Photos: Chris Emeott
Some food just tastes better cooked over an outdoor fire.
Let’s be clear; we will always support s’mores as the bonfire foodie champ. No doubt. No question. No argument. But, as Minnesotans, we appreciate making the most of our time outdoors, and that includes during gatherings around a bonfire at home, the lake or a campsite. Can we agree that we need more than chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows to share around a cozy, outdoor fire?
When thinking about sharing some bonfire-friendly recipes, we had some parameters: Was the recipe somewhat easy to assemble outside with only flames and moonlight offering illumination? Did the fun factor hit most age groups? And would the recipe keep everyone in their seats, sharing stories (spooky and otherwise!), cracking wise and spending precious time with family and friends? After all, outdoor living is one of the best ways to spend time together in the Bold North.
We turned to our resident camper and outdoor living enthusiast Brittni Dye, our production director. At all times of year, she and her family can be found living their best nature-based lives, gathered around a campfire with good friends and good food. We also spoke to Andrew Akhaphong, a registered dietician at Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, for some frightfully good Halloween firepit recipes.
Campfire Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
These poppers are great for a group sitting around the campfire because they’re easy and fun to assemble, and they don’t require silverware to eat! Tips: Use a grill grate, and it helps to throw in a few pieces of charcoal to maintain the heat. Let the charcoal sit off to the side of the main fire for about 10 minutes before starting to grill the poppers.
- toothpicks (Soak in water if using wooden toothpicks.)
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- ½ cup cheese, shredded (I use American, cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.)
- 8–10 jalapeños
- 4–5 slices of bacon, halved
Mix the cream cheese and cheese. Remove the tops of the jalapeños, cut them in half lengthwise and discard the seeds, using a spoon. Spoon the filling into the jalapeño halves, trying not to overfill them. Wrap a half of a slice of bacon around the filled jalapeño, and secure with a toothpick. Place the jalapeño halves, cheese side down, on the grill grate for 7 minutes; flip them over for another 7 minutes or until the bacon is crispy to your liking.
Campfire Dessert Cones
Campfire Dessert Cones deliver smoky sweetness.
Kids and adults love this campfire dessert. A level up from s’mores, these goodies are still a handheld campfire treat but have the capacity to hold more delicious ingredients. Tip: Use a grill grate.
- waffle cones
- mini marshmallows
- fresh fruit (Bananas, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries work well.)
- chocolate (I use chocolate or white chips and peanut butter cup candy, but offering a full self-serve candy bar ramps up the fun.)
- aluminum foil
Simply fill each waffle cone with a variety of ingredient combinations, or have guests make their own cone. Fully wrap in aluminum foil. Place on the grate; cook for about 4 minutes. Unwrap, and eat.
Campfire Nachos
Campfire Nachos receive added depth of flavor when made over a fire.
Put your cast iron skillet to good use over the campfire with these cheesy nachos, which are great for a crowd. We give added bonus points for being a vegetarian option that you can eat right out of the skillet—
no extra plates! Tip: Use a grill grate.
- vegetable or canola oil, to prep the skillet
- tortilla chips
- 15 oz. black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
- Mexican cheese blend, shredded
- 1 large avocado, cubed
- cilantro, chopped (optional)
- lettuce, shredded (optional)
- lime, quartered (optional)
- sour cream (optional)
- aluminum foil
Oil the cast iron skillet to prevent sticking. Layer ingredients, starting with the tortilla chips, followed by beans, tomatoes/chilies, cheese and avocado. Repeat layers. Loosely cover the skillet with aluminum foil; place it on the grill grate. Let the nachos warm up for 5 minutes or until the cheese melts. Remove from the campfire; top with optional toppings.
If you’re into serving dip at your bonfire gatherings, check out our fresh takes on delicious, savory dip recipes, easily shared indoors and out!
