Fire Pit Cooking: The Definitive Guide

In this chapter, we’ll cover the basics. First, you’ll learn exactly what fire pit cooking is. I’ll also share some awesome advantages of fire pit cooking.

What is fire pit cooking?

Firepit cooking is when you cook food over a fire pit.

The fire pit can be anything from a store-bought iron pit, a brick BBQ pit, or even as simple as a campfire.

Hopefully, you weren’t expecting a complicated answer, but it’s that simple.

You can cook almost anything over a fire pit, and you only need a few accessories to ensure you’ll make your neighbors jealous.

As you might expect, there are a few advantages to cooking with fire, so let’s start with those.

Advantages Cooking Over A Fire Pit?

Fire Pit Cooking - What Is It

Flexibility:

One of the best things about a fire pit is that it can be used as an entertainment piece or as a way to cook.

Just imagine having your friends over for an afternoon roast.

You all sit around the fire pit as you slow roast some pork ribs enjoying the sweet aroma as they cook. Then later in the evening, the daylight turns into night, and the party (with drinks in the hand of course) enjoys the warm glow and warmth of the fire.

Cooking with wood:

Have you ever had a great smoked salmon!

Need I say more.

When you cook over a fire pit, it’s very similar to smoking your meat.

The aroma and flavor of the wood will come out in the flavor of the meat. And you can try different types of wood to add different flavor characteristics, like almond wood, applewood, cherry wood, or even oak.

Sounds awesome, right!

Tons of recipe options:

There really is no limit to what you can cook on your fire pit.

Most BBQ stores will have grills, pans, pots, and rotisserie setups. So you can cook everything from chickens to a pig.

Fun for kids:

If you have kids, you know that it’s important to keep them occupied before they drive you insane, and a fire pit definitely will keep them occupied.

Just think back to when you were a kid camping.

For dinner, you roasted weenies then followed that up with some marshmallows and smores. After dinner, Dad always told some corny ghost stories.

Your kids will have so much fun camping in your backyard you might as well set up the tent.

However, even with those advantages, there are always a few concerns when cooking with fire and wood. Let’s look into a few of them.

Check Out These Delicious Campfire Recipes

Pros & Cons Of Cooking With A Fire Pit

To be honest, cooking with a fire pit doesn’t have to be hard; in fact, it’s very similar to using a barbecue, and most people have at some point used a barbecue.

That said, there are a few things you should know about before you start.

Pros To Cooking With A Fire Pit:

So Much Fun – As we mentioned above, you can’t deny how fun using a real wood fire is to cook with. Everything from starting the fire to tending to it. It’s something the whole family can be involved in.

It’s Green – Okay, it’s more of an orange/red/yellow, but cooking with wood can be a very natural process. You can also use hardwood lump charcoal if you enjoy using charcoal and want to avoid any chemicals.
The Taste – When you use a fire pit, you have so many options to enhance the flavors of your food. You can try using flavored woods or wood chips or try using seasoned firewood embers for the best flavors.

Cons To Cooking With A Fire Pit:

The Time – Basically, if you plan on cooking for dinner, you’ll need to start early. It takes time to get the glowing embers hot enough to cook your food, and this can take several hours.
The cooking process will also take a little longer, as well. That said, it can really be an event, so use the time to enjoy friends and family.
The Taste – It’s funny how something good might also be a bad thing. Maybe you don’t want the smokey flavors passed on to your food.
Loss Of Heat – Depending on what you are using for your heat source, your fire pit can lose heat quickly. Charcoal can help because it’s made to stay hot enough to cook for hours.
Also, depending on the type of fire pit you are using can also have an impact on how well the heat remains.

And with that, let’s look at the different types of outdoor fire pits available.

Chapter 2: Types Of Outdoor Fire Pits

Fire Pit Cooking - Types Of Outdoor Fire Pits

There are fire pits that can be expensive.

There are fire pits that can be super cheap and simple.

(And there are even pits that can be used for entertainment)

In this chapter, I’ll show you all the different types of fire pits.

Before we get to the fun of sitting around a fire with your friends, you need to be aware of all the different options.

Some are more complicated than your traditional pit made with rocks; some are made of stone, copper, and cast iron.

