4 Delicious Meals to Make Over a Fire

Hey y’all, I’m excited to share some of my favorite campfire meals with you! Whether you’re camping with the family or just looking to spice up your outdoor cooking, these recipes are fun, easy, and packed with flavor. From Campfire Pizza to Loaded French Fries and Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken, I’ll guide you through every step to make these dishes using nothing but a good old campfire and some creativity. Let’s dive in!

1. Campfire pizza

What you’ll need:

• Naan bread (or any flatbread of your choice)
• Aluminum foil (to make a bowl shape)
• Pizza sauce
• Cheese (I use shredded mozzarella)
• Toppings (e.g., pepperoni, mushrooms, veggies, or whatever you love on pizza)

Instructions:

1. Create a bowl with aluminum foil

Start by folding your aluminum foil to form a bowl. The edges should be elevated a bit to hold in the toppings and sauce. Here in the South, we like to call it "tin foil," but you know what I mean!

2. Prep the naan bread

Place your naan bread (or flatbread) in the middle of the foil. Adjust the size by folding the foil around it so it fits snugly.

3. Assemble the pizza

Spread a good amount of pizza sauce on top of the naan. Layer your cheese on top of the sauce. Add your toppings (I went with pepperoni and mushrooms, but feel free to use whatever your heart desires). For even cooking, place your toppings underneath the cheese. This helps them stay on during the unpredictable campfire cooking.

4. Cover with more foil

Take another piece of aluminum foil, place it over the pizza, but don't press it down! The foil should just rest over the pizza to trap in the heat without touching the cheese.

5. Cook over the fire

Place your pizza over the fire (not directly on the flame) for about 5-10 minutes until the bottom crisps up and the cheese melts. Make sure to keep an eye on it—campfire cooking is a bit unpredictable!

1. Heat the oil

Before frying, heat your oil in a campfire pot or pan. Use a grate over the fire, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can cook directly on wood (but be cautious—it can get unpredictable).

2. Fry the French fries

Carefully drop your frozen fries into the hot oil. Stir often to prevent them from sticking or burning. Fry them until golden and crispy—about 5-7 minutes.

3. Drain the fries

Once done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined pan to drain the excess oil.

4. Add toppings

Sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese over the fries, then top with grilled bacon bits.

5. Cover and heat

Place another piece of foil over the fries and set it aside from direct heat but still close to the fire. This will allow the cheese to melt and the bacon to warm up.

1. Prepare the potatoes

Dice your potatoes into small chunks for quicker cooking. This ensures they cook evenly over the fire.

2. Cook the bacon

Using some oil or bacon grease, cook your chopped bacon until it’s crispy. This will infuse flavor into your potatoes.

3. Cook the bacon and potatoes

Cook the diced potatoes together with the bacon. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once they’re crispy and golden, remove them from the fire and set aside to drain.

4. Season the chicken

Take your chicken (half frozen or not) and season it generously with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Cook the chicken

Add the chicken to the fire and cook on both sides until it’s fully done (about 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness). You can cover it with a lid to speed up the process.

6. Add the brown sugar

Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle brown sugar generously over the chicken. Allow the sugar to melt and caramelize for a sweet, savory finish.

1. Cook the meat

Brown your ground turkey or ground beef over the campfire in a pot or skillet. Drain any excess fat and set the meat aside.

2. Prepare the cheese

Cut the queso blanco into cubes and set aside. Grate the sharp cheddar cheese.

3. Combine ingredients

In a campfire pot, combine the cooked meat, Rotel tomatoes with chilies, and cheeses. Add a cup of water to help melt the cheese and make it creamy.

4. Add seasonings

Season with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the cheese melts into a creamy dip.

5. Cook until melty

Put the lid on the pot and let it cook over the fire until everything is melted and bubbly.