There’s nothing better than food made over the campfire! What better than to make your own hot pockets in a pie iron! 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 campfire 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 and 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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Before we share our favorite 15 delicious mountain pie recipes, let’s learn what is a pie iron, how to season, use and 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, they are typically made of a cast iron (or the good ones are!) two-piece casement with a clasp attached to a long handle that is used to grill, bake or create hot pocket meals, pies and snacks right over the campfire.
Take it from me, you get what you pay for. While there are cheap pudgie pie makers out on the market, these are the best. I can’t tell you how many imposter pie makers I’ve thrown away because they don’t cook properly or the food sticks atrociously.
These are our three favorite Rome pie irons (click each for details):
| Double Pie Iron
| Round Pie Iron
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How do you season cast iron?
When you get your cast pie iron, you’re going to need to season it. Rinse it with straight water and wipe out thoroughly. Then, cover the inside and outside of your pie iron halves with Crisco shortening. Place them on the grill or into your campfire for about 15 minutes.
After about 8 minutes, flip them over and place back on the grill or in the campfire. Then, allow to cool completely. Wipe out with a clean cloth. Never clean your cast iron with soap and water. This will de-season it and you’ll have to scrub and re-season your campfire pie maker all over again.
How do you cook in a pie iron?
Before making your mountain pies, you’ll first need to wipe them out with a clean cloth and grease each pan. Make certain you get into the corners. Then, follow any of the recipe ideas below. Latch them shut and stick on a hot bed of coals or on your grill.
Read more: Top 10 PORTABLE FIRE PITS for RVs and Camping
After you’ve left your pie iron on the coals for about five to ten minutes, flip it over. The first few times, you’ll have to experiment to see how different ingredients cook. 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 before biting into.
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 barbecue grill or camp stove. Heck, you can even use it over your propane fire pit as well! However, know it may take a little longer for your hot pockets to cook. 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.
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How do you clean it?
To make cleanup a breeze, I recommend using a scrubber set made for cast iron cookware. Just make certain you allow your pie irons to cool thoroughly before attempting to clean. Just fill your sink or camp 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.
And, to help make cleanup even easier, you can use parchment paper instead of using nonstick spray.
Differences in types
Personally, we prefer the Rome square pie iron because of their size, weight and the fact that slices of bread fit better in them. However, a close second are the round pie irons as they are fun for some of the mountain pies and desserts below. The smallest round tortillas fit perfectly.
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, though you can make two pies at one time, they are a little heavier to handle.
As I mentioned above, when selecting your pie iron, keep in mind that cheap isn’t the way to go. There are several brands out there. Read the reviews. But one that I stand by is good quality cast iron cookware that is used in high heat situations and campfires is best.
BREAKFAST
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
Don’t have a pie iron yet? Check out the Rome square pie iron. It’s the top-rated pie iron on Amazon for good reason.
LUNCH, DINNER or ANYTIME
Caprese Mountain Pie
Looking for a little healthier pudgy pie option?! Yummy fresh mozz, 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!
DESSERT
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
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:
Final Thoughts on these Pie Iron Recipes
What did you think of all of those delicious pudgy pie ideas! 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 fun pie iron recipe books:
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