When you’re camping, RV’ing, or taking advantage of van life there’s nothing better than having the ability to cook over an open fire. For small or large gatherings cooking with a dutch oven is the ultimate way to embrace the outdoors.
The great thing about dutch oven cooking is that these sturdy durable cast-iron pots are a fast and efficient way to cook because everything is cooked in one pot. Talk about easy cleanup!
If you’re new to cooking with a dutch oven check out this article that’s full of insightful info about dutch oven cooking.
We love cooking over a fire with our Dutch Oven and wanted to share some of our favorite Dutch Oven camping recipes.
DUTCH OVEN BREAKFAST RECIPES
1. 5 LAYER DUTCH OVEN COUNTRY BREAKFAST
If you are looking for a hearty breakfast that can serve a group this is the perfect go-to recipe.
This dutch oven country breakfast really does have 5 layers! Do you want to know what they are? Get ready because this is one of those breakfasts that will stick with you throughout the day. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in this beast! Ground sausage, hashbrowns, eggs, biscuits, and cheese!
You can get the recipe here.
2. COWBOY BREAKFAST
Nothing says camping or cooking over an open fire like a cowboy breakfast. Giddy up, this recipe is a simple one that involves potatoes, eggs, ground beef, and seasonings.
Get this recipe here.
3. DUTCH OVEN MOUNTAIN MAN BREAKFAST
This dutch oven mountain man breakfast is the perfect recipe for those days when you’re going to be adventuring the area. It’s a hearty one that will provide you fuel for hours. What I like about this breakfast is that you can roll the leftover fixings up into a breakfast burrito for your next day’s breakfast.
4. DUTCH OVEN CINNAMON ROLLS
When you’re looking for a sweet crowd pleaser you can’t go wrong with these campfire cinnamon rolls. Just remember they’ll need some time to rise before you cook them.
Get your dutch oven cinnamon roll recipe here
5. DUTCH OVEN FRENCH TOAST
French toast is one of my absolute favs! It’s not something I have very often at home but when we’re camping and enjoying our coffee there’s nothing better than the smell of cinnamon and vanilla french toast. French toast brings back so many memories from when I was a kid.
If you want this dutch oven french toast recipe you can get it here.
6. DUTCH BABY IN CAST IRON
Can’t decide if you want crepes or pancakes for breakfast, go with Dutch Baby breakfast! These are so good I’ll think you’ll be happy you did! They’re like an eggy fluffy pancake and when you top them top with a good jam, peanut butter, or nutella they’re the bomb-diggity.
Get your recipe here
7. SAUSAGE AND HASHBROWN DUTCH OVEN BREAKFAST BARS
There are certain mornings when a hearty breakfast is non-negotiable. This sausage and hashbrown dutch oven recipe is perfect for those mornings when you need something to last you throughout a busy day. This breakfast has everything – sausage, bacon, hash browns, and cheese!
Get your recipe here
DUTCH OVEN DINNER RECIPES
Here’s an awesome new dutch oven accessory we just fell in love with!
We especially like the Hibachi style charcoal grill and pizza oven, check it out HERE
8. SAUSAGE AND CHICKEN CAJUN JAMBALAYA
This sausage and chicken jambalaya dutch oven recipe is one of our go-to’s while on the road. It’s packed full of yummy flavors and can simmer over the campfire for hours as you enjoy the company of friends.
9. DUTCH OVEN BEEF STEW
I love hearty soups and stews. This dutch oven beef stew is a perfect meal for those fall evenings when you’re looking for something that’s warm and filling.
This is a very flexible recipe. You can use whatever vegetables you like or just whatever you have on hand.Grab your simple, but the delicious recipe here. It’s a perfect van life meal that will provide you with leftovers.
10. NO BOIL BAKED ZITI WITH SAUSAGE AND BASIL
I’m always on the hunt for no boil baked pasta recipes, when you’re camping or cooking outdoors it’s so much easier to toss everything in your dutch oven and let it bake.
Here’s your recipe
Dutch Oven Travel Bag – A Must Have Accessory
As well all know (or some of you may not) cooking over an open flame can cause a mess on the outside of pots and pans. We love using a dutch oven travel bag to store our dutch oven away after we’re done cooking. We live in a van so the last thing we want is black stuff all over our belongings.
