Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (2024)

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (1)

There's one tool that we always bring when car camping, RV camping, or glamping — a campfire Dutch oven! (Campfire Dutch ovens are different than the enameled Dutch oven in your kitchen. If you need one, we like Lodge's version.) With the lid on and nestled in coals, a Dutch oven can simmer, stew, and braise! With the lid off, it sears meat and chicken like a cast-iron pan. It's great for soups and stews, and it works with camp stoves and open fires alike. Here are more than two dozen delicious Dutch oven recipes that can easily be made over a campfire.

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1

What Is a Dutch Oven and How Do I Use It?

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (3)

First things first, get the basics on what this versatile piece of cookware is, and learn a little about why it makes such an essential piece of camping equipment!

Keep reading.

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2

Guinness Beef Stew

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (5)

This hearty stew is just the thing to warm you on a cool mountain evening, or replenish your energy after a long day of hiking.

Get the recipe.

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3

Chicken and Potato Chowder

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (7)

Here's a one-pot stew that is packed with flavor. You can grab a rotisserie chicken on the way to the campsite, or just use some precooked chicken breast meat.

Get the recipe.

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4

Seafood and Chorizo Paella with Bell Peppers

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (9)

Warning: The smells wafting from this decadent dish may draw nearby campers to your site. Luckily it makes more than enough to share.

Get the recipe.

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5

Sausage and Cheese Lasagna

Campfire lasagna? It's doable in a Dutch oven! Skip the instructions to broil at the end, however, and simply let the cheese melt while everything finishes cooking.

Get the recipe.

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6

Steak with Creamy Mushrooms and Spinach

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (13)

Steak is an easy and decadent campfire meal. It's made even easier when you can cook the sides right in the same dish!

Get the recipe.

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7

White Wine Coq Au Vin

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (15)

This show-stopping dish is perfect for when you're glamping—or just want to impress the heck out of someone.

Get the recipe.

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8

Beer-Braised Chicken

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (17)

This spicy pulled chicken can be packed into tortillas, piled onto soft buns, or eaten straight on a plate with perhaps a side of grilled corn.

Get the recipe.

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9

Seared Sausage with Cabbage and Pink Lady Apples

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (19)

This is camping food at its finest. It's simple, hearty, and full of flavor.

Get the recipe.

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10

Seafood and Sausage Stew

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (21)

This recipe is especially apt if you're camping near the ocean—and can source fresh seafood.

Get the recipe.

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11

Crispy Chicken Thighs With Garlic and Rosemary

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (23)

Though this can be made in a skillet, it's just as easy to make in a Dutch oven. You can weigh the chicken down with a smaller heavy pot, or a grill press.

Get the recipe.

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12

Ginger Garlic Chicken Ramen

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (25)

Boil up this veggie-packed soup for a hearty, healthy campfire dinner.

Get the recipe.

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13

Chicken Legs with Peas, Artichokes, Mint, and Fingerling Potatoes

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (27)

This hearty dish is full of satisfying flavors. Pre-make the spice mix to make camp-side prep easier.

Get the recipe.

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14

Corn-and-Ham Risotto

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (29)

Risotto has a rep for being tricky, but don't believe it. This low-simmering concoction of corn, ham, herbs, and rice is particularly suited to campfire cooking.

Get the recipe.

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15

Bourbon Chili

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (31)

A classic campfire food if there ever was one, this one-pot chili recipe gets a boost of flavor from orange juice and bourbon.

Get the recipe.

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16

Tater Tot Breakfast Pizza

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (33)

A tater tot crust topped with bacon, eggs, cheese, and sausage will get your family going in the morning.

Get the recipe at The Gunny Sack.

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17

Green Chile Chicken Chilaquiles

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (35)

Customize your chilaquiles with your favorite toppings. This blogger layered on queso fresco, avocado, and sour cream.

Get the recipe at Spoonful of Flavor.

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18

Cheesy Garlic Bites

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (37)

No need to wait for bread to rise with this pull-apart dish. It's easy to make and both kids and adults will love it.

Get the recipe at The Creative Mom.

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19

Campfire Donuts

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (39)

Turn biscuits into delicious mini donuts with a little help from cinnamon sugar and hot oil.

Get the recipe at The Touring Campfire.

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20

Dutch Oven Enchiladas

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (41)

Take enchilada night to the great outdoors with this family-friendly meal.

Get the recipe at Fresh Off The Grid.

