Ten Quick and Easy Campfire Recipes for Beginners

Cooking over a campfire can feel tricky for new outdoor enthusiasts. Fortunately, campfire meals don’t have to be complicated. Our guide features 10 recipes that are easy enough for any beginner to conquer the art of campfire cooking confidently.

Dive in, and let’s turn up the heat!

Key Takeaways

• You can make various campfire meals easily, from breakfast to dessert.
• Simple ingredients and tools like aluminum foil, cast iron skillets, and Dutch ovens helps cook food evenly over the fire.
• Recipes include classics like scrambled eggs, hot dogs with a twist, and sweet treats such as toasted cinnamon rolls.
• Cooking methods range from grilling directly on coals to wrapping food in foil for even heating without direct flame contact.
• These recipes are great for beginners and help create enjoyable camping experiences.

Campfire Scrambled Eggs

There’s nothing like the aroma of freshly scrambled eggs over an open flame to start your day in the wilderness. Grab your cast iron skillet, and let’s whisk up a batch of campfire scrambled eggs to fuel your morning adventures with simplicity and flavor.

Ingredients and Cooking Instructions

Making campfire scrambled eggs is a breeze. You’ll need a cast iron skillet and a few ingredients to whip up this hearty breakfast.

• 6 large eggs
• 1/4 cup of milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of butter or cooking oil
• Optional additions: shredded cheese, chopped onions, diced bell peppers, cooked sausage slices

1. Beat the eggs and milk together in a bowl. Add salt and pepper.
2. Heat the skillet over the campfire. Add butter or oil.
3. Pour in the egg mixture once the butter has melted.
4. Stir gently with a spatula, scraping the bottom of the skillet.
5. Mix in any optional ingredients you like.
6. Cook until the eggs are firm but still moist, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve hot directly from the skillet for easy cleanup.

Campfire Toasted Cinnamon Rolls

Campfire Toasted Cinnamon Rolls bring the comfort of home to the great outdoors. They’re a sweet treat that’s perfect for enjoying around a crackling fire.

• Get a can of pre-made cinnamon roll dough from the store before your trip.
• Find a flat surface near your campfire and place a piece of aluminum foil on it.
• Open the can, separate the rolls, and set them on the foil with enough space between each.
• Cover them with another piece of foil to protect them from direct flames and ash.
• Place the foil packet over the campfire, but not directly in large flames. Use coals for even heat.
• Let them cook for about 10 – 15 minutes, then flip the packet to toast both sides evenly.
• Check if they are done by opening a corner of the foil—be careful, the steam is hot!
• Once they’re golden brown and cooked through, remove from heat.
• Drizzle with icing provided in the cinnamon roll can for a touch of sweetness.
• Serve warm and enjoy as you watch the sunrise or after an adventurous day outdoors.

Bacon and Cheese Pull-Aparts

Bacon and Cheese Pull-Aparts are a hearty and delicious way to start the day while camping. You only need a few ingredients to make this crowd-pleaser in a Dutch oven.

• Cut one package of dinner rolls into quarters, making bite-sized pieces.
• Cook some bacon until it’s crispy; you’ll need about eight strips. Once cooked, crumble it into small bits.
• Shred a cup of cheddar cheese — the more, the merrier for cheese lovers!
• Grab your Dutch oven and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Place the roll pieces in the Dutch oven, spreading them out evenly.
• Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top of the rolls.
• Shower the shredded cheddar cheese all over the bacon and rolls.
• In a separate bowl, melt half a stick of butter. Pour this golden goodness over everything in the Dutch oven.
• Put the lid on your Dutch oven securely. It’s time to bake!
• Place your Dutch oven over hot campfire coals. Let it cook for around 15 minutes at 350°F or until you see that golden brown color on top.

New Kind of Dog (Hot Dog Recipe)

Cooking at the campsite is an adventure. The “New Kind of Dog” hot dog recipe spices up your outdoor meals.

• Grab some hot dogs, onion, chili, barbecue sauce, and buns.
• Start by slicing onions into thin strips for extra flavor.
• Open a can of chili; we’ll use it to top our dogs.
• Measure out a half-cup of your favorite barbecue sauce for tangy goodness.
• Lay out aluminum foil pieces big enough to wrap each hot dog.
• Take one bun and put a hot dog inside like you’re making a regular hot dog sandwich.
• Spoon chili on top of the hot dog until it’s well-covered.
• Sprinkle your sliced onions all over the chili for that crunch and zing.
• Drizzle barbecue sauce over everything for some sweet and smoky taste.
• Wrap the loaded bun with foil, twisting the ends to keep it snug.
• Cook over campfire coals or place on a grill grate. Turn every couple of minutes for even heating.
• Give them about 10 minutes or until everything’s piping hot and smelling amazing.
• Carefully unwrap your “New Kind of Dog” and watch out for steam. Enjoy this twist on classic campfire food with friends!

Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese

After enjoying a creative twist on hot dogs, let’s dive into another familiar favorite: the Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese. This recipe combines the gooey goodness of pizza with the crispy crunch of a grilled cheese sandwich.

