Looking to add some excitement to your outdoor cooking? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore 15 delicious foods suitable for cooking over a fire pit. From juicy steak with a smoky flavor to one pot meals or charred fruit for dessert, there’s something here for everyone.
With easy-to-follow recipes and simple directions, you’ll enjoy mouthwatering meals in no time. So grab your apron and fire up that pit – let’s get cooking!
- Grilled Marinated Chicken Skewers
- Juicy Steak with Smoky Flavor
- Gooey S'mores with Toasted Marshmallows
- Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob
- Flavorful Grilled Shrimp Skewers
- Savory Campfire Chili
- Cheesy Campfire Nachos
- Delicious Foil Packet Potatoes
- Sweet and Tangy BBQ Ribs
- Grilled Vegetable Medley
- Mouthwatering Campfire Pizza
- Buttery Garlic Bread on the Grill
- Campfire Mac and Cheese
- Sticky Honey Glazed Salmon
- Caramelized Grilled Pineapple Dessert
- Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Over a Fire Pit
- Conclusion
Grilled Marinated Chicken Skewers
You can grill marinated chicken skewers over a wood fire pit for a delicious and flavorful meal.
Marinating the chicken beforehand helps to infuse it with a burst of flavor that will make your taste buds dance. The process is simple and requires only a few ingredients.
Start by mixing together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of your favorite spices. Place the chicken pieces in the marinade and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Once the chicken has marinated, thread the pieces onto skewers and place them over the fire pit. Cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked and has a nice charred exterior.
Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Juicy Steak with Smoky Flavor
To achieve a juicy steak with a smoky flavor, it is important to let the meat rest before slicing it.
Many people underestimate the importance of this step, but it can make all the difference in the final taste and texture of the steak. When the meat is cooked over a fire pit, it undergoes a process called carryover cooking.
This means that even after you remove the steak from the heat, it continues to cook internally. Allowing the steak to rest for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
So, resist the temptation to cut into the steak immediately and give it time to rest. This is the key to tender steak whether you are cooking over a fire pit or not. You won’t be disappointed with the mouthwatering results.
Gooey S’mores with Toasted Marshmallows
For gooey s’mores with toasted marshmallows, you need to find the perfect balance between melting the marshmallow and not burning it. The good thing about roasting marshmallows is that they can be done on a wood and propane fire pit.
Begin by skewering the marshmallow onto a long stick or skewer, ensuring it is securely in place. Hold the marshmallow over the fire, allowing it to gradually toast to a golden brown color. Rotate it slowly to ensure even heating and prevent scorching. This process may take a few minutes, but the end result will be worth it.
Once the marshmallow reaches the desired toasting level, carefully place it on a graham cracker, and sandwich it between two pieces of chocolate.
The heat from the marshmallow will melt the chocolate, creating a deliciously gooey treat. Enjoy!
Crispy Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob
It is important to render the fat in the bacon when making crispy bacon-wrapped corn on the cob. You’ll want to use streaky bacon and cook it until it is golden and crispy.
Combining the smoky bacon and sweet corn creates a delicious flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
To achieve the perfect crispiness, start by wrapping each ear of corn with a slice of bacon. Secure the bacon in place with toothpicks, and then place the corn on a preheated grill or fire pit.
Cook the corn over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the corn is tender. The bacon fat will render and baste the corn, infusing it with incredible flavor.
Serve the crispy bacon-wrapped corn on the cob as a mouthwatering side dish at your next outdoor gathering. This is one of my favorite sides to cook over a fire pit, and it never disappoints. If you don’t want to use the bacon, you can also smear butter on the corn and wrap in foil, before cooking over a fire pit.
Flavorful Grilled Shrimp Skewers
Grill those succulent shrimp skewers until they are perfectly seasoned and ready to be devoured. These flavorful skewers are crowd-pleasers and can be easily prepared over a fire pit.
Start by marinating the shrimp in a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Let them soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes.
Next, thread the shrimp onto skewers, alternating with colorful veggies like bell peppers and cherry tomatoes. Onion works well here too.
Cook the shrimp over the fire pit for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink and slightly charred.
The smoky flavor and tender texture make these grilled shrimp skewers a delightful addition to any outdoor gathering.
