Campfire Cooking: 5 Easy Meals to Cook Outdoors

There’s something magical about campfire cooking. The crackle of the fire, the fresh air, and the promise of a delicious meal after a day of exploring. Whether you’re glamping at Timberroot or enjoying a rustic campsite, these easy camping recipes will make your outdoor dining experience unforgettable.

Sausage and Potato Foil Packets

A classic campfire meal, these sausage and potato foil packets are easy to prep, cook, and clean up.

Ingredients:

• 14 oz sausage (kielbasa or preferred variety)
• 24 oz small potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 4 tbsp spicy mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 4 tbsp butter
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Slice the sausage into ½-inch rounds, chop the onion, and cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a small bowl, stir the spicy mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar until incorporated. 
3. Layer four foil sheets with parchment paper. 
4. Divide sausage, potatoes, and onion among packets.
5. Sprinkle with seasonings, drizzle with sauce, and top with butter.
6. Fold the foil over the ingredients and crimp the edges tightly to seal in all that flavor.
7. Place the packets on a grill grate over your campfire or on a standard grill. Cook for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through. The potatoes should be tender and deliciously golden.
8. Carefully open the packets and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Bonus points if you serve them with a side of sauerkraut or coleslaw for an extra tangy kick.

Campfire Nachos

Nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and they’re even better when enjoyed by a campfire.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• ½ lb tortilla chips
• 1 (7.75 oz) can hot tomato sauce (like El Pato)
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, drained
• 1 large avocado, cubed
• 4-5 green onions, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions:

1. Lightly oil the bottom of a large Dutch oven.
2. Add ⅓ of the chips in an even layer, then top with ¼ of the tomato sauce, beans, cheese, avocado, green onions, and cilantro. Repeat for a second layer.
3. For the final layer, use the remaining chips, half the remaining sauce, beans, cheese, and all remaining toppings.
4. Cover the Dutch oven and place over campfire heat for about 10 minutes or until the cheese melts.
5. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side.

Pro Tip: Layer your nachos carefully so every chip gets its share of cheese and toppings!
 

Camper’s Breakfast Hash

Fuel your adventures with this hearty and easy-to-make breakfast hash. 

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 2 (20 oz) packages refrigerated shredded hash brown potatoes
• 1 (7 oz) package frozen fully cooked breakfast sausage links, thawed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
• 12 large eggs, lightly beaten
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Melt butter in a deep 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Add hash browns, sausage, onion, and green pepper. Cook uncovered, turning occasionally, until the potatoes are lightly browned.
3. Push the potato mixture to the edges of the pan, creating space in the center. Pour the beaten eggs into the middle and cook, stirring frequently, until the eggs are completely set. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Reduce the heat and stir the eggs into the potato mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover, and cook for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.
5. Serve hot and enjoy a breakfast that will keep you energized for the day ahead!

Campfire Apple Crisp

End your camping day with a warm, comforting dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious. 

Ingredients:

• 2–3 apples, sliced ¼” thin
• 1 tablespoon oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup granola

Instructions:

1. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat. 
2. Add oil or butter, then sauté the apple slices for about 5 minutes, until they begin to soften.
3. Sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
4. Add the bourbon (or vanilla for alcohol-free) and brown sugar, mixing well. Let the mixture cook for 5–10 minutes until the apples are tender and the sauce thickens.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle granola evenly over the top.
6. Serve straight from the skillet or scoop into individual bowls. Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Why Not Pair These Campfire Cooking Recipes with a Timberroot Stay?

Campfire meals are more than just food – they’re a way to connect with your surroundings, share stories, and create memories under the stars. But who says you have to rough it to enjoy these moments? At Timberroot, we believe in blending the best of outdoor adventure with the comforts of home.

Our covered wagons and glamping domes make the perfect basecamp for your camping-inspired culinary creations. 

So, why not bring your appetite for adventure to Timberroot? With our rustic-meets-refined accommodations and easy access to nature, your next camping trip just got an upgrade.