Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (2024)

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (1)

There's one tool that we always bring when car camping, RV camping, or glamping — a campfire Dutch oven! (Campfire Dutch ovens are different than the enameled Dutch oven in your kitchen. If you need one, we like Lodge's version.) With the lid on and nestled in coals, a Dutch oven can simmer, stew, and braise! With the lid off, it sears meat and chicken like a cast-iron pan. It's great for soups and stews, and it works with camp stoves and open fires alike. Here are more than two dozen delicious Dutch oven recipes that can easily be made over a campfire.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

1

What Is a Dutch Oven and How Do I Use It?

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (3)

First things first, get the basics on what this versatile piece of cookware is, and learn a little about why it makes such an essential piece of camping equipment!

Keep reading.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

2

Guinness Beef Stew

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (5)

This hearty stew is just the thing to warm you on a cool mountain evening, or replenish your energy after a long day of hiking.

Get the recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

3

Chicken and Potato Chowder

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (7)

Here's a one-pot stew that is packed with flavor. You can grab a rotisserie chicken on the way to the campsite, or just use some precooked chicken breast meat.

Get the recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

4

Seafood and Chorizo Paella with Bell Peppers

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (9)

Warning: The smells wafting from this decadent dish may draw nearby campers to your site. Luckily it makes more than enough to share.

Get the recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

5

Sausage and Cheese Lasagna

Campfire lasagna? It's doable in a Dutch oven! Skip the instructions to broil at the end, however, and simply let the cheese melt while everything finishes cooking.

Get the recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

6

Steak with Creamy Mushrooms and Spinach

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (13)

Steak is an easy and decadent campfire meal. It's made even easier when you can cook the sides right in the same dish!

Get the recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

7

White Wine Coq Au Vin

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (15)

This show-stopping dish is perfect for when you're glamping—or just want to impress the heck out of someone.

Get the recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

8

Beer-Braised Chicken

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (17)

This spicy pulled chicken can be packed into tortillas, piled onto soft buns, or eaten straight on a plate with perhaps a side of grilled corn.

Get the recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

9

Seared Sausage with Cabbage and Pink Lady Apples

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (19)

This is camping food at its finest. It's simple, hearty, and full of flavor.

Get the recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

10

Seafood and Sausage Stew

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (21)

This recipe is especially apt if you're camping near the ocean—and can source fresh seafood.

Get the recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

11

Crispy Chicken Thighs With Garlic and Rosemary

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (23)

Though this can be made in a skillet, it's just as easy to make in a Dutch oven. You can weigh the chicken down with a smaller heavy pot, or a grill press.

Get the recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

12

Ginger Garlic Chicken Ramen

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (25)

Boil up this veggie-packed soup for a hearty, healthy campfire dinner.

Get the recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

13

Chicken Legs with Peas, Artichokes, Mint, and Fingerling Potatoes

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (27)

This hearty dish is full of satisfying flavors. Pre-make the spice mix to make camp-side prep easier.

Get the recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

14

Corn-and-Ham Risotto

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (29)

Risotto has a rep for being tricky, but don't believe it. This low-simmering concoction of corn, ham, herbs, and rice is particularly suited to campfire cooking.

Get the recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

15

Bourbon Chili

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (31)

A classic campfire food if there ever was one, this one-pot chili recipe gets a boost of flavor from orange juice and bourbon.

Get the recipe.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

16

Tater Tot Breakfast Pizza

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (33)

A tater tot crust topped with bacon, eggs, cheese, and sausage will get your family going in the morning.

Get the recipe at The Gunny Sack.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

17

Green Chile Chicken Chilaquiles

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (35)

Customize your chilaquiles with your favorite toppings. This blogger layered on queso fresco, avocado, and sour cream.

Get the recipe at Spoonful of Flavor.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

18

Cheesy Garlic Bites

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (37)

No need to wait for bread to rise with this pull-apart dish. It's easy to make and both kids and adults will love it.

Get the recipe at The Creative Mom.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

19

Campfire Donuts

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (39)

Turn biscuits into delicious mini donuts with a little help from cinnamon sugar and hot oil.

Get the recipe at The Touring Campfire.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

20

Dutch Oven Enchiladas

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (41)

Take enchilada night to the great outdoors with this family-friendly meal.

Get the recipe at Fresh Off The Grid.

RELATED: Easy Campfire Recipes That Are Finger-Licking Good

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What to cook in a Dutch oven over a campfire? ›

Think simmering soups, steaming rice, boiling water for pasta, etc. Sear, pan-fry, sautee: A camping Dutch oven is also a great stand-in for a cast-iron skillet. Anything that can be cooked in a cast-iron skillet can be done in a Dutch oven too, like searing steaks, browning chicken thighs, sauteing vegetables, etc.

Is a Dutch oven worth it for camping? ›

The answer is simple – whatever is cooked in it tastes fantastic, and it cooks just about everything. The Dutch oven is also called a camp oven, outdoor oven, kitchen oven, and bean pot.

