Home » Trending » 31 Campfire Recipes That Taste Like They Belong at a Backyard BBQ (But Were Made in the Wild)

31 Campfire Recipes That Taste Like They Belong at a Backyard BBQ (But Were Made in the Wild)

These 31 campfire recipes take your outdoor meals from “meh” to “wow” with zero fancy tools needed. Who needs a kitchen when you can cook over an open flame and still get that backyard BBQ flavor? From grilled delights to stews that’ll make you forget you’re even in the wild, these recipes are a must-try. You’ll feel like a pro chef, even if the last time you cooked over a fire was at summer camp. Get ready to eat like you’re at a BBQ, just without the neighbors showing up with potato salad.

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

Grilled Corn Guacamole

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

Looking for a side that screams BBQ vibes? Grilled Corn Guacamole is the answer. The fire adds a nice smoky flavor to the corn, which complements the creamy guacamole perfectly. It’s simple, yet perfect for outdoor meals that need a sidekick. Grab some chips, and you’ve got yourself a snack that tastes like it was made at a backyard BBQ, but you’re actually in the wild.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Corn Guacamole

Chicken Fried Rice

Chicken fried rice on a white plate with a green napkin.
Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Chicken Fried Rice is the kind of campfire meal that makes everyone gather around the fire. It’s comforting, filling, and packs a lot of flavor in one pan. Whether you’re out camping or just need something easy to make over the fire, this dish delivers. Perfect for any time of day, it brings a little bit of home to wherever you’re cooking, and you can’t beat the satisfaction of making fried rice under the stars.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Rice

The Backyard Table

An e-book titled "The Backyard Table: Recipes for Summer Cookouts" by Chef Jenn Allen is displayed on a tablet, featuring a bowl of potato salad on the cover.

Get it NOW and level up your outdoor dining! The Backyard Table - Recipes for Summer Cookouts features 34 of Chef Jenn's BEST recipes for outdoor eating and entertaining.

You'll get ad-free recipes like:

  • Grilled Corn Guacamole
  • Grilled French Onion Burgers
  • Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
  • Blueberry Grunt
  • and so many more!

Every recipe is created, tested and loved by Chef Jenn and her family - there's no AI here!

Get it now, at a special introductory price of $7.99. That's over 50 pages of foodie love at your fingertips!

Buy Now!

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.

Cooking over an open flame doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, and Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe proves it. This one-pan dish brings all the good stuff to the table, with gnocchi that gets crispy edges from the heat. It’s easy to make and full of satisfying flavors that work perfectly in a campfire setting. Nothing beats the simplicity and heartiness of this meal after a day of adventure.
Get the Recipe: Skillet Gnocchi with Sausage & Broccoli Rabe

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.

Campfire meals don’t have to be complicated to be satisfying. With Montreal Smoked Meat Hash, you get a hearty, savory dish that feels like comfort food at its best. This recipe packs in bold flavors that are perfect for a campfire setting. It’s the kind of meal that’ll leave you full and happy, no matter how rough the terrain is. You’ll forget you’re not at a backyard BBQ when you dig in.
Get the Recipe: Montreal Smoked Meat Hash

Grilled Tomahawk Steak

A sliced tomahawk steak on a white plate.
Grilled Tomahawk Steak. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

You don’t need a fancy grill to cook up a showstopper like Grilled Tomahawk Steak. Cooking this over a fire gives it that smoky char that brings out all the flavors. It’s as impressive as it is tasty, and when you’ve got a big appetite, it’s just the thing to fill you up. The best part? You won’t have to worry about anyone’s grill skills—just a fire and some patience is all it takes.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Tomahawk Steak

