Grab some foil and head to the backyard fire pit! These foil packet recipes are perfect for a relaxing evening at home.
39 Backyard Fire Pit Recipes
Updated on Sep. 01, 2024
If you’re planning a camping trip or spending the day in the backyard, cooking on the fire pit is a great way to enjoy the outdoors. While cooking outdoors can be fun, using a fire pit for the first time can be a little intimidating so here are a few helpful tips to get you started with your campfire cooking.
Get Set Up
Before you can get to cooking, you’ll need the proper setup and equipment to cook over your fire pit. First, make sure your fire pit is placed in a safe and secure area where the fire cannot reach anything flammable. Make sure you have the proper cooking equipment you’ll need on hand like grilling tools, a camping Dutch oven, a grilling rack, etc. Once your space is set up, you can get to building the fire.
Cook With Foil Packets
If you want to avoid cleaning up a mess after cooking, foil-packet meals are the way to go. Traditional foil packet meals consist of potatoes, vegetables, meat or fish, but we’ve got a few creative ones on deck that you’ll enjoy just as much as the classics.
Try a Pie Iron
If you’re looking for other easy meals to make over the fire pit, try making pudgy pies with a pie iron. They’re perfect for making a pudgy pie and you’ll only have one dish to clean up afterward. Just make sure you let the sandwich cool down a bit before digging in!
Revamp a Classic Recipe
Eating the same meal over and over again on those longer camping trips can get a little tiring. Try thinking outside the box, or use some of our recipes as inspiration, for revamping a classic recipe.
Use cookies instead of graham crackers or peanut butter cups instead of chocolate bars for s’mores. For those nights when you aren’t craving a toasted marshmallow, you’ll love these campfire desserts.
Stay Safe
Make sure you’re properly prepared when you’re cooking over the fire pit. Have the correct cooking gear, like long-handled tools, to make sure no one gets burned, always have a bucket of water nearby in case the fire grows too big and, most importantly, never leave a fire unattended.
Now that you’ve got the basics covered, try out some of our best fire pit recipes that’ll satisfy those hungry stomachs after a full day of outdoor activities.
Blueberry-Cinnamon Campfire Bread
A neighboring camper made a bread so tempting, I had to ask for the details. Here’s my version, best enjoyed with a steaming cup of coffee by the campfire. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
1/39
2/39
Ham & Jack Pudgy Pie
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Pepper jack cheese adds spicy flavor to these warm, melty sandwiches. —Terri McKitrick, Delafield, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 268 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 medium-fat meat.
3/39
Ham and Swiss Sliders
Total Time
55 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My next-door neighbor shared this recipe with me and I simply cannot improve it! You can make it ahead and cook it quickly when company arrives. The combo of flavors makes these sandwiches so delicious. —Iris Weihemuller, Baxter, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 315 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 555mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 13g protein.
4/39
Grilled Maple Pork Chops
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Pork chops on the grill are hard to beat. The marinade is simple, and so good. —Nicholas King, Duluth, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 pork chop: 509 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 339mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 0 fiber), 65g protein.
5/39
Quick Ham and Bean Soup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
7 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like ham and bean soup but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this tasty, quick version will leave you with a satisfied smile. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 300 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 1383mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 13g fiber), 22g protein.
6/39
Steak and Potato Foil Packs
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a park ranger, I’ve cooked a lot of meals outdoors. I often assemble a steak and potato foil pack and toss it into my backpack with some ice. Then when I set up camp, it’s easy to cook over a campfire. If I’m at home, I use my grill, and the food is just as good. —Ralph Jones, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 348 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 40g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 2 starch.
7/39
Chicken and Zucchini Foil Packs
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I enjoy foil-wrapped dinners cooked on the grill, especially because there are no pots or pans to wash. You can try making chicken foil packs with most fresh vegetables you have on hand. —Dianna Smith, Newport, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 302 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 838mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
8/39
Campfire Hash
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
In our area we are able to camp almost all year-round. My family invented this recipe using ingredients we all love so we could enjoy them on the campfire. This hearty meal tastes so good after a full day of outdoor activities. —Janet Danilow, Winkleman, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 535 calories, 26g fat (8g saturated fat), 51mg cholesterol, 1097mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 6g fiber), 17g protein.
