Camping and outdoor enthusiasts adore the custom of pie iron cooking. These multipurpose kitchen tools are made up of two metal plates that fasten together to allow food to be cooked over an open flame. Although they can also be used on a grill or stovetop, they are a popular option for cooking over a campfire. Pie irons are ideal for cooking a broad range of delectable and simple dishes, such as inventive combos, vegetarian selections, and traditional campfire pies. They provide an enjoyable & practical means of cooking outside in the great outdoors.
In addition to being useful, pie iron cooking gives outdoor dining a nostalgic feel. Pie irons make it simple to relive the happy memories that many people have of baking pies with their families over a campfire. Pie iron cooking is a terrific way to make delicious and filling meals with little effort, whether you’re camping, having a picnic, or just having a backyard barbecue. This article will cover a variety of traditional campfire pies, savory dinner pies, sweet dessert pies, vegetarian pie iron recipes, inventive pie iron combos, and pie iron cooking tips.
Making traditional campfire pies is one of the most recognizable uses for pie irons. Pie crusts or bread are placed in the pie iron, filled, and baked over an open flame until golden brown. These easy yet delectable pies are made this way. Pie filling or fruit preserves are two common sweet fillings for campfire pies, along with pizza toppings like sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. There are countless options, and campers can customize their fillings to their preferences by getting creative. “Hobo pie” is another traditional pie cooked over a campfire.
It usually consists of two slices of bread with ground beef, onions, & cheese between them, all cooked until the cheese melts and becomes crispy. Campers will be satisfied with these pies after a long day of outdoor activities because they are simple to prepare. For anyone new to pie iron cooking, classic campfire pies are a must-try, regardless of their preference for savory or sweet fillings. Pie irons are excellent for making savory dinner pies in addition to traditional campfire pies. These filling and substantial meals are ideal for refueling following a day of hiking or outdoor exploration.
| Recipe Name | Main Ingredients | Cooking Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campfire Pizza Pies | Pizza dough, marinara sauce, cheese, pepperoni | 10 minutes | 4 |
| Apple Pie Iron Sandwiches | Bread, apple slices, cinnamon, sugar | 8 minutes | 2 |
| S’mores Pie Iron Dessert | Graham crackers, chocolate, marshmallows | 5 minutes | 4 |
A common savory dinner pie is called “chicken pot pie,” and it’s made by adding cooked chicken, mixed vegetables, creamy sauce, and pie crust to a pie iron. A warm and satisfying meal that is sure to hit the spot is produced when food is cooked over a campfire. An additional delectable choice is “quesadilla pie,” which is made by layering tortillas with cheese, cooked beef or chicken, and any additional toppings of your choice. The tortillas are then cooked in a pie iron until they are crispy and oozy. A delightful take on classic quesadillas, this Mexican-inspired dish is sure to please the whole family. When camping or spending time in the great outdoors, savory dinner pies are a great way to enjoy a filling meal.
Pie irons make delicious dessert pies, which is ideal for anyone with a sweet tooth. Your cravings for dessert can be fully satiated with a variety of options, whether you’re more of a chocolate lover or a pie lover. An iconic dessert pie is the “apple turnover,” which is prepared by packing the pie iron with pie crust & apple pie filling and baking it until it turns golden brown and crisps.
A warm, oozy treat ideal for savoring by the campfire is the end product. The “s’mores pie,” another well-liked dessert choice, is made by layering chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers in a pie iron & baking until the marshmallows are melted and golden brown. Kids & adults alike are going to love this inventive take on the classic s’mores. Dessert pies, whether they are chocolate or fruit-flavored, are a great way to cap off an exciting day spent exploring the great outdoors. There are a lot of delectable pie iron cooking options available for vegetarians.
The “caprese sandwich,” a well-liked vegetarian option, consists of two slices of bread layered with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, basil leaves, & a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The sandwich is then baked in a pie iron until the cheese melts and the bread gets crispy. This is a really easy and tasty sandwich to have at a picnic or while camping. The “grilled vegetable panini” is an additional vegetarian option.
To make it, layer grilled veggies like bell peppers, eggplant, & zucchini with cheese & pesto, then cook in a pie iron until the cheese is melted & warm. A satisfying and hearty sandwich like this is a great way to have a satisfying meal without meat. There are lots of delectable vegetarian pie iron recipes to try, whether you’re a vegetarian or just want to expand your repertoire of plant-based meals for outdoor dining. You can use your pie iron to make a lot of inventive combinations in addition to traditional campfire pies and savory dinner pies. A delightful alternative is the “breakfast sandwich,” which consists of stacking bread slices with cheese, scrambled eggs, and cooked bacon or sausage. The dish is then baked in a pie iron until it becomes crispy and warm.
For a day of outdoor activities, this substantial breakfast option is ideal for filling you up. Spreading peanut butter on bread, slicing bananas, and baking in a pie iron until warm and oozy is another inventive combination: the “peanut butter and banana sandwich.”. This satisfying and sweet sandwich is ideal for having as dessert or as a snack when you’re out camping or having a picnic.
You can try a lot of inventive pie iron combos for breakfast, lunch, or a sweet treat. Here are some tips to remember so that your pie iron cooking endeavors turn out well. To avoid sticking, make sure to thoroughly grease your pie iron before adding your ingredients. For this, you can use butter, oil, or nonstick cooking spray. The temperature of your fire or grill should also be considered; it should be hot enough to cook your food completely without burning it. It’s crucial to watch over your food and check it frequently when cooking with pie irons to avoid burning.
Cooking times can vary based on the heat source & the ingredients you use, so it’s best to keep an eye on your food until you get a sense of how long different dishes take to cook. Lastly, to prevent burns or other injuries, wait until your pie iron has cooled down before cleaning it. In summary, cooking with a pie iron is an enjoyable and adaptable way to prepare delectable meals while taking advantage of the great outdoors. There are a ton of options to suit every taste, whether you’re making traditional campfire pies, savory dinner pies, sweet dessert pies, vegetarian recipes, or inventive combos. You can become an expert pie iron cook & make delicious meals for all of your outdoor adventures by keeping a few pointers in mind.
FAQs
What is a pie iron?
A pie iron is a cooking tool used for making toasted sandwiches and sweet or savory pies over an open flame. It consists of two hinged metal plates with long handles for holding over a campfire.
What are some popular pie iron recipes for camping?
Some popular pie iron recipes for camping include classic grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza pockets, fruit pies, and breakfast sandwiches with eggs and bacon.
How do you use a pie iron while camping?
To use a pie iron while camping, you simply place your desired ingredients between two slices of bread or pastry, close the pie iron, and hold it over a campfire or grill until the contents are cooked to your liking.
Can you make desserts with a pie iron while camping?
Yes, you can make a variety of sweet desserts with a pie iron while camping, such as s’mores pies, apple turnovers, and cherry hand pies.
What are some tips for using a pie iron while camping?
Some tips for using a pie iron while camping include greasing the plates with cooking spray to prevent sticking, using pre-cooked ingredients to ensure even cooking, and rotating the pie iron over the fire to ensure even heat distribution.