Best Campfire Cooking Recipes For Large Groups

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Gather around the campfire and get ready to cook up a storm with your favorite people! In the article “Best Campfire Cooking Recipes For Large Groups,” you’ll discover a delightful array of recipes that are perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a scout trip, or a weekend getaway with friends, these recipes are designed to bring everyone together with hearty, delicious meals. Embrace the great outdoors and make unforgettable memories as you master the art of campfire cooking for large groups.

Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to the great outdoors, cooking for a large group can be both exhilarating and daunting. But don’t worry; this guide is designed to make campfire cooking a breeze. By the end, you’ll have a go-to collection of delicious and easy-to-make campfire recipes that can satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Essential Tips for Campfire Cooking

Safety First

Before we jump into the recipes, it’s crucial to discuss safety. Always make sure your campfire is in a designated fire pit and is completely extinguished when you’re done. Keep a bucket of water or dirt nearby to douse the flames if necessary.

Tools and Equipment

Having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s a list of essential campfire cooking equipment you’ll need:

Tool	Use
Cast Iron Skillet	Perfect for almost any kind of cooking
Dutch Oven	Ideal for slow cooking and baking
Grate or Grill	For grilling meats and veggies
Long-handled Tongs	Safe handling of hot food
Fireproof Gloves	Protecting your hands from the heat
Foil	Useful for packets and easy cleanup

Essential Ingredients

Prepare your ingredients before you hit the trail. Marinate meats beforehand, chop vegetables, and pack spices in small containers. This will save you time and make the cooking process smoother.

Breakfast Recipes

Starting the day with a hearty breakfast can set the tone for a great day outdoors. Here are a couple of crowd-pleasing recipes to get everyone energized.

Campfire Breakfast Burritos

Who doesn’t love a burrito to kickstart the day? These are easy to make and can be customized to suit any palate.

Ingredients:

• 12 large tortillas
• 12 eggs
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 pound cooked sausage or bacon
• 2 cups hash browns
• Salsa, sour cream, and avocado (optional)

Instructions:

1. Scramble the eggs in a cast iron skillet over the campfire.
2. Warm the tortillas on the grill grate.
3. Lay each tortilla flat and fill it with scrambled eggs, cooked sausage or bacon, hash browns, and shredded cheese.
4. Roll up the tortillas and wrap each one in foil.
5. Place them on the grill for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are heated through.
6. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and avocado if desired.

Pancake Breakfast Stack

Pancakes are a breakfast classic and perfect for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups pancake mix
• 6 cups water
• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1 cup maple syrup
• Butter or non-stick spray for cooking

Instructions:

1. Mix the pancake batter according to the package instructions.
2. Add blueberries into the batter.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet over the campfire and lightly grease with butter or non-stick spray.
4. Pour batter into the skillet to form pancakes, cooking until bubbles form on the surface before flipping.
5. Repeat the process until all the batter is used.
6. Serve with a dollop of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup.

Lunch and Dinner Recipes

Creating tasty and filling meals for lunch and dinner is key to keeping everyone happy and satisfied. Here are some recipes that cater to large groups and can easily be doubled or tripled.

Campfire Chili

A big pot of chili is an ultimate comfort food – perfect for feeding many and warming up on cool nights.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 cans kidney beans (drained)
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 2 bell peppers (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 packet chili seasoning mix
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Shredded cheese and sour cream for toppings

Instructions:

1. Heat a Dutch oven over the campfire and brown the ground beef.
2. Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and chili seasoning mix.
4. Let the chili simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve with shredded cheese and sour cream as optional toppings.

Foil Packet Chicken and Vegetables

Foil packets are a camper’s best friend. They make for an easy meal prep and even easier cleanup.

