Loaded Campfire Potatoes Recipe

Loaded campfire potatoes are a great way for youth to learn outdoor cooking skills. This recipe teaches them how to prepare food over a charcoal fire, which builds confidence and self-reliance. Campfire potatoes are simple to make, so Scouts of all ages can get involved and practice cooking in a safe way.

Working with basic ingredients like potatoes, onion, and bacon helps youth understand cooking from scratch. They learn how to wash, peel, cut, and cook food over an open fire. This hands-on experience is different from cooking in a kitchen. It’s practical and encourages patience and teamwork.

Preparing loaded campfire potatoes also helps youth gain experience with a Dutch oven, a traditional piece of outdoor cooking equipment. Learning to handle a Dutch oven safely can be a valuable skill for camping and backpacking trips. Scouts can see how heat from the charcoal affects the cooking process and learn to manage cooking times outdoors.

Finally, campfire potatoes offer a chance for Scouts to enjoy the results of their work together. Cooking and eating as a group builds camaraderie. Youth can share in the success of a meal they prepared themselves, making campfire potatoes a tasty and rewarding dish to make on any camping adventure.

The Loaded Campfire Potatoes recipe connects with Scouting in many ways. Cooking over a campfire is a classic Scouting activity that teaches youth basic outdoor skills. By making campfire potatoes, Scouts practice using a Dutch oven, cooking with charcoal, and preparing simple ingredients. These skills are part of Scouting’s focus on outdoor learning and practical life skills.

This recipe also supports teamwork, which is a core part of Scouting. Scouts can work together to gather ingredients, prep the food, and tend to the fire. Each step gives them a chance to communicate, follow directions, and help each other. Working as a team to make a delicious meal builds a sense of accomplishment.

The recipe is also a good way for Scouts to practice safety. Cooking over charcoal requires careful attention. Scouts learn about fire safety, handling hot equipment, and using tools like knives responsibly. These are all valuable lessons that extend beyond the campsite and help build lifelong habits.

Finally, making campfire potatoes allows Scouts to enjoy the results of their efforts. Cooking and sharing a meal outdoors creates a sense of connection and tradition. It brings Scouts together and strengthens friendships, which is what Scouting is all about.

Equipment / Materials

• Charcoal fire (16 briquettes)
• Cast iron Dutch oven with lid
• Spatula or fork
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Heat-resistant gloves (for safety)

Ingredients

• 4 large potatoes
• 1 onion
• 6 strips of bacon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese
• Sour cream (optional)
• Chives (optional)

Setup Instructions

1. Prepare a charcoal fire with 16 briquettes.
2. Place the Dutch oven on a level surface, ready to use.
3. Organize all ingredients and tools nearby for easy access.

Recipe Instructions

1. Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Dice the onion.
3. Heat the Dutch oven over the charcoal fire.
4. Cook the bacon in the Dutch oven until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside.
5. Sauté the onion in the bacon grease until it begins to soften.
6. Add the potatoes to the Dutch oven and stir with the onion to mix.
7. Cover the Dutch oven and move 8 briquettes to the top of the lid.
8. Let the potatoes cook for about 30 minutes, until they are tender.
9. Crumble the cooked bacon over the potatoes.
10. Sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top. Add sour cream and chives if desired.

Notes

• Safety: Use heat-resistant gloves when handling the Dutch oven and lid. Avoid placing hands directly over the hot charcoal.
• Recipe Variations: Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or garlic with the onions for extra flavor. For a spicy kick, add a dash of chili powder or red pepper flakes with the potatoes.

Click here for a printable copy of the Loaded Campfire Potatoes Recipe

Camping Recipes

Looking for more delicious and easy campfire recipes for Scouts? Check out the Camping Recipes page on my website! Here, you’ll find a variety of simple, practical recipes perfect for outdoor cooking with minimal equipment. These meals go beyond basics like hot dogs and s’mores, helping Scouts learn cooking skills and outdoor safety. Each recipe is designed for ease and enjoyment, making camp cooking fun and rewarding for all. Visit Camping Recipes for more ideas to inspire your next adventure.

Dutch Oven Cooking

Also check out my Dutch Oven Cooking page! You’ll find tips on choosing and using Dutch ovens, along with easy, Scout-friendly recipes like stews and cobblers. These recipes use simple ingredients and steps, making them ideal for beginners learning outdoor cooking and safety. Dutch oven meals are perfect for teaching Scouts practical cooking skills in a fun, hands-on way. Visit Dutch Oven Cooking for recipes and ideas to bring more tasty campfire meals to your group.

What Scouts Learn Beyond the Meal

Can I make campfire potatoes without a Dutch oven?

Yes, you can use heavy-duty foil instead. Place the potatoes, onions, and bacon in a large piece of foil and fold it tightly to seal. Cook the foil packet on the charcoal or campfire for about 30 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking.

How do I keep the potatoes from sticking to the Dutch oven?

To prevent sticking, keep a bit of bacon grease in the Dutch oven after frying the bacon. Stir the potatoes occasionally as they cook. If needed, add a small amount of oil.

Can I make loaded campfire potatoes with other toppings?

Yes, feel free to customize. Try adding sliced bell peppers, diced ham, jalapeños, or even scrambled eggs at the end for a breakfast version. Get creative with your favorite toppings!

What type of charcoal should I use for campfire potatoes?

Regular charcoal briquettes work well. Arrange 8 briquettes under the Dutch oven and 8 on the lid to ensure even heat.

How can I tell when the potatoes are done?

Check the potatoes by poking them with a fork. They should be soft and easy to pierce. If they are still firm, cover and cook for another 5-10 minutes.

How can I make campfire potatoes at home?

You can make this recipe in your oven at home. Use a Dutch oven or a covered baking dish. Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Loaded Campfire Potatoes are an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe for camping or outdoor cooking. This dish combines basic ingredients like potatoes, onions, and bacon, all cooked in a Dutch oven over a charcoal fire. The result is a warm, cheesy, and filling dish that pairs well with any main meal at camp. Scouts and campers of all ages can enjoy making and eating these potatoes, especially because the recipe is straightforward and simple to customize.

Cooking these potatoes over a campfire teaches Scouts basic outdoor cooking skills. The recipe uses a Dutch oven, which requires careful heat management and cooking techniques different from those at home. From learning to prepare a charcoal fire to monitoring cooking time, Scouts build confidence as they go through each step. Working with fire safely and cooking as a team is also a big part of this recipe, adding even more value to the experience.

Loaded Campfire Potatoes are easy to adjust. You can add extra ingredients like peppers, jalapeños, or garlic for extra flavor, or top them with sour cream and chives for a classic baked-potato twist. This flexibility makes the recipe a great choice for groups with different tastes. It’s a simple but rewarding dish that turns a few basic ingredients into something delicious.

The best part of making Loaded Campfire Potatoes is sitting down together to enjoy them. Cooking and eating as a group strengthens friendships and gives Scouts a chance to relax and enjoy the food they’ve worked hard to prepare. With each bite, they experience the satisfaction of making a tasty, hearty dish out in the great outdoors.