The crackling of the logs, the smoky smell in the air and the incomparable taste of food prepared over an open fire - campfire cooking awakens primal instincts and creates unforgettable moments. As your food sizzles away, the stars appear in the sky and the conversation flows, you understand: This kind of cooking is pure magic.
In this article, we take you into the world of outdoor cooking and show you how to become a campfire gourmet with simple means. From classic techniques to surprising recipes - here you'll get the tools to crown your next adventure in the great outdoors with delicious meals.
Table of contents
Which cooking methods are suitable for campfires?
What can you cook on a stick over a fire?
How do you use a Dutch oven for campfire recipes?
Which simple campfire recipes always work?
How do you light the perfect fire for cooking?
Conclusion
Which cooking methods are suitable for campfires?
The fascination of cooking over an open fire lies in its versatility. Unlike in the kitchen at home, the campfire offers different heat zones and cooking methods. Here are the most important techniques you should know:
Direct grilling over the flame
Barbecuing directly over the fire is probably the best-known method. Here you either hold the food with a long stick or place it on a grill rack that is positioned above the flames. This method is perfect for:
- Meat such as steaks, sausages or burgers
- Fish in aluminum foil
- Corn on the cob
- Grilled vegetables such as zucchinis or peppers
The trick with direct grilling is not to get too close to the flames - otherwise you'll quickly end up with a charred dinner! Keep your food about 10-15 cm above the flames and turn it regularly.
Cooking in the embers
An underestimated but fantastic method is cooking directly in the embers. This involves placing food in the hot, but no longer flaming, coals. This technique is ideal for:
- Potatoes in aluminum foil
- Whole onions
- Garlic bulbs
- Root vegetables such as turnips or sweet potatoes
Temperature control is key when cooking in embers. Move your ingredients to the edge of the embers for a milder heat or place them directly in the embers for a more intense heat. A little trick: turn the food every 5-10 minutes so that it cooks evenly.
Cooking over the fire with a pot or pan
With a heat-resistant pot or cast-iron pan, you can cook almost like in your kitchen at home. This method is suitable for:
- Soups and stews
- stir-fries
- Roasted nuts or grains
- Sauces and gravies
The advantage: You can regulate the heat more easily by positioning the pot closer to or further away from the flames. Make sure you create a stable base for your pot - either with stones around the fire or with a tripod.
The art of cooking over a campfire lies in judging the temperature correctly. Unlike the stove, there are no numbers from 1-9. Instead, you have to learn to 'read' the heat from the flames and embers. A good rule of thumb: if you can hold your hand about 15 cm above the hob for 5-6 seconds, the temperature is low. At 3-4 seconds it is medium, at 1-2 seconds it is high.
What can you cook on a stick over the fire?
There is something magical about sitting with a stick over a crackling fire and preparing your food. This original cooking method is not only fun, but can also be used in a variety of ways.
Classic: stick bread in all variations
Stick bread is the absolute classic around the campfire and rightly a favorite with young and old alike. The simple dough is wrapped around a stick and baked over the fire. Here is a simple basic recipe:
- 500g flour
- 1 packet of dry yeast
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp oil
- 300ml lukewarm water
Knead all the ingredients into a dough, pinch off small pieces and wrap around a stick in a spiral. Then turn over the fire until the dough is golden brown.
But why stick to the basics? Experiment with your stick bread:
- Add herbs such as rosemary or thyme
- Mix cheese into the dough
- Try sweet variations with cinnamon and sugar
- Wrap the dough around a sausage for a 'sausage in a robe'
The key to perfect stick bread lies in patience: don't hold it too close to the flames and turn it slowly and evenly.
You can also find delicious stick bread recipes here:
Sweet stick bread dough
Stuffed stick bread with Asian beef tartare, poached egg and wasabi mayo
Sausages and meat on a stick
Nothing beats a perfectly grilled sausage on a stick! The most important tips:
- Choose a fresh, sturdy stick (preferably hazelnut or willow)
- Sharpen the end and remove the bark
- Skewer the sausage lengthwise so that it doesn't slip off the stick
- Hold it about 20 cm above the embers, not directly in the flames
- Turn it regularly for an even result
In addition to sausages, you can also skewer small pieces of meat. Marinate them beforehand for extra flavor!
Sweet temptation: marshmallows and more
Marshmallows are the sweet crowning glory of any campfire evening. Roasting marshmallows is an art in itself:
- Hold the marshmallow slightly away from the embers at first so that it heats up slowly.
- Turn it constantly to ensure even browning.
- When the outside is golden brown and slightly caramelized, it's perfect!
For marshmallow pros: try "S'mores" - an American treat made from roasted marshmallows with chocolate between two cookies!
Fruit can also be roasted wonderfully on a stick. Pineapples, peaches or bananas develop an intense aroma over the fire. Sprinkle them with a little cinnamon after roasting for a simple but impressive dessert.
A tip to prevent burning: Never hold your food directly in the flames, but over the embers. The flames will quickly char the outside, while the embers provide more even heat.
How do you use a Dutch Oven for campfire recipes?
The Dutch Oven is the secret star of campfire cooking. This cast-iron pot with its heavy lid is an all-rounder that opens up a world of culinary possibilities.
What makes the Dutch Oven so special?
A good Dutch oven is made of solid cast iron and retains heat evenly. Its robust construction makes it perfect for your campfire instructions. The most important advantages of the Dutch oven:
- Even heat distribution for perfect cooking results
- Versatile uses from braising to baking
- Robust and durable, a faithful companion for many adventures
- Develops a natural patina over time that acts like a non-stick coating
The best cooking techniques with the Dutch Oven
There are several ways to use your Dutch Oven around the campfire:
1. the ember method: place the Dutch Oven directly in the embers. For even heat distribution, you should embed it about a third of the way into the embers and also place a few coals on the lid. This method is perfect for stews, soups and braised dishes.
