Campfire Pizza Bake Recipe

There’s something magical about cooking over a campfire. The smell of woodsmoke, the crackling flames, and the satisfying sizzle of food coming to life—it’s an experience that makes even the simplest meals taste better. One of my all-time favorite campfire recipes is this easy and delicious Campfire Pizza Bake. It’s the perfect blend of crispy, cheesy, and smoky flavors, and best of all, it requires almost no prep work.

this RECIPE

I first made this recipe on a summer camping trip with friends. We were all starving after a long day of hiking, and the idea of making individual pizzas over the fire felt too time-consuming. Someone had brought a loaf of French bread, and before we knew it, we were stuffing it with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Wrapped in foil and placed over the fire, it melted into a gooey, crispy, pizza-filled masterpiece. We devoured every bite, and from that moment on, it became a must-have for every camping trip.

A quick history of pizza-inspired camping meals

Pizza might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of campfire cooking, but people have been making rustic, fire-cooked flatbreads for centuries. In fact, the earliest versions of pizza were simple doughs baked over open flames, topped with whatever ingredients were available. Fast forward to today, and we have countless creative ways to enjoy pizza outdoors—from grilled pizzas to skillet versions. This Campfire Pizza Bake is a modern, no-fuss twist that brings all the cheesy goodness of pizza to a simple, shareable campfire meal.

Let’s talk ingredients

Each ingredient plays an important role in this recipe, and there are plenty of ways to switch things up depending on what you have on hand.

• French bread: The crispy crust and soft interior make it perfect for holding all the toppings. If you don’t have French bread, you can use ciabatta or even a thick baguette.
• Pizza sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce brings all the familiar pizza flavors. If you’re out of store-bought sauce, try using marinara or even crushed tomatoes with a little garlic and oregano.
• Pepperoni: The star of the show! Its rich, slightly spicy flavor makes this sandwich so satisfying. If pepperoni isn’t your thing, try cooked sausage, ham, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
• Mozzarella cheese: This gives you that perfect, melty, gooey bite. Provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses work just as well if mozzarella isn’t available.

What you’ll need to cook it over the fire

One of the best parts about this recipe is how little equipment it requires. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Aluminum foil: Wrapping the sandwich ensures everything melts evenly and prevents burning. Heavy-duty foil works best.
• A campfire or grill: This can be a traditional campfire with a grate or a barbecue grill. If using a fire, make sure you have a nice bed of hot coals instead of direct flames for even cooking.
• A sharp knife: For slicing the bread and cutting the finished sandwich into servings.

Step-by-step: How to make the perfect campfire pizza bake

Step 1: Prep the bread
Start by slicing your French bread in half lengthwise. If the loaf is particularly thick, you can scoop out a little of the soft interior to make more room for the fillings.

Step 2: Sauce it up
Spread the pizza sauce generously on both sides of the bread. Don’t skimp—you want every bite to have that tangy tomato flavor.

Step 3: Add the toppings
Layer the pepperoni and mozzarella slices, alternating them so you get a good mix in every bite. You can also add extras like olives, bell peppers, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for more flavor.

Step 4: Wrap it up
Put the two halves of the bread back together like a giant sandwich, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Make sure it’s sealed well so the cheese melts properly without leaking.

Step 5: Cook over the fire
Place the foil-wrapped sandwich on a grill grate over a campfire or barbecue. Cook for about 15 minutes, flipping it occasionally to prevent burning. The bread should be warm and crispy, and the cheese fully melted.

Step 6: Slice and serve
Carefully unwrap the sandwich and let it cool for a minute. Then, slice it into portions and dig in!

Fun variations to try

• Veggie-loaded version: Swap out the pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach for a delicious vegetarian option.
• Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra punch.
• Hawaiian twist: Ham and pineapple make a surprisingly good addition to this campfire treat.
• Meat lovers’ dream: Add cooked sausage, bacon, and salami for a fully loaded sandwich.
• Cheeseburger-inspired: Try using ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a little ketchup and mustard instead of pizza sauce.

How to serve it up

This sandwich is already packed with flavor, but if you want to take it up a notch, serve it with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping. A simple side salad or some grilled vegetables also pair well for a more complete meal.

What to drink with your campfire pizza bake

• Classic pairing: A cold beer (especially a light lager or an IPA) goes perfectly with the smoky, cheesy goodness.
• For the kids: A fizzy soda or fruit punch makes it feel like a fun pizza night.
• Wine lovers: A glass of red wine, like a Chianti or Zinfandel, brings out the richness of the pepperoni and cheese.

Storing and reheating leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftovers, wrap them in foil and keep them in a cooler for up to a day. To reheat, place the sandwich back on the grill for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also warm it up in a skillet over a camping stove.

Scaling the recipe up or down

This recipe is super easy to adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding. Just get a larger or smaller loaf of bread and adjust the amount of toppings accordingly. If making it for a big group, consider making multiple sandwiches with different toppings so everyone gets their favorite flavors.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Bread burns before the cheese melts: Make sure you’re cooking over hot coals, not direct flames. Wrapping it in an extra layer of foil can also help.
• Sandwich falls apart: Use enough sauce and cheese to help “glue” everything together, and wrap it tightly in foil.
• Not enough flavor: A sprinkle of garlic powder, oregano, or red pepper flakes can add an extra boost.

Give this campfire pizza bake a try!

Whether you’re out camping or just grilling in the backyard, this Campfire Pizza Bake is a fun, easy meal that delivers big on flavor. It’s customizable, quick to make, and guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. Next time you’re sitting around the fire, give it a shot and make it your own!

FAQs

Can I make this in the oven instead of a campfire?
Yes! Just bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.

What if I don’t have aluminum foil?
You can use a cast iron skillet with a lid or wrap the sandwich in parchment paper before placing it in a covered pan.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the sandwich at home, wrap it in foil, and keep it in a cooler until you’re ready to cook.

What’s the best bread to use?
French bread is ideal, but any sturdy loaf like ciabatta or Italian bread works well.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free baguette or bread of your choice.

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