Campfire Meals Camping Recipes Cast Iron Skillet Outdoor Cooking

Cast Iron Skillet Campfire Recipes for Delicious Outdoor Cooking

Written By James Morgan

When it comes to cast iron skillet campfire recipes, the options are nearly endless. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a novice seeking to bring gourmet flavors to the wilderness, cooking with a cast iron skillet over a campfire can elevate your outdoor culinary game.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve deep into various delicious and easy-to-make recipes to ensure your next camping trip is a culinary success.

Why Choose a Cast Iron Skillet for Campfire Cooking?

Cast iron skillets are a staple in outdoor cooking for several reasons:

  • Durability: Cast iron can withstand the intense heat of a campfire.
  • Even Heating: It evenly distributes heat, ensuring your food is cooked perfectly.
  • Versatility: You can cook a variety of dishes, from breakfast to dinner.

Preparing Your Cast Iron Skillet

Before embarking on your camping trip, make sure your cast iron skillet is well-seasoned. A properly seasoned skillet is non-stick and has a special kind of resilience against rust. For comprehensive steps on seasoning, check out season an old cast iron.

cast iron skillet campfire recipes

Breakfast Recipes to Start Your Day Right

Classic Skillet Pancakes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions:

  1. Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another.
  2. Combine the two mixtures.
  3. Heat some butter in your cast iron skillet and pour the batter in small circles.
  4. Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden.

Campfire Omelette

Ingredients:

  • 4 eggs
  • 1/2 cup cheese
  • 1/2 cup diced ham
  • 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers

Instructions:

  1. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and add the remaining ingredients.
  2. Pour the mixture into your well-oiled cast iron skillet.
  3. Cook over medium heat until the edges start to set, then fold the omelette in half.
  4. Cook until fully set and serve hot.

Hearty Lunch and Dinner Ideas

Skillet Nachos

Ingredients:

  • Tortilla chips
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/2 cup black beans
  • 1/2 cup corn
  • 1 diced avocado
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

Instructions:

  1. Layer the tortilla chips at the bottom of the skillet.
  2. Sprinkle cheese, black beans, and corn over the chips.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil and cook until the cheese is melted.
  4. Top with avocado and sour cream before serving.

One-Pot Chili

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 can kidney beans
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 diced onion
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:

  1. Brown the ground beef in your cast iron skillet and drain excess fat.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook until soft.
  3. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, and spices.
  4. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
  5. Serve hot with cornbread or rice.

Sweet Dessert Recipes

Skillet Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

  • 4 apples, sliced
  • 1 cup oats
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup butter

Instructions:

  1. Combine the oats, flour, and brown sugar in a bowl.
  2. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly.
  3. Spread the apple slices in your cast iron skillet and sprinkle the oat mixture on top.
  4. Cook over medium heat until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.

For more outdoor cooking tips and recipes, visit grilling problems.

FAQ

What makes a cast iron skillet ideal for campfire cooking?

Cast iron skillets are durable, can withstand high heat, and distribute heat evenly, making them perfect for campfire cooking. For the best cleaning tips, see cleaning cast iron.

How do I clean my cast iron skillet while camping?

Wipe it out with a paper towel, rinse with water, and re-oil it if necessary. Avoid using soap. For more details on cleaning, refer to cleaning cast iron.

Can I cook desserts in a cast iron skillet over a campfire?

Yes, you can make a variety of desserts such as skillet apple crisp or even campfire brownies.

