Food on the Road: 6 Dishes That Come Alive Over a Campfire
For many people, a road trip is associated with the scent of pine trees, the hum of tires, and stops in scenic places where you can not only enjoy nature but also light a campfire and cook something simple yet surprisingly delicious. In those moments, a regular snack turns into a true culinary adventure.
If you’re traveling in an SUV like the Jeep Wrangler, practical car accessories made for this model will help you make the most of your cargo space. Everything you need will be within reach, making cooking a real pleasure.
Campfire Snack Ideas
It’s best to plan your campfire menu in advance. We’ve gathered a few great ideas that are easy to prepare on the road and bring out the best in every ingredient. These dishes will turn an ordinary stop into a warm, flavorful experience, and cooking outdoors will add a special touch to your journey.
• Potatoes with Rosemary in the Embers
Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly and wrapping them in foil with a sprig of rosemary. Placed in hot embers, they slowly bake, absorbing the aroma of smoke and herbs. To make sure the potatoes cook evenly, turn them every 15 minutes.
• Skillet Flatbreads
A simple dough made from flour, water, and a pinch of salt turns into soft, fragrant flatbreads when cooked on a skillet over the coals. Adding a bit of milk makes them even more tender. Fry the flatbreads until golden on both sides so they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside. For variety, you can mix in some chopped herbs or spices. They’ll release their aroma over the heat and give the flatbreads a brighter flavor. Serve them right away with a little butter or cheese that melts gently over the warm bread.
• Caramelized Apples on Skewers
For dessert, apples sprinkled with sugar and roasted over the coals work perfectly. If you don’t have sugar, use honey or syrup instead. The fruit heats evenly, and you’ll know they’re ready when a thin caramel crust appears. For convenience, thread the apples onto skewers so you can hold them safely over the fire.
• Corn with Salt and Butter Over the Coals
Corn cooked over the coals reveals its natural sweetness and takes on a light smoky flavor. The husks protect the kernels from drying out, and after cooking, you can brush the corn with butter and add a pinch of salt to highlight the sweetness and texture. To ensure even cooking, turn the ears occasionally, and check for doneness by softness and a light golden crust.
• Vegetable Skewers
Bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms take on a new depth of flavor when grilled over the coals. Before cooking, you can lightly marinate the vegetables in olive oil with herbs to make them more aromatic and juicy. Turn the skewers occasionally for even cooking. They’re ready when the vegetables are tender and lightly golden.
• Fish or Meat in Foil with Herbs
Season fish fillets or pieces of meat generously with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, then wrap them in foil for cooking over the coals. The heat will gently bake the food, locking in the juices and natural flavor. The result is juicy meat or tender, fragrant fish. If you don’t have foil, parchment paper can work as well, protecting the food from direct flame. During cooking, turn the packets occasionally for even heating and check doneness by tenderness and color inside.
Tips for Organizing Campfire Cooking
Cooking over a campfire requires both creativity and careful attention to safety and comfort. First, choose the right spot—an area free of dry grass, leaves, and roots, ideally surrounded by soil or stones. The fire should be stable and easy to control.
Prepare all the essentials in advance: tongs, gloves, a sharp knife, foil, and a small pot. These items take up little space but make a big difference. It’s convenient to keep all your gear in one place, for example, in the spacious cargo space of a Jeep 4-door.
To maintain consistent heat, prepare your coals ahead of time. Let the fire burn down, then spread the embers evenly under the grill or around the food. This method ensures steady heat and prevents burning. After cooking, always fully extinguish the fire by pouring water over the coals or covering them with soil.
Cooking over a campfire is about atmosphere, emotion, and connection. Try making at least one of these dishes, and you might find that the campfire becomes your favorite way to cook outdoors.
