Campfire Cooking Made Easy: Delicious Recipes for Outdoor Dining

There's something truly magical about gathering around a crackling campfire, surrounded by nature's beauty, and enjoying a meal prepared in the great outdoors. Campfire cooking offers a unique and exciting culinary experience, allowing you to savor the flavors of your favorite dishes while immersing yourself in the wilderness. Whether you're camping with friends and family or embarking on a solo adventure, here are some delicious recipes that will make campfire cooking a breeze.

Foil-Wrapped Barbecue Chicken: Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  • Preheat your campfire or grill.
  • Tear four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then brush them with barbecue sauce.
  • Place each chicken breast on a separate sheet of foil.
  • Top each chicken breast with onion and bell pepper slices.
  • Wrap the foil tightly around the chicken, ensuring it is completely sealed.
  • Place the foil-wrapped chicken on the campfire grill or directly on the embers.
  • Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Carefully open the foil packets, being cautious of the steam, and serve the delicious barbecue chicken.

Campfire Chili: Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Shredded cheese and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
  • Heat a large cast-iron skillet over the campfire.
  • Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic to the skillet, and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened.
  • Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  • Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • Simmer the chili over the campfire for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Adjust the seasoning to taste.
  • Serve the campfire chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese and chopped green onions if desired.

Grilled Veggie Skewers: Ingredients:

  • Assorted vegetables of your choice (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, red onions)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme), chopped (optional)

Instructions:

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
  • Preheat your campfire or grill.
  • Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
  • Thread the vegetables onto the skewers, alternating between different types for a colorful presentation.
  • Drizzle the skewers with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs if desired.
  • Grill the skewers over the campfire, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
  • Remove from the heat and serve as a flavorful side dish or as a main course with rice or couscous.

Campfire S'mores: Ingredients:

  • Graham crackers
  • Marshmallows
  • Chocolate bars

Instructions:

  • Break the graham crackers in half to form two squares.
  • Place a piece of chocolate on one of the graham cracker squares.
  • Toast a marshmallow over the campfire until golden brown and gooey.
  • Place the toasted marshmallow on top of the chocolate.
  • Top with the remaining graham cracker square and gently press together.
  • Allow the heat from the toasted marshmallow to slightly melt the chocolate.
  • Enjoy the classic and irresistible campfire treat!

Campfire cooking doesn't have to be complicated. With these easy and delicious recipes, you can elevate your outdoor dining experience and create memorable meals under the open sky. Whether you're grilling juicy barbecue chicken, simmering a hearty pot of chili, or enjoying flavorful grilled vegetables, these recipes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and enhance your camping adventures. So gather around the campfire, savor the flavors, and embrace the joy of cooking in the great outdoors.

Howard E. Stanton, MD

Howard Stanton, M.D., is a practicing internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

Leave a Comment

Scroll to Top