10 Easy Campfire Recipes for the Modern Explorer

Introduction

I love the great outdoors. There's something exhilarating about being surrounded by nature, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And one of my favorite things to do when I'm out in the wilderness is to gather around a campfire and cook up a delicious meal. There's just something magical about the way food tastes when it's cooked over an open flame. In this article, I want to share with you 10 easy campfire recipes that are perfect for the modern explorer. So grab your camping gear and let's get cooking!

Campfire Recipes

Campfire Nachos Recipe

Campfire nachos are a fun and easy dish to enjoy outdoors. Here’s a simple recipe to make scrumptious nachos over a campfire for four servings:

Equipment Needed:

• Cast iron skillet or heavy-duty aluminum foil for creating a foil packet
• Campfire grill grate or a flat stone (cleaned and heated)
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Long-handled tongs or spatula

Ingredients:

• 1 bag (about 10-12 oz) of tortilla chips
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup of sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup of sliced jalapeños
• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, or diced green onions

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fire:
   • Start a campfire and allow it to burn down until you have a bed of coals, then position the grill grate over the coals.
2. Prepare the Nachos:
   • If using a cast iron skillet, layer half of the tortilla chips at the bottom, followed by half of the cheeses, black beans, tomatoes, olives, and jalapeños. Repeat with the remaining chips and toppings to create a second layer.
   • If using a foil packet, create a double layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil and add the same layers of chips and toppings as above. Fold the foil over the nachos to seal the packet tightly.
3. Cook the Nachos:
   • Place the skillet or foil packet on the grill grate over the campfire.
   • Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The cooking time may vary depending on the heat of your coals.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Carefully remove the skillet or foil packet from the grill using heat-resistant gloves or tongs/spatula.
   • If using a foil packet, carefully open the foil (watch out for steam) and transfer the nachos to a serving platter or eat straight from the foil.
   • Serve hot with your choice of optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, or diced green onions.

Gather around the campfire and dive into this cheesy, crispy, and customizable Campfire Nachos recipe. It’s a perfect communal dish to enjoy while soaking up the great outdoors!

Foil Packet Meals Recipe

Foil packet meals are fantastic for camping—they are easy to prepare, cook, and clean up. Here's a simple and versatile recipe for foil packet meals that can be customized to individual tastes. This recipe is adjusted for four servings.

Equipment Needed:

• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Campfire grill grate or a flat stone (cleaned and heated)
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Long-handled tongs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of protein of your choice (chicken, beef, fish, tofu, etc.), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups of vegetables of your choice (potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, onions, zucchini, etc.), diced
• 1/4 cup of olive oil or melted butter
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: herbs and spices of your choice (garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fire:
   • Start a campfire and let it burn down until you have a bed of coals, then position the grill grate over the coals.
2. Prepare the Foil Packets:
   • Tear off four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 18-20 inches long each.
   • Divide the protein and vegetables evenly among the four sheets of foil.
   • Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the protein and vegetables on each sheet.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and any optional herbs and spices you are using.
   • Fold the foil over the ingredients to form a packet and fold the edges to seal the packets tightly.
3. Cook the Foil Packets:
   • Place the foil packets on the grill grate over the campfire.
   • Cook for about 15-25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the protein is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the type of protein you're using and the heat of your coals.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Carefully remove the foil packets from the grill using heat-resistant gloves or tongs.
   • Let them cool for a few minutes, then carefully open the foil packets (watch out for steam).
   • Serve hot straight from the foil or transfer the contents to plates.

These foil packet meals are a great way to enjoy a hot, hearty meal at the campsite with minimal fuss and cleanup. Plus, everyone can customize their own packet to their liking!