RELATED: Easy Campfire Recipes That Are Finger-Licking Good

Going Camping? Bring a Campfire Dutch Oven And These Delicious Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What to cook in a Dutch oven while camping? ›

Think simmering soups, steaming rice, boiling water for pasta, etc. Sear, pan-fry, sautee: A camping Dutch oven is also a great stand-in for a cast-iron skillet. Anything that can be cooked in a cast-iron skillet can be done in a Dutch oven too, like searing steaks, browning chicken thighs, sauteing vegetables, etc.

How do I choose a Dutch oven for camping? ›

Key Considerations for Selecting a Dutch Oven for Camping

Will it be stews or baked goods? This decides whether you'll get a deep or shallow pot. A heavy-duty cast iron model keeps heat better for cooking over coals or a campfire. The lid design also plays a big role.

What not to put in Dutch oven? ›

This Dutch oven tip applies more to a seasoned cast iron Dutch oven than one with an enamel coating, but every Dutch oven user should be aware nonetheless: When you cook acidic ingredients—like tomatoes, wine-based sauces, and citrus—for longer than 30 minutes, the protective coating built up on the cast iron starts to ...

Can I use my Dutch oven over a campfire? ›

You can also use a Dutch oven as a heavy-duty, fire-resistant pot and place it over a campfire. Since it's made entirely from cast iron, there's nothing that can melt or warp.

What food to take camping for 3 days? ›

Example 3-day menu plan using these recipes
DayBreakfastDinner
1Peanut butter oatmealHot dogs or veggie dogs
2Breakfast burrito in a bagCampfire nachos
3Homemade granola with oat milkGrain bowl
Sep 16, 2021

What is the easiest camping food? ›

53 Tasty Camping Lunch Ideas (Quick and Easy to Make!)
  • Hot Dogs. ...
  • Mac and Cheese. ...
  • Sloppy Joes. ...
  • Veggie Burgers. ...
  • Grilled Veggies. ...
  • Chili. ...
  • Loaded Baked Potatoes. ...
  • Foil Packet Nachos. Nachos are one of our favorite things to eat while camping!
Apr 12, 2023

What food to take camping for 2 nights? ›

The Ultimate List of Essential Foods to Take Camping
  • Bread. This could be anything from a freshly baked wholemeal loaf to a packet of flatbreads Anything versatile you can make a quick meal with is excellent to have on hand.
  • Eggs. ...
  • Fruit. ...
  • Vegetables. ...
  • Potatoes. ...
  • Cereal. ...
  • Oats. ...
  • Pasta.

What food to take camping without a fridge? ›

Non-Refrigerated Camping Food To Consider
  • Bagels with cream cheese.
  • Cereal with powdered milk.
  • Instant oatmeal.
  • Honey or syrup.
  • Toast with peanut butter.
  • Homemade or store-bought muffins.
  • Tortillas.
  • Breakfast-style potatoes.

Where do you put food at night when camping? ›

At night, place any loose food, plus a cooler if you have one, inside a metal bear box if there is one.

What is a Dutch oven trick? ›

In that case, we recommend the infamous Dutch oven prank. For the uninitiated, a Dutch oven involves farting in bed, then quickly pulling up the sheets to trap your significant other with the smell. It's a decades-old trick that has surely ruined countless relationships, yet many dudes still dare to try it.

What are the 2 types of Dutch ovens? ›

  • Cast Iron Dutch Ovens. Cast iron Dutch ovens are uncoated and require seasoning and some maintenance to maintain a nonstick quality and avoid rust. ...
  • Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Ovens. Enameled cast iron Dutch ovens offer an enamel coating, making them low maintenance and easy to clean. ...
  • Round vs. Oval Dutch Ovens:
Oct 21, 2023

What is good to cook in a Dutch oven? ›

No matter the style or size, any Dutch oven will open up endless recipe opportunities. Create beautifully braised meat, pot roasts, hearty beef stew, healing chicken soup, or the creamiest mac and cheese. Use it like a slow cooker, a bread cloche, or a pot for frying.

What are 8 reasons to use a Dutch oven? ›

What Is a Dutch Oven Used For?
  • Bread. One of the easiest (and more surprising) ways to use a Dutch oven is actually for breaking bread. ...
  • Casseroles and Lasagnas. ...
  • Skillet Cookies. ...
  • Chicken Stock. ...
  • Frying. ...
  • Braised Meats. ...
  • Roasting. ...
  • Poaching Chicken.
Oct 27, 2022

Can I cook anything in my Dutch oven? ›

Owning a Dutch oven is proof that you've made it. No matter what else is going on in your life, you can come home to a dependable piece of cookware that will cook soups, stews, braised meats, and bread better than any other piece of equipment in your kitchen.

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