Forget hot dogs and canned beans.
Tonight, you could be eating hot, cheesy pizza with a perfectly crispy crust, and you won’t need an oven.
I’ll show you exactly how to make campfire pizza. The smell alone will make everyone at the campground jealous. Your kids will love it.
Keep reading to know the full recipe, the simple tricks that make pizza work every single time
The Most Perfect Campfire Pizza Recipe
Pizzas are simple and work perfectly over an open flame. The fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, and the basil adds that perfect finish.
1. Prepare Your Dough
You can start with store-bought pizza dough because it’s convenient. Let it sit at room temperature for thirty minutes before you head to the campsite.
This makes it easier to stretch and shape. You can also make your own dough at home if you prefer.
Just pack it in a sealed container with a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Set Up Your Cooking Surface
You need a clean, flat cooking surface over the fire.
Use a cast-iron skillet or a pizza stone placed on a grate. Let it heat up for about ten minutes until it’s really hot.
Test the temperature by sprinkling a few drops of water on it. If they sizzle and evaporate immediately, you’re ready to start cooking your pizza.
3. Stretch and Shape the Dough
Flour your hands and a clean surface lightly. Take your dough and gently stretch it into a round shape, about ten inches across.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly circular. Make the edges slightly thicker than the center.
This creates a nice crust that holds your toppings without getting soggy or falling apart during cooking.
4. Add Olive Oil and Garlic
Brush your stretched dough with olive oil using a pastry brush or your fingers. Add minced garlic mixed into the oil for extra flavor.
This step is important because it creates a barrier between the dough and toppings. It also adds richness and helps the crust develop that golden-brown color.
5. Spread the Tomato Sauce
Use crushed tomatoes or a simple marinara sauce. You can use crushed tomatoes with just salt and a pinch of oregano mixed in.
Spread about three tablespoons evenly across the dough, leaving a one-inch border around the edges. Don’t overdo the sauce, or your pizza will get soggy.
The sauce should complement the other ingredients, not overpower them with moisture.
6. Add Fresh Mozzarella
Tear fresh mozzarella into small pieces and distribute them evenly across the sauce. Use about four ounces per pizza.
Fresh mozzarella has more moisture than the shredded kind, so pat it dry with a paper towel first.
This prevents your pizza from getting watery. Space the cheese pieces out nicely so every bite gets some. It melts beautifully over the campfire heat.
7. Cook Over the Fire
Carefully transfer your pizza to the hot cooking surface. Cover it with aluminum foil or a lid to trap the heat.
This helps the cheese melt while the bottom cooks. Check the bottom after five minutes by lifting an edge with a spatula. The crust should be golden brown and crispy.
If it’s cooking too fast, move it to a cooler spot on the grate.
8. Add Fresh Basil
Once your cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the pizza from the heat. Immediately tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the top.
The residual heat will slightly wilt the basil and release its aroma. The fresh basil makes this a true Margherita pizza. Don’t add it before cooking, or it’ll burn.
Creative Campfire Pizza Topping Ideas
The best campfire pizzas use simple ingredients that pack big flavor. Here’s a quick reference table for your next camping trip.
| Topping Combination | Main Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms | Sautéed onions, sliced mushrooms, mozzarella, fresh thyme |
| BBQ Chicken and Red Onion | Shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, red onions, cilantro |
| Fresh Tomatoes and Basil | Sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, sea salt, and mozzarella |
| Bacon and Pineapple | Crispy bacon, pineapple chunks, and mozzarella |
| Spinach and Feta Cheese | Baby spinach, crumbled feta, garlic, lemon |
| Italian Sausage and Bell Peppers | Sliced sausage, bell peppers, mozzarella, red pepper flakes |
Various Methods of Coking Pizza in Camp
Some cooking methods work better than others, depending on what gear you bring to camp. The following are the most reliable ways to cook camp pizza.
Cast Iron Skillet Method
Place the skillet directly on the grate over hot coals. The heavy iron distributes heat evenly across the bottom.
Put the pizza in and cover it with foil to melt the cheese while the crust crisps up perfectly underneath.
Dutch Oven Pizza
Use a Dutch oven as a makeshift pizza oven. Preheat it over coals, then place the pizza inside on parchment paper.
Put the lid on and add hot coals on top. This creates surrounding heat that cooks the pizza from all sides.
Grill Grate Direct Cooking
Oil the grill grate and place it about 6 inches above the coals. Then put the pizza directly on the grate. Watch it carefully because this method cooks fast.
Rotate it occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking throughout.
Pie Iron Press Method
Use two pie irons to make individual mini pizzas. Press dough into each iron, add toppings, and close them up.
Then hold them over the fire for about 5 minutes per side. This method works great for kids and portion control.
Aluminum Foil Packet
Shape dough on a double layer of heavy-duty foil. Add sauce and toppings, then fold the foil over loosely to create a packet.
Place it on hot coals for about 8 minutes. The steam inside helps cook the toppings while the bottom gets crispy.
Safety and Cleanup Tips
Safety matters just as much as taste when you’re cooking over an open fire. A few simple precautions keep everyone safe and make cleanup much easier.
- Keep water nearby at all times: Have a bucket of water or sand close to your cooking area for emergencies.
- Use long-handled tools for safety: Extended handles protect your hands and arms from burns and hot flames.
- Let your cooking equipment cool completely: Cast iron stays dangerously hot long after cooking finishes.
- Pack out all food waste properly: Pizza scraps attract bears and wildlife. Seal everything in airtight bags.
- Dispose of ashes properly before leaving: Make sure your fire is completely dead and cold before packing up.
- Check local fire regulations before cooking: Some areas ban campfires during dry seasons or high wind conditions.
- Keep children and pets at a safe distance: Set up a clear boundary around your cooking area before starting.
- Bring biodegradable soap for cleanup: Use eco-friendly soap that breaks down naturally in the environment.
Wrapping It Up
Making campfire pizza isn’t just about the food. It’s about creating memories around the fire with people you care about.
The methods I shared work. Pick the one that fits your camping style and gear.
Start simple with a cast-iron skillet if you’re new to this. You’ll improve with practice.
Next time you pack for a camping trip, throw in some dough ingredients and your favorite toppings. Skip the boring camp meals.
Try something different.
