There’s something primal about preparing a meal over an open flame. It brings us back to our roots and connects us with nature in a way that modern cooking just can’t do. Plus, food cooked over a fire has a unique flavor that you can’t replicate in your kitchen.

If you’ve got a portable propane fire pit, you’re in for a treat because we’re about to explore some mouthwatering campfire recipes that’ll take your outdoor cooking to the next level. With a little guidance and some simple ingredients, you’ll have tasty meals that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

Top Campfire Recipes

S’Mores with a Twist

You know the drill – graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. Here’s where we get creative. Instead of plain old milk, why not try a piece of dark chocolate topped with sea salt? The rich, bitter flavor of the dark chocolate combined with a hint of salt takes this treat to a whole new level. 

You can also try this: once your marshmallow is roasted to perfection, roll it in some crushed nuts before adding it to your s’more. Pecans work wonderfully, adding a buttery crunch that complements the gooey marshmallow. You can also squeeze in a thin slice of fruit like strawberry or banana to give it that burst of freshness that cuts through the sweetness.

Chili

You might think chili is complicated. But with a little prep at home, you can make a hearty, delicious chili that everyone will love. Start with your base ingredients at home. Brown your meat, and cook your onions and garlic before you head out. This saves you time, but it also helps develop those deep, rich flavors we all love in a good chili.

Once you’re at the fire pit, it’s as simple as combining your pre-cooked ingredients with canned tomatoes, beans, and your favorite chili spices in a sturdy Dutch oven. Let it simmer over the fire, stirring occasionally, and before you know it, you’ll have a pot of chili that smells really good.

And here’s a pro tip: make some cornbread at home before your trip. Wrap it in foil and warm it up over the fire while your chili’s cooking. There’s nothing quite like dunking a piece of warm, slightly crispy cornbread into a steaming bowl of chili.

Garlic Butter Fish 

This is one of those dishes that looks fancy but is actually quite easy to make. You can use any firm white fish for this recipe – think cod, halibut, or even tilapia. The beauty of cooking fish in packets is that it stays moist and flaky, and it’s almost impossible to overcook. And the best part? Minimal cleanup! 

You want to prepare the garlic butter before you head out on your camping trip. Mix up some butter with minced garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, and chopped herbs. Parsley works great, but feel free to experiment with dill or thyme, too. This flavored butter is going to infuse your fish with so much deliciousness.

When you’re ready to cook, lay out some sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Place a fish fillet in the center of each sheet, and top it with a generous dollop of your garlic herb butter. Add some thinly sliced lemon, a handful of cherry tomatoes, or even some sliced zucchini to the packet. 

Fold up the foil to create a sealed packet, making sure to leave a little space above the fish for steam to circulate. This is key for getting that flaky texture. Place your packets on a grill grate over your fire pit.

Cook time depends on how thick the fish is, but about 10-15 minutes should do. You’ll know it’s ready to serve when the fish easily flakes off using a fork and the veggies are tender. Serve your fish packets with some crusty bread to mop up all that delicious garlic butter sauce. It’s a meal that feels special, yet it’s so simple to prepare.

Mountain Man Breakfast

A Mountain Man Breakfast is a big, beautiful mess of all your favorite breakfast ingredients, cooked up together in a cast-iron skillet over your fire pit. Start by dicing up potatoes into small cubes, so they cook evenly. Toss them into your preheated, oiled cast-iron skillet and let them start to crisp up. 

While your potatoes are cooking, it’s time to add some meat to the mix. Traditional Mountain Man Breakfast uses bacon, but you can also throw in sausage or ham if that’s what you’ve got. The fat from the meat will mix with the potatoes, creating that wonderful flavor.

Once your potatoes and meat are looking good, it’s time to add some veggies. Onions and bell peppers are classic choices but feel free to add whatever you like. Mushrooms, spinach, or even some jalapeños for a spicy kick.

After your veggies have softened up a bit, it’s time to cook the eggs. Crack them right into the skillet and give everything a good stir. The eggs will cook as they mix with the other ingredients, binding everything together into a delicious, scrambled mess. Sprinkle a generous handful of cheese over the top and let it melt into gooey perfection. Cheddar is great, but pepper jack can add a nice little kick.

Now, for the hardest part – waiting. Cover your skillet with a lid or some foil and let everything cook together for a few minutes. This ensures that everything is heated through. Once it’s done, serve it up hot, right out of the skillet. Some folks like to top it with salsa or hot sauce, while others prefer it just as it is.

Kebabs

Kebabs are the perfect handheld meal for your outdoor fire pit adventures! They’re incredibly versatile. You can make them with just about any protein you fancy – beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, or even tofu. The key is to pick ingredients that cook at roughly the same rate so everything’s done to perfection at the same time.

You can make a basic marinade mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Or do something more exotic, like spicy peanut sauce or tangy teriyaki. Whatever you choose, let your meat or veggies soak up those flavors for at least a couple of hours before cooking.

Then, it’s time to assemble your kebab. Grab your skewers and get threading. A good rule of thumb is to alternate your protein with vegetables. Basic veggie options include bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes, but don’t be afraid to try other ingredients as well. Chunks of pineapple can add a delightful sweetness, while mushrooms soak up all those delicious flavors.

Make sure to leave a little space between each piece on your skewer. This will give each morsel some breathing room to ensure even cooking and those lovely charred edges we all crave. Get your grill grate or cast-iron skillet nice and hot before you start cooking.

Rotate the skewers as you’re cooking to get that nice, even char on all sides. You also want to keep a brush handy to baste your kebabs with any leftover marinades. This adds extra flavor and helps keep everything moist. Cooking should be done within 10 to 15 minutes. The goal is to get that nice char on the outside and juicy perfection on the inside.

Closing Thoughts

The beauty of campfire cooking lies not just in the result but in the entire process. Don’t be afraid to try out new recipes, put your spin on old favorites, and, most importantly, savor every moment of the experience.

Happy cooking!