Savory Campfire Chili
After indulging in the succulent flavors of grilled shrimp skewers, it’s time to turn up the heat with a hearty campfire chili. This smoky and savory dish is the perfect comfort food for any outdoor adventure.
The rich aroma of simmering chili powder, ground beef, and onions fills the air, enticing hungry campers. With each spoonful, the combination of tender beans, tomatoes, and spices warms the soul and satisfies the taste buds.
The beauty of campfire chili lies in its simplicity – throw all the ingredients into a pot and let the fire work its magic. As the chili simmers, the flavors intensify, creating a mouthwatering meal that brings people together under the starry night sky. Chili is perfect for cooking over a fire pit when camping in cooler regions.
So gather around the fire pit and savor the deliciousness of campfire chili.
Cheesy Campfire Nachos
To make cheesy campfire nachos, layer tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapenos, and your favorite toppings. It’s a simple and delicious snack perfect for outdoor gatherings and camping trips.
The key to making these nachos extra cheesy is combining different cheese types, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso fresco. The heat from the fire pit will melt the cheese and create a gooey and satisfying texture. Just don’t put the corn chips too close to the flames, they will burn quickly.
You can also add other toppings like diced tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream to enhance the flavor. Or, if you’ve got leftover chili from the recipe above, turn it into nacho topping for the following lunch or dinner!
Once the nachos are assembled, cover them with aluminum foil and place them on the grill or over the fire. After a few minutes, the cheese will be melted and bubbly, and the nachos will be ready to enjoy.
Delicious Foil Packet Potatoes
For a tasty side dish, wrap diced potatoes in foil with butter, garlic, and your favorite seasonings, then place them on the hot coals. If you don’t want to cut up your potatoes, you can also wrap whole spuds in foil. Save the butter and garlic until the potatoes are cooked, and you cut them open.
This simple method of cooking potatoes over a fire pit results in delicious and flavorful spuds that are perfect for any outdoor gathering. As the potatoes cook, they become tender and creamy, slightly crispy on the edges. The smoky aroma adds an extra layer of deliciousness to this already mouthwatering dish.
Whether camping, having a backyard barbecue, or enjoying a bonfire, these foil-packet potatoes are a must-try.
Sweet and Tangy BBQ Ribs
With a tantalizing combination of sweetness and tanginess, BBQ ribs will surely be a hit at your next cookout. The meat is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, creating a mouthwatering aroma that will have your guests lining up for seconds.
Slow cooking over a fire pit for a few hours is the key to melt-in-your-mouth ribs. The flavors meld together, and the meat becomes tender and juicy. Allow a few hours for the ribs to cook over low heat of the coals.
As the ribs cook, the delicious sauce caramelizes, adding a sticky glaze that is simply irresistible.
Whether you enjoy them with classic barbecue sides like cornbread and coleslaw or pair them with grilled vegetables for a lighter option, sweet and tangy BBQ ribs are a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more.
Grilled Vegetable Medley
Mix a variety of fresh vegetables together and toss them on the grill for a charred and flavorful side dish. Grilling vegetables adds a smoky taste and brings out their natural sweetness.
Start by slicing some zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place them on the grill.
The heat of the fire pit will create those beautiful grill marks that add a touch of rustic charm. As the vegetables cook, their flavors intensify, creating a delicious medley of tastes. The charred edges satisfy the crunch, while the tender insides burst juicily.
A grilled vegetable medley is the perfect accompaniment to any grilled meat or as a standalone dish for vegetarians.
Mouthwatering Campfire Pizza
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of campfire pizza, created by layering your favorite toppings on a crispy, fire-cooked crust. There’s something truly special about cooking pizza over a fire pit.
The wood smoke adds a unique smoky flavor to the dough, making it even more delicious. And the best part? You can customize your pizza with all your favorite ingredients.
Whether you prefer a classic Margherita with fresh tomatoes and basil, or a meat lover’s dream with pepperoni and sausage, the possibilities are endless.
Don’t forget to load up your pizza with mozzarella cheese on top for that perfect cheesy goodness. So gather around the fire pit, grab your pizza dough and toppings, and get ready to savor a slice of campfire heaven.