Campfire Pizza Recipe

Creating a pizza on a campfire can be a delightful experience. Here's a simple recipe for campfire pizza, adjusted for four servings:

Equipment Needed:

• Campfire grill grate or a flat stone (cleaned and heated)
• Cast iron skillet or pizza stone (optional)
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Long-handled spatula or pizza peel

Ingredients:

• 2 pre-made pizza dough or 2 store-bought flatbreads
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or other desired toppings (vegetables, cooked sausage, etc.)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional: dried oregano, garlic powder, red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fire:
   • Start a campfire and allow it to burn down until you have a bed of coals. Position the grill grate over the coals.
2. Prepare the Pizza Base:
   • If using pre-made pizza dough, divide it into two equal portions and roll out into rounds about 10-12 inches in diameter on a lightly floured surface.
   • If using flatbreads, they are ready to be topped.
3. Assemble the Pizza:
   • Spread half of the pizza sauce over each pizza base, leaving a small border around the edges.
   • Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce on each pizza.
   • Arrange half of the pepperoni or other toppings over the cheese on each pizza.
   • If desired, sprinkle with a little dried oregano, garlic powder, and/or red pepper flakes.
4. Cook the Pizza:
   • If using a cast iron skillet or pizza stone, place it on the grill grate to heat up, then carefully transfer one pizza onto the skillet or stone using a spatula or pizza peel.
   • If not using a skillet or stone, place a large piece of aluminum foil on the grill grate, and transfer one pizza onto the foil.
   • Cover the pizza with another piece of foil or a metal bowl to help retain heat and melt the cheese.
   • Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is crispy and the cheese is melted and slightly bubbly. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the heat of your coals.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Carefully remove the pizza from the grill using heat-resistant gloves or a spatula/pizza peel.
   • Let it cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve.
   • Repeat with the second pizza.

Enjoy your outdoor pizza party with this easy and adaptable Campfire Pizza recipe. It's a fun and satisfying way to enjoy a classic dish in the great outdoors!

Grilled Corn on the Cob Recipe

Grilled corn on the cob is a classic outdoor dish that's both easy to make and delicious. Here's a straightforward recipe for making grilled corn on the cob over a campfire for four servings:

Equipment Needed:

• Campfire grill grate or a flat stone (cleaned and heated)
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Long-handled tongs

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husks and silks removed
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: other seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, or fresh herbs

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fire:
   • Start a campfire and let it burn down until you have a bed of coals, then position the grill grate over the coals.
2. Prepare the Corn:
   • Spread a tablespoon of softened butter over each ear of corn.
   • Season with salt and pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
3. Wrap the Corn:
   • Wrap each ear of corn individually in heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring they are fully covered.
4. Grill the Corn:
   • Place the foil-wrapped corn on the grill grate over the campfire.
   • Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally with the tongs to ensure even cooking.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Carefully remove the foil-wrapped corn from the grill using heat-resistant gloves or tongs.
   • Let them cool for a few minutes, then carefully unwrap the foil.
   • Serve hot and enjoy the smoky, buttery goodness of campfire grilled corn on the cob!

This simple Grilled Corn on the Cob recipe is perfect for a summer camping trip, and the corn can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit different tastes.

Campfire Quesadillas Recipe

Campfire quesadillas are a quick, easy, and tasty meal to enjoy outdoors. Here's a recipe for making campfire quesadillas for four servings:

Equipment Needed:

• Campfire grill grate or a flat stone (cleaned and heated)
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Long-handled tongs

Ingredients:

• 8 large flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• Optional: salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fire:
   • Start a campfire and allow it to burn down until you have a bed of coals, then position the grill grate over the coals.
2. Prepare the Quesadillas:
   • Lay out 4 tortillas and evenly distribute the cheese, chicken (if using), bell peppers, onions, and black beans over each tortilla.
   • Place another tortilla on top of each to form a quesadilla.
3. Wrap the Quesadillas:
   • Wrap each quesadilla individually in heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring they are fully covered.
4. Grill the Quesadillas:
   • Place the foil-wrapped quesadillas on the grill grate over the campfire.
   • Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the heat of your coals.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Carefully remove the foil-wrapped quesadillas from the grill using heat-resistant gloves or tongs.
   • Let them cool for a few minutes, then carefully unwrap the foil.
   • Cut into wedges and serve hot with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, if desired.

These Campfire Quesadillas are a satisfying and customizable meal that’s sure to be a hit around the campfire. Whether you keep them vegetarian or add some protein, they're a great way to refuel after a day of outdoor activities!

