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Hobo pies are a popular camping meal. They’re not only cost-effective, but they can also be incredibly delicious.
While their name may sound insensitive, it’s rather fitting, especially considering its history. However, this delicacy has withstood the test of time and become a favorite for many campers.
Today, we’ll examine why it’s called hobo pie and how you can enjoy it. Let’s get cooking!
What Are Hobo Pies?
Hobo Pies, also known as pudgy pies, are an easy but satisfying meal you can enjoy with your loved ones around a campfire. Hobo pies are hard to describe because few things are like them. You could compare it to a fire-grilled Hot Pocket.
Campers place two pieces of bread into each side of a pie iron. They then put ingredients onto the bread. Once satisfied with the contents, they close the device and place it over a fire. When it finishes cooking, you can remove it from the fire. Place it somewhere safe where it can cool for several minutes. If you’re too quick to bite into it, the insides will be scorching hot and burn your mouth.
History of Hobo Pies
Hobo pies first started making an appearance during the Great Depression. Brave individuals traveling from town to town searching for work needed something to eat. Because they are hearty, easy to prepare, and portable, hobo pies became popular.
While the Great Depression ended many years ago, hobo pies have remained a beloved meal. They’re popular with campers and outdoor enthusiasts. Many enjoy trying out different fillings and cooking methods to see if they can enhance them even more.
As campfire chefs honed their skills, they’ve expanded to be more than the main course. Today, people fill their bellies with hobo pies for dessert and snacks. When it comes to making a hobo pie, nothing is off-limits.
What Is a Hobo Pie Maker?
A hobo pie maker, also known as a pie iron, is a long-handle metal cooking tool held over a fire to cook a hobo pie. It’s the equivalent of a hot dog roasting stick but for hobo pies. It will be challenging, if not impossible, to cook this dish without one of these makers. If making multiple for a meal, consider getting several roasters so everyone can eat simultaneously.
While they come in various shapes, square and circular are the most common. Although, you can find some that have decorative designs or shapes. These can show off your personality and make the entire experience more fun.
How to Make the Perfect Hobo Pie
Just because you want to keep it simple doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself to a tasty meal. If you’re trying your hand at hobo pies, you might as well make it a great one. Here are a few tips to help you achieve the perfect pie.
Pro Tip: Before testing out your new pie iron, be sure to read Try These Drool-Worthy Pie Iron Recipes!
Prepare Your Fire
Creating the perfect hobo pie requires you to get a fire going. In this instance, it doesn’t matter how you get your fire going. Despite this, the ultimate goal is to get an even bed of hot coals. These will help to ensure your creation cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Once the fire has settled and you have those beautiful glowing embers, it’s time to get cooking! Use a fire poker to spread them out evenly. You’ll be biting into a delicious hobo pie soon!
Butter or Grease the Pie Iron
One of the biggest mistakes many newbies make is not buttering or greasing the pie iron. You’ll need to generously lather the pie iron inside to prevent the bread or dough from sticking.
Not only does prepping your iron keep your pie from sticking, but it also adds flavor to your finished product. Alternatively, you can butter your bread or dough before adding it to the iron. This helps ensure you get an even coating on the entire surface.
Assemble Your Hobo Pie
Once you’ve added your bread or dough to each side of the iron, it’s time to assemble your pie. Another mistake many rookies make is applying filling to both sides of the pie iron. This overfills the space. Not only are you creating a giant mess, but you’re also wasting ingredients.
Remember, there are no limits when creating your hobo pie. You can use whatever you’ve got to make something delicious. You’ll find everything from apple cinnamon to pizza fillings. Put your creativity to work and see what you create.
Cook Over the Fire
If you thought cooking a hot dog was easy, wait until you try hobo pies. Unlike hot dogs and roasted marshmallows, you’ll want to place your pie iron directly into the flames or hot coals. The heat generated will cook the inside while toasting the bread and sealing the flavors inside.
The cooking time of your hobo pie will depend on the heat of your fire. Nevertheless, you can typically expect to let it sit on each side for at least five to 10 minutes. Make sure to rotate it so both sides have time to cook evenly.
Serve and Enjoy
Once your hobo pie finishes cooking, remove it from the fire. Remember, the piece of iron sat in the fire for several minutes. It’s likely going to be dangerously hot. You must be extremely careful when handling it. Open the hobo pie maker and place the contents onto a plate. Let it sit for several minutes before you cut or bite into it.
Depending on the type of pie you create, you can use condiments and other items to spruce it up even further. Can you imagine how delicious the apple cinnamon hobo pie would be with a scoop or two of ice cream? Or some marinara dipping sauce for the pizza version? Yum!
Give Hobo Pies a Try
Hobo Pies are highly customizable, which makes them perfect for feeding groups with various preferences. With infinite possibilities, you can create a hobo pie for just about everyone. This food item should be a part of every camping trip. Pick up some hobo pie makers before your next outing if you have yet to try one.