Here Are Some Of The Most Common Fire Pits

Simple Stone Fire Pit: This is as cheap and “rustic” as you can get. Just dig out a hole in the ground and place stones around the edge. You can then place a grill or grate over the stones to allow you to cook a wide variety of food.

Brick Fire Pit: This is an upgraded version of the stone fire pit. Only this time, you use premade bricks that can be arranged in a circle and place a grill on top.

Wood Burning Fire Pit Grill: This one is made just for cooking and will likely come with a grill that can fit right above the firewood.

Portable Fire Pit: These ones are a little smaller, so they can be easily moved around, some even have wheels. Typically these are used for entertainment purposes; however, some do come with a grate, but you can always use a skewer if needed.

Fire Pit Table: This is another one that is geared more towards entertainment. They are usually set right into a table, making it a great party feature, just set your drinks down around the pit as you roast your weenies. Here is an example of a fire table that has a warm and elegant design to enhance any back patio

Cast Iron Fire Pit: Now we are getting into some of the heavy-duty pits. These are strong, durable, and typically able to support accessories like grates, grills, and rotisserie attachments.

Copper Fire Pit: Very similar to the cast iron fire pit, only these are a little more classy look, and this is reflected in their price. Just like the other pits, they can be equipped with grills and other accessories for lots of cooking options.

Now that we got those out of the way, let’s move onto the many ways you can cook over these beasts.

Chapter 3: Types of Fire Pit Cooking

Fire Pit Cooking - Types of Fire Pit Cooking

If you want your neighbors to be jealous, you need to show them something special.

(These are your “Fire Pit Skills”)

Your “Fire Pit Skills” are how well you cook over a fire with a skewer, pan, or rotisserie using direct or indirect heat…basically, every method listed below.

Don’t think the only way to cook your food is by stabbing it with a metal rod and sticking it in the fire.

Hell no;

There are many ways to cook over a fire pit.

Here Are The Most Common Way’s To Cook Over A Fire Pit

Skewer Cooking: Basically, it’s exactly what I just said, stabbing your food with a skewer and cooking it over a hot fire. Things like weiners and kabobs are great examples of skewer cooking.

Direct Heat Grilling: This one is the most similar to how you would cook on a barbeque. You cook directly over the fire (heat). Some good food to cook this way would be steak, chicken, pork, hamburgers & hot dogs. Basically, anything that will cook quickly and need high heat.

Indirect Heat Grilling: This is similar to how your oven works. Your food cooks in the hot air that moves around it. This is great for some larger meals that need to cook slowly like roasts because it allows the inside of the roast to cook without burning the outside. Unlike direct heat grilling, you will need a lid for your fire pit. Ribs & whole chickens are more great examples.

Rotisserie Cooking: This takes indirect heat grilling to the next level by slowly cooking your roasts evenly as the rotisserie turns.

Pot Or Tin Can Cooking: This is one method you may have seen in some old western movies. Simply take a pot, pan, or can and place it into or just over the fire. This is great for soups, stews, beans, and pan-frying vegetables, potatoes, and even fish.

Chapter 4: Tips On How To Cook Over A Fire Pit?

To cook amazing food, you need a few tips & tricks.

Period.

In fact, that’s why I dedicated Chapter 4 of this guide to cooking tips.

And in this chapter, I’ll show you four tips that you can use to cook on a grill or barbecue and make some awesome food.

Sure, you can cook on a barbecue! Most men can.

But this is cooking with a real fire, and it takes patience, skill, and know-how.

But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

If you don’t want to burn an entire roast in front of your closest friends and family, here are a few tips for cooking over a fire pit that will have them all lining up for seconds.

Tip #1 Use The Right Equipment

First off, don’t be cheap. If you want to be an alpha, then act like one (or at least dress the part).

Your food needs to be handled properly, so don’t drop your new york strip in the dirt because you were using a fork to flip it.

Here are some basic tools you should get:

Tongs – The most useful tool for adding food to the grill, turning food, and removing food.
Spatula – The spatula is ideal for flipping food that might be too delicate for tongs, like fish or burgers.
Fork – A fork can help move your food around the grill and turn them over as well. But it’s really useful to check your meat to see if the juice runs clear.

