The great outdoors isn’t always about roughing it; it’s a culinary adventure waiting to happen. And the best part? It’s a whole lot simpler than you might think. Let’s dive into the art of campfire cooking with some essential tips:
1. Embrace Cast Iron:
If there’s one cookware that’s your partner in crime for campfire cooking, it’s cast iron. It’s a heavyweight in the culinary world, known for its durability and remarkable heat retention. Now, there’s a catch – you need to study how to take care of it, and not just in the great outdoors but also at home. But once you’ve got that down, you’ll be a cast iron campfire chef in no time, serving up delicious meals with that unbeatable campfire flavor. And yes, it’s okay to wash your cast iron materials with soap. Just avoid using harsher scrubbing materials like steel wool. Stick to a regular sponge, or our favorite durable sponge, the Scrub Daddy.
2. Control the Heat:
Getting your heat just right is just as vital in campfire cooking. You want to cook over a bed of coals, not an open flame. It’s easier to control the heat, and you won’t end up with a soot-covered mess. But remember, you’ve got to start a big enough fire ahead of time to generate those lovely coals. It’s like preheating your oven for the perfect roast. Hot coals will also keep your campfire warm for a while after its fire dies down, which can help keep your campsite warm as you get ready for bedtime.
3. Choose the Right Wood:
The type of wood you use can make or break your campfire cooking experience. Aim for dry wood about the size of your forearm – it’s the sweet spot for getting a consistent burn and heat output. And to take your cooking game to the next level, you’ll want something like a rack to place your cooking gear on over the fire. It’s a small investment that makes a huge difference. If you are camping in a wet environment, consider bringing a pack of fire starter logs to get your fire going easier, since dry kindling may not be readily available near your site.
4. Dutch Oven Magic:
Dutch ovens, or camp ovens, are the secret weapon of campfire cooking. They’re like mini home ovens in the wild, and the key to making them work is using briquettes. This ensures even heating and opens up a world of possibilities for your campfire menu. Just line your Dutch oven with foil, and you can cook anything your home oven can handle – from hearty stews to mouthwatering cobblers.
5. Rebar Tripod:
Now, if you’re looking to take your campfire cooking to Instagram-worthy levels, consider crafting a rebar tripod with a chain. It’s not just functional; it adds a touch of style to your campsite. This setup makes it easy to suspend your pot over the fire, giving you precise control over the cooking process. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter at the campsite once other campers smell all of the delicious food you’ll be making over that flame!
6. Be Bold and Try New Things:
Now, here’s where we take campfire cooking to the next level – being bold and trying new things. Campfire cooking is your canvas, and you, are the artist. Don’t shy away from getting creative and experimenting with new recipes. The great outdoors is the perfect backdrop for culinary innovation.
The secret to success? Prep everything ahead of time. Doing your prep at home and throwing everything in a big durable cooler is your best bet to be prepared and efficient. Timing is your best friend when it comes to campfire cooking. Throw your ingredients onto the grill as soon as the iron comes up to temperature, and you’ll have a piping hot meal that’s bound to satisfy your wilderness appetite. Throw in some unique spices, try different marinades, and mix up your ingredients for a taste of the unexpected.
7. Kid-Friendly Campfire Eats:
As the day winds down in the great outdoors, there’s something magical about a hot meal that feels like a warm hug. And when you’re camping with the little ones, you need a crowd-pleaser that’s practically foolproof. Hotdogs are the go-to choice – they’re simple, tasty, and nearly impossible to mess up (as long as you don’t roast them for too long!)
Grab some buns, ketchup, mustard, a bag of potato chips, and a side dish that passes for salad in your household (we’re not judging). Fire up your wood and coals and cook those hotdogs to perfection. And here’s a pro tip: make a few extra. Why? Because the leftover hotdogs make for a quick and easy kid-friendly lunch the next day. It’s a win-win for parents and kids alike. Nothing is easier than grilling some weenies!
8. Stove and Campfire Combo:
Now, we’re all about efficiency, right? So, when it comes to your culinary needs in the great outdoors, consider a handy addition to your camping gear – a stove. It’s awesome, especially when you’re looking to start your day with that essential cup of joe.
A stove is your go-to for a quick morning coffee fix and, of course, your packout day. Efficiency is always the name of the game. You don’t want to wait around when that caffeine craving hits. And for breakfast on the go, there’s a no-fuss, satisfying option – ramen and hard-boiled eggs. It’s a simple, tasty combo that’ll fuel you up for your outdoor adventures. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, leaving you with more time to soak in the wilderness. Butane stoves can also be an easier way to get your food and beverages started. They work with a little bit of fuel, allowing you to keep cooking even if weather conditions like rain put your beautiful fire temporarily out of commission.
9. Don’t Forget the S’mores:
Alright, if you’re camping with the kiddos, or let’s be real, even if you’re not, a campfire isn’t complete without that classic s’mores experience. There’s something truly magical about roasting marshmallows over an open flame and turning them into that gooey, chocolaty delight that’s sandwiched between graham crackers.
It’s a ritual that transcends age and time. The campfire crackling in the background, the marshmallow slowly turning golden brown, and the sweet anticipation of that first bite. Make sure you’ve got all the essentials on hand – marshmallows, chocolate bars, graham crackers, and some long skewers for marshmallow roasting. S’mores are not just a treat; they’re a campfire tradition that you absolutely cannot miss. Metal skewers are also a great eco-friendly option and they’re reusable!
10. Always Have a Backup Plan:
Sometimes, despite your best planning, dinner might not go according to the script. It’s taking longer than you thought, you might have messed up a dish, and everyone’s stomachs are growling. What do you do? Always have enough food on hand to get a meal into your kids (or yourself) even if things go a bit awry. It’s always better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
Make half of your meal something that can be served as a cold appetizer. It could be a salad, some cheese and crackers, or a fresh veggie platter. This way, no one goes hungry, and the grown-ups can patiently wait for the main course. And just in case things take an unexpected turn, it’s always a smart move to have some backup essentials in your cooler. Think cheese slices, peanut butter and jelly, and maybe some hardy crackers. You’ll still have dinner; it’s just served either hot or cold.