Whipping Up Wow-worthy Campfire Eats

Apple Cinnamon Sunrise in a Jar

This recipe for overnight oats couldn’t be easier! Spend just a few minutes getting your ingredients sorted, swap out the fruits for whatever's freshest locally or in season, and change up your milk of choice - then boom! Get ready to enjoy an absolutely delicious and satisfying breakfast or lunch.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

• 1/2 medium apple, chopped

• 1 tablespoon raisins or dried cranberries

• 1 cup 2% milk

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Dash salt

• Toasted chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients.

2. Place in a Mason jar or similar container.

3. Seal and refrigerate overnight.

4. Eat straight from the jar with a spoon.

If you prefer something other than dairy milk, try soy, almond, or oat milk. 

SERVINGS: 1.5 cups | Prep time_:_ 5 MINUTES 

Campfire Citrus Swirl Delight

Our next recipe is a fun, cozy breakfast treat. It’s casual enough to eat around the campfire, and elegant enough to serve at brunch. Try these joyful sweet rolls nestled in an orange peel cup, topped with a citrusy icing.

Ingredients

• Four large oranges
• Pillsbury Orange Rolls

Instructions

1. Build your campfire, letting the large flames burn down

2. Place a campfire approved cooking grate 6 inches above the campfire.

3. Coat a 10-inch cast iron pan with cooking spray.

4. Half the oranges and scoop out the fruit.

5. Place one sweet roll in each half.

6. Wrap the orange rolls in aluminum foil

7. Cook rolls over moderate heat 11 to 16 minutes.

8. Spread the orange icing (included in the can) on each roll.

You may need to rotate the pan while it’s on the fire. Orange rolls are done when golden brown and cooked through. What’s fun about this recipe is you can use just about any refrigerated sweet roll. Try the cinnamon roll with original or cream cheese icing.

SERVINGS: 8 | Prep time_:_ 5 MINUTES | Cook time:11-16 MINUTES 

3. Flamin’ Fiesta Breakfast Skillet

Whip Up the easiest campfire breakfast with skillet meals. This one sounds spicier than it is, although you can add a pinch of crushed red pepper if you like a little fire. You can cook this dish over the campfire or on a grill.

Ingredients

• Green and red bell pepper, diced
• White onion, diced
• Ham, diced
• Egg
• Cheese, shredded
• Olive oil
• Salt & pepper 

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet. 
2. Dice the veggies and ham and add to the skillet.
3. Cook over the fire for 5-10 minutes (onion should be translucent). 
4. Add an egg and cook for another 5 minutes.
5. Top with shredded cheese
6. Add salt and pepper to taste

SERVINGS: 1 | Prep time_:_ 5 MINUTES | Cook time:15 MINUTES 

Tips for cooking with cast iron:

• Season the surface of the pan first to prevent sticking and add flavor.
• Always use protective gloves or mitts as the iron will be very hot from cooking over an open fire.
• Cook over hot coals rather than direct flames. An open flame that is too intense will char the outside before the inside finishes cooking.
• Clean the pan thoroughly with a vegetable scrubber that will get into crevices without damaging the seasoning. Rinse and dry before storing to prevent rust.

4. Munchkin Pizza Pockets

Get ready for a pizza party by the campfire! With 'Munchkin Pizza Pocket,' every kid (and adult who wants to be a kid) turns into a culinary wizard. 

Ingredients

• 1 can pre-made refrigerated pizza crust dough

• ½ cup spaghetti or pizza sauce 

• 1 Cup shredded mozzarella cheese (you can use your favorite cheese)

• 16 slices of pepperoni 

• Butter 

You can use just about anything as a filling. Let your imagination run wild! Here are some ideas:

• Sausage

• Canadian bacon

• Pineapple

• Black olives

• Onions

• Peppers

Instructions

1. Roll out the pre-made dough and cut it into equal squares. You need one for the top and one for the bottom.

2. Give each child two pieces of pizza dough.

3. Set the toppings out, buffet-style.

4. Let everyone add their favorite toppings to the center of the dough.

5. Seal the top piece of dough around the toppings to create individual pockets.

6. Wrap each pizza pocket in foil.

7. Cook on the campfire grate until the dough is golden and the cheese melts.

8. Unwrap and enjoy!

SERVINGS: 4 | Prep time_:_ 5 MINUTES | Cook time:11-16 MINUTES 

5. Campfire Chili with a Twist

It’s chili time. Truthfully, there’s no wrong time to cook up a pot of chili, but it’s a soul-warming go-to for chilly fall and winter evenings at your campsite.

Start with a Dutch oven or cast iron pot—we recommend a 12-inch pot. Mastering the campfire's unpredictable heat is tricky with a Dutch oven. You have to work with the embers' uneven temperature. For this chili recipe, start with a hot fire to thoroughly sear the meat. Finding the sweet spot may take some adjusting the coals. A cooking tripod will make it easier to regulate cooking temperatures.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 tbsp butter or oil

• 1 large white onion (diced)

• 1 green bell pepper (diced)

• 1-2 diced jalapeno or serrano peppers

• 2 large cloves of garlic (minced)

• 1 28 oz can whole tomatoes (broken up)

• 1 15 oz can pinto beans

• 1 15 oz can red kidney beans

• 1 15 oz can black beans

• 2 oz dark chocolate 

Spice Mix

• 2 Tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp sea salt

• 3/4 tsp black pepper

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (if you use the jalapeno or serrano peppers, you can leave out)

Note: You can use a packaged chili seasoning kit, usually found on the spice aisle at your local grocery store.

Toppings (optional)

• Cheddar cheese (shredded)

• Onion (finely diced)

• Avocado (cubed)

• Sour cream

• Oyster or saltine crackers

Instructions

Before you head out on the road, toss the dried spices together in an airtight container or zip-top bag. You’ll have all the spices ready to add just a shake or sprinkle away. 

1. Hang the Dutch oven over the fire and begin to heat it. Add the butter or oil followed by the diced onions. 

2. Caramelize the onions being careful not to burn them. Remove from the Dutch oven.

3. Add the meat and brown, then add in the cooked onions. Add peppers. Mix frequently and cook until peppers begin to soften.

4. Mix in the garlic and spices. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

5. Next, add the can of whole tomatoes. Make sure to break them up into smaller pieces.

6. Add beans and stir.

7. Add the chocolate. Stir until it's completely melted. 

8. Bring the chili to a simmer and cover with the Dutch oven lid. Simmer for 1 hour, and don’t forget to stir frequently. The longer you cook this, the better it tastes, so don’t hesitate to simmer a bit longer!

After cooking, remove the Dutch oven from the fire. Stir well. Serve in the biggest soup bowls you can find.  Add toppings and enjoy!

Don’t have a cooking tripod? Simply layer the ingredients in the Dutch oven, cover with the Dutch oven lid, and bury in hot coals for a few hours. The ultimate campfire slow cooker!

SERVINGS: 6 | Prep time_:_ 15 MINUTES | Cook time:1 HOUR and 30 MINUTES

These campfire recipes promise more than just nourishment—they bring a taste of adventure to every bite. So, gather 'round, ignite the fire, and savor the fun of campfire cooking.