10 things we bet you never thought to cook on a campfire

A classic campfire treat, reinvented for adventurous cooks

Once upon a time, the humble roasted banana would be enough. But now, you can create hype-worthy campfire banana boats by stuffing your bananas with chocolate, marshmallows, nuts, or any other candied treats you like. Wrap them in foil and place near the embers of your fire, turning every bite into a melty, gooey experience.

Elevate your fireside snack game

Yes, you’ve toasted marshmallows before, but have you tried turning marshmallow squares golden brown over the fire? This simple twist combines the nostalgia of traditional marshmallows with a crispy, gooey texture that’s irresistible. Prepare them in advance or toast right on your campfire grill or over a cast iron skillet.

Yes, you can enjoy fondue by the fire!

This one surprised us too – yes, you can in fact make fondue on a campfire. The key with this one is going to be either a heatproof glass bowl, or a suitable metal bowl. You’re basically going to create a bain-marie, aka a ‘water bath’. Pop a pot filled with water on the heat, and float a glass or metal bowl inside, with the chocolate in. The gentle heat of the water ensures you don’t burn the chocolate! This method prevents burning and lets you dip marshmallows, fruits, or biscuits straight into melted chocolate under the stars.

Cheese lovers rejoice

Who could utter the word fondue – and not cater to our savoury-toothed friends with a cheese version? Combine Gruyère, Emmentaler, and cheddar with a little cornstarch in a skillet and let the residual heat of the campfire keep the cheese gooey. Dip bread, veggies, or even cooked meats for a rich, interactive fireside meal. One top tip with this one would be to ensure you get all that cheese off before it sets! Or it’s not coming off without chain mail.

Perfect for groups around the firepit

If you can’t eat heavily carbed-up foods on holiday, let alone when you may well be taking on hikes and long country walks – when can you? Layer tortilla chips with cheese, beans, and your favourite toppings in a cast-iron skillet. Place over coals until the cheese melts and edges get a slight char. Add jalapeños or roasted peppers for extra zing.

Tip: Keep the skillet on a raised fire ring or tripod for stability and pair with How to make a pinecone firelighter for easier flame control.

Bring a skillet to the fire

You simply can’t go wrong with pizza. And whilst plenty of spaces will have pizza ovens, there's also a way to make pizza using just a skillet and a fire. Not only is this a way to have your pie fix, but it’ll be imbued with a smoky flavour unique to the campfire method. All you need to do is roll your dough to the desired size, add toppings, and cook in a skillet over embers or on a grill above the flames. The smoky flavour makes this a step up from your usual pizza night.

Tip: Start with thin bases to ensure even cooking

One-pot magic for breakfast or dinner

Ever been unsure exactly what to cook in a Dutch oven? A piece of cookware that rarely gets the love it deserves, a Dutch oven can be used to create many a one-pot wonder. With a very simple list of ingredients, a frittata is simple, filling, and fuss-free, perfect for camping mornings or brunch by the fire. Layer eggs, cheese, veggies, and even cooked meats in a Dutch oven. Place over embers and stir occasionally until set.

Enjoy a rustic seafood dinner

There are some spaces where seafood is going to be an obvious choice. Even the landlocked counties will have large streams, and fisheries where seafood will be available. A safe bet will undoubtedly be trout – as you can have sea trout, or freshwater brown trout, and both are classified under ‘least concern’ for overfishing. Barbequed fish has a special way of feeling rustic, outdoorsy, and incredibly nourishing. When you cook it directly over coals, smoke from the fire adds depth and flavour, making it a memorable outdoor meal. Pair with wild herbs or lemon slices for that extra campfire magic.

A simple dessert for campfire evenings

If there’s one thing that’s often forgotten at the campfire – it’s dessert. By why miss out when you can make something with ten minutes of prep? Mix your cornbread batter with fresh or frozen blueberries and cook in a cast-iron skillet over medium embers. The result is slightly charred edges, a moist centre, and a touch of smoke that elevates this classic recipe.

Tip: Great for breakfast the next morning too – simply reheat on the coals!

Burn your food, don’t burn your food – there's a lot of mixed messages from chefs these days. As we understand it, the smouldering remains of your forgotten pasta on the hob – unacceptable. Vegetables with a light char for flavour? Nothing short of inspired. Even more so when you cover it with cheese. Place broccoli over the coals or on a grill and allow slight charring, then top with parmesan. The smokiness complements the crisp cheese and makes a surprisingly indulgent side.

Tip: Ideal for a quick side to any fireside meal