2. the tripod method: Hang the Dutch Oven on a tripod above the fire. This gives you more control over the temperature by positioning the pot higher or lower over the fire. Ideal for dishes that require a constant but moderate heat.
3. the oven method: With embers under the pot and on the lid, you can turn your Dutch Oven into a real oven. The rule of thumb for baking temperatures:
- 175°C: 1/3 of the coals at the bottom, 2/3 at the top
- 200°C: Half the coals at the bottom, half at the top
- 230°C: 2/3 of the coals at the bottom, 1/3 at the top
So you can even bake bread, cakes or pizza in the wild!
Care and handling of your cast-iron treasure
To ensure that your Dutch Oven lasts a long time and works optimally, you should look after it properly. Here are the most important tips for cleaning and caring for cast iron:
- Burn-in before first use: rub the pot with a thin layer of oil and heat it until the oil starts to smoke. This creates a natural non-stick layer.
- Take care when cleaning: Avoid using washing-up liquid and scouring pads. Instead, rinse the pot with hot water and rub it clean with coarse salt.
- Drying is mandatory: Dry your Dutch Oven thoroughly after each cleaning to prevent rust from forming.
- Oil after use: Rub the pot with a thin layer of oil after each use to preserve the patina.
With the right care, your Dutch Oven will not only become an indispensable tool for your outdoor kitchen, but can even be passed down through generations.
Which simple campfire recipes always work?
Even as a beginner, you can conjure up impressive dishes over a campfire. Here are some uncomplicated campfire recipes that are guaranteed to succeed and will delight your fellow campers.
Foil packets: Minimum effort, maximum taste
Foil packets are the insider tip for uncomplicated campfire cooking. The principle is simple: wrap the ingredients in aluminum foil and place in the embers. After 15-20 minutes you have a perfect dish.
Colorful vegetable packet:
- Cut carrots, zucchinis and peppers into pieces
- Mix with olive oil, salt, pepper and herbs
- Wrap in aluminum foil and place in the embers
- After about 15 minutes, the vegetables will be tender and tasty
Potato and cheese bomb:
- Cut small potatoes in half
- Spread with butter and top with cheese and spring onions
- Wrap in aluminum foil and place in the embers for 25-30 minutes
The advantage of foil packets: Everyone can put together their own packet to suit their personal taste, and there's almost no cleaning involved!
Hearty stews in the Dutch Oven
Stews are ideal for larger groups and can be prepared with almost anything you have with you. A simple but delicious stew:
Spicy camping stew:
- Brown 500g mince
- Add 1 onion and 2 cloves of garlic
- Add 2 carrots and 2 diced potatoes
- Deglaze with 500ml stock
- Add 1 can of tomatoes and spices to taste
- Simmer for 30-40 minutes
The great thing about stews is that they often taste even better the next day and are easy to reheat.
You can find lots more delicious stews here:
Dutch Oven stew - The best recipes
Creative barbecue skewers
Skewers are not only easy to prepare, they also look great:
Mediterranean vegetable and meat skewers:
- Dice chicken breast, zucchini, peppers and onions
- Marinate the meat in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and herbs beforehand
- Thread alternately onto skewers
- Grill over the fire until the meat is cooked and the vegetables are slightly charred
A tip for extra spicy skewers: marinate the ingredients in oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic and your favorite spices for at least an hour before skewering.
Sweet finishes
Desserts are also easy to make around the campfire:
Banana with chocolate:
- Slice an unpeeled banana lengthwise
- Insert pieces of chocolate into the slit
- Wrap in aluminum foil and place in the embers for 5-10 minutes
- The melted chocolate and warm, caramelized banana are a dream!
These simple dishes prove it: Even with few ingredients and equipment, you can conjure up delicious campfire meals that capture the special flavor of an open fire.
How do you light the perfect fire for cooking?
The basis for every successful outdoor cooking adventure is a well-controlled fire. Here you can find out how to start and control the perfect cooking fire.
An optimal cooking fire doesn't happen by accident - it is carefully built and maintained. The key lies in proper preparation and understanding how different types of wood burn.
For an ideal cooking fire, you need even embers rather than high flames. To achieve this, you should light your fire at least 30-45 minutes before cooking to allow enough embers to build up.
For detailed instructions on how to build the perfect fire and how to use it safely, take a look at our detailed campfire guide.
Conclusion: Your path to becoming a campfire cooking pro
Cooking over a campfire is more than just preparing food - it's an experience that appeals to all the senses and creates unforgettable moments in nature. Here is an overview of the most important points:
- Cooking over a campfire combines a primal experience of nature with culinary enjoyment and strengthens the sense of community during an outdoor adventure.
- With the right preparation and technique, you can create an optimal fire with even embers for various cooking methods.
- Basic equipment such as a Dutch oven, grill grate and heat-resistant cookware make it easier to prepare a variety of dishes. Also think about the right campfire clothing for more safety and comfort.
- The versatility of campfire cooking methods ranges from simple barbecuing and baking bread on a stick to more complex stews in a Dutch oven.
- Even beginners can prepare tasty dishes in the great outdoors using simple recipes and the right techniques.
- The special taste of food prepared over an open fire makes campfire cooking an unforgettable part of any outdoor adventure.
What are you waiting for? Pack your equipment, gather some wood and start your culinary adventure in the open air! The combination of fire, fresh air and home-cooked delicacies will get you hooked on more outdoor cooking experiences.