Basting Brush – Save your arm hair get a long basting brush so you can baste your meat while it cooks on the hot grill.

Get This Camp Chef Tool Set

Tip #2 Marinating & Basting

The hot air, heat, and smoke can quickly dry out your food, and unless you want to serve up a bunch of hockey pucks – best to take some notes.

Marinating: This is when you soak your meat in a preseasoned mix before cooking to help tenderize tough meats and add flavor.
Basting: This helps keep your food moist and will also add color and flavor. You can use oils, sauces, and drippings to baste your food.

Tip #3 Use The Right Charcoal

Charcoal can add great flavors, but it can also destroy the taste if your charcoal has any chemical additives.

Use a good hardwood lump charcoal when cooking food on your fire pit. It has no chemical additives and will add some great flavors.

Learn how to start your charcoal here.

Tip #4 Let Your Meat Rest

It’s important to let your meat rest approx 5-10 minutes to let the heat, juices, and flavor really set in. This is what will set you apart from every other man.

Don’t be impatient and start eating right after your done cooking.

How to Build a Fire Pit in Your Backyard

How to Build a DIY Fire Pit in Your Backyard

There’s nothing like cracking open a cold one and roasting hotdogs over an open flame. With your own fire pit, you can enjoy this right from the comfort of your own backyard. 75% of landscape architects value the fire pit as the most important exterior design element that you can add to your home. It’s a simple and affordable way to enhance your outdoor living space. One that you can design and build all by yourself. But before you invite all your neighbors over to gather around, you’ll need to put your handyman skills to the test. Follow this guide for building a DIY fire pit, like a pro.

4 Steps To Your Next Weekend Project: A DIY Fire Pit

Having a professional design and install a firepit for you can cost as much as $5,000. So, this is a case where it pays to DIY. We’re about to take you on the journey of how to build a fire pit. It’s an easy hands-on project that can get completed on a lazy Sunday afternoon. But first, there are a few design features you need to consider.

Step 1: Determine Your Design

The beauty of a homemade fire pit is that you’re in control of all the design characteristics. Choose your own shape, size, layout, and aesthetic elements. The fire pit should be an extension of your existing outdoor living design. Yet, it can still stand alone by itself as long as it blends in with the natural landscaping. You can go rustic or modern, with a variety of materials and stone patterns to choose from. The most popular choice is an above-ground circular pit made from natural fieldstone. Anywhere from 40 to 60 inches in diameter is a good rule of thumb for size. It’s always smart to check local building codes beforehand, as you may need special requirements for your fire pit. Also, take note of utility lines and neighbor’s property lines.

Step 2: Select the Location

Any boy scout will tell you to consider fire safety 101 when selecting the location of your fire pit. Choose an area that is far enough away from trees, branches, and bushes. As well as outdoor fixtures like sheds. Planning for fire safety is especially important when you have children at home. Hospitals see an average of 5,300 injuries a year due to outdoor fire pit hazards. So keep it contained and keep on eye on the kids. The fire pit should be a decent distance from your back door. You can build a walkway using pavers, stepping stones, or decorative gravel. Be sure to also plan for enough space for a comfortable seating area. This can be as simple as a wide circle around the pit.

Step 3: Shop for Materials

Like you need an excuse to head to your local hardware store…but here are a few things you’ll need to build a fire pit.

Shovel
A piece of rebar

String
Stone material of your choice
Capstones

Fire brick
Fast set concrete
Trowel

Mortar mix
Mason’s level

You may also want to grab your wheelbarrow. This comes in handy for moving the heavy stones and mixing your mortar and concrete. While you’re at the hardware store, you may want to grab some must-have tools for campfire cooking. But more on that below.

Step 4: Get Diggin’

Now it’s time to get hands-on and set up the foundation for your stone fire pit.

Measuring

Start by measuring the three different areas needed for your layout. You’ll want to measure a circle for the actual pit, the surround, and the seating area. Begin in the center of the pit then work your way outwards. Use a rebar rod for marking the center of your pit. You can attach a string to help measure the diameter for each circle. If working in the grass, you can also spray paint the circle layouts for an easier reference.

