Can I use a regular Dutch oven for camping?

It's not uncommon for home Dutch ovens to have a slightly domed lid. This shape helps circulate the heat and trap steam inside for even cooking. A camping Dutch oven, on the other hand, needs to have a completely flat lid with a shallow, raised rim around the edge .

What is the difference between a Dutch oven and a camping Dutch oven?

The indoor Dutch oven has no legs . You can easily use it on a stove top or in a standard household oven. Now look at the outdoor Dutch oven. It has legs that are designed to keep it just above coals, preventing direct contact with the heat and permitting oxygen to get to the coals.

How to cook with a Dutch oven on a campfire?

If you need to sear or sautee, place your Dutch oven on a squat little pile of coals and let it heat up . This direct heat is too hot for low-and-slow braising, but it works well for browning meat or turning onions translucent. Once you're done with this step, though, you'll want to chill things out a bit.

What is the best Dutch oven for camping?

GSI Guidecast Lightweight Cast Iron Dutch Oven : Best Overall Choice. When it comes to the best choice for camping, GSI Guidecast Lightweight Cast Iron Dutch Oven stands out. With its lightweight design and durable cast iron construction, it's tailored for outdoor cooking needs.

How to cook in a Dutch oven for beginners?

Fill your dutch oven no more than halfway with oil and then heat to your recipe's prescribed temperature. Submerge your ingredients in the heated oil until cooked, then rest them on a paper towel or wire rack to remove excess oil.

Why do you put coals on top of Dutch oven?

CC: A Dutch oven is intended to cook with coals on top and underneath to create an oven effect of the heat surrounding it . Make sure the oven lid has a lip around the edge to keep the coals from falling off and 3 legs. If you have one without legs you can use a trivet made for a Dutch oven.

What is a cowboy Dutch oven?

A camping, cowboy, or chuckwagon Dutch oven usually has three integral legs, a wire bail handle, and a slightly concave, rimmed lid so that coals from the cooking fire can be placed on top as well as below .

What is a fart under the covers Dutch oven?

Dutch oven is a slang term for farting in bed and pulling the covers over your partner's head, sealing in the stench of your gas . This gassy gag is named after an actual cooking device called a Dutch oven: a large metal pot that traps heat (and smells) under its lid.

How do I choose a Dutch oven for camping?

The most important aspect of selecting a Dutch oven for camping is its size . A too-small Dutch oven may not accommodate everyone in your group, while a larger one may be inefficient at cooking and difficult to transport. Remember that cast iron is heavy! Cast iron Dutch ovens can weigh upwards of 30+ pounds.

Can you use a Dutch oven as a regular oven?

They're made to work on both the stovetop and in the oven , giving you flexibility in how and what you cook. Whether it's cast iron or ceramic, each Dutch Oven brings its own benefits to the table, making it a staple in kitchens everywhere.

Can a Dutch oven go on a fire pit?

Braise in a bed of coals or wood embers. Here, you would put the Dutch oven directly in your Kettle or fire pit, as dual-direction heating is required when braising in a Dutch oven . Coals must be put on top and below the pot to ensure juicy, even cooking of braised short ribs, chicken thighs, or pot roast.

Can you use an indoor Dutch oven outside?

There are two basic types of Dutch Ovens: indoor and outdoor. The indoor Dutch Oven is intended for use in a kitchen oven. It is not intended for use outdoors on a fire . The outdoor Dutch Oven, on the other hand is designed for outdoor use.

65 Easy Dutch Oven Camping Recipes (2024)

Are you wondering what are you going to cook on your next camping trip? How about one of these Easy Dutch Oven Camping Recipes?

We have gathered the ultimate collection of delicious recipes made in a Dutch Oven. Sure, you can make these at home in an enamel Dutch Oven, but these recipes are perfect for cast-iron flat-lid pots. You know, the ones with feet you put coals under and on top of the lid.

What is a Dutch Oven?

