Home » Trending » 21 Recipes Built for Real Camp Cooking With Just Enough Smoke, Char, and Ash to Taste Like Summer

21 Recipes Built for Real Camp Cooking With Just Enough Smoke, Char, and Ash to Taste Like Summer

This is the kind of stuff that tastes like it belongs under trees, not over a white tablecloth. Every one of these 21 has that unmistakable mix of flame, dirt, and why-not energy that only comes from cooking outside. Nothing looks fancy, but everything lands right. A little smoke, a bit of char, and just enough ash to know it wasn’t made indoors.

A bowl of three-bean salad with kidney beans, chickpeas, onions, and herbs sits on a table next to a blue striped napkin and fresh parsley.
Grandma’s Three-Bean Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Grilled corn on the cob pieces topped with cheese, chili powder, and cilantro, served on a black slate plate with lime wedges on the side.
Grilled Elote Corn Ribs. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sweet corn gets a whole new twist when turned into rib-like pieces for easy eating. Grilled Elote Corn Ribs are perfect for picking up and enjoying the smoky char straight from the grill. This is mess-free camp food that adds a fun spin to a traditional favorite. Paired with creamy toppings and a hint of spice, it’s a creative option that’s just as appealing as it is practical outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

Creamy Radish Salad

A bowl of Creamy Radish Salad garnished with dill, with a spoon lifting a portion above the bowl.
Creamy Radish Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Fresh and crunchy radishes become surprisingly rich when paired with a creamy base in this dish. Creamy Radish Salad balances sharp bites with a smooth texture, perfect for quick meals while camping. It’s simple enough to whip up but has just enough contrast to stand out in a collection of outdoor recipes.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Radish Salad

The Backyard Table

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Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers

Three pieces of Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers on a white plate.
Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

This dessert turns a classic into something suited for open-fire cooking. Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers bring fresh fruit and sweetness together with warm, grilled cakes. Skewers make it easy to prepare and share, while the grilling adds a subtle smokiness. It’s a light but flavorful way to wrap up a meal beside the flames.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Strawberry Shortcake Skewers

Baked Bean Casserole

A wooden spoon holds a serving of Baked Bean Casserole above a pot filled with more bean casserole.
Baked Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Big, hearty scoops come to mind with this combination of baked beans and warm casserole-style cooking. Baked Bean Casserole brings robust textures and a smoky touch to an easy-to-make camp meal. It’s packed to keep you going and fits right into fireside gatherings. With no fuss and all flavor, it’s a staple for outdoor dining.
Get the Recipe: Baked Bean Casserole

Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

Four garlic bread grilled cheese sandwich halves on a black slate plate.
Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Toasted bread, melted cheese, and the boldness of garlic combine for a no-brainer campfire meal. Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese takes the classic sandwich to the next level with added smokiness from the grill. It’s filling, quick to whip up, and satisfies even the pickiest eater. Easy to pair with other sides, it’s always a hit.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

A blue bowl filled with street corn chicken rice bowl, featuring grilled chicken, corn, tomatoes, avocado, and black beans.
Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Grilled corn’s sweetness and chicken’s heartiness come together in an all-in-one dish. Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl layers those flavors with smoky touches that make every component stand out. Perfect for eating in camp-sized portions, it’s both convenient and flavorful. A complete meal packed in one, it keeps things simple while still feeling special.
Get the Recipe: Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna

A skillet lasagna topped with melted cheese, a dollop of ricotta, and fresh basil.
Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Easy skillet cooking makes this combination a no-fuss option for camp dining. Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna gives you all the gooey richness of lasagna without the extra mess. The warmth of the skillet creates the perfect texture, with just enough smoky notes to feel right at home at a campfire. It’s hearty and ready for everyone to grab a plate.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Hamburger Helper Skillet Lasagna

Buttermilk Oatmeal Pancakes

The syrup is poured over a stack of Buttermilk Oatmeal Pancakes topped with butter on a white plate.
Buttermilk Oatmeal Pancakes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Warm, fluffy pancakes cook up easily and get a little boost from oatmeal for added texture. Buttermilk Oatmeal Pancakes are perfect for a morning around the fire or anytime you’re craving something simple. The buttermilk gives a tangy bite that complements the natural smokiness of cooking outdoors. Quick to whip up, they’re both filling and comforting.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Oatmeal Pancakes

Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Close-up shot of Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad on a white plate.
Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Charred veggies are always welcome around the flames, and this dish brings grilled asparagus to the forefront. Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad pairs the smoky asparagus with soft, fire-cooked potatoes for a great combination of textures. It’s light enough for a side but hearty enough to be a feature on the camp table.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad

Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Double halves of Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak on a slate plate.
Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

All the flavors of a Philly-style sandwich come together in this hearty option. Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak combines tender meat and gooey textures with campfire warmth. No need for a full setup; this simplified version keeps the soul of the dish while being easy to make outdoors. Perfect for making larger portions and sharing.
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef Philly Cheesesteak

Grilled Ratatouille

Close-up shot of Grilled Ratatouille on a black plate.
Grilled Ratatouille. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Bringing in a variety of veggies, this option turns typical ratatouille into a charred masterpiece. Grilled Ratatouille adds boldness to simple vegetables through the smoky grill marks and open-fire cooking. It’s a vibrant plate without being fussy, great for camp settings. Whether as the main feature or a hearty side, it fits right into outdoor cooking.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Ratatouille

Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets

Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets and herbs served in aluminum foil on a blue plate, with utensils and garlic nearby.
Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Foil packets keep things clean and allow the salmon’s flavors to take center stage without falling apart. Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets combine the richness of fish with fresh and herby notes. Grilling adds just enough smokiness to improve the whole dish for outdoor meals. It’s perfect to toss into the fire and pull out for a flavorful bite when ready.
Get the Recipe: Lemon-Dill Salmon Foil Packets

Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

Grilled pork chops with pineapple salsa on a white plate.
Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Pork chops get a lift from the sweet and tangy pineapple topping grilled alongside. Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa blend smoky with sweet in a way that stands out. Each bite gives you a balance of charred meat and refreshing fruit flavors. This is a great choice when you want a dish that feels a little imaginative but is practical to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon

A black bowl filled with Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon with a spoon on the side.
Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Smoky bacon brings together the richness of potatoes and the heartiness of cabbage in a dish that works perfectly at a campfire. Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon combines textures that seem made for grilling and creates a warm, bold bite. This pairing makes the most of simple ingredients in an easy-to-cook option outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Cabbage & Potatoes with Bacon

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimps on a white plate with lemon wedges.
Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Shrimp cooked outside with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors creates a standout dish. Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp is quick to prepare but loaded with taste, making it ideal for fireside meals. The grilling process adds a smoky finish that pairs well with those bright, balanced flavors. It’s easy to share and keeps everyone reaching for another skewer.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta

A spoon drizzles balsamic glaze over a salad with watermelon cubes, crumbled feta, and arugula in a white bowl on a light surface.
Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Who knew sweet and delicious could come together so smoothly? Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta mixes freshness with a creamy touch and a hint of tanginess. This one’s light but adds depth with contrasting textures and just a bit of smokiness from the grill. Perfect for sharing, it’s a refreshing way to cool off and still enjoy something flavorful around a campsite.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze & Feta

Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce on a white square plate.
Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Wings on a grill feel natural, and this recipe brings that smoky twist to the campfire. Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce combine charred skin and tangy flavors for a strong but balanced option. Easy-to-handle portions mean it’s perfect for a crowd or just a small group. Nothing beats the campfire heat for locking in such bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

A white rectangular plate with Montreal smoked meat hash on it.
Montreal Smoked Meat Hash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Breakfast or dinner, hash always hits the spot with warm flavors and simple components. Montreal Smoked Meat Hash adds the depth of smoked meat for something that feels a step above typical hash. It’s fast to whip up but brings a lot of richness in every bite. Perfect for combining smoky and hearty touches without much cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

Grilled Vegetables

Grilled vegetables including zucchini, mushrooms, red onions, peppers, and squash, arranged on a rectangular black platter.
Grilled Vegetables. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilling brings out something special in even the simplest vegetables, adding character to each one. Grilled Vegetables take full advantage of that smoky element while keeping things quick and low effort. Whether a mix or focusing on one type, it’s a dependable side option that pairs well with anything. No mess, plenty of flavor, and easy to pass around.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

A bowl of Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe.
Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cast iron helps lock in the smoky edges to an already flavorful combo of gnocchi, sausage, and broccoli rabe. Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe balances hearty bites with a dash of green freshness in every serving. Perfect for one-skillet cooking at camp, it keeps everything simple but memorable around the fire.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

Grilled Corn Guacamole

Corn guacamole with tortilla chips on a plate.
Grilled Corn Guacamole. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Guacamole gets a bold twist with charred corn bringing out sweet, smoky notes. Grilled Corn Guacamole makes for an easy-to-eat side or topping that complements any grilled dish. With simple prep and a lot of depth, it’s perfect for passing around as you cook. It’s easy to enjoy, and the grill adds something unique to every scoop.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole

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