Footer and Surround

Then dig the footer to include both interior and exterior walls for your fire pit surround. This should be about half a foot deep. This circle then gets filled with your concrete mix. Be sure to level the top layer with your trowel for a smooth surface then let it set. Take this time to separate out your stones. Set aside the capstones to get used for the top layer of the pit. Now it’s time to add a layer of mortar to the dried concrete ring.

Laying the Stones

Then lay down the stones, working in a circular pattern, one level at a time. Start on the exterior edge of the outer wall. Be sure to use fire brick for the interior side of the pit. As you go, fill the gaps in your structure with mortar. Remove any excess mortar for a smoother finish. You can also use your mason’s level to check your work as you go. Continue until you reach the desired height of your fire pit. This can be about a foot or two high for reference. Be sure not to go too high as this can limit the amount of heat you get.

Finishing Touches

The final part is to lay down your flat capstones. Then mortar them to set everything in place. You can also line your firepit with a layer of thin steel. Or a high-heat paint for a different interior look. If you’re working on pavers, instead of dirt, lay the stones in a circle pattern. Then dig a foot deep hole for your pit and fill it with sand or river rocks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcZHeSZlC6Q

How To Build A Fire Pit Under $60 Easy Simple (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcZHeSZlC6Q)

Taking Your Fire Pit to the Next Level

Don’t forget to include your seating area. You can set an area using landscape cloth and decorative gravel. Or go more rugged with Adirondack style chairs or log benches. More cool fire pit ideas include in-ground seating. This can provide a creative aesthetic. Do this by building a sunken seating wall in wood or stone. Other enhancements can protect you from the elements. A simple wooden pergola can create a dramatic design statement. Midnight snacks around the bonfire are always a great idea. Check out these campfire cooking tips for the right techniques to use. Or you can also turn up the heat with a nearby built-in pizza oven. Complete your outdoor kitchen with a built-in beer cooler or kegerator.

Time to Get Lit

A DIY fire pit is a great way to enhance your outdoor living space for all-season entertainment. Follow these tips for an easy and frustration-free installation. Then you’re all ready to host a backyard soiree to break in your brand new fire pit.

Campfire Cooking: How To Grill Like A Bear In The Backwoods

Campfire Cooking How To Grill Like A Bear In The Backwoods

Are you already counting down the days until your next camping trip? There’s no better way to enjoy those hot summer days than by hiking, fishing, and hunting. Of course, a man’s gotta eat. Whether you bought some meat from the grocery store, or you plan to grill up your catch (or kill) of the day, you’ll need to know the proper campfire cooking techniques.

After all, the last thing you want to do is burn that fish you spent an hour trying to reel in. But don’t worry–we have your back. Keep reading to discover our campfire cooking tips to ensure you get a great meal every night.

1. Get a Campfire Grill Grate

Sure, camping is a blast. But the day before you leave? Not so much. There’s a seemingly never-ending packing list that has to be written and collected. Then, you have to figure out how you can pack everything just right, so it all fits in your truck. Often times, this means leaving a few large pieces of gear out. If you just don’t have room for that charcoal grill (even a small one), there are other options. You can get a campfire-friendly metal grill grate that can go right over a campfire! Of course, there are also Dutch ovens, cast iron pots and pans, and skewers that make campfire cooking a breeze. If you have a little extra room, consider bringing a cast iron pan to go along with your grill grate. These two pieces are smaller and easier to pack than one grill but will give you a ton of options. You can use the pan for cooking a hardy egg breakfast or for protecting your meat from the open flames.

2. Arrange Your Wood in a Teepee

Starting a fire may be one of the basic camping tasks, but that doesn’t mean it’s an easy one. If you arrange your wood poorly, your dinner will suffer. The teepee method is the best option to ensure you have a good fire to cook on that will also last for those late night s’ mores with your kids or drinking beer with your best buds. This is because the wood is arranged in such a way that it gives you a longer and more steady burn. Plus, it’s pretty easy to make! Start by placing your tinder in the center of your fire zone. You can buy tinder before you leave or use dry leaves, grass, and bark that you find in your campground. Then, use larger sticks to build a teepee around your tinder.

