As the sun sets behind the rugged mountains and the crackling sound of a campfire fills the air, after a long day of hiking, everyone is (seriously) hungry. While there are recommended foods to enjoy on the trail and some incredible recipes made for camping, today, it’s all about mountain pies. These campfire creations transcend the marshmallow-chocolate rut, offering a world of flavor that’s equal parts portable picnic and handheld pizza party. And the best part? There are savory and sweet options, letting each camper tailor their mountain pie to suit their taste buds.
This simple yet ingenious camping treat involves sandwiching ingredients between two slices of bread and toasting the creation over an open flame. The result is a warm, gooey, and satisfying meal that can be customized to suit both savory and sweet cravings. The magic happens in a mountain pie iron –- a handheld, hinged metal contraption that clamps the bread slices together, enclosing the fillings within. So, why the comparison to paninis? Because, at their heart, mountain pies are just that: Two slices of bread pressed together, bursting with delicious fillings. The pie iron holds everything together while infusing the bread with a hint of smoky magic. Set over a campfire, the heat crisps the bread’s outer layers while simultaneously melting the fillings.
A culinary adventure by campfire
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Ready for some ideas of what to fill your pies with? Plan to start your day with scrambled eggs, cheese, and chives. Dive into a mini pizza explosion with sauce, mozzarella, and your favorite toppings. For a gourmet twist, experiment with ingredients like smoked turkey, brie, and cranberry sauce. Unleash your inner apple pie with cinnamon-spiced fruit filling. With a dollop of Nutella, a handful of marshmallows, and perhaps a sprinkle of cinnamon, campers can create a delicious dessert — the possibilities are only limited by your imagination.
It’s time to ditch the stale graham crackers and forget the burnt marshmallows. Grab your pie iron, fire up the flames, and let the paninis of the open fire take you on a delicious journey. Gather around, tell stories, and share the warmth of the fire and the food. It’s a communal experience that goes beyond simply filling your belly. It’s about creating memories, one perfectly toasted bite at a time. As the aroma of toasting bread and melting cheese wafts through the campsite, it becomes clear that mountain pies are not just a meal but a culinary adventure that enhances the joy of camping.
