Enjoy this sweet treat with a cup of campfire coffee!
Tips for Campfire Cooking
- Choose the Right Wood: Hardwoods like oak, hickory, and maple burn hotter and longer, making them ideal for cooking. Avoid softwoods like pine, which can give food an unpleasant resinous taste.
- Preparation is Key: Before heading out, prep as much as you can. Marinate meats, chop veggies, and have seasonings ready. This not only saves time but also reduces the mess at the campsite.
- Regulate Heat: Remember, not all campfire flames are created equal. For a steady heat, cook over glowing embers rather than direct flames. If the fire’s too hot, raise the grill or wait for the flames to die down.
- Safety First: Always have a water source or fire extinguisher nearby. After cooking, ensure the fire is completely out before leaving the site.
- Use Cast Iron: Cast iron cookware retains heat well and evenly distributes it, making it perfect for campfire cooking. Plus, it’s durable and can handle the high heat of a campfire.
- Stay Patient: Campfire cooking is an art, not a race. Embrace the process, enjoy the ambiance, and remember that sometimes the food might take a little longer to cook.
- Clean Up: Respect nature. Once you’re done, clean up your cooking area, pack out all trash, and leave no trace.
The dance of flames, the aroma of food, the symphony of nature – campfire cooking is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. With the right recipes and a few handy tips, you can transform any campsite into a gourmet kitchen. As you venture out into the wild, remember that the heart of every memorable trip is often the food shared among friends and the stories that simmer around the campfire. So, light up that fire, embrace the culinary adventure, and let every bite be a celebration of the great outdoors. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Inspired by these campfire recipes? We’d love to see your culinary creations! Share your campfire moments with us on social media using the hashtag #OverlandCam. And for more outdoor tips, recipes, and adventures, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter. Let’s keep the fire of exploration and good food burning bright!