Texas Corn Succotash

Texas Corn Succotash in a black bowl with spoon.
Texas Corn Succotash. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’re out in the wild, meals like Texas Corn Succotash make everything feel like a BBQ. This campfire side dish is packed with flavor, without the need for a long list of ingredients. It’s perfect alongside any grilled meats, offering a bit of crunch and sweetness. Whether you’re at the campsite or backyard, it brings a little Texas flair to the table, making you feel right at home.
Get the Recipe: Texas Corn Succotash

Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Al pastor chicken quesadillas pulled apart.
Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re craving something loaded with flavor, Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas bring a smoky, tangy twist to your campfire meal. Cooking them over a fire adds a nice crispness to the tortillas that you won’t get from a regular grill. These quesadillas are portable, satisfying, and full of bold flavors that make them perfect for outdoor cooking. Whether you’re at the campsite or grilling by the lake, it’s a dish that brings the fiesta to your fire.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Al Pastor Quesadillas

Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Grilled Steak skewers on a white plate with chilis nearby.
Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo are a game-changer when it comes to campfire cooking. The steak gets that perfect char from the open flame, and the mojo rojo sauce brings bold, tangy flavor. These skewers are perfect for cooking over the fire and make an awesome addition to your camping feast. You’ll feel like you’re grilling in someone’s backyard, even if you’re miles from home.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steak Skewers with Mojo Rojo

Brisket Fried Rice

A cast-iron pan filled with Brisket Fried Rice, garnished with sliced avocado, lime wedges, jalapeño slices, and fresh cilantro.
Brisket Fried Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

When you’ve got leftover brisket, turn it into something amazing with Brisket Fried Rice. This dish makes campfire cooking feel a lot like backyard BBQ-ing, with big flavors and a satisfying, hearty base. Cooking it over an open fire gives it that nice smoky flavor you just can’t get with regular fried rice. Perfect for a one-pan meal that doesn’t skimp on taste or satisfaction.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Fried Rice

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.

Grilled Vegetables are the perfect side for any campfire meal. They’re easy to prepare and cook quickly over the open flame, adding a smoky flavor you just can’t get from the stovetop. These veggies pair well with pretty much anything you’re grilling, making them a no-brainer for any outdoor meal. Whether you’re eating solo or feeding a crowd, they’re a simple, satisfying choice.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Vegetables

Corned Beef Fritters

Corned beef fritters and a dip on a white plate with a sunflower on side.
Corned Beef Fritters. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Corned Beef Fritters take campfire cooking to the next level with a crispy, savory bite that’s easy to make and hard to resist. They have that perfect crunch on the outside and juicy bite on the inside. These fritters are the perfect campfire snack or appetizer, and they make you feel like you’re sitting at a backyard BBQ instead of the wilderness. They’re a crowd-pleaser that even the most skeptical campers will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Corned Beef Fritters

Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Close-up shot of Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers on a Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill topped with cheesy onion on a plate.
Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If you’re in the mood for a burger with a twist, Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers are where it’s at. These burgers bring all the classic flavors of French onion soup but cooked over an open fire. The combination of smoky pork and caramelized onions is perfect for a campfire cookout. You don’t need a grill to make this meal feel like it belongs at a backyard BBQ.
Get the Recipe: Grilled French Onion Pork Burgers

Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Bacon-Wrapped Burger on a black plate.
Bacon-Wrapped Burgers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

What’s better than a juicy burger? A juicy Bacon-Wrapped Burger cooked over an open flame. The bacon crisps up just right, adding that smoky flavor everyone loves. These burgers are a simple way to make your campfire meals feel like a backyard BBQ feast. No need for fancy grilling equipment, just a good fire and an appetite for something hearty.
Get the Recipe: Bacon-Wrapped Burgers

Queso Blanco Rotel Dip

A skillet filled with creamy Queso Blanco Rotel Dip containing ground meat and diced tomatoes.
Queso Blanco Rotel Dip. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Queso Blanco Rotel Dip is the ultimate campfire dip for any gathering. This creamy, cheesy dip pairs perfectly with anything you’re grilling and will keep you coming back for more. Made over the fire, it’s the kind of snack that makes you forget you’re in the wild. Grab some chips, dig in, and suddenly you’ve turned your campfire into a legit backyard BBQ experience.
Get the Recipe: Queso Blanco Rotel Dip

Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

A plate of sliced Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri, served on a white rectangular dish.
Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

If you’re looking to add a little flair to your campfire meals, Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri should be on the menu. The steak takes on a perfect smoky char, while the chimichurri adds a tangy kick that makes each bite stand out. It’s a simple, yet impressive dish that’s perfect for outdoor cooking. It’ll make you feel like you’re hosting a BBQ, even if you’re just camping in the woods.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Hanger Steaks with Chimichurri

Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg

Two slices of Cottage Cheese Toast with Eggs & Bacon on a black platter.
Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg brings a little breakfast flair to your campfire meals. The creamy cottage cheese pairs perfectly with crispy bacon and a perfectly poached egg, creating a meal that’s equal parts satisfying and simple. It’s a dish that feels just right in the outdoors, offering both comfort and a bit of indulgence. Whether for breakfast or a late-night snack, this meal feels like a backyard BBQ, but cooked on the go.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Cheese Toast with Bacon & Poached Egg

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.

Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa bring a sweet and smoky flavor to the table that you won’t forget. The smoky pork combined with the fresh, sweet pineapple salsa makes this dish a standout. It’s easy to make, yet feels like something special when you’re cooking over a campfire. This meal turns your campsite into a BBQ party, making it perfect for those evenings when you just want to enjoy great food outdoors.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Pork Chops with Pineapple Salsa

Honey Almond Granola

Honey Almond Granola in a white bowl.
Honey Almond Granola. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you’re looking for a breakfast option that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, Honey Almond Granola is your answer. This recipe is simple to prepare, and the fire adds a little extra something to the granola’s flavor. It’s perfect for a quick breakfast before a long hike or a light snack around the campfire. Get ready to enjoy something sweet and crunchy while surrounded by nature.
Get the Recipe: Honey Almond Granola

Grilled Greek Chicken

Grilled Greek Chicken on a white plate with lemon slices.
Grilled Greek Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Greek Chicken takes your campfire meals from basic to bold. The chicken comes out juicy with a slight smokiness from the open flame. The Greek-inspired flavors make it feel like you’re having a backyard BBQ, even when you’re cooking in the wild. It’s simple, yet full of flavor—perfect for any camping trip or outdoor adventure.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Greek Chicken

Homestyle Hamburger Stew

Two bowls of Homestyle hamburger stew with chunks of potato, carrots, peas, corn, and parsley garnish.
Homestyle Hamburger Stew. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Homestyle Hamburger Stew is the kind of dish that brings warmth and comfort to your campfire meal. It’s hearty and filling, perfect for cooler nights spent around the fire. This stew has all the flavors you’d expect from a comforting, home-cooked meal, but made in the great outdoors. You can serve it as a main or as a side to any grilled dish, and it will easily become a campfire favorite.
Get the Recipe: Homestyle Hamburger Stew

Grilled T-Bone Steaks

A grilled t-bone steak on a black platter.
Grilled T-Bone Steaks. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of cooking a Grilled T-Bone Steak over an open flame. The smoky flavor adds a depth that makes this steak taste even better than what you’d get at a BBQ. It’s simple, no-fuss cooking that’s perfect for the outdoors. When you want a meal that makes you feel like you’re at a BBQ in your own backyard, this is the steak you’re looking for.
Get the Recipe: Grilled T-Bone Steaks

Easy Skillet Lasagna

Two cast-iron skillets filled with skillet lasagna, topped with melted cheese.
Easy Skillet Lasagna. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

If you want comfort food while camping, Easy Skillet Lasagna is the way to go. This hearty dish brings all the flavors of classic lasagna but made with just a skillet over the fire. It’s satisfying, filling, and perfect for those chilly nights by the campfire. You won’t miss your oven at all when you enjoy a hot, cheesy serving of this lasagna right at your campsite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Skillet Lasagna

