Cooking Around the Campfire: Easy and Delicious Overlanding Recipes

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a delicious meal cooked over a crackling campfire, especially after a long day of overlanding. Cooking outdoors is all about keeping things simple yet satisfying, using ingredients that travel well and recipes that are easy to follow. Whether you’re preparing a hearty breakfast to kick off a day of adventure or a comforting dinner to wind down, these campfire recipes will delight the whole family. Here’s a collection of easy and tasty dishes perfect for your next overlanding adventure.

1. Campfire Breakfast Burritos

Ingredients:

• 6 large eggs
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 cup cooked sausage or bacon
• 6 flour tortillas
• Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Heat a skillet over the campfire and add the diced bell peppers and onions. Cook until they’re softened.
2. Add the cooked sausage or bacon to the skillet and let it heat through.
3. Crack the eggs into the skillet, scrambling them until fully cooked.
4. Lay out the tortillas and evenly divide the scrambled eggs, cheese, and veggie mixture among them.
5. Roll up the tortillas, wrapping them tightly into burritos.
6. For a warm and toasty burrito, wrap each in aluminum foil and place near the edge of the fire for 5-10 minutes. Serve with hot sauce if desired.

Pro Tip: Prepare the veggies and cook the sausage at home to save time at the campsite.

2. Campfire Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet chili seasoning mix
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over the campfire and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
3. Stir in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and chili seasoning mix. Let the mixture simmer over the fire for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, with crackers or cornbread if available.

Pro Tip: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for an extra tasty finish.

3. Foil Packet Veggie and Sausage Dinner

Ingredients:

• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 large zucchini, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Lay out large sheets of aluminum foil and divide the sausage, bell peppers, zucchini, and onion evenly among them.
2. Drizzle each packet with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Fold the foil into packets, sealing them tightly.
4. Place the packets over the campfire or on a grill grate, cooking for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Carefully open the packets and serve directly from the foil for easy cleanup.

Pro Tip: Add potatoes or sweet potatoes for a heartier meal—just be sure to slice them thin so they cook through.

4. Campfire Pizza Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated pizza dough
• 1 cup pizza sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced pepperoni
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning

Instructions:

1. Roll out the pizza dough on a flat surface and spread a thin layer of pizza sauce over it.
2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and arrange pepperoni slices on top.
3. Roll the dough into a log and slice into 2-inch rolls.
4. Wrap each roll in a piece of aluminum foil, lightly brushed with olive oil.
5. Place near the campfire and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the dough is cooked through.
6. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning before serving.

Pro Tip: These rolls can also be cooked on a grill grate over the campfire for an extra crispy bottom.

5. Grilled Campfire Corn on the Cob

Ingredients:

• 4 ears of corn, husked
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Spread a tablespoon of butter over each ear of corn and season with salt and pepper.
2. Wrap each ear in aluminum foil, sealing it tightly.
3. Place the wrapped corn directly on the coals or on a grill grate over the fire.
4. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the corn is tender and slightly charred.

Pro Tip: Add a sprinkle of paprika or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor before wrapping.

6. Campfire Banana Boats

Ingredients:

• 4 bananas
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
• Crushed graham crackers (optional)

Instructions:

1. Slice each banana lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through.
2. Pull the banana slightly apart and stuff with chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.
3. Wrap each banana in aluminum foil and place near the campfire for about 5-10 minutes, until the chocolate and marshmallows are melted.
4. Carefully unwrap and top with crushed graham crackers if desired.

Pro Tip: Make these for dessert after dinner—you can prepare them while the fire is still hot from cooking your main course.

Final Thoughts

Cooking around the campfire doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and some aluminum foil, you can create delicious and comforting meals that the whole family will love. These easy recipes are perfect for any overlanding adventure, offering a mix of hearty breakfasts, savory dinners, and even a sweet treat to finish off the day.

So gather around the campfire, grab your ingredients, and get cooking. There’s no better way to end a day of adventure than with good food, great company, and the warmth of a campfire. Happy cooking! 🔥🍳🌲