3. Nurture Your Fire

Of course, starting the fire is only half the battle. You’ll also have to make sure you care for it properly to retain that steady burn. Add bigger sticks as the fire begins to burn. But be careful not to just throw them anywhere because you may smother the fire. Instead, angel them towards the flames. Also, be sure to only add wood when necessary. If you throw in too many sticks at once, your fire will likely become too big and hard to manage, and your food will burn. Have plenty of wood ready to add to the fire before you start cooking. This way, you can throw additional sticks into the fire without having to leave your food unattended to find some.

4. Use Coals

Is cooking over an open flame, not your idea of fun? We get it–fire can be hard to get just right for cooking. Another option is to use coals. Just pile them together, and you can throw your food directly onto the hot coals. It’s a lot easier than working with fire, and it’s sure to taste great.

5. Pick Meats Carefully

When you hear the word “grilling”, you probably think of burgers, steaks, and chicken. But you’ll have to be careful when grilling these over an open campfire.

All three of these meats tend to drip fat while cooking. When too much fat falls into the fire, it can cause flare-ups that could burn your food. To avoid this: Trim all the fat except for a quarter inch on your steaks. Make sure marinade isn’t dripping off your meat, and go as light on the oil coating as possible. If a flare-up does occur, make sure it only lasts a few seconds. Anything longer than that, and you’ll want to move your meat to the other side of the grill grate.

6. Use Tin Foil

Did you ever make hobo meals during your boy scout days? Well, get ready to bring back the nostalgia on your next camping trip. Hobo meals (also called tin foil meals) are great for camping. Just wrap your vegetables or diced meat in a tin foil pouch and throw it on the grill. You won’t have to worry about that skinny asparagus falling through the grill grate or the fat from your diced chicken, causing a flare-up. You can even make full meals, like Tex Mex Chicken, using foil pouches.

7. Cook with Leaves

Do you prefer to shed as many modern-day conveniences as you can while in the great outdoors? Luckily, that doesn’t mean your only option is to cook your freshly caught fish on a stick. Instead, try wrapping your food in leaves. Find the biggest leaves you can to fully cover your food or use a little-wet twine to hold smaller leaves together. Then, place it right next to your fire. Your food will steam inside the leaf pouch while getting a little extra flavor and protection. Palm leaves, banana leaves, corn husks, and grape leaves are among some of the best. However, you can also use leaves from linden, walnut, sycamore, chestnut, oak, maples, and cherry trees. Be sure to research the trees in your area to find out which leaves are edible and available at your campsite.

8. Campfire Cooking Tips

Don’t just wing it on your next camping trip. If you want to enjoy the best meals, follow these campfire cooking tips.

Must-Have Campfire Cooking Equipment

Campfire Cooking Equipment Must-Have Tools

If you want to cook a great meal over a fire pit or campfire, you’re going to need all the best Campfire Cooking Equipment and tools A good friend of mine always tried to throw great parties and for the most part, he did, except for the fact the food sucked! He tried his best to cook great tasting steak over his fire pit but never really nailed it. He would fumble over the fire, trying not to burn his hands, the meat would stick to whatever DIY fire pit he was trying to use. The steaks came out blue and others as hard as rocks. This got me thinking how many other well-intentioned grill masters are out there f’ing things up! And how could I help?

The trick to being a great fire pit cook is using the right equipment. And that’s what you’ll find here, a list of all the most important campfire cooking equipment you need. There are other tools that might come in handy but this list is a great starting point. Let’s start….

Here is our list:

Over-Fire Grates & Grills

Hatchet
Welding Gloves

1. Campfire Grill Grates

A good grill is, without a doubt, a must-have. Without a good quality grill, your food might stick, cook unevenly, or even taste weird. So why not get something that you know will last Try this;

Camp Chef Mountain Man Grill for Open Fire Pit.

Get The Mountain Man Grill

High quality, welded, solid metal construction perfect for cooking over an open fire.

Large 16 in. x 18 in. Cooking area. Can hold multiple skillets, pans, etc.…
Adjustable height for optimal heat distribution
It rotates 360 degrees.

Portable so you can cook anywhere.

