Modern technology has advanced the world of camping so much that you almost never have to go without the creature comforts on a camping trip. But an invention from the 1960s is responsible for bringing you the best creature comfort of all: warm, grilled food, and it all happens fast with pie iron cooking. Whether your hankering is for something sweet or savory, this simple-to-use gadget will get the job done. All you have to do is fill the pie iron with your choice of ingredients, and then take a load off while you cook your meal in the campfire. We’ll even get you started with a few recipes from the authors of Pie Iron Recipes, which you can find, along with a selection of pie irons, at SunnySports!
A pie iron is simply two metal casts connected by a hinge, and each side is attached to a long wooden pole so the user can easily hold it over an open fire, or place it in the coals. They are easy enough for children to use — provided they are supervised, of course. Like the dutch oven, you can find pie irons cast from aluminum and cast iron, with arguments for both over which is superior.
The key to pie iron cooking is butter. An aluminum pan will likely be coated in Teflon, whereas a cast iron pan will become seasoned with regular use, but butter is necessary to provide lubrication between the food and the pan. You can also use cooking spray or vegetable oil. If your pie iron can come unhinged, you can use each individual side as a mini frying pan, possibly negating the need for other cookware. The pie iron is so versatile that breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and snacks can all be made in its iron grasp. Here are just a few delicious foods you can cook up in your pie iron.
Grilled Cheese
It couldn’t be simpler to make this family favorite. Butter one side of two slices of bread and place your favorite cheese between the non-buttered sides. Place the sandwich in the pie iron, close, and toast over an open fire for 4-6 minutes or until toasted. Try adding thinly sliced meat or tomatoes for a more substantial meal!
Breakfast Eggs
For fried eggs, place one egg in each side of an unhinged pie iron. If you prefer scrambled eggs, put one egg on one side of the iron, latch it, and turn it over the fire. For an omelet, add meats, cheese, or vegetables to the eggs, close it, and hold it over the fire until cooked.
Fruit Pie
Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on each side of the pie iron, and add pie filling. Close it up and toast it until it’s golden brown. The best thing about this simple recipe is that you can use any bread or pie filling you like, making it an easy way to make the whole family happy.
Wrapping up our post on pie iron cooking, we thought you might also like: A Beginner’s Guide to Camp Cooking as well as The Basics of Cooking with a Dutch Oven Over a Campfire!
Featured Image from Linda Parton/Shutter Stock