Campfire Breakfast Burrito Recipe

This hearty breakfast is perfect to start a day of outdoor adventure. The Campfire Breakfast Burrito is a versatile dish that can be tailored to suit different tastes. Here's a simplified yet delicious recipe for making it at a campsite:

Equipment Needed:

• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Campfire grill grate (or you can use a flat rock or a green stick if none is available)
• Long-handled tongs
• Heat-resistant gloves

Ingredients:

• 4 large tortillas
• 6 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of milk
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: salsa, hot sauce, avocados, or any of your favorite burrito fillings

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fire:
   • Start a campfire and allow it to burn down until you have a bed of coals, place your grill grate over the coals.
2. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
   • In a bowl, beat the eggs, milk, salt, and pepper together until well mixed.
3. Cook the Vegetables and Sausage:
   • In a skillet or a foil packet, cook the sausage, bell peppers, and onions over the campfire until they are cooked through and the vegetables are tender. This should take about 10-15 minutes. If using a foil packet, ensure it’s sealed tightly and flip halfway through cooking.
4. Cook the Egg Mixture:
   • Pour the egg mixture into the skillet or a new foil packet and cook over the campfire, stirring occasionally, until the eggs are cooked through, about 5-10 minutes.
5. Assemble the Burritos:
   • Lay out the tortillas and divide the cooked sausage, vegetable mixture, and scrambled eggs among them.
   • Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese over the filling.
   • Add any additional fillings you like.
   • Fold in the sides of the tortilla and then roll it up to form a burrito.
6. Heat the Burritos:
   • Wrap each burrito tightly in aluminum foil and place them back on the grill grate over the campfire for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the burritos are heated through.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Carefully unwrap the foil and serve hot with your favorite salsa or hot sauce.

Now you have a hearty and delicious breakfast to fuel your day of camping fun!

Campfire Mac and Cheese Recipe

Indulging in a comforting bowl of Mac and Cheese amidst the great outdoors can be a delightful experience. Here's a simple yet delicious recipe for Campfire Mac and Cheese, adjusted for four servings:

Equipment Needed:

• Campfire grill grate or a flat stone (cleaned and heated)
• Cast iron skillet with a lid or heavy-duty aluminum foil for covering
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Long-handled spoon or spatula
• Medium pot for boiling water

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, bread crumbs for topping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fire:
   • Start a campfire and let it burn down until you have a bed of coals, then position the grill grate over the coals.
2. Cook the Macaroni:
   • In a medium pot, bring 4 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil over the campfire.
   • Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
   • Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
   • In a cast iron skillet, melt the butter over the campfire.
   • Stir in the evaporated milk, and then add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
   • Stir constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce:
   • Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet with the cheese sauce, stirring well to combine.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • If using, stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon.
   • If desired, sprinkle the top with bread crumbs.
5. Cook the Mac and Cheese:
   • Cover the skillet with a lid or a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
   • Cook over the campfire for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is heated through and slightly crispy on top.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Carefully remove the skillet from the grill using heat-resistant gloves.
   • Serve hot and enjoy your comforting Campfire Mac and Cheese amidst the serene outdoor setting!

This hearty dish is sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings while you're enjoying the great outdoors.

Campfire S’mores Recipe

Ah, the quintessential campfire treat! S’mores are a classic, easy-to-make, and much-loved camping dessert. Here’s a simple recipe for traditional campfire s’mores for four servings:

Equipment Needed:

• Campfire with a bed of coals or low flame
• Roasting sticks or long metal skewers
• Heat-resistant gloves

Ingredients:

• 8 graham cracker sheets, broken in half to make 16 squares
• 4 chocolate bars (like Hershey’s), broken into quarters
• 8 large marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fire:
   • Have a campfire going with a bed of coals or a low flame.
2. Prepare the S'mores Stacks:
   • On a clean surface or plate, lay out 8 graham cracker squares.
   • Place a piece of chocolate on each graham cracker square.
3. Roast the Marshmallows:
   • Place a marshmallow on the end of a roasting stick or metal skewer.
   • Hold the marshmallow over the campfire at a safe distance from the flames, and roast until it reaches your desired level of toastiness. This may take anywhere from 30 seconds to a few minutes, depending on the heat of the fire and how toasted you like your marshmallows.
4. Assemble the S'mores:
   • Once the marshmallow is roasted, carefully place it on top of one of the chocolate and graham cracker stacks.
   • Top with another graham cracker square, pressing down gently to sandwich the marshmallow and chocolate between the graham crackers.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Repeat with the remaining marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers.
   • Enjoy your s’mores while they are warm and gooey!

