Fire Pit Cooking Options

There’s nothing like sitting around a fire with good friends and good food. A campfire can serve as a great means of cooking a variety of foods while enjoying the outdoors.

Many people equate cooking over an open fire with large chunks of meat or hot dogs on a stick, but the number of recipes that can be used with a campfire is limitless. For the brave who are willing to invest some of their time and money, roasting a whole pig over a fire is quite an experience. Beginners may want to start with something a little simpler like a rotisserie chicken.

What types of food are suitable for campfires? Most types of meat, including fish and some types of shellfish, are a great choice. Vegetables work great too. Cooking this way will add an element of smokiness, so it’s important to choose foods that work well with smoky flavors and can stand up to heat.

Grilling, braising, broiling, roasting, smoking, browning, and even frying are just a few of the ways to use a fire pit. Various spices, herbs, seasonings and sauces can be used to get the right flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different recipes and methods.

Meals can be as simple or as complicated as you like. Aluminum foil lends itself well to cooking potatoes, carrots, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms and meat. Foil-wrapped foods practically cook themselves. Kabobs can be very versatile to suit different palates and are a great way for kids to get involved in the preparation and cooking process.

Beans cook well in a heavy pot. If you use dry beans, make sure they are already soaked. Add some vegetables and spices. You cook them even mix them with your drippings from a previous meal. Bacon grease works well.

Cooking over campfires is not limited to your main course. You can also make excellent desserts. There’s always the traditional staple of s’mores, but fruits like apples and bananas cook easily in foil. Sprinkle them with chocolate, cinnamon, or whatever sugary substance you like. Just cooking the fruit brings out its natural sweetness, so you may not want to add anything. End result: a healthy dessert.

As you become more comfortable cooking over campfires, your courage will grow and you will be willing to try new recipes. Light the pit and start cooking.