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken breasts
• 4 cups baby potatoes (halved)
• 4 cups baby carrots
• 2 bell peppers (sliced)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• Olive oil
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika

Instructions:

1. Cut six large pieces of foil and lay them flat.
2. Place one chicken breast in the center of each piece of foil.
3. Divide the baby potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli evenly among the six packets.
4. Drizzle olive oil over each packet and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
5. Fold the sides of the foil up to create a sealed packet.
6. Place the packets on the campfire grate and cook for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Campfire Pizza

Pizza might seem like a challenge, but it’s absolutely doable and will be a hit with your group.

Ingredients:

• 2 packages pizza dough
• 1 jar pizza sauce
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups pepperoni slices
• Other favorite toppings (green peppers, onions, mushrooms, etc.)
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface.
2. Spread a thin layer of olive oil on a cast iron skillet.
3. Place the dough in the skillet and cook over the campfire for 3-5 minutes or until the bottom is golden.
4. Flip the dough over using tongs.
5. Quickly spread the pizza sauce over the cooked side, then add cheese and toppings.
6. Cover the skillet with foil to help the cheese melt.
7. Cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

Desserts

No campfire dinner is complete without a sweet treat to end the day. Here are some irresistible desserts that can be enjoyed by all.

Campfire S’mores Dip

This twist on the classic s’mores is sure to be a favorite among both kids and adults.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 bag large marshmallows
• Graham crackers for dipping

Instructions:

1. Place a cast iron skillet on the campfire grate.
2. Pour the chocolate chips into the skillet, allowing them to melt partially.
3. Add a layer of marshmallows on top of the melted chocolate.
4. Cover with foil and let the marshmallows melt and brown for about 10 minutes.
5. Serve with graham crackers for dipping.

Campfire Apple Crisp

A warm apple crisp is the perfect way to end a night under the stars.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups sliced apples
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup butter (melted)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the apples with half of the brown sugar and cinnamon.
2. Lay the apple mixture in a cast iron Dutch oven.
3. In another bowl, combine oats, flour, the remaining brown sugar, and melted butter.
4. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples evenly.
5. Cover and cook over campfire coals for 30-40 minutes, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
6. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Snacks and Side Dishes

Snacks and sides make the meal complete. Here are some easy-to-make options to accompany your main dishes or to munch on throughout the day.

Campfire Nachos

Perfect as a side dish or a snack, these nachos are quick and easy.

Ingredients:

• 1 large bag tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheese
• 1 can black beans (drained)
• 2 cups salsa
• 1 cup sliced jalapeños
• Sour cream and guacamole

Instructions:

1. Layer tortilla chips, shredded cheese, black beans, and salsa in a cast iron skillet.
2. Repeat layers until the skillet is full.
3. Cover with foil and place on the campfire grate.
4. Heat for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
5. Serve with sour cream and guacamole.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

A simple classic that pairs well with any main dish.

Ingredients:

• 12 ears of corn (husks removed)
• Butter
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Wrap each ear of corn in foil, adding a pat of butter and a sprinkle of salt and pepper before sealing.
2. Place the wrapped corn on the campfire grate.
3. Rotate occasionally, cooking for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
4. Carefully remove from foil and serve hot.

Drinks

Keeping everyone hydrated is important, and what better way than with some delicious campfire-friendly beverages.

Campfire Hot Chocolate

Great for chilly nights, this hot chocolate will keep everyone warm.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 12 oz chocolate chips
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Marshmallows for topping

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the milk and cream over the campfire.
2. Once warm, add the chocolate chips and stir until melted.
3. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
4. Serve in mugs topped with marshmallows.

Outdoor Lemonade

A refreshing drink for sunny days.

Ingredients:

• 10 lemons (juiced)
• 10 cups cold water
• 1-2 cups sugar (to taste)
• Ice and lemon slices for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large container, mix lemon juice, water, and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
2. Adjust the sweetness according to taste.
3. Serve over ice with lemon slices as garnish.

Final Thoughts

Campfire cooking for large groups doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little preparation and the right recipes, you can create delicious meals that everyone will enjoy. Remember, the key is simplicity and preparation.

We hope these recipes inspire you to get creative with your campfire cooking and enjoy some memorable meals with friends and family. Happy camping and happy cooking!