Roasting s’mores over a campfire is not only about the tasty outcome but also about the fun and memorable experience of cooking outdoors with friends and family. Enjoy your sweet, melty, and crispy s’mores under the starry night sky!

Campfire Banana Boats Recipe

Campfire Banana Boats are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for camping adventures. Here’s a simple recipe for Campfire Banana Boats for four servings:

Equipment Needed:

• Campfire with a bed of coals or low flame
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Knife

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe bananas
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
• Optional: other fillings like peanut butter, caramel chips, crushed graham crackers, or nuts

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fire:
   • Have a campfire going with a bed of coals or a low flame.
2. Prepare the Banana Boats:
   • Leaving the peel on, slice each banana lengthwise along the inside curve, being careful not to cut all the way through.
   • Open the slit to form a pocket. Fill the pocket of each banana with chocolate chips and marshmallows. You can also add other fillings of your choice at this step.
3. Wrap the Banana Boats:
   • Wrap each filled banana individually in heavy-duty aluminum foil, ensuring they are fully covered.
4. Cook the Banana Boats:
   • Place the foil-wrapped banana boats on the campfire grill grate or directly on the embers if the fire is low.
   • Cook for about 5-10 minutes, or until the chocolate and marshmallows have melted. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the heat of your coals.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Carefully remove the foil-wrapped banana boats from the campfire using heat-resistant gloves.
   • Allow them to cool for a few minutes, then carefully unwrap the foil.
   • Eat straight from the peel with a spoon, and enjoy your gooey, melty Campfire Banana Boats!

Campfire Popcorn Recipe

Making popcorn over a campfire can be a fun and rewarding experience. It’s a simple, quick, and tasty snack to enjoy in the great outdoors. Here’s a recipe for campfire popcorn for four servings:

Equipment Needed:

• Campfire with a bed of coals or low flame
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil or a campfire popcorn popper
• Heat-resistant gloves
• Long-handled tongs or a long stick (if using aluminum foil)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup popcorn kernels
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted butter
• Salt, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fire:
   • Have a campfire going with a bed of coals or a low flame.
2. Prepare the Popcorn:
   • If using a popcorn popper:
     • Place the oil and popcorn kernels in the popper.
     • Hold the popper over the campfire, shaking it gently to prevent the kernels from burning, until the popping slows down to about 2 seconds between pops.
   • If using aluminum foil:
     • Tear off a square of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 18 inches on each side.
     • Place the oil and popcorn kernels in the center of the foil.
     • Bring the four corners of the foil together to form a loose pouch, leaving room for the popcorn to pop, and seal the edges tightly.
     • Using long-handled tongs or a long stick, hold the foil pouch over the campfire, shaking it gently to prevent the kernels from burning, until the popping slows down to about 2 seconds between pops.
3. Season and Serve:
   • Carefully open the popper or foil pouch (watch out for hot steam).
   • Sprinkle the popcorn with salt to taste, and shake or stir to distribute the salt evenly.
   • Serve hot and enjoy your campfire popcorn under the stars!

This Campfire Popcorn recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic snack while reveling in the serene ambiance of the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a regular skillet instead of a cast-iron skillet?

A: While a cast-iron skillet is ideal for cooking over a campfire, you can use a regular skillet if that's what you have on hand. Just be sure to monitor the heat and adjust cooking times accordingly.

Q: Can I make these recipes on a gas grill or stove?

A: Absolutely! These recipes can be adapted for cooking on a gas grill or stove. Simply adjust the cooking times and temperatures as needed.

Q: Can I make these recipes ahead of time and reheat them at the campsite?

A: Some of these recipes can be prepared ahead of time and reheated at the campsite. However, certain dishes, like the campfire nachos and campfire pizza, are best enjoyed fresh off the fire.

Q: Are there any vegetarian or vegan options?

A: Yes! Many of these recipes can be easily modified to suit a vegetarian or vegan diet. Simply omit or substitute the animal products with plant-based alternatives.