Cook Thanksgiving Dinner on a Campfire
Thanksgiving is a special time to celebrate with friends and family, and if you’re feeling adventurous you may want to spend it in the great outdoors. With a little bit of preparation and knowledge, you can cook Thanksgiving dinner over a campfire. Whether you’re camping out in the backcountry or staying in a campsite, these tips will help you make the most of your meal in the great outdoors.
Gather Supplies
Before you head out on your Thanksgiving camping trip, make sure you have the necessary equipment and supplies. Here’s a list of items you should bring with you for the best Thanksgiving feast:
Cookware
Pack cooking pots, pans, and other items to use over an open fire. Make sure whatever you bring is meant specifically for campfire cooking.
Spices and Mixes
Include your favorite spices, sauces and seasonings to customize your meal. You can also pick up pre-made mixes to easily prepare side dishes.
Fuel
You’ll need either wood or charcoal to build and maintain a campfire.
Non-Stick Spray or Oil
Non-stick spray or oil will help keep food from sticking to the bottom of your cookware, and will make for easier cleanup.
Utensils
Bring along tongs, spatulas and serving spoons for flipping and dishing out food.
Miscellaneous Supplies
Gather disposable plates, cups, napkins and cutlery for easy cleanup as well as plastic storage bags and containers for leftovers.
Prepare the Meal
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary supplies, you can start planning and preparing for the big meal.
Prepare Before You Arrive
Preparing some of the meal indicators in advance can save time once you’re out camping. Cut and marinate vegetables, shred cheese and slice up fruit. If you’re preparing a pre-made mix, you can mix it up ahead of time and store it in a container until you’re ready to heat it up.
Build the Fire
Start building a fire at least an hour before you plan to start cooking. This will help you maintain a steady heat for an extended period of time as you cook. You can also pre-heat a cast iron pot or skillet on a bed of coals to help get your meal started quickly when you’re ready to cook.
Use the Right Pot
Select the right pot or pan to make sure your food gets prepared the right way. Choose the best pot or pan size according to the recipe and the existing fire size. Most outdoor recipes recommend using a Dutch oven, which sits over the fire suspended by a tripod. It’s ideal for slow-cooking stews or fish.
Pay Attention
Once your meal is ready to go, keep a close eye on your fire and cookware to ensure your meal turns out great. Many Thanksgiving recipes call for constant stirring, flipping and stirring again. Temperature can also play a big role in how your meal turns out.
Clean Up
When the meal is done, it’s time to start cleaning up.
Allow Cookware to Cool
Once you’re finished with your meal, make sure to allow your cookware to cool before attempting to clean it. This will make it much easier to clean, and will prevent you from getting burned in the process.
Clean Cookware
Use a steel or wire brush to clean your cookware. Make sure to remove any remaining food particles and then wash them with a mixture of hot water and mild soap.
Dispose of Waste and Grease
Discard any used grease in the appropriate waste receptacle and throw out any disposable items.
People Also Ask
What should I bring to cook Thanksgiving dinner over a campfire?
You should bring cooking pots and pans, spices, sauces and seasonings, fuel, non-stick spray or oil, utensils, disposable plates, cups, napkins, cutlery, and plastic storage containers for leftovers.
What is the best way to keep food from sticking to cookware when camping?
Using non-stick spray or oil will help keep food from sticking to the bottom of your cookware when camping.
What kind of pot is best for cooking Thanksgiving dinner over a campfire?
A Dutch oven is the best pot for cooking Thanksgiving dinner over a campfire as it is designed to sit over the fire and allow for slow-cooking stews or fish.
How can I clean my cookware after cooking over a campfire?
After cooking over a campfire, allow your cookware to cool before cleaning it. Use a steel or wire brush to clean them and then wash with a mixture of hot water and mild soap.
What is the best way to build a campfire?
The best way to build a campfire is to start with drier pieces of wood, such as kindling and small twigs. Gently lift these up and place beneath tinder. Then build layers of small, medium and large pieces of wood within the tinder. Blow on the tinder until it catches fire, and add additional fuel as needed.
Final Words
Cooking Thanksgiving dinner over a campfire is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and make some great memories with family and friends. With a little bit of knowledge, a couple of supplies, and lots of patience, you can have a delicious meal in no time. Best of luck, and happy camping.