Cast Iron Cooking

Cast Iron Cooking

By Jacob Dean

When it comes to cooking while camping, there are numerous options to suit different preferences, needs, and styles of outdoor cooking. It’s hard to beat the taste and feel of cooking directly over an open flame. It is a classic camping tradition. Campfire cooking can be done using cast iron cookware, skewers, foil packets, or grates placed over the fire. Campfire rings provide a contained area for building and maintaining a fire, while tripods can be used to suspend pots and pans over the flames for cooking.

I prefer cast iron. You can make casseroles, meat, soups, and just about anything in a good cast iron dutch oven. Cast iron skillets, dutch ovens, and griddles are durable and versatile options for camp cooking. They can be used directly over a campfire, on a grill grate, or on a portable stove. Cast iron retains heat well and provides even cooking, making it ideal for preparing a wide range of dishes from breakfast to dinner. These should be a staple in every camping arsenal.

Grills
Campfires are an integral part of camp Portable grills, such as charcoal or propane grills, offer convenient cooking options for camping. They come in various sizes and styles, including tabletop models and collapsible designs. Grills provide consistent heat for grilling meats, vegetables, and other foods, offering a familiar cooking experience similar to backyard barbecues.

Compact and lightweight travel grills are specifically designed for camping and outdoor use. These grills often feature foldable legs, carrying handles, and easy-to-clean grates. They use charcoal, propane, or wood pellets as fuel and are suitable for cooking on campsites, picnic areas, or tailgating events.

Portable camping stoves come in various types, including propane, butane, and multi-fuel stoves. They offer precise temperature control and efficient cooking performance, making them ideal for boiling water, simmering soups, or cooking meals in pots and pans. Some models are compact enough to fit inside a backpack for backpacking or hiking trips. These can be a single burner that connects with a propane cylinder.

Cast iron or Blackstone griddles are flat-top cooking surfaces that provide a versatile and convenient way to cook outdoors. They offer ample cooking space for preparing multiple dishes simultaneously and are suitable for cooking breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Blackstone griddles are powered by propane and are popular for camping, tailgating, and outdoor cooking. A lot of different companies are making travel-sized options.

Each of these cooking options offers its own unique advantages and can enhance the camping experience by providing delicious meals and memorable outdoor dining experiences. Depending on your preferences, equipment availability, and camping environment, you can choose the cooking method that best suits your needs for your next outdoor adventure.

Keep it Simple
Once you decide how you are going to cook your food, I recommend keeping cooking simple. When it comes to camping food, simplicity and convenience are key. Here are some easy and delicious camping meal ideas that require minimal preparation and cooking.

Campfire Tacos: Heat up some canned beans and pre-cooked rice on a portable stove or over the campfire. Fill tortillas with the beans and rice, then top with shredded cheese, salsa, avocado slices, and any other desired toppings.

One-Pot Pasta: Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling water over a camp stove. Drain the pasta and stir in a jar of white pasta sauce, along with pre-cooked chicken breast, and some chopped bell peppers, onions, mushrooms and vegetables.

Foil Packet Meals: Wrap seasoned beef along with a sliced potato, onion, in aluminum foil packets. Place the packets on a grill grate over the campfire or on coals in the fire and cook until the contents are tender and cooked through.

Campfire Grilled Cheese: Spread butter on slices of bread and fill with cheese. Wrap the sandwiches in foil and cook them over the campfire, flipping occasionally, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. This will taste so much better than prepared on a stove top.
Instant Oatmeal: For a quick and hearty breakfast, prepare instant oatmeal by adding hot water to individual packets. Customize with toppings such as dried fruit, nuts, honey, or brown sugar.

Campfire Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with shredded cheese, canned beans, and cooked chicken or vegetables. Cook the quesadillas in a cast iron skillet over the campfire until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.

Pre-Packaged Meals: Many stores sell pre-packaged camping meals that require minimal preparation. Options include dehydrated meals, instant soups, and freeze-dried entrees that can be rehydrated with hot water.

S’mores: No camping trip is complete without this classic treat! Sandwich a roasted marshmallow and a piece of chocolate between two graham crackers, then enjoy the gooey, chocolatey goodness by the campfire.

These easy camping food ideas are perfect for fueling outdoor adventures and enjoying delicious meals with minimal fuss. Customize the recipes to suit your tastes and dietary preferences, and don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks and drinks to stay energized throughout your camping trip.