15 Best Things to Cook on a Fire Pit

 

Spending a warm summer’s afternoon or a crisp autumn evening around the fire with good friends and great food is an old-fashioned American pastime. With more of us spending more time at home, it’s no surprise that more and more people are investing in easy and affordable home improvements like firepits.

When you hear the term fire pit, chances are images of roasted marshmallows and s’mores come to mind. But did you know it’s possible to cook over a fire pit too?

Any high-quality fire pit can handle charcoal and wood, allowing you to roast, fry, and grill. Let’s discuss some of the best things to cook on a fire pit to make your backyard gatherings unforgettable.

 

The Fun of Fire Pit Cooking

Grill masters rejoice because cooking over a fire pit is as viable as cooking in your kitchen! The fun of fire pit cooking lets you show your skills and serve memorable dishes. Whether you’re looking to rustle up dinner or a few firepit snacks with a cold beer, there’s nothing more exciting than igniting your fire pit.

Fire pits are becoming more popular too. There’s no beating the classic fire pit, with 57% of Americans saying this is the model they prefer at home. So, why is fire pit cooking such a joy?

• Create a cozy atmosphere in your backyard in any season
• Host fun and unique backyard parties for family and friends
• Fire pit cooking is something you can do throughout the whole year
• There are few limits on what you can cook over a fire pit
• Relax and unwind in the company of loved ones and crackling flames

Amateurs and grill masters alike can get great food and fun experiences out of a fire pit, making you the envy of your neighborhood.

 

15 Best Things to Cook on a Fire Pit

Cooking on a fire pit starts with getting inspired. If you’re using one of these backyard staples for the first time, what dishes can you cook on a fire pit?

The short answer is: it depends on which fire pit you have. Some fire pits can only accommodate roasting, whereas others offer full grilling capabilities. Choose your fire pit model carefully before writing down your menu for the evening. Remember, anything you can do on the barbeque you can do with a grill-ready fire pit.

Ready to impress with some fire pit cooking? Here’s a comprehensive list of the best foods to cook over a campfire-style fire pit at home.

 

1. BBQ Baked Beans

Take your backyard setup to the next level with a fire pit and campfire BBQ baked beans. These beans are packed with protein and incredibly hearty. Don’t be afraid to make them your main course because they will fill you up quickly. BBQ baked beans are also excellent toppings for hot dogs and burgers if you feel indulgent.

 

2. Grilled BBQ Chicken

Classic BBQ chicken is always a winner when grilling over a fire pit. While chicken might not sound like the most interesting dish to grill up, giving it that savory BBQ twist elevates it. Any cut of chicken works, but crispy drumsticks are the most convenient if you’ve got a large party. Drench your chicken in BBQ sauce, and you have the perfect dish.

 

3. Grilled Pork Chops and BBQ Rub

Pork chops are succulent, delectable, and packed with flavor. Grilled pork chops are perfect for those summer nights with family and friends. Who doesn’t love pork chops straight off the grill? Your pork chops are your blank canvas, so combine them with a BBQ rub of your own making. Try combining sweet and savory for a fantastic combination.

 

4. Grilled Steak Tacos

Tired of throwing a steak on the grill? Try spicing things up with a plate of grilled steak tacos. These delicious tacos are ideal when you have guests you want to impress. Grilled steak tacos can fit in with a Mexican-themed night, or you can set up some sides and let your guests build their own tacos instead. Note that this recipe works with any meat, so feel free to swap out the steak for pork, chicken, or even venison.

 

5. Campfire Cinnamon Rolls

Thought you could only make savory dishes with a fire pit? Think again! Bring cinnamon rolls to the party with a smoky, campfire spin. To make this recipe, you need cinnamon, sugar, and crescent rolls to create these sticky snacks. Just make sure you don’t roll them too thick, they should be nice and thin so they cook thoroughly. Cinnamon rolls can serve as a breakfast or a dessert, making them a versatile choice for any event.

 

6. Grilled Skewers

Skewers are one of the most versatile fire pit cooking options — you can skewer anything! From grilled veggies to succulent chicken to perfectly sauteed steak bites, the skewer world is your oyster. The best part is, it’s also fast and easy! Want to sweeten things up a bit? Try making dessert skewers with marshmallows and other sweet treats.