What foods are good to cook over a campfire? ›

Campfire Recipes: Breakfast
  • Bacon and Eggs From A Paper Bag. This hearty combo tastes even better in the woods than it does at the diner. ...
  • Cinnamon Granola-Stuffed Pears. ...
  • Potato Pancakes. ...
  • Warm Apple Crescents. ...
  • Lemon-Herb Trout. ...
  • Pepperoni Pizza Logs. ...
  • Gnocchi with Sage. ...
  • No-Dishes-Needed Chorizo and Couscous Dolmas.
Feb 27, 2024

How to use a Dutch oven for camping? ›

If you buy a cast iron dutch oven made to use while camping, you can place it right in the flames of your campfire, yes. You can also place it right next to your campfire to have lower heat. You do have to be aware of what you are cooking and how warm you want the dutch oven to be.

What is better than a Dutch oven? ›

Another versatile alternative to a Dutch oven is the classic pot or stockpot - and the best thing about this substitute is that every kitchen should already have a large pot! Stockpots work particularly well, as they have high sides and a lid that will allow you to simmer your ingredients for an extended time.

How do you clean a Dutch oven after camping? ›

Scrape out all of the food and wash your Camp Dutch Oven by hand with hot water. You can use a small amount of mild detergent. Dry your Camp Dutch Oven and lid thoroughly with paper or cloth towels. While the cookware is warm, rub a very light layer of cooking oil or our seasoning spray onto the surface.

What food to take camping for 3 days? ›

Example 3-day menu plan using these recipes
DayBreakfastDinner
1Peanut butter oatmealHot dogs or veggie dogs
2Breakfast burrito in a bagCampfire nachos
3Homemade granola with oat milkGrain bowl
Sep 16, 2021

What is the best meat to cook on a campfire? ›

30 Easy and Comforting Camping Recipes
  • Citrus-Marinated Beef Top Sirloin & Fruit Kabobs. ...
  • Classic Beef Kabobs. ...
  • Grilled T-Bone Steaks with BBQ Rub. ...
  • Campfire Cajun Sausage and Pepper Foil Packs. ...
  • Sirloin Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers. ...
  • Steak and Root Vegetable Hash. ...
  • Samba Steak Stir Fry. ...
  • Campfire Steak and Potatoes Foil Pack.

What are some good dinners for camping? ›

Best Camping Dinner Ideas
  • Sausage and Tortellini Soup. ...
  • Dutch Oven Red Beans and Rice. ...
  • Chipotle Grilled Chicken Tacos. ...
  • Chicken Pineapple Kabobs. ...
  • One Pot Chili Mac. ...
  • Cilantro & Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos. ...
  • Tzatziki Chicken Skewers. ...
  • Shrimp Boil Foil Packets.
May 28, 2022

What food to take camping for 2 nights? ›

The Weekend Camping Grocery List
  • Fruit, such as apples, bananas, oranges, nectarines, grapes.
  • Vegetables for snacking, such as carrots, cucumbers, peas, celery, bell peppers.
  • Bagged salad mix.
  • Lettuce or spinach.
  • Potatoes.
  • Onions.
  • Corn on the cob or other seasonal vegetables.
Aug 26, 2022

What food to take camping without a fridge? ›

Non-refrigerated Camping Breakfast
  • Oatmeal and powdered milk with fruits.
  • Cereal.
  • Sliced fruits. Can be grilled.
  • Pancakes, honey, and fruits.
  • Omelettes made from powdered eggs, bacon, and veggies.
  • Instant potatoes with veggies.
  • Toast.
  • Muffins.
May 17, 2022

Can you use a Dutch oven over a fire pit? ›

You can also use a Dutch oven as a heavy-duty, fire-resistant pot and place it over a campfire. Since it's made entirely from cast iron, there's nothing that can melt or warp.

What foods can you roast over a campfire? ›

Try mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, zucchini, peppers, even mini red potatoes! Meat skewers. Chicken, bacon, pork, steak, shrimp, meatballs- you can roast anything! Just bring along a meat thermometer so you can make sure it's cooked thoroughly!

How do you bake in a Dutch oven over coals? ›

When you're cooking with a camp dutch oven, charcoal placement is critical. For baking we recommend a 3:1 ratio of coals on the top and bottom of your cookware. You're punching your baked goods with heat from the top, while ensuring evenness underneath. When roasting in your CDO, use a ratio of 1:1.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Manual Maggio

Last Updated:

Views: 6091

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Manual Maggio

Birthday: 1998-01-20

Address: 359 Kelvin Stream, Lake Eldonview, MT 33517-1242

Phone: +577037762465

Job: Product Hospitality Supervisor

Hobby: Gardening, Web surfing, Video gaming, Amateur radio, Flag Football, Reading, Table tennis

Introduction: My name is Manual Maggio, I am a thankful, tender, adventurous, delightful, fantastic, proud, graceful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.