11. DUTCH OVEN BRAISED RIBS
If you’re anything like us it’s hard to compete with the perfection of juicy, fall-off-the-bone short ribs — they’re truly one of my favorite dutch oven recipes. Grab your dutch oven, and let’s get started cooking these braised ribs!
12. DUTCH OVEN SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS
When you are craving something that has a bit of Italian flair you can’t beat spaghetti and meatballs over a campfire. Grab the link for this homemade recipe here.
13. DUTCH OVEN ENCHILADAS
Nothing says fiesta like these dutch oven enchiladas. Making enchiladas over a campfire is the perfect way to entertain a crowd. These are cheesy, saucy, and spicy!
Get the recipe here
14. DUTCH OVEN PIZZA
Just because you’re camping doesn’t mean you can’t have a delicious cheesy pizza made over a campfire. This simple dutch oven pizza recipe is quick and easy for when you’re short on time and looking to please a crowd.
This recipe calls for a tube of pre-made pizza crust, can of tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, and a couple of other ingredients. We prefer it with some ready made pizza dough which you can usually find at most grocery stores these days.
Get this simple pizza recipe here
15. DUTCH OVEN PIZZA- WITH LOTS OF LOVE
When you’re looking for a gourmet pizza with lots of yummy toppings this is perfect!
Get the recipe here
Also, if you’re looking for mouthwatering recipes that are geared towards camping, van life, and outdoor enthusiasts I highly recommend you follow Fresh Off The Grid. Their recipes are superb and they have lots of good insightful cooking tips for cooking in the outdoors.
16. DUTCH OVEN NACHOS
Our go-to food when we’re looking for a yummy snack or even a full meal is nachos. You can put so many amazing toppings on them to really take them to the next level. If I were you I’d prepare these as a happy hour snack along with a yummy cocktail.
Click here for the recipe
17. DUTCH OVEN CHILI
Nothing says comfort food like a yummy chili prepared over an open campfire. This dutch oven chili recipe is thick and hearty with a rich and flavorful tomato base.
It’s super easy to make in a dutch oven but it can also be made using a camp stove, RV stove or a crockpot for the van lifers like us! Don’t forget the cornbread!
Grab your recipe here
18. DUTCH OVEN BEEF STROGANOFF
Not sure about you but beef stroganoff is a recipe that takes me back to my roots. Making a beef stroganoff dinner is the perfect hearty meal for camping, it’s even perfect for making on your first attempt at a dutch oven dinner. It’s easy and fairly quick to make requiring only simple ingredients.
To make this dinner click here.
Don’t spill your Dutch Oven masterpiece
Don’t forget that you’ll need a tool to get your hot dutch oven off of the open flame. Some people like to use gloves like these or a dutch oven lid lifter. Personally, I recommend both of these tools.
When you have a dutch oven full of hot yummy food they can be quite heavy. So avoid burning yourself by getting both a lifter and some gloves to keep yourself safe.
19. RICE WITH SAUSAGE AND BLACK BEANS
When we’re spending time in our van we are always looking for simple dinner ideas that don’t take too much effort. This is a great one that will make enough food that you can have some for your next days’ lunch!
Get the recipe here.
DUTCH OVEN CHICKEN RECIPES
20. DUTCH OVEN SOUTHWEST CHICKEN
t’s nice to have easy to make meals when you are out camping. Let’s face it living in a van, RV’ing or enjoying the outdoors shouldn’t require you slaving in a kitchen for hours. That’s why we love cooking in our dutch oven.
I think you’ll really enjoy this Southwestern chicken casserole it’s easy to make, delicious and hearty!
Here’s the recipe for this flavorful dish.
21. BBQ DUTCH OVEN CHICKEN WITH POTATOES
If there are two things I really loooove for dinner its yummy potatoes (I am from Idaho;) and BBQ chicken. This recipe is super easy and only requires a few ingredients.
Here’s this recipe
22. DUTCH OVEN CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS RECIPE
If you’re looking for one of those wholesome home-cooked meals while you’re on the road chicken and dumplings is it. This recipe is super easy to make, just get yourself a couple tubes of pre-made biscuits to save yourself from having to make them from scratch.
If you want to make this chicken and dumplings recipe click here for recipe.
23. DUTCH OVEN CHICKEN POT PIE
This recipe for dutch oven chicken pot pie is a perfect meal for dinner while out glamping, RV’ing, camping, or taking in van life. Get the recipe here.
