Skillet Camping Recipe Favourites

Over the campfire, the camp stove, or in the RV kitchen, a cast iron skillet is truly a versatile tool. Here are two favourites — one to start the day at the campsite and one to finish it.

Campfire Breakfast Strata

Serves 4. Change the meat and vegetables to suit what needs using up.

Ingredients

• 4 cups bread, cubed
• 2 cups milk
• 8 large eggs
• 2 cups shredded gouda
• ½ cup diced bacon, cooked
• ½ cup Italian sausage, crumbled and browned
• 1 cup sautéed mushrooms, peppers & onion
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Whisk the milk and eggs together in a large bowl until combined, and season with salt and pepper.
2. In another bowl, mix the bread cubes and cheese, holding some cheese back for the top. Add the cooked meat and the sautéed vegetables, then transfer to a seasoned 10-inch cast iron skillet.
3. Pour the milk and egg mixture over the bread and press down so everything is covered. Top with the remaining cheese.
4. Let it sit at least 30 minutes before cooking.
5. Cover with foil and cook over the fire for 20–30 minutes, moving it to indirect heat halfway through. It is done when the centre doesn’t jiggle and feels firm to the touch.

Campfire Peach Crisp

Fruit layer

• 8 cups sliced peaches (peeling optional)
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp ginger

Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter, melted

Directions

1. Combine the sliced peaches, 3 tbsp brown sugar and the spices, and spoon into a 10-inch cast iron skillet.
2. In a medium bowl mix the flour, oats, ⅓ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon and the salt. Pour the melted butter over and stir until you have moist crumbs.
3. Spoon the topping evenly over the fruit and cover with foil.
4. Cook over indirect heat for 15–25 minutes, checking often — times vary a lot over a fire.

Got a cast iron favourite of your own? Tell us about it.