Best Snacks To Eat Around the Campfire
Updated by Lindsay Mattison
It doesn't matter if you’re camping in the woods, enjoying time in the backyard, or relaxing on the beach: spending time around the fire pit or campfire is always worthwhile, espically if campfire snacks are included. There’s no better way to end a barbecue or a summer dinner party, as the warmth of the fire keeps you toasty on a chilly evening while also inspiring people to join together in community. Gazing at the flames is sure to inspire your guests to share a few good stories you’ve never heard before!
Even if you’ve had your friends or family over for dinner, you’ll want to be prepared by having a few snacks to eat around the campfire. There’s something about the fire’s smoky fragrance that wakes up an appetite, and it’s hard to say no to a tasty treat that’s been cooked over the flame. Pair these snacks with your favorite cocktails or mocktails to create an event that your guests will be talking about for years to come.
The best camping snacks are easy to keep around, featuring a few pantry staples coupled with some simple-to-store fresh foods, so let’s fire it up!
S’mores
This classic campfire snack is made by toasting marshmallows before sandwiching them in between graham crackers and chocolate for a bite-sized treat. Don’t be afraid to venture outside the original recipe, skipping the chocolate and using Japan-exclusive Kit-Kat flavors from a Japanese subscription box instead, or pick up gourmet marshmallows to take the experience to the next level.
Banana Boats
Making this camping snack is as easy as splitting a banana in half and stuffing it with your favorite toppings. Wrap it up in a piece of aluminum foil and heat it over the fire until it’s a cross between a s’more and a banana split. Gourmet peanut butter works exceptionally well as a filling, and using Mexican candies is a fun way to experiment with new flavors.
Hot Dogs
A hot dog tastes better when it’s eaten in the right setting — at a baseball game, hitting the links at the local golf course, or when sitting around a campfire. After roasting the hot dog on a skewer, pop it into a warmed bun and serve it with your favorite toppings. Mustard is our condiment of choice, but sauerkraut, chopped onions, or relish also work here.
Bacon on a Stick
Anything you can weave onto a skewer makes a good snack for eating around a campfire, but bacon works exceptionally well. It’s sweet, salty, savory, and smoky, and will get an even smokier flavor when cooked over the open flame. Look for flavored or candied bacon to give this snack the ultimate boost.
Kebabs
If the idea of eating bacon off a stick is too weird, whip up these snack sticks instead! Kebabs can be made with any meat or vegetable, but you’ll want to look for the highest-quality ingredients for the tastiest kebab. It’s a good opportunity to try out grass-fed Argentinian beef or use farm-fresh vegetables from the farmers market.
Cheesy Foil Packs
If food on a stick isn’t your jam, try making foil pack snacks instead. Aluminum foil is perfect for cooking cheesy camping snacks like quesadillas, loaded fries, or nachos. American cheese melts the easiest, followed by cheddar or mozzarella. You can take the experience up a notch by using artisanal cheeses , like blue cheese, gouda, or edam cheese.
Pizza Pockets
All you need to make this easy snack is pita bread: slice it in half and stuff it full of sauce, cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. If you happen to have a pie iron , you can turn crescent rolls, tortillas, or sandwich bread into a pizza pocket without having to wrap the treat in aluminum foil first. Instead of sticking with classic pepperoni, try using other charcuterie meats like soppressata or salami.
Elote
Elote is a classic Mexican street food consisting of grilled corn slathered in a cheesy, creamy, spicy coating. While often cooked on the grill, it’s also easy enough to make this as a tasty camping snack by roasting shucked corn directly over the campfire. When it’s finished, coat the corn in a mixture of mayonnaise, crema, and cotija cheese. (When it’s taken off of the cob, elote is technically known as esquites.) Don’t be afraid to toss on your favorite Mexican spices and seasonings as well!
Jerky
This one isn’t cooked over the campfire, but it’s one of our favorite camping snacks. Pick up a few different jerky flavors and pass them around to experience the different flavors and textures of various meats and seasonings.