24. DUTCH OVEN CHICKEN MARBELLA
If you’re looking for a recipe to impress a crowd this is it. This Meditterean chicken marbella is sweet, savory, crispy and saucy, its a “gourmet” meal without all of the gourmet work.
Get the recipe here.
25. CAST IRON CHICKEN AND VEGGIES
If you’re looking for the best dinner recipe while camping, look no further! This dutch oven chicken and veggies couldn’t be easier, and it will be an absolute hit on your next trip. Soooo yummy!
Just a heads up this recipe will take about an hour to prepare and cook. You can click here to get the recipe
26. DUTCH OVEN PULLED CHICKEN BBQ SANDWICHES
Summertime is all about ease! That’s why this dutch oven chicken sandwich is perfect for your open fire cooking. We love making these after a long bike ride while we’re sipping on a cold IPA at camp.
These are super easy with a prep time of 15 minutes and a cooking time of 1 hour. What better way to enjoy your happy hour than cooking an easy chicken sandwich. Get the recipe here.
27. RED BEANS AND RICE -VEGETARIAN OR WITH SAUSAGE
Eating healthy while camping or on the road can be difficult, especially with limited refrigeration. This bean and rice recipe can be a vegetarian dish or you can add sausage if you’re craving some extra protein.
I recommend using quick-cook rice like minute brown rice because using traditional long-grain rice takes FOREVER to cook.
You can find this recipe here.
28. BRATWURST WITH APPLE AND ONIONS
If you’re on the road or camping with kids I bet you have a couple of hot dogs for roasting over the fire. This adult version with bratwursts is a great way to take your meal up a notch while everyone else is eating hotdogs.
Get the recipe here.
29. PORK CHILI VERDE
This pork chili is a great alternative to your traditional chili while you’re on the road or camping. This one is packed with tomatillos and green chiles, perfect for a hot campfire meal.
Get this recipe here.
DUTCH OVEN VEGETARIAN RECIPES
Here’s a great Dutch Oven Camping Cookbook – Easy 5 ingredient or less recipes!
30. VEGAN LENTIL SOUP
This is an easy, everyday vegan lentil soup recipe made in 1 pot with budget-friendly ingredients. Naturally thick, satisfying and filling!
Get this recipe here.
31. SWEET POTATO AND PEANUT STEW
This is a hearty and healthy meal for your next road trip in your van or RV. This can be made in a dutch oven or on your stovetop. I love all the nutrient-rich ingredients in this recipe.
This is a quick and easy recipe with prep time being 5 minutes and it cooks in 30. You can get the recipe here.
32. DUTCH OVEN MAC AND CHEESE
This quick, easy, and super cheesy recipe is perfect for campfire cooking. It’s loaded with creamy, buttery and cheesiness all in one dish. Yum, I love good comfort food like mac & cheese. This is a great meal for lunch leftovers the next day and will be a hit with both children and adults.
If you want this quick and easy recipe click here.
Sometimes cooking in a dutch oven can be a chore to clean if you’re cooking something like this Cheesy Mac and Cheese Recipe. If you’re looking for a no fuss way to clean your dutch oven. Check out these dutch oven liners. These make cleaning your oven quick and easy.
33. DUTCH OVEN VEGETARIAN JAMBALAYA
If you’re looking for something hearty, comforting, AND healthy the next time you’re out camping, you need to try this vegetarian jambalaya. This is the perfect meatless meal that is nutrient-rich.
Total cooking time is 1 hour and obviously, you can throw some extra veggies into this one-pot dish if you have them. Get the recipe here.
34. VEGETARIAN DUTCH OVEN LASAGNA
I know the meat-lovers may disagree and say that lasagna isn’t lasagna without some meat! However I disagree, I’m all about packing my lasagna full of yummy veggies. For me the more vegetables the better! This particular recipe doesn’t have a lot of veggies but you can do your own thing and throw in zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms!
This is a hearty meal for after a long day adventuring. Get the recipe here.
DUTCH OVEN BREAD RECIPES
35. DUTCH OVEN ZUCCHINI BREAD
If you’re cooking this sweet-smelling zucchini bread in a campground you’re sure to have some fellow campers come to visit. This is a delicious recipe made with fresh zucchini and baking spices such as cinnamon and clove.
