There’s nothing better than making pie iron recipes over the campfire. What better than to make your own hot pockets with tried and true campfire meal recipes and desserts. Also known as mountain pies, pudgy pies, hot pockets, toaster strudel, hobo pies and campfire pies, these easy-to-make delights have one thing in common. They all are made in a cast iron pie iron.
If you’re looking for inspiring camping recipes, we’re sure you’ll love this pie iron recipe collection by some of our favorite camping food bloggers!
But what exactly is a pie iron, what does it look like and where do you find one of these cast iron campfire sandwich makers?
And, what kind of camping meals can you make without a lot of hassle and that even the pickiest eaters and kids will like?
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Pie Iron Recipes for Camping, BBQs & Backyard Parties
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Before we share our favorite 15 delicious mountain pie recipes, let’s learn what is a pie iron, how to season a pie iron, and how to use a pie iron. And of course, how to clean your pie iron.
What is a pie iron?
Pie irons have been around for a long time. Also known as a camp cooker, campfire sandwich maker, or pudgy pie maker, a good quality pie iron is made of a cast iron two-piece casement with a closure clasp attached to a long handle. You can use to grill, bake or create hot pocket meals, pies and snacks right over the campfire.
But, take it from me, you get what you pay for what pie iron you buy. While there are cheap pudgie pie makers out on the market, in my opinion, Rome pie irons are the best.
Seriously, I can’t tell you how many imposter pie makers I’ve thrown away because they just don’t cook properly or the food sticks atrociously.
Our 3 favorite Rome pie irons (click each for details):
| Double Pie Iron
| Round Pie Iron
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How do you season cast iron?
Before you cook in your cast pie iron, you’re going to need to follow these steps on how to season your pie iron.
- Rinse it with straight water (no soap!)
- Dry your pie iron thoroughly.
- Coat the inside and outside of your pie iron halves with Crisco shortening.
- Place your pie iron over a hot campfire or on the grill for about 15 minutes.
- Halfway through, flip your pie iron over and place it back on the grill or in the campfire.
- Remove from heat source after 15 total minutes and place it on the ground where no one would trip over it or wood picnic table. KEEP CHILDREN AND PETS AWAY!
- Allow your pie iron to cool completely. (Keep children and pets away from it!)
- Wipe out with a clean, dry cloth.
One major thing to remember! Never clean your cast iron with soap! This will de-season it and trust me, you don’t want to do this!
You’ll have a big mess and wasted food because it will stick all the way to high heaven. And, you’ll need to scrub and re-season your campfire pie maker all over again.
During the seasoning process of your pie iron (and cooking), be very careful, it will be super hot! I suggest wearing flame proof gloves or mitt to protect your hands from burns.
How do you cook in a pie iron?
Before making your mountain pies, you’ll first need to wipe your pie iron out with a clean cloth and grease each pan. Make certain you get into the corners.
Build your meal following any of the recipe ideas below. Then, latch after food is snug and secure, shut and carefully stick the pie iron on a hot bed of coals or on your grill.
After your pie iron has been sitting on the coals for about five to ten minutes, flip it over. But don’t forget to use your fire proof gloves.
Different ingredients cook faster than others. I recommend checking every 2-3 minutes until you get your cooking time down.
Once you think your pie is finished cooking, remove from the fire or grill, open the latch and check to see if it’s done. Make sure you check the other side before flipping your pie out onto a plate.
CAUTION: Food will be VERY HOT! Especially those with sauces and sugar fillings. Allow pies to cool a bit before biting into. You may want to break your pie dessert in pieces for small children.
✰✰ READ MORE ✰✰ Top 10 PORTABLE FIRE PITS for RVs and Camping
Can you use a pudgy pie iron over your camp stove or barbecue grill?
Yes, you can use your cast iron sandwich maker over your backyard or camping barbecue grill or camp stove. Heck, you can even use it over your propane fire pit as well!
Just don’t overload your pie iron to the point that food oozes out onto your lava rocks as it cooks.
However, know it may take a little longer for your hot pockets to cook over a grill versus a hot bed of coals. It’s because your pudgie pie maker is further from the direct heat source.
You can also use your pie irons in your home fireplace too! Just be cautious of anything that may ooze or drip out of your pie iron.
✰✰ READ MORE ✰✰ Top 10 PORTABLE GRILLS for RVs & Camping
How do you clean a pie iron?
There are some things you should never do to your cast iron anything; pie irons included. I recommend using a scrubber set made specifically for cast iron cookware.
I don’t recommend using a wire brush that’s made for paint stripping or whatever. Tiny shards from the metal bristles may break off or dislodge into the crevices of your pie iron. Or, you could get a splinter and what good is that?
Before setting out to clean your pie iron, make certain you allow it to cool thoroughly.
Fill your sink or camping wash basin with hot water (NO soap!) and allow your pie iron to soak to loosen any stuck-on food, charcoal and ash.
After about 10-15 minutes, use your scrubber set to scrub off any remnants and grime. Finally, give them a good rinse with hot water.
Finally, rub a little shortening inside your cast iron pie iron halves to preserve and keep them from rusting.
To help make cleanup even easier, you may want to use parchment paper instead of using nonstick spray.
Differences in types of pie irons
Personally, we prefer Rome’s square pie iron because of its’ size and weight. Also, due to the fact that the square slices of bread fit better in them.