A Camping Dutch Oven is different from the enamel flat-bottom pots you use at home. The best Dutch Ovens for camping are made of cast iron and have feet to hold the bottom of the Dutch Oven up over the heat source. The flat lid has a rim for you to put hot coals on to provide heat for camp cooking.

These durable ovens can be passed down from generation to generation because they will last forever. It is our favorite way to make delicious meals out at the campground.

You cook with a Dutch Oven by:

Heating up coals or other heat source
Place food into the lined pot
Put coals under the pot and on top of the Dutch Oven lid
Rotate the pot and lid to ensure even heating
Add more coals for longer bakes

All the essentials that you need to cook are listed below.

Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Lid Lifter or Camp Dutch Oven Tool
Charcoal Chimney helps light the charcoal briquettes
Long Tongs move hot coals around
Dutch Oven Liners for easy cleanup – make your own or purchase
Heavy Duty BBQ Mitts

65 Dutch Oven Camping Recipes

These delicious Dutch oven recipes are organized not only by meal but also by flavor. We have breakfasts, main dishes, and desserts. Main dishes are organized by main ingredients. Desserts are broken down by chocolate, cobblers, apple, and others.

You are sure to put together a great meal from this list.

Dutch Oven Breakfast Recipes

Start your day off right with one of these fun breakfasts.

French Toast Casserole

One of our favorite breakfasts is this French Toast Bake. You can do some of the prep at home, but don’t forget to pack the maple syrup!

Dutch Oven Cinnamon Rolls

Everyone loves cinnamon rolls. Impress your camping family and friends with a Gigantic Cinnamon Roll.

Mountain Man Breakfast Casserole

If you want to start the day with a hearty breakfast, make Mountain Man Breakfast with eggs, hash browns, cheese, and a choice of morning meat.

Biscuits and Gravy

Cook up the sausage gravy in the bottom of the oven, then top it with eggs and refrigerated biscuits to create these Camping Biscuits & Gravy

Dutch Oven Breads

Add bread to your meal with one of these recipes.

Classic Bread Loaf

A hearty Loaf of Bread pairs up with so many dishes. Stack two ovens baking with a main dish on the bottom and bread on the top.

Australian Damper

This Damper is an easy soda quick bread. It can be made in a Dutch oven, camp stove, or oven, or wrapped around a stick and cooked over a campfire. It is an Aussie classic.

Zucchini Bread

If you have a lot of zucchini to use up, then we recommend making this Zucchini Bread. It is versatile as a breakfast, side, or dessert.

Favorite Dutch Oven Recipes

Whether lunch or dinner, these savory dishes are bound to fill some happy camper tummies. These easy Dutch Oven recipes have been divided into chicken recipes, beef, Mexican food, vegetarian, and more of our favorite recipes.

Chicken Dutch Oven Recipes

Chicken & Veggies

Our favorite campfire Dutch Oven dinner is this . It is a simple recipe that you just dump in the pot with amazing results.

Chicken & Rice

Another easy recipe that calls for layering simple ingredients is .

Chicken & Pasta

This can be cooked right over the campfire. This one-pot meal uses big-fat pasta and your favorite sauce.

Lemon Chicken

With lemon and herbs, this Dutch Oven Lemon Chicken is sure to become a family favorite.

Whole Chicken

Enjoy a tender and juicy bird when you make this Whole Chicken in a Dutch Oven.

Chicken & Squash

This Chicken with Squash is another great food that can be cooked over the campfire.

Chicken Cacciatore

This Italian-inspired Chicken Cacciatore recipe can be adapted with your favorite cut of chicken. This hearty recipe is great for feeding a large group.

Dutch Oven Beef Recipes

Whether it is a roast or ground, there are so many options for cooking with beef while camping. Try one of these tasty Dutch Oven recipes.

Salisbury Steak

Flavor abounds in this amazing Salisbury Steak Recipe. This hearty meal includes a mushroom gravy that is good enough for turkey or other meats.

Shepherd’s Pie

Layer potatoes over a simple meat mixture to create a Shepherd’s Pie in the Dutch Oven.

