There’s something magical about cooking over a campfire – the warmth of the flames, the fresh air, and the simple joy of a home-cooked meal outdoors. If you’re looking for tasty, easy, and budget-friendly ways to enjoy a delicious campfire meal, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re camping in the great outdoors or just hanging out in the backyard, these cheap campfire recipes will make your experience even more memorable. 🌲
1. Campfire Foil Packets (With Endless Possibilities!)
Foil packets are a game-changer when it comes to campfire cooking. These are super customizable, easy to prep, and perfect for feeding a crowd without breaking the bank!
Ingredients:
- Potatoes (sliced thin)
- Vegetables (carrots, zucchini, onions, etc.)
- Protein (chicken breast, sausage, or even beans for a vegetarian option)
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and any seasoning you like (garlic powder, paprika, etc.)
Instructions:
- Cut a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Add a layer of potatoes at the bottom.
- Top with your choice of protein and veggies.
- Drizzle olive oil, season generously, and wrap it up tightly in the foil.
- Cook over medium heat on the campfire for about 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Open carefully and enjoy your perfectly cooked, flavor-packed meal!
Budget Tip: Stick with root vegetables and affordable protein options like chicken thighs or sausage, which are usually cheaper than breasts.
2. Campfire Chili in a Pot 🍲
Chili is always a hit, and it’s super easy to make with just a few ingredients. Plus, it gets even better the next day!
Ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey (or skip the meat for a cheaper vegetarian version!)
- 1 can of kidney beans
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- Chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, brown the ground meat over your campfire.
- Add chopped onions and cook until they soften.
- Stir in the beans, tomatoes, and seasonings. Let the chili simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Serve with crackers, bread, or cheese for a filling, warming meal!
Budget Tip: Use ground turkey or beans as a more affordable alternative to beef, and stock up on canned goods during sales to save even more.
3. S’mores Pudding Cups 🍫🍓
For a sweet treat around the campfire, you don’t need to overcomplicate things. These s’mores pudding cups are delicious and easy to make with ingredients you likely already have at home.
Ingredients:
- Instant chocolate pudding mix
- Milk
- Crushed graham crackers
- Marshmallows
Instructions:
- Prepare the chocolate pudding according to the instructions on the package.
- Once the pudding is set, layer it in cups with crushed graham crackers and marshmallows.
- Optional: Toast marshmallows over the campfire and add them on top for extra flavor!
Budget Tip: This dessert is super affordable, and you can get creative by adding whatever you have on hand, like peanut butter or fruit.
4. Campfire Quesadillas 🌮
You can’t go wrong with quesadillas – they’re quick, filling, and customizable. You can even make them in foil packets for less mess!
Ingredients:
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese
- Black beans (canned or cooked)
- Salsa or chopped veggies (like bell peppers, onions, or corn)
Instructions:
- Place a tortilla on a piece of aluminum foil or directly on a campfire grate.
- Layer with cheese, beans, salsa, and veggies.
- Place another tortilla on top and heat over the campfire for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Slice and serve with sour cream or guacamole if you’ve got them on hand.
Budget Tip: Make this vegetarian and budget-friendly by using beans, rice, or leftover cooked veggies instead of meat.
5. Grilled Skewers 🥩🌶
Skewers are perfect for cooking over a campfire. They’re fun to prepare, easy to customize, and work well with just about any protein or vegetable.
Ingredients:
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Chicken, sausage, or veggies (bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, etc.)
- Olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and herbs
Instructions:
- Cut your protein and veggies into bite-sized pieces.
- Thread the pieces onto the skewers, alternating protein and vegetables.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with your favorite seasonings.
- Grill over the fire for 10-15 minutes, rotating occasionally until cooked through and charred.
Budget Tip: If you’re cooking for a crowd, buy bulk veggies and affordable proteins like chicken legs or sausage.
6. Campfire Popcorn 🍿
Who says popcorn is just for movie night? Make it over the campfire for a fun and easy snack.
Ingredients:
- Popcorn kernels
- Butter or oil
- Salt
Instructions:
- Place popcorn kernels in a heavy-duty aluminum foil pouch, drizzle with butter or oil, and fold tightly.
- Hold the pouch over the fire for 5-10 minutes, shaking occasionally until the kernels pop.
- Once done, sprinkle with salt, and you’ve got a delicious campfire snack!
Budget Tip: Popcorn is one of the cheapest snacks you can buy, and it’s easy to store, so it’s a great addition to your campfire meals.
Final Thoughts
Campfire cooking doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With just a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can create delicious, budget-friendly meals while enjoying the great outdoors. So next time you’re packing for a camping trip, try out some of these cheap campfire recipes, and you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make your camping experience even more memorable!
What’s your go-to campfire recipe? Share your ideas with me on Instagram or tag me in your campfire cooking posts on social media. For more budget-friendly tips make sure to check out my YouTube channel! 💖