• Grab your bread and spread butter on one side of each slice to get that golden crust.
• Flip the slices over and spoon some marinara sauce onto the non-buttered sides.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
• Add pepperoni slices on top of the cheese, just like you’re topping a pizza.
• Close up your sandwich with another piece of bread, buttered side out.
• Heat up your cast iron pan over the campfire until it’s nice and hot.
• Carefully place your sandwich in the pan and listen for that sizzle.
• Cook until the bottom is crisp and brown, then flip it over gently.
• Press down slightly with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
• Take it off the heat once both sides are toasted and the cheese is melted.
• Let it cool for a minute before cutting into it. The steam can be hot!
• Serve warm for a melty, cheesy treat that takes outdoor cooking to new heights.

Campfire Nachos

Campfire Nachos bring a tasty twist to your outdoor adventure. They’re simple to make and perfect for sharing around the campfire.

• Start with a large aluminum foil pan, or create one by layering heavy-duty aluminum foil.
• Spread a bag of your favorite tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of the pan.
• Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese—cheddar works great—over the chips.
• Chop a tomato, slice a jalapeño, and dice an onion; scatter these over the cheese-covered chips.
• Add some pre-cooked ground beef or chicken on top if you like meat.
• Spoon dollops of salsa around the nachos for an extra flavor kick.
• Dot with slices of black olives and a sprinkle of canned black beans for more variety.
• Pull pieces of foil up and over the nachos to cover them lightly—this helps melt the cheese and warm all ingredients through.
• Place your foil pan over the campfire grill grate, not directly in the flames. Heat until the cheese is melted.
• Use oven mitts or camp gloves to remove the hot pan from the heat source carefully.

Shrimp Boil Foil Packets

After enjoying some delicious campfire nachos, let’s make Shrimp Boil Foil Packets – a simple yet flavorful seafood dish. Here’s how to wrap up a mouthwatering meal in foil:

• Gather your ingredients: shrimp, corn on the cob, baby red potatoes, andouille sausage, lemon slices, butter, garlic cloves minced, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Cut the corn into small rounds and chop baby red potatoes into quarters. Cut the andouille sausages into chunks.
• Tear off large foil sheets for each serving. Make sure they’re big enough to hold the food and fold over securely.
• On each sheet of foil, evenly distribute the shrimp, corn rounds, potato quarters, and sausage pieces.
• Add a slice of lemon on top for a zesty kick. Sprinkle minced garlic over everything for extra flavor.
• Season generously with Old Bay seasoning. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
• Place small pats of butter across the top to melt in and add richness.
• Fold up the foil packets tightly. Ensure you seal the edges well so no steam escapes during cooking.
• Place packets on hot coals or over your camp grill. Allow them to cook for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them – you’re looking for tender veggies and pink shrimp.

Easy Chickpea Curry

Cooking chickpea curry at the campfire brings a tasty twist to your outdoor adventures. This simple recipe packs a flavorful punch with minimal ingredients.

• Gather your supplies: canned chickpeas, coconut milk, curry powder, a clove of garlic, and any fresh veggies you like.
• Start by heating oil in a pan over your campfire.
• Crush the garlic clove and add it to the hot oil.
• Rinse and drain the chickpeas before throwing them into the pan.
• Stir in heaping tablespoons of curry powder for that spicy kick.
• Pour in coconut milk and mix everything together.
• Chop up veggies like bell peppers or zucchini and toss them in.
• Let the curry simmer until everything is hot, and the flavors meld.
• Serve this hearty meal with flatbread or over cooked rice.

Foil Wrapped Sweet Potatoes & Chili

Foil Wrapped Sweet Potatoes & Chili blend comfort food with campfire charm. This hearty meal is a cinch to prepare and packs a flavorful punch.

• Start by choosing medium-sized sweet potatoes. They cook evenly and fit nicely in your pack.
• Rinse the sweet potatoes well and poke holes in them using a fork. This lets steam escape during cooking.
• Lay each potato on its own sheet of aluminum foil. Make sure the foil is big enough to wrap the potato completely.
• Drizzle olive oil over each potato. It adds flavor and helps the skin get crispy.
• Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any other spices you love on the potatoes. Get creative with your seasonings!
• Wrap each sweet potato tightly in the foil. The goal is to seal in all the tasty goodness.
• Place wrapped potatoes into hot coals at the edge of your campfire. Be careful not to burn yourself.
• Let them cook for about 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through. Cooking times may vary with fire intensity.
• Warm up pre-made chili while the potatoes are cooking. Store-bought or homemade both work fine.
• Check if sweet potatoes are done by poking them with a fork – they should be soft inside.
• Open up each foil packet carefully—watch out for hot steam—and slit open the tops of your baked potatoes.
• Spoon generous amounts of warm chili over each sweet potato, spreading it to cover well.

Which Seasonal Recipes Would Be Easiest for Beginners to Try Over a Campfire?

For beginners looking to try their hand at campfire cooking, seasonal campfire recipes like simple s’mores, foil packet chicken and vegetable skewers, or chili and cornbread cooked in a Dutch oven are easy and delicious options. These recipes are perfect for learning essential outdoor cooking skills.

What are Some Easy and Safe Recipes for Kids to Try When Cooking Over a Campfire?

Campfire cooking with kids can be both fun and safe with the right recipes. Try making simple classics like campfire pizza, foil packet meals, or toasted marshmallow cones. All of these recipes are easy for kids to help with and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions.

Conclusion

You’ve just discovered how simple and fun campfire cooking can be! With these ten recipes, you’re set for your next outdoor adventure. Remember, good food makes great memories—especially around a warm fire.

Grab some wood and get those flames dancing! Let’s make every camping trip deliciously unforgettable.