There’s something truly magical about cooking over an open fire with a camp oven. Whether you’re camping by the beach, in the woods, or by a serene lake, the warmth and delicious aroma of a hearty meal simmering away is a camping tradition that goes back generations. Camp ovens, also known as Dutch ovens, offer endless possibilities, and with a little creativity, you can turn simple ingredients into mouthwatering feasts. Here, we explore some of the best camp oven recipes that will elevate your next outdoor adventure.
1. Classic Camp Oven Damper
A staple in Australian camping cuisine, the camp oven damper is a simple yet satisfying bread that’s perfect for soaking up stews or enjoying with butter and jam.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups self-raising flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup milk
Method:
- Mix the flour and salt in a bowl, then gradually add water and milk to form a dough.
- Shape the dough into a round loaf and place it in a greased camp oven.
- Cook over hot coals for 25–30 minutes, checking for a golden crust.
- Serve with butter or your favourite spread.
2. Camp Oven Beef Stew
There’s nothing like a hot, hearty beef stew after a long day outdoors. Packed with tender beef, vegetables, and rich flavours, this camp oven recipe is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- 1kg beef chuck steak, diced
- 4 potatoes, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef stock
- Salt, pepper, and herbs (thyme, rosemary) to taste
Method:
- Heat the camp oven over coals and brown the beef.
- Add onions, garlic, carrots, and potatoes, stirring until slightly softened.
- Pour in the beef stock and season with herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the camp oven with a lid and simmer over coals for 1–2 hours, or until the beef is tender and the stew is thick.
3. Camp Oven Roast Lamb
A camp oven can handle slow-roasting just as well as your kitchen oven. This camp oven roast lamb recipe is perfect for a special outdoor dinner, delivering tender meat that falls off the bone.
Ingredients:
- 1 leg of lamb (approx. 2kg)
- 4 cloves garlic, sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetables for roasting (potatoes, carrots, pumpkin)
Method:
- Preheat the camp oven over hot coals.
- Make small incisions in the lamb and insert garlic slivers and rosemary.
- Rub the lamb with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the lamb in the camp oven and roast for about 1.5 to 2 hours, turning occasionally.
- Add vegetables around the lamb in the last 45 minutes of cooking for a complete meal.
4. Camp Oven Chicken Casserole
This chicken casserole is rich, creamy, and perfect for feeding a hungry group after a day of hiking or exploring. It’s easy to make and full of comforting flavours.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups chicken stock
- Salt, pepper, and mixed herbs
Method:
- Brown the chicken thighs in a hot camp oven until golden on all sides.
- Add onions, carrots, and mushrooms, cooking until soft.
- Pour in the cream of mushroom soup and chicken stock, then season with herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thick.
5. Camp Oven Apple Cobbler
No camping trip is complete without a delicious dessert, and this camp oven apple cobbler is the perfect way to end a meal. It’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 6 green apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup self-raising flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
Method:
- Place the apples, sugar, cinnamon, and butter in the camp oven. Cook over low heat until the apples are softened.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and milk to form a batter.
- Pour the batter over the apple mixture and cover the camp oven.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.
Cooking in a camp oven not only provides you with delicious meals but also enhances the camping experience, bringing people together around the fire. Whether you’re baking bread, roasting a lamb, or indulging in a sweet apple cobbler, these recipes are sure to make your next outdoor adventure a memorable one. Experiment with different ingredients, get creative with spices, and enjoy the simplicity and flavour that camp oven cooking brings to your table in the wild.