 

7. Grilled Bananas

Bring a taste of the Caribbean to the party with grilled bananas. This popular dish across the Caribbean has also made its way to the US thanks to its ease and incredible flavor. Another perk to this dish? You can customize them however you want! Grilled bananas can dry out quickly, so you must get the timing right. Load your bananas with cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup to ensure they maintain their juiciness and offer a mighty sweet kick.

 

8. Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Who doesn’t love the epic combination of macaroni and cheese? This is another surprising dish you can cook over the fire pit. Putting the cheese and macaroni together will require a little prep work, but once you’re ready, throw it on the fire and wait a few minutes for the cheese to melt and the macaroni to cook. Hosting a younger crowd? Mac ‘n’ cheese is an excellent choice for children’s parties, family gatherings, and neighborhood get-togethers.

 

9. Classic S’mores

 The s’more is a staple of camping, so if you can’t get out into the woods, why not bring camping home? All fire pits can accommodate roasting. Simply purchase a roasting stick or two to make this campfire classic, place a marshmallow on your stick, and hold it over the fire for gooey chocolate-y goodness. Remove the marshmallow when it has been roasted to your preference, add a piece of chocolate, and mash it between a pair of graham crackers for a childhood favorite.

 

10. Popcorn

Campfire popcorn is one of the best fire pit food ideas for filling your yard with that delicious smell while hosting an outdoor movie night. To make popcorn over a fire pit, you will need a disposal pie pan, popcorn kernels, and a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Feel free to add sugar, salt, or butter for extra seasoning. While you could throw the popcorn in the microwave, making it over the fire pit is much more fun!

 

11. Cowhorn Biscuits

Cowhorn biscuits are another simple recipe for your new fire pit. These biscuits require nothing more than canned biscuits and something to roast them with. Place the biscuit dough on a grill over the open fire until it’s completely crispy. Alternatively, you can roast it with a stick like s’mores. Customize your biscuits with eggs, cheese, chocolate, or peanut butter and jelly. Try roasting these biscuits and dipping them in a jar of Nutella for a sweet Southern-style dessert!

 

12. Barbecued Burgers

Barbecued burgers are a spin on the classic burger. Create a crunchy exterior with a caramelized inside for a fun new way to enjoy a classic. Burgers are among the most versatile things to cook over a fire pit because you can do anything you want with them. You’re not restricted to beef. Opt for chicken, pork, or even a vegan-friendly alternative.

 

13. Marinated Pork Ribs

Marinated pork ribs are the ultimate barbecue food. Grab your rack of ribs and cook how you would on any of your other cooking implements. Grill masters know that the key to spectacular pork ribs is the marinade. Take the time to create a flavorful marinade, and give your ribs time to absorb as much as possible. The more time you give them, the more flavor your ribs have.

 

14. Honey BBQ Chicken Kabobs

BBQ chicken kabobs are designed to be tender and loaded with sauce. Mixing up honey with barbeque sauce will transform your chicken. Not sure where to start? The secret to great kabobs is in the sauce. With the right mixture of honey and barbecue sauce, you should taste sweet, tangy, and meaty in a single bite.

 

15. Marinated Grilled Salmon

Meat isn’t the only thing you can cook in the backyard. Salmon is one of the best things to cook on a fire pit over the warm summer months. Salmon is a delicate fish filled with flavor, vitamins, and minerals. Like meat, the quality of your fish dish will depend on the marinade. Bring together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and olive oil for a simple yet impactful marinade.

 

Elevate Your Backyard Parties with Grillscapes

The best things to cook on a fire pit are anything you want. Today’s fire pits are versatile and can accommodate just about anything an outdoor grill or smoker can.

At Grillscapes, we sell premium fire pits designed for grill masters looking to put on a show to amateur cooks looking for a place to roast their marshmallows. We stock premium brands all under one roof, along with all the equipment you need to start cooking. Whether you prefer the sleek and timeless Lynx grills or you’re more of a Twin Eagles fan, we’ve got a huge collection of backyard must-haves.

To find out which outdoor fire pits are available now, shop for outdoor fire pits with Grillscapes today.