Beef Stew

Beef Stew is a classic that is easy to make in an iron pot.

Pot Roast

This Dutch Oven Roast Recipe produces the most tender beef.

Mexican-Inspired Dutch Oven Recipes

You do not have to cross the border to enjoy these favorites.

Camping Tacos Casserole

This Taco Casserole Recipe is delicious and filling.

Enchiladas

These Dutch Oven Enchiladas are stuffed with beans and veggies and smothered with sauce and cheese. Yum!

Nachos

Pile chips, cheese, and your favorite toppings into your pot and create some Dutch Oven Nachos. You should also check out our Grilled Nachos. Don’t forget the sour cream!

Carnitas

Mexican pulled pork, commonly known as Carnitas bakes all afternoon. The extra time will have you salivating for dinner.

Dutch Oven Vegetarian Dishes

Meat is not necessary for a delicious meal.

Dutch Oven Pizza

Homemade or refrigerated dough is elevated in this Dutch Oven Pizza recipe.

Jackfruit Stew

Jackfruit is a great meat substitute to put in this Vegetable Stew. This easy camping recipe is full of fresh ingredients.

Macaroni & Cheese

No need to make a roux for this simple . Top it with potato chips for added flavor and crunch. This great recipe is good comfort food!

Chili

This Dutch Oven Chili is naturally vegan but will be loved by all.

More Recipes

Here are a few more Dutch Oven camping recipes for you to try on your next trip.

Brats & Sauerkraut

These Bratwurts & Sauerkraut are cooked in beer. What a classic!

Lasagna

It is usually a labor-intensive recipe, but not this Easy Lasagna recipe.

Italian Stuffed Peppers

Enjoy the bold flavors of Stuffed Bell Peppers. The cast iron pot really elevates them!

Bacon-Topped Meatloaf

Bacon caps off this delicious Dutch Oven Meatloaf recipe with ground beef and pork.

Osso Buco

For something a little different, try Osso Buco. Best of all, it is made with beer!

Chicken Chili

Looking for something simple? This Chicken Black Bean Chili uses premade ingredients for a quick dump-and-cook meal.

Amazing Dutch Oven Camping Desserts

Now it is time for our favorite meal: Desserts!

We have divided the Dutch oven dessert recipes into several segments. First is chocolate, which includes s’more recipes. That is followed by cobblers, apple recipes, and then the rest.

You will find enough variety to last throughout the camping season.

Dutch Oven Tip
Cook dinner and dessert at the same time by stacking Dutch ovens.
Put the pot with the shorter baking time on top. Shown is a 6 qt Dutch Oven on top of a 8 qt Deep Dutch Oven.

Chocolate Dutch Oven Recipes

Craving chocolate? Then enjoy one of these simple desserts.

Easy Chocolate Cake

This yummy Dutch Oven Chocolate Cake is an easy dessert with a boxed cake mix. Give it a try!

Chocolate Cherry Lava Cake

Do you love the combination of cherries and chocolate? Even if you don’t, you will love this Cherry Chocolate Lava Cake!

Dutch Oven Brownies

Yes, you can make Brownies in a Dutch Oven. It has to be the easiest recipe in this collection with three ingredients. There is also S’more Brownies.

Dutch Oven S’mores Cake

A camping friend of mine calls this Death by S’mores. This chocolate dump cake is s’mores on steroids.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cake

Look at all that chocolatey peanut buttery goodness in this Dutch Oven Peanut Butter Cup Cake. If you love Reece’s, then you will love this amazing recipe.

Turtle Lava Cake

If you love the combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, then you will love this Turtle Lava Cake.

German Chocolate Dump Cake

This simple German Chocolate Cake recipe uses premade ingredients that you dump into the pot.

S’more Pie

Haven’t had enough s’mores? Try Dutch Oven S’more Pie.

Mini Lava Cakes

Love little things? Then try these Dutch Oven Mini Lava Cakes.