This is an impressive grill; it’s sturdy, can rotate 360 degrees, and the swivel locks in place and works well. It can support large cast iron cookware, which is a must and the cooking surface is big enough to hold up to two skillets or dutch ovens. Set up is easy, all you need is a mallet or hammer. However, once you’ve banged it into the ground, it might be difficult to relocate because the “fin” really holds things in place, which to be honest is a good thing. The last thing you want is your grill, piled with food falling over into the fire.

2. Hatchet & Axe

Keeping your fire going and hot is something you can’t afford to mess up. Without a consistent temperature, you’ll end up with cold food and maybe an upset stomach. Part of managing the fire is ensuring you have enough fuel. You’ll need something that can split the larger pieces of wood into smaller, more manageable sizes. Try this;

Fiskars Hatchet

Get The Fiskars Hatchet Why Alpha’s use this Hatchet:

Superior Blade Design, Razor-sharp edges to give you more one-strike splits
More Power at Impact, Balanced head weight to increase swing speed & multiply power. Ideal for a one-handed splitting of small logs
Virtually Unbreakable, FiberComp handles and inseparable insert-molded heads
Includes sheath to protect the blade and YOU.
Lifetime warranty

This is a rugged little hatchet, well sorry not so small. In fact, Fiskars recommends this hatchet for “taller users”. Which really means that it’s mean for stronger people. It’s about 2″ longer than similar hatchets, and it is also about 4 pounds heavier, so make sure you can wield this awesome little hatchet. It’s is heavy yet razor-sharp and has a continuous wedge design, which some have noted as an issue. One person on Amazon noted it sometimes can catch on a knot, causing the head to turn a bit. They recommend a loose grip when using this hatchet to prevent a hand injury and utilize the heavyweight of the hatchet to do the work instead of muscle. Overall it’s a great hatchet that will make easy work of your firewood.

3. Welding Gloves

Want to save your arm hairs from clear and present danger? Try these;

Camp Chef Heat Guard Gloves

Get Some Heat Guard Gloves

Withstand EXTREME heat and temperatures.
Save your arm hair.
Thick and durable high-quality leather
This pair of gloves will last a long time.

The gloves are perfect for dutch oven cooking, frying, campfire or fire pit cooking and can handle extreme heats up to are made with heat resistant leather and Kevlar stitching. A friend of mine recommended this for ovens/ barbecues/fire pit cooking. He said they really do help protect your hands for short periods, and they work great for handling heat-retaining cast iron cooking equipment.

10 Things To Cook Over A Fire

The Best Food You Can Cook Over A Campfire

Who couldn’t love the great outdoors? In the US, approximately 40 million people go camping every year to disconnect and enjoy nature. There are few things more peaceful than lying in a tent with a good book or getting to enjoy the company of those close to you, without technology getting in the way. One of the most enjoyable parts is the warm food to cook over a fire. Let’s talk about the best ones!

Before You Start Read These Cooking Tips

When you are in the great outdoors, you aren’t always going to have the supplies you need to cook the best meals. Not only can it be a job in itself to build a fire pit and start a fire, but preparation outside of the kitchen can be tricky. Luckily, there are plenty of great ways to cook delicious meals over a fire, in a safe way, and enjoy the cuisines that are best enjoyed outside. Here are some simple tips:

Bring Plenty of Aluminum Foil

Aluminum foil works wonders for outdoor cooking. It is lightweight, doesn’t take up too much space, and is very versatile. From vegetables to fish, try wrapping it in aluminum foil with your desired seasoning and simply tossing it into the fire. You’d be surprised how well it comes out!

Save Space on Utensils

Bring the necessities with you. If you do not want to bring plastic utensils, a fork, and a knife for each person should do just fine for most outdoor cooking endeavors. With tents, sleeping bags, and everything in between, you don’t want to weigh yourself down too much with metal utensils.

The Best Campfire Foods

If you are rough camping in the wilderness, renting a campground, or simply hanging out in the backyard, it is still important to keep up your energy levels with a good meal. Here are some of the best. Let’s skip over s’ mores because you already know they would be at the top of the list!

