Table of Contents Show
Cooking over an open fire can be one of the best parts of a rustic camping trip. But it doesn’t have to be limited to hot dogs and s’mores.
With simple pieces of equipment like a pie iron, you can dramatically expand your campfire and on-the-go cooking arsenal with delicious sweet and savory treats.
So let’s take a look at some of the best pie iron recipes and how to make them.
What Is a Pie Iron?
A pie iron is a simple cooking device designed for use over an open flame. In some ways, it resembles a waffle iron minus any electrical connection. Two cast iron plates connect at a hinge which allows them to swing open or secure tightly shut.
These plates are attached to a long handle that enables cooks to hold the pie iron over the fire and flip it as necessary.
- IDEAL FOR CAMPING - This sturdy campfire pie iron will transform your camping experience into a true family hit. Easier...
- CAST IRON - Durable & pre-seasoned, the camping pie maker cast iron is non-stick, high heat resistant, & rust-proof if...
Why Is It Called a Pie Iron?
While true “pies,” as many people think of them, are not from pie irons, they share a similar concept. The clamping motion of the closed pie iron essentially crimps whatever is put inside, partially sealing it.
Think of sandwiches made in a pie iron as “hand pies” or empanadas, and the concept and name should make more sense.
As for the “iron” portion, that’s simply a reflection of the traditional material used to make them – cast iron. Many are still made out of this durable, long-lasting material today.
How Do You Clean and Season a Pie Iron?
Like all cast iron products, you should clean pie irons promptly after use for proper care.
Contrary to what many believe, it’s completely fine to use soap on a properly seasoned cast iron item, which most are when purchased. However, many will come clean with only warm water and gentle scrubbing.
Afterward, dry the pie iron and coat it with a light layer of oil or shortening. Finally, heat the cast iron over a grill or in an oven until it smokes to complete the reseasoning process, which preserves the pan and its natural nonstick properties.
Savory Pie Iron Recipes
Some of the best pie iron recipes aren’t for pies at all! These savory treats are as delicious as they are simple to make.
Pie Iron Pizza
Ingredients: Pizza/biscuit dough, pizza sauce or sauce of choice, shredded mozzarella/Italian cheese, toppings of choice
Preparation: Who needs delivery pizza when you have this pie iron version? Simply spread the dough over the two halves of the pie iron and top with sauce and cheese.
Add toppings, and then close the pie iron. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the interior is hot and melted.
Pie Iron Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients: Bread, sliced ham, sliced cheese, butter or mayonnaise
Preparation: A toasted ham and cheese sandwich is among the simplest comforts. Butter (or coat with mayo) the outside of two pieces of bread and place them on each side of the pie iron.
Layer slices of ham and cheese, then close and toast until bread is golden brown or to the desired doneness.
Pie Iron PB&J
Ingredients: Bread, peanut (or any nut) butter, jelly or jam
Preparation: How can you improve on a classic like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Toast it in a pie iron, of course! The heat of the fire will help make it nice and gooey, amping up the salty and sweet mixture.
Spray the inside of the pie iron with non-stick spray. Put one slice of bread on one side, add the nut butter and jelly (or jam), and place the other slice on top. Close the pie iron and cook for approximately five minutes, checking periodically.
Pie Iron Breakfast Bake
Ingredients: Bread, egg, breakfast meat or sliced cold cuts, sliced or shredded cheese
Preparation: Pie irons can produce delicious food, no matter the meal – including breakfast! First, you’ll need to pre-fry your egg and breakfast meat if it needs to be cooked.
Then, place two pieces of bread into your greased pie iron and top them with your eggs, meat, and a slice of cheese. Close the pie iron and toast briefly to melt the cheese and warm the sandwich.
Pie Iron Quesadillas
Ingredients: Tortillas (corn or flour), shredded cheese, pre-cooked chicken/beef/pork/veggies, refried or black beans
Preparation: For some simple Mexican flair, it doesn’t get better or easier when it comes to pie iron recipes than a quesadilla. Place a tortilla on each side of the greased pie iron. Add cheese to one side, then top with pre-cooked meats, veggies, and beans.
Finish off with another sprinkling of cheese, and then close together. Cook until the tortillas are lightly toasted and the cheese has melted enough to hold the quesadilla together.
Pie Iron Chicken and Pesto Wraps
Ingredients: Flour tortilla, prepared pesto, pre-cooked chicken breast, shredded cheese (mozzarella or other)
Preparation: Pie iron chicken and pesto wraps are as easy and sophisticated-tasting. First, you’ll need to pre-cook your chicken breast, seasoning as desired. Italian seasonings work well in this case.
Next, place the tortilla in the greased pie iron, and spread a spoonful of pesto onto it. Add the cooked chicken and top with a sprinkling of cheese. Fold the wrap into a burrito shape on one side of the pie iron and then close. Toast until the tortilla is lightly browned and warmed through.
Keep in Mind: Cast iron cookware scares a lot of people, but these Tips for Camping With a Dutch Oven will help you to make delicious camping meals!
Sweet Pie Iron Recipes
If the idea of a pie has your sweet tooth craving some dessert, there are plenty of sweet, delicious treats you can make with a pie iron. Here are a few of the easiest and tastiest sweet pie iron recipes.
Pie Iron S’mores
Ingredients: Bread (cinnamon swirl or sweet bread preferred), mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, crumbled graham crackers
Preparation: Pie iron s’mores may be one of the pie iron recipes that exceed their original versions. Start by placing two slices of bread into a greased pie iron.
Cinnamon swirl or other types of sweet bread work well for this. Top with mini marshmallows, chocolate, and a bit of crushed graham cracker.
Close the pie iron and cook over the fire until the chocolate and marshmallow have melted together. Unlike traditional s’mores, this pie iron version doesn’t crumble and make a mess but still keeps that delicious graham cracker taste and texture.
Ingredients: Prepared cookie dough
Preparation: When it comes to simple and delicious, pie iron cookies take the cake. All you need to do is press the prepared cookie dough into each side of the pie iron and close it.
Unlike other pie iron recipes, campers should cook this one with the iron open. In 10 to 12 minutes, the two large cookies will be ready to eat.
Pie Iron Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients: Prepared pie crust, canned pumpkin pie filling, whipped cream (optional)
Preparation: There’s no need to wait until Thanksgiving for this fall-flavored treat. Simply spread the prepared pie crust into each side of the pie iron and top one side with pumpkin pie filling.
Close and cook over the fire for approximately five minutes on each side. After removing it from the pie iron, top your pie with whipped cream for extra flavor and flair.
Pie Iron Apple Turnover
Ingredients: Prepared biscuit dough/pie crust, canned apple pie fillings, marshmallows
Preparation: This old-fashioned American treat comes with just a few ingredients and minutes in the pie iron. Place a biscuit (or portion of pie dough) on each side of a greased pie iron.
Top one side with apple pie filling and the other with a marshmallow. Close and cook for roughly 10 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown.
Keep in Mind: How Many of These Camping Food Favorites Have You Tried? Click the link to see what foods you’re missing out on!
Spice Up Your Camping Trip With These Pie Iron Recipes
Camping food can be charming and rustic, but there’s no need for it to be boring or bland. All it takes is your trusty pie iron, a versatile device that’s as simple to use as it is easy to transport and clean.
With these pie iron recipes, you’ll never have to worry about unappetizing or difficult meals and desserts around the campfire ever again.
Last update on 2024-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
