The Art of Campfire Baking — Bread, Pies, and More!

Ever ventured into the rustic yet delightful art of campfire baking? Making bread, pies, and more over a campfire will transform your glamping experience.

We’ve baked all sorts of goods on our journeys and have a few of our favorites to share with you.

The essentials of campfire baking.

First, let’s review the essential equipment and setup for successful campfire baking. After all, if you don’t have the right stuff, you’re not baking anything.

• Fire source. A steady campfire is key. Ensure you have a safe, controlled fire that provides consistent heat. You might even want to consider a smokeless firepit like a Breeo or Solo Stove.
• Cooking gear. A cast-iron skillet, a Dutch oven, and a sturdy tripod for hanging pots over the fire are indispensable. The Dutch oven is by far the most versatile.
• Baking tools. Wooden spoons, mixing bowls, and measuring cups will come in handy. 
• Ingredients. Plan your recipes in advance and pack accordingly, focusing on non-perishables like flour, sugar, and baking powder.

Generally, you need everything you need to bake at home at the campsite. There are, of course, a few differences.

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Baking bread on a campfire.

There’s something genuinely magical about baking bread in the great outdoors. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe.

Campfire Skillet Bread

• Ingredients. All-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, water, and oil.
• Method. Mix the dry ingredients, add water to form a dough, and knead lightly. Heat oil in a skillet over the campfire, flatten the dough into the skillet, and cover with a lid. Cook until golden brown on both sides.

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hearty stew or simply with some butter and jam.

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Rustic Garlic Herb Campfire Bread

• Ingredients. All-purpose flour, yeast, warm water, salt, garlic powder, mixed dried herbs (like oregano, thyme, and basil), and olive oil.
• Method. Combine flour, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and knead into a dough. Mix in garlic powder and herbs. Let the dough rise, then punch it down and form into a loaf. Cook in a preheated Dutch oven over the campfire, turning occasionally until done.

Sweet Campfire Cinnamon Rolls

• Ingredients. Pre-made bread dough, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Method. Roll out the dough, spread butter over it, and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll it up, slice it into rounds, and place it in a skillet. Cook over the campfire with a lid on, turning once, until the rolls are fluffy and cooked through.

Cheesy Campfire Beer Bread

• Ingredients. Self-rising flour, beer, shredded cheese (like cheddar), and a touch of sugar.
• Method. Mix self-rising flour with beer and a pinch of sugar to form a batter. Fold in shredded cheese. Pour into a greased skillet, cover, and bake over the campfire until the bread is risen and golden.

Decadent Campfire Pies

Pies are a sumptuous treat that can be easily made over a campfire. Here’s a favorite.

Easy Dutch Oven Apple Pie

• Ingredients. Pre-made pie crusts, sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
• Method. Line a Dutch oven with a pie crust, fill it with apples mixed with sugar and cinnamon, dot with butter, and cover with the second crust. Bake over the campfire using coals on top and bottom of the Dutch oven.

Continuing this rustic culinary journey, let’s explore three more pies that are equally tantalizing and perfect for baking in the great outdoors.

Rustic Mixed Berry Campfire Pie

• Ingredients. Pre-made pie crusts, mixed berries (like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries), cornstarch, sugar, lemon juice, and butter.
• Method. Combine the mixed berries with sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of lemon juice. Line the Dutch oven with a crust, pour in the berry mixture, and dot with butter. Cover with another crust, and bake using the campfire method mentioned above.

Savory Campfire Chicken Pot Pie

While we all love something sweet, baking over a campfire isn’t reserved just for the deserts. We think you’re going to love our chicken pot pie recipe.

• Ingredients. Pre-made pie crusts, cooked chicken chunks, mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn), chicken broth, cream, and seasonings.
• Method. Mix the cooked chicken with vegetables, a bit of chicken broth, cream, and your favorite seasonings. Line the Dutch oven with a pie crust, add the chicken mixture, and top with another crust. Bake over the campfire until golden and bubbly.

Sweet and Tangy Lemon Meringue Pie

• Ingredients. Pre-made pie crust, lemon curd (can be pre-made), eggs, sugar, and cream of tartar.
• Method. Pour lemon curd into a pre-baked pie crust. For the meringue, whip egg whites with sugar and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the curd and bake it over the campfire until the meringue is lightly browned.

Sweet and savory variations.

The versatility of campfire baking is boundless. 

Experiment with sweet and savory fillings for pies, or add herbs and cheeses to your bread for a gourmet twist. 

Chocolate-filled bread, berry cobblers, and savory meat pies are just a few ideas to explore.

It’s no different than being at home in your kitchen. Use what you have and put together your own concoctions. Use our recipes as a base for your own style.

Tips to make baking on a campfire a success.

Even if you’re familiar with baking at home, there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re doing it out in the great outdoors.

Here are some of the tips we wish we knew when we started out—

• Preheat your cooking equipment. Before adding your dough or batter, preheat your skillet, Dutch oven, or any other cooking vessel over the campfire. This helps in achieving an even cooking temperature, reducing the risk of raw or unevenly cooked bread.
• Manage your heat source. Use a combination of hot coals and wood to maintain a consistent temperature. If possible, have a separate fire area or pit where you can create more coals so you can replenish or reduce the heat under your baking vessel as needed.
• Rotate your baking vessel. Regularly rotate your skillet or Dutch oven to ensure even baking. This is crucial to prevent burning on one side due to uneven heat distribution of the campfire.
• Use a lid or cover. When using a skillet or a Dutch oven, always cover it with a lid. This helps to trap heat inside, creating an oven-like environment, which is essential for proper baking. If you don’t have a lid, you can use aluminum foil as an alternative.

If you have your own tips, we would love for you to share them in the comments below!

The joy of campfire baking.

Baking over a campfire isn’t just about the food; it’s an immersive experience. 

The warmth of the fire, the smell of baking bread (if you could only smell our photos lol), and the joy of sharing freshly made treats with friends or family under the stars are what make campfire baking truly special.

Campfire baking is an art that combines culinary skills with the beauty of the outdoors.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a camping novice, these recipes and tips will help you create delectable dishes that enhance your outdoor experience.