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"8FT High Pressure Propane Hose with Adjustable Regulator - Ideal for Outdoor Grill Gas Fitting, Grill, Burner, Fryer, and Cooker - 0-20 PSI - 3/8" Flare X 1/8" NPT Male"
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(180 Cu. In. (2 Pack)
$35.43
(2 Pack) Ocean'S Halo, Organic Soy-Free Spicy Korean BBQ Sauce, 12 Ounce
$48.00
(Hot&Spicy) CJ Korean BBQ Original Sauce Chicken & Pork Marinade 29.6 Ounce (1)
$27.98
(Set of 3) Heavy Duty Vegetable Grill Baskets for Outdoor Grill, Stainless Steel Veggie Grilling Basket for All Grills, BBQ Gifts for Men, 1 Large & 2 Small
$48.10
, 24025BMT, Cast 2-Burner, Liquid Propane Gas Grill, Black
$338.00
, 60936, Grill Light Cob Handle Mount,Black
$40.22
, Deli Slices, Hickory Smoked, 5.5 Oz
$10.28
, Inc. 1423 Broiler Brush, Black
$77.66
, One Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan Seasoning Mix, 1.5 Oz
$5.65
, Santa Maria Style Seasoning, 7 Oz.
$22.28
- 4 Piece Black Drillbrush Ultra Stiff Cleaning Brush Set - Metal Brush for Drill Alternative - Grill Brush for Cordless Drill - Grill Grate Cleaner Brush
$75.98
- BBQ Grill Cleaner Oil | 100% Plant-Based & Vegan | Best for Cleaning Barbeque Grills & Grates | Use with Wooden Scrapers, Brushes, Accessories & Tools | Great Gift for Dad! (8Oz)
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- Black Nitrile Gloves, Hypoallergenic Co-Polymer 6 Mill Thickness, Disposable Gloves, Powder Free, Non Sterile, Ambidextrous, Finger Tip Textured, Dispenser Pack of 100, Size. Medium.
$38.20
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$24.76
- Double Pre-Seasoned, Square Carbon Steel BBQ Grill Griddle, Made in USA - Perfect for Gas Grill - Durable, Flat Top Grill Pan - 1/4" Thick, 14" X 18"
$215.98
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$108.08
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$56.02
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$105.58
- Meat Claws Bbq Grill Accessories Set - 2 Silicone Gloves, Claws for Pulled Pork, BBQ Thermometer - Perfect Smoker Accessories Grilling Tools Gift Set for (Orange Glove-Thermometer-Claw)
$40.18
- Monterey Seafood Seasoning and Hog Wild Cajun Seasoning, Gluten-Free Bbq Rubs and Spices for Smoking
$55.17
- Onyx Collection, 12-Inch Grill Pan, Coated with New Teflon Platinum Non-Stick Coating (PFOA Free) (12-Inch)
$87.98
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$67.98
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$77.98
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$59.98
07047 Cool Touch Electric Griddle
$73.98
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1 Piece Random Nonstick Enameled Cast Iron Pan/Pot (4 Styles: 10.25" Skillet/2Qt Saucepan/2.8Qt/4.8Qt Dutch Oven) – Healthy round Pot for Sourdough Bread Baking on All Stovetops, Mystery Cookware Box
$69.99
1-Piece 16.50 Inch Cast Iron Griddle Plate | Reversible Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Pan for Gas Stovetop | Double Sided Used on Open Fire & in Oven | Pre-Coated with Oil
$58.44
1/2" X 1/8" Lavalock High Temp BBQ Gasket Smoker Seal for Nomex Door Lid, Self Stick Grey
$46.82
1/3Pc Non-Stick BBQ Grill Mat 40*33Cm Baking Mat Cooking Grilling Sheet Heat Resistance Easily Cleaned Kitchen for Party
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$31.37
10-Inch Skewer for BBQ Kebab, Unbleached Long Bamboo/Wood Roasting Sticks for Grill -Heavy Duty Thickness -Flat Stick Flag Handle -With Dust-Free Packaging (100-Pack)
$22.97
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$40.18
100 Pcs Grilling Gloves Kit Disposable BBQ Gloves with 2 Pairs Cotton Liners Grilling Gloves Cooking Gloves Latex Free Nitrile Gloves for Outdoor Grilling Barbecue Cooking
$18.40
100% All-Natural Hardwood Pellets - Maple Wood (20 Lb. Bag) Perfect for Pellet Smokers, Smoky Wood-Fired Flavor
$53.96
100% Compostable Food Prep Gloves, Restaurant-Quality,For Food Handling, Powder-Free, 100 Count, Medium, Earth Friendly Highest ASTM D6400, US BPI and Europe OK Compost Certified, San Francisco
$20.30
100% Cotton Kitchen Apron with an Adjustable Neck with Long Ties for Women Men Chef
$40.14
12 Inch round Pizza Stone, Heavy Duty Cordierite Pizza Grilling Stone, Bread Baking Stone for RV Oven, Grill and Toaster Oven, Ideal for Baking Crisp Crust Pizza, Bread, Cookies and More
$73.03
12 Inch Lightweight Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Griddle with Cleaning Kit - Smooth Polished Surface, Easy to Clean Cast Iron Skillets Use in the Oven, on the Stove or Grill, over a Campfire
$59.98