Get this mouthwatering recipe here
36. DUTCH OVEN CORN BREAD
This tender, moist and hearty cornbread is so yummy. The smokey taste from cooking it over the open flame of a campfire gives it a flavor like no other
I recommend paring this cornbread recipe with chili or a hearty stew.
Get this hearty and fulfilling recipe here
37. NO-KNEAD DUTCH OVEN BREAD
If you’re looking for a super simple bread recipe that only requires 4 ingredients and no-kneading- this is perfect. All you “knead” 😉 to make this is flour, water, yeast, and salt. Can’t get much easier than that!
Get the recipe here
38. DUTCH OVEN CHEESY GARLIC BITES
I don’t know about you, but for me, there are two things in life that I love. One is cheese and another is garlic. These cheesy garlic bites are perfect for camping and they are so easy. If you are making these for a crowd I guarantee you that your friends won’t be able to resist the wait to reach in and pull off a cheesy piece of heaven.
These take about 50 minutes to make and you can get the recipe here
39. DUTCH OVEN PUMPKIN BREAD
I love bread. Crusty bread, french bread, sourdough bread, and quick bread. If I had to pick a sweet bread it would be pumpkin bread, followed closely behind by banana bread.
That’s why this dutch oven pumpkin banana bread is one of my go-to recipes. It’s full of flavor and is soft, moist, and feeds six to eight people!
If you’re looking for the perfect sweet bread recipe this is a good one. Get the recipe here.
40. MEDITERRANEAN SUN-DRIED TOMATO, OLIVE AND FETA BREAD
After our most recent trip to Greece and Albania, I’ve developed a huge hankering for Mediterranean flavors. There is something about feta and olives that I just can’t get enough of. This is a perfect bread with a spaghetti dish or even served by itself with some olive oil.
This dutch oven recipe only requires 5 ingredients, dough, kalamata olives, pesto, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s so simple and will be ready in 30 minutes. Get your recipe here.
DUTCH OVEN DESSERTS RECIPES
41. DUTCH OVEN PEACH COBBLER
Want an easy and delicious cobbler that you can be made in your oven or while out camping? This peach cobbler is it! I honestly can’t think of a better dessert to make over an open flame.
Nothing says dutch oven dessert like this peach cobbler.
Get the recipe here
42. DUTCH OVEN PINEAPPLE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE
Dutch oven pineapple upside down has been our go-to for YEARS. This is nearly foolproof and dependably crowd-pleasing; you’re guaranteed to have an appetizing dessert for your gathering.
Get the recipe here.
43. DUTCH OVEN S’MORES CAKE
Do you guys love s’mores? Or do you have kids that say camping isn’t camping without the s’mores? This 10-minute dutch oven s’mores cake is a fun spin on the classic s’more. The great thing about this recipe is if you buy double the ingredients you’ll have enough stuff for roasting s’mores the next night!
Get the recipe here.
44. TURTLE LAVA CAKE
If you’re a person who loves chocolate and caramel in your dessert this may the perfect dessert for you. This recipe is made with five simple ingredients that are all dumped into the Dutch oven together.
Plan on this recipe taking just a little over an hour to prepare and cook. You can get the recipe here.
45. CAST IRON BROWNIES
If you’re looking for a super simple eggless dessert that only requires three ingredients check this one out. You could even skip the chocolate chips, but your brownies will be much more cake-like and not fudgy.
You could also try other brownie mix add-ins such as snickers, a heath bar or mini marshmallows.
You can get the recipe here.
Clean Your Dutch Oven The RIGHT Way
Did you know that you should NOT use soap to clean your dutch oven? It’s true! Dutch ovens need to be seasoned they like that grease you use to cook with. So if you’re looking for a good tool to keep your dutch oven clean. We recommend you use this fancy scrubber
If you are new to Dutch Oven Cooking seasoning your oven so that it’s non-stick is essential. Our Dutch Oven beginners guide cover proper seasoning techniques to make cleanup easy.
GET OUT AND START COOKIN
I hope this list of dutch oven camping recipes gave you some inspiration to get outside and start cooking over an open fire. There’s nothing better than sitting around a fire and enjoying the company of friends and family while your food is cooking in this amazing oven!
If you’re looking for additional recipes to cook over an open flame don’t miss our foil-packed recipes post that is full of more yummy recipes to cook in the outdoors.
These are easy to prepare ahead of time and make cleanup a breeze.