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

A grilled steak with cowboy butter on a white plate.
Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter are the perfect way to turn any campfire meal into a backyard BBQ feast. The steaks get that smoky, grilled flavor from the open flame, and the cowboy butter adds a rich, flavorful finish. This simple yet impressive dish is the perfect way to enjoy a big, bold steak while out in the wild. Whether you’re camping or just grilling at home, this recipe will make you feel like a BBQ pro.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Steaks with Cowboy Butter

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

A rectangular white plate with four Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers garnished with chopped herbs.
Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers bring a fiery kick to your campfire meals. These skewers get that smoky flavor from the fire while the harissa and honey balance out the heat with sweetness. They’re easy to cook over the fire and are the perfect snack or main dish for your campsite. These chicken skewers will have you grilling like a BBQ pro, even if you’re miles from home.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Grilled Harissa-Honey Chicken Skewers

Bacon Fried Corn

Bacon Fried Corn in a serving bowl.
Bacon Fried Corn. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bacon Fried Corn takes campfire cooking to a whole new level with crispy bacon and sweet corn cooked over an open flame. The smoky bacon adds richness while the corn gets that perfect char. This dish is easy to make, filling, and full of flavor that you just can’t beat. It’s the kind of side dish that turns any meal into a campfire BBQ experience.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Fried Corn

Grilled Sausage & Peppers

A sandwich with grilled sausage & peppers, and onions on a plate.
Grilled Sausage & Peppers. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Sausage & Peppers are perfect for campfire cooking, with smoky flavors that remind you of a backyard BBQ. Cooking the sausages over the fire brings out their juiciness, while the peppers add a bit of sweetness. It’s a no-fuss meal that delivers big flavor, whether you’re in the wild or just hanging out by the fire. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone at the campsite asking for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Sausage & Peppers

Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork

Cast iron skillet with sweet potato hash with pulled pork and garnished with chopped chives.
Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork is the kind of dish that’ll make you forget you’re out in the wilderness. The smoky flavors and tender pork make this a hearty meal, while the sweet potatoes add a nice balance. It’s easy to make, filling, and perfect for fueling your next adventure. This is one of those meals that brings the feeling of a backyard BBQ, no matter where you are.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Hash with Pulled Pork

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.

Grilled Elote Corn Ribs take your regular corn on the cob to the next level with a smoky, charred flavor. The fire gives the corn a crispy texture and rich, smoky taste that’s perfect for a campfire setting. These ribs are a fun, shareable side dish for any grilled meat, making them a great addition to your outdoor meals. When it comes to campfire snacks that feel like a BBQ, this one definitely hits the mark.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Elote Corn Ribs

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.

Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce are the ultimate finger food for any outdoor adventure. They get that crispy, charred exterior from the fire, while the buffalo sauce adds a tangy kick. You’ll feel like you’re at a backyard BBQ when you take that first bite, even if you’re miles from home. These wings are easy to cook and even easier to eat, making them a perfect addition to your campfire spread.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Wings with Buffalo Sauce

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken on a white plate.
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Grilled Bruschetta Chicken brings a burst of fresh, smoky flavor to your campfire meals. The grilled chicken takes on a rich, smoky taste that pairs perfectly with the fresh, tangy bruschetta topping. This dish makes you feel like you’re at a BBQ, even if you’re just cooking over a fire in the wild. It’s a simple, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any outdoor adventure.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

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

Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp bring a refreshing, light dish to your campfire meals. The smoky shrimp cooked over the fire taste just as good as any backyard BBQ seafood dish. This recipe combines the perfect balance of flavors, making it a great choice for any outdoor meal. It’s simple yet elegant, and it’s sure to impress everyone around the campfire.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp

By

Leave a Comment