However, a close second is the round pie iron as it’s a fun variance for some of the mountain pies and desserts below. Oh! And the smallest round tortillas fit perfectly in the round pudgie pie maker!
If you’re cooking for several, you may prefer the double pie iron (actually rectangular) as it will fit two pies at the same time.
However, do appreciate that the double pie irons are a little heavier to handle. It’s also great for longer slices of bread or bigger tortillas.
And lastly, as prior mentioned, keep in mind that cheap isn’t the way to go when selecting your pie iron. Yes, there are several brands out there. However, sift through and read the reviews. Also pay attention to your fellow campers and grill chefs of which pie iron they’re using.
The one that I stand by is the Rome brand. They are good quality cast iron cookware that is used in high heat situations and campfires is best.
BREAKFAST PIE IRON RECIPIES
Sausage and Egg Hobo Pies
These breakfast hobo pies are a fun and delicious campfire breakfast recipe for all ages! Just a little ground sausage, egg and cheese nestled inside buttered toast will make your family come back for more!
Blueberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
These little breakfast gems can also be a fantastic evening dessert! The sweetness of the blueberries mixed in with the creamy filling nestled between oolala Toast au French!
By: Dirty Gourmet
Breakfast Wraps
Start your day with a campfire, orange juice and this awesome breakfast wrap. Just five ingredients will stay with you on your hike until lunch! It’s deliciously easy to make! You can also make substitutions for special diets too!
By: Campfire Foodie
Stuffed Hash Browns
Lots of goodness going on in this unique pie iron recipe! So, get out the hot sauce (or not!) for this no-bread breakfast recipe that will have your campers coming back for more!
By: Dirty Gourmet
Mountain Monkey Bread
Remember when Grandma made monkey bread in her kitchen for breakfast or late night snack? Oh! The aroma of the cinnamon and butter baking in the oven! YUM! You can make your own Mountain Monkey Bread right on the campfire in your sandwich maker!
By: Get Out Camping and Hiking
✰✰ PRO TIP ✰✰ Don’t have a pie iron yet? Check out the Rome square pie iron. It’s Amazon’s top-rated pie iron for good reason. And, it’s our chose pie iron too!
CAMPFIRE PIE IRON RECIPES for LUNCH, DINNER or ANYTIME
Caprese Mountain Pie
Looking for a little healthier pudgy pie option?! Yummy fresh mozzie, and basil, tomatoes and just-baked bread from the Farmer’s Market tantalize the healthy eaters in your camp!
Chicken Pot Pie
Why buy frozen pot pies when you can make your own chicken pot pie right in your pie iron over the campfire?! These little guys will warm your family up on cool nights under the stars!
By: 50 Campfires
Philly Cheese Steak Quesadilla
Who doesn’t love a good ole Philly Cheese Steak? But, you’re not going all the way to Philly to get it. So, get your pie iron out to make this delicious meaty cheesy hot pocket campfire concoction!
By: Beyond the Tent
Pizza Pockets
Pizza! Pizza! Pie iron pizza pockets will reign in popularity around your campfire! Kids from 1 to 100 will love these mountain pie belly warmers on chilly Friday nights! And the best part is they stay together for easy handling!
Pocket Tacos
You never have to wait for Tuesday to make these pocket tacos! These little meaty Mexican hot pockets will be a favorite with your campers! A couple tortillas, your seasoned meat and cheese with some other additions and it’s fiesta time!
PIE IRON DESSERTS
Campfire Apple Pie with a Twist
Pack this American favorite right in your pie iron and let the campfire do the rest. Put a dollop of vanilla ice cream or your favorite whipped cream will make your tongues dance like the flames of the fire!
Gluten Free Apple Mountain Pie
If you were a fan of those crispy McDonald’s apple pies but couldn’t eat them because of a gluten allergy, you had to reluctantly sit in the back seat and pout. Well, no longer! These gluten-free mountain pies will finally satisfy your craving you’ve waited so long for.
By: Vibrantly G-Free
Pie Iron Cinnamon Buns
Who says you can’t have dessert for breakfast? These cinnamon buns will steal the show at your campfire! Your campers will be arguing who gets to build their cinnamon buns over the fire first!
By: Campfire Foodie
Surprise Chocolate Crescent Pie
Whoa! Who says you can’t have dessert for breakfast? These cinnamon buns will steal the show at your campfire! Your campers will be arguing who gets to build their cinnamon buns over the fire first!
S’mores Mountain Pie
Don’t put out the campfire just yet! Here’s our grand finale campfire favorite; your old fashion s’mores but with a twist! Toasted ooey gooey graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows melted between potato bread slices!
Watch Chef Kristi on her YouTube channel “Thyme to Cook” show you 4 delicious pie iron recipes:
✰✰ PRO TIP ✰✰ Before cooking with fire or open flames, read these important 10 Campfire Safety Tips. Also, make certain there’s no fire bans in place where you’re camping or building your campfire.
Final thoughts on these delicious camping pie iron recipes
What did you think of all of those delicious pie iron recipes? Seriously, you and your family could literally live on mountain pies for every meal and then some!
These little hot pocket concoctions can be eaten right out of the fire. Or, you can wrap them in parchment paper to take on your hike! But not where there’s bears because they’ll want a bite or two too! Bon Appetit!
Check out these easy-to-follow pie iron recipes:
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