There’s nothing quite like spending time outdoors with friends and family. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just enjoying a backyard BBQ, a delicious meal cooked over a campfire can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 easy campfire recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. From classic hot dogs and hamburgers to more adventurous dishes like shrimp and jambalaya, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just looking for some inspiration for your next outdoor adventure, these recipes are perfect for any occasion. And the best part? They’re all easy to make and require minimal equipment, making them ideal for camping trips, picnics, or even just a fun night in with friends.
Classic Campfire Hot Dogs
Fire up your camping trip with these classic hot dogs cooked to perfection over the campfire. A simple and satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole crew.
Ingredients:
– 4 hot dogs
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tablespoons ketchup
– 2 tablespoons mustard (optional)
– Sliced buns, condiments, and toppings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Gather firewood and start a campfire. Once the flames have died down, place a cast-iron skillet or a hot dog roaster over medium heat.
2. Place the hot dogs in the skillet or roaster.
3. Add 1/4 cup water to the skillet or roaster to create steam. This helps cook the hot dogs evenly.
4. Cook for about 5 minutes, turning the hot dogs occasionally, until they’re nicely charred and cooked through.
5. Remove the hot dogs from the heat and brush with ketchup and mustard (if using).
6. Place the hot dogs on sliced buns and add your favorite toppings.
Cooking Time: About 10-15 minutes total
Foil Packet Garlic Butter Shrimp
This recipe yields succulent and flavorful shrimp cooked to perfection with a rich garlic butter sauce, all wrapped up in a convenient foil packet. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, garlic, and paprika.
3. Place 2-3 shrimp on each foil packet, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Spoon the garlic butter mixture over the shrimp.
5. Fold the foil over the shrimp, creating a sealed packet.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked through.
7. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Campfire Chili with Cornbread
Gather ’round the campsite and warm up with this hearty, one-pot chili dish served with a crumbly cornbread crust.
Ingredients:
For the Campfire Chili:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped bell peppers
– 2 cups canned tomatoes
– 1 cup kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cornbread:
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat camp stove to medium-high heat.
2. Cook ground beef in a Dutch oven until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
3. Add onion, garlic, bell peppers, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until vegetables are tender.
4. Stir in canned tomatoes and kidney beans. Bring to a simmer.
5. Meanwhile, mix cornbread ingredients in a separate bowl. Pour batter over the chili.
6. Cover Dutch oven with lid and cook for 15-20 minutes or until cornbread is golden brown and set.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Grilled Campfire Pizza
Experience the great outdoors with this unique recipe that combines the warmth of a campfire with the flavors of a classic pizza. This grilled campfire pizza is perfect for your next camping trip or backyard gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 1/2 cup tomato sauce
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup pepperoni slices
– 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
– 1/4 cup chopped onions
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or non-stick spray
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or campfire cooking surface to medium-high heat.
2. Roll out the pizza dough to desired thickness.
3. Spread the tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around edges.
4. Top with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, bell peppers, and onions.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Brush the crust with cooking oil or non-stick spray.
7. Place the pizza on the grill or campfire surface and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 20-24 minutes
Dutch Oven Beef Stew
Warm up with a comforting and flavorful stew cooked to perfection in your Dutch oven. This classic recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs beef stew meat (chuck or round)
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat Dutch oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Brown the beef in a little oil, then set aside.
3. Add more oil if needed, then sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add potatoes, carrots, beef broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Return the browned beef to the pot, cover, and simmer for 2-3 hours or until tender.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Campfire Nachos with Cheese
Campfire Nachos with Cheese: A Perfect Combination of Flavors and Fun!
These delicious nachos are perfect for your next camping trip or backyard gathering. This recipe combines the classic flavors of melted cheese, savory seasonings, and crunchy tortilla chips with the warmth and ambiance of a campfire.
Ingredients:
• 1 bag of tortilla chips
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing your campsite for cooking. Set up a safe and comfortable space for your nachos.
2. Melt the cheese in a microwave-safe bowl for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
3. In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chili powder and stir for 1 minute to release its flavors.
4. Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a large plate or cast-iron skillet.
5. Pour the melted cheese and chili mixture over the nachos, spreading evenly.
6. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for added freshness.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
One-Pot Campfire Jambalaya
Gather ’round the campsite with this hearty, one-pot wonder that combines the bold flavors of jambalaya with the convenience of cooking over an open flame.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup uncooked white rice
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-duty pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken, onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the rice and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Grilled Corn on the Cob
Perfect for backyard gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner, grilled corn on the cob is a classic summer treat that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the corn with a flavorful butter and spice combination.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ears of corn, husked and silked
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together butter, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto each ear of corn.
4. Place corn on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until slightly charred and tender.
5. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Campfire Breakfast Skillet
Start your day off right with a hearty campfire breakfast skillet that’s perfect for a group of friends or family. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal cleanup, making it a great option for camping trips or backyard gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sausage (such as breakfast links or Italian sausage), sliced
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil or butter for greasing the skillet
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire cooking grate to medium-high heat.