9/39
Pot of S’mores
Total Time
25 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Mom’s easy Dutch oven version of the popular campout treat is so good and gooey. The hardest part is waiting for this to cool so you can devour it. Yum! —June Dress, Meridian, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 584 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 326mg sodium, 83g carbohydrate (47g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
10/39
Campfire Dessert Cones
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Kids love to make these! Set out the ingredients so they can mix and match their own creations. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cone: 217 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 78mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
11/39
Eclairs on the Grill
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My best camping treat is an easy eclair on a stick. This is the one that makes people watch what you’re doing and beg to be included. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 eclair: 293 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 418mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
12/39
Lemon-Dill Salmon Packets
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Grilling in foil is an easy technique I use with foods that cook quickly, such as fish, shrimp, bite-sized meats and fresh veggies. The options are endless—and the cleanup is easy. —A.J. Weinhold, McArthur, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 305 calories, 19g fat (5g saturated fat), 93mg cholesterol, 405mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1 fat.
13/39
Grilled Peach Sundaes
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These peaches with a hint of grill flavor are sweet and juicy. We serve them in a waffle bowl with ice cream. That’s jackpot at our house. —Nancy Dentler, Greensboro, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 sundae: 486 calories, 21g fat (12g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 157mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (53g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
14/39
Tomato-Herb Grilled Tilapia
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This super tilapia with ginger and lemon takes dinner over the top with minimal prep. Grilling the fish in foil is about as easy as it gets. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 270 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 83mg cholesterol, 443mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
15/39
Pizza Mountain Pies
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Because we liked this pudgy pie recipe so much, I started making them for my daughter even when we’re not camping. —Pam Weik, West Lawn, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 388 calories, 23g fat (12g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 745mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
16/39
Hot Quick Banana Boats
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These delicious, warm bananas are great on camp-outs or in the backyard. You can eat them right out of the foil bowl. Cleanup is easy, too. —Sheila Parker, Reno, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 196 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.
17/39
Grilled Green Beans
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I cook almost everything outdoors, including grilled green beans. I prepare this snappy side dish while the entree is cooking. The recipe has won over my picky eaters. —Carol Traupman-Carr, Breinigsville, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 137 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 234mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
18/39
Potatoes Plus
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On our busy farm, meals need to be ready fast. These herb-seasoned potatoes and vegetables wrapped in foil packets cook in only half an hour. They're excellent with steak or chicken. —Jill Jellett, Leduc, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 206 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
19/39
Beer Can Chicken
Total Time
1 hour 35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
You'll be proud to serve this stand-up chicken at any family gathering. Treated with a savory rub and then roasted over a beer can for added moisture, it’s so tasty you’ll want to call dibs on the leftovers! —Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
7 ounces cooked chicken: 415 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 366mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 42g protein.
20/39
Potato-Sausage Foil Packs
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We had these smoky campfire bundles at a friend's house for dinner and loved the simplicity of this great summer meal. Now we often make it for summer weeknight dinners. —Alissa Keith, Forest, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 344 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 62mg cholesterol, 990mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 21g protein.
21/39
BBQ Hot Dog & Potato Packs
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For these nifty foil packs, small hands make quick work of topping potato wedges with a hot dog, onions and cheese. — Kelly Westphal, Wind Lake, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 293 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 1227mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 11g protein.
22/39
Buttery Horseradish Corn on the Cob
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
For a July Fourth barbecue, I whipped up a butter and horseradish topping for grilled corn. People actually formed a line to get seconds. —Trish Loewen, Bakersfield, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 203 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 732mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
23/39
Cajun Boil on the Grill
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with these everything-in-one seafood packets for a family reunion, since the recipe can be increased to feed a bunch. The packets steam up inside, so open them carefully. —Allison Brooks, Fort Collins, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 509 calories, 30g fat (7g saturated fat), 181mg cholesterol, 1302mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 40g protein.