Mississippi Mud Cake

Especially thick and rich chocolate in this Dutch Oven Mississippi Mud Cake.

Dutch Oven S’more Dip

This S’more Dip recipe is a crowd-pleaser that is easy to make. Grilled S’more Nachos is another way to enjoy this top camping dessert.

Dutch Oven Cobblers & Crisps Recipes

Cobblers and Crisps are amongst the most popular Dutch Oven desserts. We have curated the best for this list.

Blackberry Peach Crisp

Make a tasty Blackberry Peach Crisp with two amazing summer fruits.

Whiskey Peach Cobbler

Did you know that peaches and whiskey go together well? Never so better than in this Whiskey Peach Cobbler. This recipe is shown in a cast-iron skillet but can be baked in an oven.

Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler

Another easy recipe is this Cake & Berry Cobbler, which can be customized with your favorite berries.

Texas Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler

Look at this amazing Texas Peach Cobbler made in a Dutch Oven. What a beautiful lattice crust. Can you see the shape of Texas?

Blueberry Cobbler

What should you do with all those blueberries that you picked? Make this Blueberry Cobbler.

Blackberry Dutch Oven Cobbler

This Campfire Blackberry Cobbler can be cooked over the fire with just three ingredients. It is easy to adapt and enjoy!

Dutch Oven Rhubarb Crisp

Do you grow rhubarb? If so, you must make this Rhubarb Crisp. It is one of my favorite fruits, so I freeze it to use in recipes like this.

Remarkable Dutch Oven Apple Desserts

Since apples can be purchased all year, you do not have to wait for fall to make one of these tasty recipes.

Dutch Oven Apple Crumble

Our camping buddy, Peggy, shared this Apple Crumble Dutch Oven Recipe with us. No ice cream is needed!

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Dessert

Frozen cinnamon roll dough is the base of this Caramel Apple Cinnamon Roll Pie. I think of it as Camping Monkey Bread.

Apple Spice Cobbler

This Apple Spice Dump Cobbler is tasty and so easy to make while camping.

Cinnamon Apple Cake

Get more apples and cinnamon with this Cinnamon Apple Cake. Add a can of apple pie filling to the bottom of the oven to elevate this dessert.

Apple Fluff

Try something a little different with this tasty Dutch Oven Apple Fluff recipe.

Cranberry Apple Dump Cake

You do not have to be a cranberry fan to enjoy this Cranberry Apple Cake. With or without pecans, it is the perfect dessert for fall camping.

Apple Crisp

Making a crisp isn’t difficult when you use instant oatmeal packets. This Apple Crisp recipe is shown baked at home but includes directions for making it in a Dutch Oven while camping.

More Dutch Oven Desserts

From Dump Cakes to Cookies, here are some traditional and not-so-traditional desserts made in a cast iron oven.

Classic Dump Cake

One of our most requested is this Dutch Oven Dump Cake. It tastes fantastic with or without pineapple.

Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake

Blueberries and lemon are a wonderful combination in this Dutch Oven Lemon Blueberry Dump Cake recipe.

Two Great Pumpkin Cake Recipes

This Dutch Oven Pumpkin Pie Cake is a cake on top of a pie. It’s a great texture combination you can make at home for the holidays.

It does not get any easier than this Pumpkin Angel Food Cake recipe with three simple ingredients.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

You must try this Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. It is so amazing!

Carrot Cake

One of my favorites is Carrot Cake, which tastes great baked in cast iron.

Dutch Oven Strawberry Cheesecake

Fresh berries create a delicious Strawberry Cheesecake dessert.

Strawberry Lemon Cobbler

Another dump recipe that combines the great taste combination of .

Berry Hazelnut Crumble Pie

Three different berries make up this easy Berry Hazelnut Pie recipe.

Raspberry Pudding Cake

Another winner is this Raspberry Pudding Cake, which can easily be swapped out with your choice of berry.

Dutch Oven Sugar Cookie

Bake Sugar Cookies in the Dutch oven with this easy recipe.

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