Here’s our list of fire pit cooking ideas;

1. Hot Dogs

You can’t talk about bonfire cooking without mentioning the most popular menu item. Of course, hot dogs are the first item that comes to mind for cooking over a campfire, but for a good reason. Hot dogs are so easy to cook. Grab a stick or a grill and toss them over the fire! It’s barely camping without one.

2. Potatoes

Arguably the most versatile food there is, potatoes can be cooked in so many ways. Even with home fries for breakfast and baked potatoes for dinner, it’s hard to get sick of the starchy vegetable. Potatoes can simply be tossed on the fire with some aluminum foil if you plan to eat the skin. If you are rough camping, try substituting for sweet potatoes. With an abundance of complex carbohydrates, these vegetables will provide you with all of the energy you need to collect firewood, fish, or perform any necessary activity. Check out some of the best campfire potato recipes.

3. Bacon

Who doesn’t like bacon? There are vegetarians out there that miss this stuff. If you have a pan, save the bacon grease for anything else you’d like to fry later. Cover the pan with aluminum foil, so bugs or small animals don’t get to it first. If you do not have a pan, try putting the bacon on a stick. Grab a long skewer, weave it through the bacon, and hold it over the fire until it’s done to perfection!

4. Kebabs

If you have a long poking stick, chop up some meat and vegetables with your pocket knife, season it up, and put it right over the fire. This is a fan favorite for campers across the globe! A steak is a great option for this, as it does not need to cook all the way through to be safe to eat. This way, you won’t risk undercooking white meat or overcooking any vegetables.

5. Fruit

This one sounds off, but fire-roasted fruit is a delicious summer-time treat. Try it with pineapple, bananas, or even peaches. You won’t be disappointed. Seriously, check it out!

6. Corn on the Cob

Another great option for a skewer, but it might take a while. Try cooking this similar to potatoes. Wrap it in some aluminum foil, toss it in the fire, and simply sit back and enjoy the fire while it cooks!

7. Vegetables

No, not just corn and potatoes, and not just a few onions and peppers on a kebab! For a healthy side dish or meal, you should try wrapping some of your favorite veggies in some foil, especially broccoli, mushrooms, and asparagus, and toss in some seasoning. Pro tip: add some garlic! The flavors from the seasoning, other vegetables, and the smoke from the fire all make for a great combination. Toss it near the coals and enjoy it!

8. Sausage

This can be made into an amazing breakfast that you’ll be wishing you had when you’re home! Try combining this with almost everything listed above. You can cut up the sausage and mix it with some vegetables, or get creative and wrap it in bacon over the fire. You won’t regret it!

9. Beans

This is a classic. Beans are great if you have a pot to cook with over the fire. Toss in some rice for extra nutrition, and enjoy!

10. Oatmeal

This is a great way to get some good carbs to start the day. Just add some water, and even get a little creative with some chocolate chips and marshmallows for an oatmeal breakfast.

Next Steps

While everybody has different tastes, there is nothing wrong with getting creative and adding some new flavors into your campfire menu! Now that you know some of the best food to cook over a fire, what are you waiting for? Get out there today and become a master outdoor griller. Make some delicious recipes, get creative, and don’t forget to add garlic!

Can you cook on fire pits?

You can cook anything on a fire pit that you can cook on your barbecue, grill, or oven.

To cook food, all you need is heat, and a fire pit has lots of that.

You need a few things like a grate, skewer, aluminum foil, or even a dutch oven to cook on a fire pit.

What can you cook in an open fire pit?

Here are some of the best things you can cook in an open fire pit. Let’s skip over s’ mores because you already know they would be at the top of the list!

What do you do with a fire pit when done?

When you are done with your fire pit, you should always put it out safely.

Here are a few steps to follow;

Let the wood burn down to ash if possible.
Pour a bucket full of water over the ash.
Using a poker or shovel, mix up the ash, turning it over to ensure no hot coals remain.
Do a quick walk around to ensure nothing is left that can catch fire.

Author
Recent Posts

Jack Dempsey

Owner Backyard Alpha at Backyard Alpha

Jack Dempsey is an Architectural tech by trade, project manager and landscape designer who has written online for more than 10 years about home improvement, patio, gardens, and home improvement. Jack also writes for Tropicalfishcareguides.com where he shares his 30-plus years of keeping fish in aquariums and ponds.