Nothing beats the vibe of cooking over an open fire while camping—crackling flames, starry skies, and the smell of something delicious sizzling away. These seven recipes are easy, tasty, and perfect for your next outdoor adventure. From hearty dinners to sweet treats, they’ll level up your campfire game. I’ve thrown in a personal fave from a trip where I nearly set my tent on fire trying to get fancy with a skillet—learn from my mistakes and keep it simple!
This hearty chili is a one-pot wonder that warms you up after a long day of hiking. Toss ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and some chili powder into a cast-iron pot, let it simmer over the flames, and you’ve got a spicy, stick-to-your-ribs meal that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.
Corn on the cob over the fire is straight-up summer in every bite. Peel back the husks, slather with butter and a pinch of salt, then wrap ‘em back up and toss on the coals. The smoky char makes it so dang good, you’ll never boil corn again.
Ain’t no camping trip complete without some golden, crumbly cornbread. Mix up a simple batter, pour it into a hot cast-iron skillet, and let it cook over the fire. Last summer, I made this at a campsite in Yosemite, and my buddies still talk about how it was the best part of the trip.
These taters are a no-fuss side dish that’s stupid easy to make. Chop potatoes, toss with olive oil, garlic, and rosemary, then wrap in foil and throw on the coals. They come out crispy outside, fluffy inside—perfect with any main dish.
Who says you can’t have pizza in the woods? Spread some dough in a skillet, add sauce, cheese, and whatever toppings you’re vibing with, then cover and cook over the fire. It’s a game-changer for pizza lovers, though I learned the hard way to keep the flames low to avoid a burnt crust.
For dessert, this twist on s’mores is next-level. Slit a banana, stuff it with chocolate chips and marshmallows, wrap in foil, and heat over the fire. It’s gooey, sweet, and way less messy than the classic—plus, it feels kinda healthy, right?
Skewer some sausage chunks, bell peppers, and onions, then roast ‘em over the flames until they’re charred and juicy. It’s a quick, no-mess dinner that tastes like you put in way more effort than you did. Pro tip: don’t skimp on the seasoning!