Campfire cooking is an essential part of any outdoor adventure, and one kitchen tool that should never be overlooked is the trusty cast iron skillet. Whether you’re camping in the woods or simply enjoying a backyard cookout, these cast iron skillet recipes are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and make your outdoor dining experience truly memorable.
Campfire Cornbread

Ingredients:
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 large egg
Instructions:
- Preheat your cast iron skillet over the campfire or grill.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, melted butter, and egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Remove the preheated skillet from the fire and pour the batter into it.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and place it back on the fire.
- Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
The campfire cornbread is a classic recipe that pairs perfectly with a hearty stew or chili. The crispy outer crust and moist, fluffy interior make it a crowd-pleaser at any outdoor gathering.
Campfire Chili

Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Heat your cast iron skillet over the campfire or grill.
- Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic to the skillet, and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the fire and let it cool slightly before serving.
This campfire chili is packed with flavor and is a perfect comfort food for those chilly outdoor evenings. Serve it with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions for an extra level of deliciousness.
Campfire Pizza

Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pizza dough
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Assorted toppings of your choice (e.g., pepperoni, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms)
Instructions:
- Preheat your cast iron skillet over the campfire or grill.
- Roll out the pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the size of your skillet.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the preheated skillet.
- Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add your desired toppings.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and place it back on the fire.
- Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the fire and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Who said you can’t enjoy a delicious, homemade pizza while camping? This campfire pizza recipe is easy to make and allows you to customize your toppings to suit your taste. It’s a great option for a quick and satisfying meal in the great outdoors.
With these cast iron skillet recipes, you can elevate your campfire cooking game and create mouthwatering meals that will impress your fellow campers. So, pack your cast iron skillet on your next camping trip and get ready to savor the flavors of the great outdoors!