24/39
Cherry-Chocolate Pudgy Pie
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s an ooey-gooey treat that’s just right for campfires and cookouts. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 309 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 294mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
25/39
Crab & Shrimp Stuffed Sole
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The most casual cookout will seem elegant when it stars this delicate fish combined with seafood stuffing and a lemony sauce. Just add a salad and baguette. —Bryn Namavari, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 packet: 363 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 184mg cholesterol, 728mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 46g protein.
26/39
Grilled Cabbage
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how good it was! We served it with grilled burgers and our dinner was complete. I never thought I’d skip dessert because I was full from too much cabbage! —Elizabeth Wheeler, Thornville, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
1 wedge: 98 calories, 8g fat (5g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 188mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
27/39
Quick Barbecued Beans
Total Time
25 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Barbecued beans are a simple, classic recipe and cooking them on the grill adds great smoky flavor. —Millie Vickery, Lena, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 264 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 877mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 13g fiber), 14g protein.
28/39
Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler
Total Time
40 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This warm Dutch oven cobbler is one of our favorite ways to end a busy day of fishing, hiking, swimming or rafting. It's yummy with ice cream—and so easy to make! —June Dress, Boise, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 342 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 322mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (34g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
29/39
Reuben Pudgy Pie
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
Our favorite pudgy pie is the Reuben: corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss cheese! We always use buttered bread. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 358 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 1228mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein.
30/39
Chicken Foil Packets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
People think I went to a lot of trouble when I serve these packets. Individual aluminum foil pouches hold in the juices during baking to keep the herbed chicken moist and tender. The foil saves time and makes cleanup a breeze. —Edna Shaffer, Beulah, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 175 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 100mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable.
31/39
Garlic & Herb Artichoke Salmon
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re new to cooking fish (or even if you’re a pro), you have to try this no-fail salmon recipe. It’s easy enough for every day, but also wows at dinner parties. —Margee Berry, White Salmon, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 379 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 409mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 30g protein.
32/39
Grilled Peppers and Zucchini
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This versatile side dish is so simple and quick that I had to share it. Grilling the colorful veggies in a foil packet means one less dish to wash, but I sometimes stir-friy the mixture on the stovetop. —Karen Anderson, Fair Oaks, California
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 57 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 186mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable.
33/39
Campfire Cheese Hash Brown Packets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Dining by the campfire? This easy packet of potatoes, bacon and cheese makes a terrific hash. We like to serve it with eggs and fresh pico de gallo. —Gina Nistico, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 329 calories, 15g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 708mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 14g protein.
34/39
Ginger Salmon with Green Beans
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I developed this flavor-packed dinner for a busy friend who wants to eat clean. —Nicole Stevens, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 357 calories, 15g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 8g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
35/39
Spiced Grilled Corn
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The wonderful spice mixture doesn't add heat, only great flavor. This just may be the best corn you've ever had! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 113 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 310mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
36/39
Cheese-Topped Potatoes in Foil
Total Time
50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Whenever we go camping, cheesy potato packets are a must. They just may remind you of scalloped potatoes. —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 217 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 24mg cholesterol, 454mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein.
37/39
Milky Way Pudgy Pie
Total Time
10 min
Servings
1 serving
From the Recipe Creator:
My favorite pudgy pies have Milky Way candy bars, graham cracker crumbs and marshmallows. So irresistible! And buttered bread is a must. —Susan Hein, Burlington, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 380 calories, 17g fat (10g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 438mg sodium, 51g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
38/39
Campfire Cinnamon Twists
Total Time
25 min
Servings
16 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cinnamon rolls get the toasty treatment when wrapped around skewers and warmed over a fire. Brush with butter, then sprinkle with sugar and spice. —Lauren Knoelke, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 twist: 98 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
39/39
Grilled Campfire Trout Dinner
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Your fresh catch will taste even better with this simple treatment that keeps the fish moist. Carrots are an excellent accompaniment; cook up in a separate foil packet. —Wendy McGowan, Fontana, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 362 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 136mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 44g protein.