Buttery Garlic Bread on the Grill
Imagine sinking your teeth into warm, crispy bread, oozing with melted butter and infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic.
This simple yet irresistible side dish is the perfect accompaniment to any outdoor feast. To make this savory treat, start by slathering thick slices of artisan bread with a generous amount of melted butter mixed with minced garlic and garlic powder.
Then, place the bread on a preheated grill, allowing it to toast until golden brown and infused with that smoky essence. The result is a heavenly combination of buttery goodness and smoky flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Campfire Mac and Cheese
Who would have thought you could make a cheesy bowl of campfire mac and cheese cooked to perfection over a fire pit? There’s something magical about enjoying this classic comfort food in the great outdoors.
The combination of smoky flavors from the fire and the creamy, melty cheese creates a dish that is truly irresistible. Making campfire mac and cheese is surprisingly easy.
Start by boiling your pasta at home and transferring it to a cast iron skillet at the campsite. Add in a mixture of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, along with some milk, butter, and seasonings.
Place the skillet on a grill over the fire and let the cheese melt and bubble until it reaches the perfect gooey consistency.
If you want to overload the carbs, combine it with the garlic bread above!
Sticky Honey Glazed Salmon
This delectable dish combines the rich flavors of salmon with a sweet and tangy glaze, creating a culinary masterpiece. Marinate your salmon fillets in honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, then grill over an open fire until they are perfectly cooked and caramelized.
The smoky undertones from the fire pit pair perfectly with salmon. It is also quick to cook and easy to pre-marinate for a deeper flavor.
Caramelized Grilled Pineapple Dessert
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering dessert—caramelized grilled pineapple! This delectable treat is perfect for those warm summer nights when you want something sweet and refreshing.
The process of caramelizing the pineapple on the grill brings out its natural sweetness, creating a delightful combination of flavors. This dish is best prepared with fresh pineapple cut into thick slices.
As the pineapple cooks, the sugars caramelize, resulting in a golden brown exterior that adds a hint of smokiness to the fruit.
The contrast between the warm, caramelized exterior and the juicy, sweet interior is simply irresistible.
Whether you enjoy it on its own or as a topping for ice cream or cake, this caramelized grilled pineapple dessert is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Over a Fire Pit
What meat can you cook on a fire pit?
Here are some meats you can prepare on a fire pit:
Steaks: Thick cuts of beef such as ribeye, T-bone, or sirloin can be grilled to perfection over a fire pit.
Burgers: Ground beef or turkey burgers are a fire pit classic, especially for summer cookouts.
Sausages and Hot Dogs: These are easy to cook over a fire pit on a skewer or grill grate and are a hit with kids and adults alike.
Chicken: Whether it’s a whole chicken, drumsticks, thighs, or breast, chicken cooks well on a fire pit. Be sure to monitor the heat to avoid burning.
Pork Chops: These can be slow-cooked for a succulent finish.
Ribs: Both pork and beef ribs can be slow-cooked over a fire pit for a tender, fall-off-the-bone result.
Fish: Firm fish like salmon or trout can be grilled over a fire pit. Try wrapping the fish in foil with some lemon and herbs and cook it in the embers.
Lamb: Chunks of lamb can be skewered and grilled as kebabs, or larger cuts can be slow-cooked.
Can you cook meat directly on fire?
Yes, you can cook meat directly on fire, often called “caveman style” or “dirty steak” cooking. This method involves placing the meat directly onto the hot coals of a fire. This method requires skill, experience, and knowledge of food safety. It is not recommended for beginners or everyday cooking.
Can you cook on a propane fire pit?
Propane fire pits are primarily designed for warmth, not cooking. Although you can grill less greasy foods like hotdogs, marshmallows, and foil dinners, they’re generally not suited for regular food preparation due to difficulty cleaning and lack of heat control. You also don’t get the smoke flavor from propane that you do with wood.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cooking over a fire pit can bring a unique and delicious flavor to your meals. From juicy steak to gooey s’mores, there are plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds.
Whether camping outdoors or enjoying a backyard get-together around your fire pit, these 15 foods will impress.
So gather your friends and family, grab some skewers, and get ready to enjoy a meal cooked with fire and filled with flavor.