2. Grease a large cast-iron skillet with cooking oil or butter.
3. Add the sausage, onion, garlic, bell peppers, and potatoes to the skillet. Cook until the sausage is browned and the vegetables are tender (about 10-12 minutes).
4. Crack in the eggs and stir gently to scramble them.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the skillet and cook until melted.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Foil Packet Honey Mustard Chicken
A sweet and tangy twist on classic chicken, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or outdoor gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together honey, mustard, and garlic powder.
3. Place a chicken breast in the center of a large piece of aluminum foil.
4. Brush the honey-mustard mixture evenly over the chicken.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Fold the foil over the chicken, creating a packet, and seal by folding the edges.
7. Repeat with remaining chicken breasts.
Cooking Time:
– Grill: 20-25 minutes
– Oven: 30-35 minutes
Campfire Baked Beans
Elevate your camping trip with these hearty and flavorful Campfire Baked Beans that are perfect for a gathering around the campsite.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound dried navy beans, soaked overnight and drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon bacon drippings (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat campfire ring or Dutch oven to medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add soaked navy beans, ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours or until beans are tender.
6. If using bacon drippings, stir in just before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Smoky Campfire Ribs
Get ready to elevate your campfire cooking with this mouth-watering recipe for Smoky Campfire Ribs. Tender, fall-off-the-bone pork ribs are smothered in a rich, tangy BBQ sauce and slow-cooked over the campfire.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds pork ribs
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Wood chips for smoking (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire to a medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and sprinkle both sides with the dry rub.
4. Place the ribs over the campfire, bone-side down. Close the lid or use foil to trap the heat.
5. Cook for 2-3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and slightly charred.
6. Brush the ribs with BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Campfire Quesadillas
Elevate your camping experience with these gooey, cheesy Campfire Quesadillas. Perfect for a campsite snack or a hearty meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
– 1/2 cup diced cooked chicken or beans
– 1/4 cup diced onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced
– Cooking spray or oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together shredded cheese, cooked chicken or beans, diced onion, and sliced jalapeño.
3. Place a tortilla in the preheated skillet and sprinkle half of the cheese mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler
A classic dessert that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings, this Dutch oven peach cobbler is a simple and delicious treat to enjoy.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups fresh or frozen peaches, sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced peaches, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour mixture into the preheated Dutch oven.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and melted butter. Pour mixture over the peaches.
5. Cover Dutch oven with a lid and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the fruit is tender.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Campfire S’mores Dip
Gather around the campsite and enjoy a sweet treat that’s perfect for camping trips or backyard gatherings. This s’mores dip is an easy twist on the classic campfire snack, combining chocolatey goodness with gooey marshmallows and crunchy graham crackers.
Ingredients:
– 1 (16 oz) package cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup milk chocolate chips
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire or a grill to medium heat.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes total).
3. Add the butter and stir until combined.
4. Stir in chocolate chips until melted and smooth.
5. Pour the mixture into a cast-iron skillet or a foil-lined Dutch oven.
6. Top with marshmallows and crushed graham crackers.
7. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until marshmallows are toasted to desired level of gooiness.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Grilled Campfire Trout
Experience the great outdoors with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the smoky taste of campfire cooking with the freshness of trout. This dish is perfect for a backyard camping trip or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 trout fillets (6-8 ounces each)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or campfire cooking grate to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
3. Place trout fillets on a plate and brush both sides with the marinade mixture.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill trout for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
Foil Packet Garlic Butter Potatoes
Elevate your potato game with this simple and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or outdoor gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your grill or oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
3. Place a few potato wedges on a piece of aluminum foil, leaving some space in between each wedge.
4. Drizzle about half of the garlic butter mixture over the potatoes.
5. Fold the foil over the potatoes to create a packet, making sure to seal the edges tightly.
6. Repeat steps 3-5 with the remaining potatoes and garlic butter mixture.
7. Cook the packets for 45-60 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Campfire Banana Boats
A classic camping treat that’s easy to make and always a hit! These banana boats are perfect for a cozy campfire gathering or a quick snack around the campsite.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup marshmallows
– 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
– 1 tablespoon butter, softened
Instructions:
1. Cut the tops off the bananas and scoop out a small portion of the flesh to make room for the filling.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter in short intervals until smooth.
3. Add the marshmallows to the melted butter and stir until they’re fully coated.
4. Stuff each banana boat with the marshmallow mixture, leaving a small border at the top.
5. If using chocolate chips, place one or two on top of the marshmallow filling.
6. Place the banana boats around the campfire on a stick or skewer, leaving enough space for even cooking.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the bananas are caramelized and the marshmallows are toasted.
Cooking Time: 6-8 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your camping game with these 18 easy and delicious campfire recipes! From classic hot dogs to gourmet shrimp and even s’mores dip, there’s something for everyone. Try making foil packet garlic butter shrimp or Dutch oven beef stew over the campfire, or go for a twist on traditional campfire treats like grilled pizza or campfire nachos with cheese. And don’t forget about breakfast options like campfire skillets or banana boats! These recipes are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Leave a Reply