Camping Cuisine: 10 Gourmet Campfire Recipes

Elevate your camping experience with these gourmet campfire recipes that bring rich flavors and hearty meals to the great outdoors. Each dish is designed for campfire cooking, with detailed ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions to ensure delicious results every time.

1. Campfire Breakfast Skillet

Ingredients:

• 8 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 cups frozen hash brown potatoes
• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large cast-iron skillet, cook chopped bacon over the campfire until crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté onions and red bell peppers in the bacon fat until softened.
3. Add hash browns and cook until golden brown. Stir occasionally.
4. Return the bacon to the skillet and create small wells in the mixture. Crack eggs into each well.
5. Cover the skillet with foil and cook until eggs are set.
6. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and let it melt before serving.

2. Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss shrimp in the marinade and let sit for 15 minutes.
3. Thread shrimp onto skewers.
4. Grill over the campfire until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.

3. Campfire Paella

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 lb chicken thighs, chopped
• 1/2 lb chorizo sausage, sliced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup arborio rice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup frozen peas

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook chicken and chorizo until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté onion, red bell pepper, and garlic until soft.
4. Stir in rice, smoked paprika, and saffron; cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Add diced tomatoes and broth, bringing to a simmer.
6. Return the chicken and chorizo to the pan. Cover with foil and let cook for 15 minutes.
7. Add shrimp and peas; cook until shrimp is pink and the rice is tender.

4. Gourmet Grilled Cheese & Campfire Tomato Soup

Ingredients:

• 4 slices sourdough bread
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup brie cheese, sliced
• 1/4 cup caramelized onions

For the soup:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Butter sourdough bread slices and layer with cheddar, brie, and caramelized onions.
2. Grill over the campfire until golden brown and cheese is melted.
3. In a pot, combine diced tomatoes, broth, basil, oregano, and salt.
4. Simmer for 10 minutes, then mash or blend to desired consistency.

5. Campfire Ratatouille

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 eggplant, diced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 yellow squash, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet.
2. Sauté eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, and onion until tender.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Serve warm as a side or over grilled bread.

6. Foil Pack Lemon Herb Salmon

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place each salmon fillet in a large piece of foil.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Sprinkle with garlic, thyme, dill, salt, and pepper.
4. Wrap tightly and cook over campfire coals for 10-12 minutes.

7. Cast-Iron Campfire Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 store-bought pizza dough
• 1/2 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup pepperoni slices
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Roll out pizza dough and place in a cast-iron pizza skillet.
2. Spread pizza sauce evenly and top with mozzarella and pepperoni.
3. Cover with foil and cook over the campfire until crust is golden brown.

8. S’mores Banana Boats

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons crushed graham crackers

Instructions:

1. Slice bananas lengthwise, leaving the peel on.
2. Stuff with marshmallows, chocolate chips, and crushed graham crackers.
3. Wrap in foil and heat over campfire coals for 5-7 minutes.

9. Campfire Steak with Garlic Butter

Ingredients:

• 2 ribeye steaks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Rub steaks with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook over the campfire 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
3. Melt butter and garlic over the steak before serving.

10. Campfire Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

• 3 apples, sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Toss apples with brown sugar and cinnamon.
2. Place in foil and top with oats and melted butter.
3. Cook over the campfire for 15-20 minutes.

Conclusion

With these gourmet campfire recipes, you can turn any camping trip into a culinary adventure. From hearty breakfasts to decadent desserts, these meals prove that campfire cooking can be just as satisfying as dining at home. Try them on your next trip and experience the joy of outdoor gourmet camp cooking!