There’s something deeply satisfying about cooking over an open flame, the crackle of wood, the smoky aroma, and the primal joy of creating a meal outdoors. Whether you’re deep in the wilderness or camping by a lakeside, open fire cooking brings out bold, rustic flavors you just can’t get from a kitchen stove. From hearty breakfasts to savory dinners and sweet campfire treats, these 17 open flame recipes are perfect for adventurers who love good food as much as the great outdoors.
1. Campfire Skillet Breakfast Hash
A hearty breakfast hash sets the tone for any day in the wild. Made with diced potatoes, onions, peppers, and crispy bacon, this meal is cooked in a cast-iron skillet directly over the fire. Crack a few eggs on top and let them cook to your liking. The smoky flavor from the flames adds depth that no stovetop can match. Simple, satisfying, and packed with protein, it’s a camp favorite that keeps energy levels high for the day’s adventures.
2. Open Flame Grilled Steaks
Nothing says outdoor cooking like a perfectly seared steak over an open flame. Choose thick cuts like ribeye or sirloin, season generously with salt and pepper, and grill directly on a grate over hot coals. The high heat locks in juices while the smoke infuses rich, charred flavors. Rest the meat before slicing for ultimate tenderness. Paired with grilled corn or baked potatoes, it’s a timeless wilderness feast worth every bite.
3. Foil Packet Garlic Butter Shrimp
For a quick and flavorful meal, wrap shrimp, garlic, butter, lemon slices, and herbs in foil packets. Place them on hot embers for about ten minutes, and you’ll have juicy shrimp infused with smoky goodness. Cleanup is minimal, and the taste is gourmet-level delicious. This recipe is perfect for campers looking for an easy seafood fix without needing pans or extra dishes. It’s lightweight, flavorful, and foolproof for open fire cooking.
4. Campfire Chili Pot
A pot of chili simmering over open flames brings warmth and comfort after a long day outdoors. Combine ground beef, beans, tomatoes, onions, and a mix of spices in a cast-iron pot. Let it bubble slowly over the fire, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The smoky undertone from the campfire adds an irresistible depth. It’s filling, easy to make in bulk, and even better the next day, the perfect campfire crowd pleaser.
5. Grilled Veggie Kebabs
For a colorful and healthy side, veggie kebabs bring freshness to your campfire meal. Skewer chunks of bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and zucchini, then brush them with olive oil and herbs. Grill them over the open flame, turning occasionally until charred and tender. The vegetables absorb a delightful smokiness while keeping their natural sweetness. Serve them alongside meat dishes or as a satisfying vegetarian main course that captures the essence of outdoor simplicity.
6. Dutch Oven Chicken and Rice
A Dutch oven is a camper’s best friend, and this chicken and rice dish proves it. Layer seasoned chicken thighs, rice, onions, and broth inside the pot, then set it over hot coals with a few on top of the lid. The slow heat cooks everything evenly, creating tender, juicy chicken and fluffy rice. It’s a wholesome one-pot meal that feels like home, perfect for sharing around the campfire after sunset.
7. Fire Roasted Corn on the Cob
Few things beat the simplicity of fire-roasted corn. Just leave the husks on, soak the corn in water, and place it directly on the hot embers. The steam inside the husks cooks the kernels to perfection while the outer layers char beautifully. Peel back the husks, slather with butter, and sprinkle with salt or chili powder. The result is sweet, smoky corn that bursts with flavor, a campfire staple everyone loves.
8. Campfire Sausage and Peppers
This rustic dish brings Italian flavors straight to the campsite. Slice sausages and combine them with bell peppers, onions, and olive oil in a foil packet or skillet. Cook over medium heat until everything is caramelized and sizzling. The smoky, savory aroma fills the air, tempting everyone by the fire. It’s hearty, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with bread or rice, making it an easy go-to meal for outdoor gatherings.
9. Cast Iron Pizza Over Fire
Pizza in the wild? Absolutely. Using a cast-iron skillet, press in some dough, spread sauce, cheese, and toppings, and cook it over a campfire grill. The crust becomes crisp on the bottom while the cheese bubbles beautifully on top. Rotate occasionally for even heat. The smoky flavor gives it a wood-fired taste that rivals any pizzeria. It’s a fun and rewarding way to elevate your outdoor dining experience.
10. Fire Grilled Trout with Lemon and Herbs
Freshly caught trout deserves the campfire treatment. Stuff the fish with lemon slices, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil, then wrap it in foil or cook it directly on the grate. The flames crisp the skin while keeping the flesh moist and tender. The result is a perfectly flaky, aromatic fish that captures the spirit of wild cooking, fresh, smoky, and incredibly satisfying after a long day in nature.
11. Campfire Mac and Cheese
Comfort food tastes even better under the stars. Cook pasta in a pot, drain, and mix in cheese, milk, and butter. Transfer it to a cast-iron skillet and place it over the fire until bubbly and golden on top. The smoke adds a subtle flavor twist, turning this classic dish into a camp favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and indulgent, the perfect balance between nostalgia and outdoor adventure.
12. Foil Packet BBQ Chicken
For a mess-free meal, foil packet BBQ chicken is unbeatable. Combine chicken pieces with barbecue sauce, onions, and peppers, then seal in foil and cook over glowing embers. The heat caramelizes the sauce, creating a smoky glaze that clings to the tender meat. Easy to make and clean up, it’s ideal for busy camping nights when you want bold flavors without extra effort.
13. Open Flame Burgers
Juicy burgers cooked over open flames are a camping essential. Shape ground beef into thick patties, season generously, and grill them over hot coals for that classic charred flavor. Toast the buns on the grate and add cheese, lettuce, and sauce. The result? A smoky, juicy burger that tastes infinitely better than any fast food version. It’s outdoor simplicity done right, no frills, just pure satisfaction.
14. Campfire Loaded Potatoes
Loaded baked potatoes are pure comfort in foil form. Slice large potatoes, fill them with cheese, bacon, and green onions, then wrap in foil and roast on hot coals. As they cook, the fillings melt together into creamy perfection. Top with sour cream for the finishing touch. It’s a hearty side or a standalone meal that delivers flavor and warmth in every bite, rustic and indulgent at once.
15. S’mores Dip
A creative twist on the campfire classic, s’mores dip lets you enjoy the treat without the mess. Layer chocolate and marshmallows in a cast-iron skillet and melt over the fire until gooey. Dip in graham crackers and enjoy that signature blend of sweetness and smoke. It’s the ultimate communal dessert, easy, shareable, and a guaranteed hit among both kids and adults around the flames.
16. Campfire Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
A cozy classic that never fails, grilled cheese and tomato soup make the perfect campfire comfort meal. Toast thick bread with melted cheese in a skillet over open flames until golden and crisp. Meanwhile, heat tomato soup in a small pot beside the fire, letting it simmer gently for a smoky undertone. The combination of gooey cheese, crunchy bread, and warm soup delivers simple satisfaction, ideal for chilly evenings spent under the stars.
17. Campfire Hot Chocolate
End your wilderness feast with a warm mug of campfire hot chocolate. Heat milk in a pot over low flames, stir in cocoa, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add a splash of vanilla for extra richness. The gentle smoke from the fire enhances the drink’s aroma, creating a comforting, cozy experience. Top with marshmallows or whipped cream and sip under the stars, a sweet finale to any wild adventure.
