Campfire Pizza Bake Recipe

Is there anything more comforting than the smell of melted cheese and pepperoni wafting through the crisp air of a campfire evening? This Campfire Pizza Bake has become a must-have for my family anytime we’re out in the woods—or even just pretending to be with a backyard fire pit. It’s simple, ooey-gooey, and packed with those classic pizza flavors everyone loves, but with a rustic, outdoor twist. Trust me, once you try this, s’mores might just have some competition for your favorite campfire treat!

this RECIPE

I remember the first time we tried this recipe during a family camping trip last summer. We were tired after a long day of hiking, and no one wanted to fuss with pots or pans. My youngest was “starving” (his words, not mine), so I whipped out some French bread and pizza fixings we had packed. As the foil packet sizzled over the fire, the smell of melted mozzarella and sizzling pepperoni had everyone inching closer to the flames. When we finally unwrapped the tinfoil, it was like a cheesy gift we all couldn’t wait to dive into. By the end of the night, not a crumb was left, and my kids declared it their favorite campfire meal ever.

A quick look at the story of pizza on bread

If you’ve ever had French bread pizza, this recipe might feel a little familiar. Using bread as a pizza base isn’t a new idea—in fact, it’s said that early versions of pizza were cooked on flatbread or slices of bread centuries ago in Europe. While traditional Italian pizza dough has since become the standard, bread-based pizza has stuck around for its convenience and charm. And when it comes to cooking outdoors, there’s something rustic and nostalgic about using a loaf of bread as your base—it’s hearty, portable, and holds up beautifully to fire cooking.

Let’s talk ingredients: simple, yet perfect

The beauty of this Campfire Pizza Bake is in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have something irresistible to share.

• French bread: The sturdy structure of French bread makes it perfect for this recipe. It holds up well over the campfire without turning soggy. If you don’t have French bread, ciabatta or a baguette can work in a pinch.
• Pizza sauce: A little goes a long way here. Canned pizza sauce is super convenient, but I’ve also used marinara sauce or even crushed tomatoes seasoned with garlic and oregano when I’ve run out.
• Pepperoni: This adds that signature pizza flavor. Feel free to mix it up with salami, cooked sausage, or even veggies like sliced mushrooms or bell peppers if that’s more your style.
• Mozzarella cheese: The gooey, melty magic of mozzarella is what makes this recipe shine. I like using slices for easy layering, but shredded works too (just pile it on generously). Can’t find mozzarella? Try provolone or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Campfire gear: what you’ll need to pull this off

You won’t need much to whip up this campfire feast, but a few key items will make it easier. First, tinfoil is your best friend here—it keeps the bread from burning while locking in all the cheesy goodness. I recommend heavy-duty foil or doubling up if you’re using thinner foil. If you don’t have a campfire, you can use a grill or even an oven set to 375°F. As for tools, a sturdy bread knife for slicing the loaf and some tongs to safely move the foil packet are all you really need.

Step-by-step: let’s build this campfire pizza bake

1. Slice the bread: Start by cutting your French bread in half lengthwise. It’s important to make an even cut so both sides cook evenly. Don’t worry if your cuts aren’t perfect; this is campfire cooking, not a baking competition!
2. Spread the sauce: Generously slather pizza sauce over the cut sides of the bread. You don’t need to drown it, but make sure it’s evenly spread. This step is where I let the kids help—it’s messy but fun!
3. Layer it up: Alternate slices of pepperoni and mozzarella on each side of the bread. I’ve found that overlapping the slices slightly helps everything meld together as it cooks.
4. Sandwich and wrap: Press the two sides of the bread together, creating a giant pizza sandwich. Wrap it tightly in tinfoil to ensure the cheese doesn’t leak out during cooking.
5. Fire it up: Place the foil packet on the campfire grill or barbecue. Cook for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally to prevent any one side from burning. You’ll know it’s done when the bread is warm, the cheese is gooey, and the pepperoni is slightly crisp around the edges.
6. Slice and serve: Once it’s off the heat, let it sit for a minute before carefully unwrapping the foil (it’ll be hot!). Slice into sandwich-sized portions and serve immediately.

Customizing your pizza bake: endless possibilities

One of the reasons I love this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few fun variations you can try:

• Vegetarian twist: Skip the pepperoni and load up on veggies like mushrooms, spinach, and roasted red peppers. Add a sprinkle of feta for an extra punch of flavor.
• Vegan option: Use dairy-free mozzarella and swap out the pepperoni for plant-based sausage or more veggies.
• Gluten-free option: Replace the French bread with a gluten-free baguette.
• Breakfast version: Swap the sauce for scrambled eggs, add some cooked bacon or sausage, and top with cheddar cheese for a morning campfire treat.
• Regional spin: Experiment with toppings inspired by different cuisines—think barbecue sauce and chicken for a Southern twist, or pesto and fresh tomatoes for an Italian vibe.

Serving ideas: making it feel special

To serve, I like to wrap individual portions in parchment paper for easy, no-mess eating by the fire. Sprinkle a little dried oregano or red pepper flakes on top for extra flavor. Pair it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies if you’re looking to round out the meal. And don’t forget napkins—things are about to get messy in the best way possible!

Drinks that pair perfectly

When it comes to drink pairings, I keep it simple. A chilled beer or sparkling cider works beautifully with the rich, cheesy flavors. If you’re serving this to kids, a fruity punch or even plain lemonade is a great match.

Storing and reheating tips

If you somehow end up with leftovers (rare, but it happens!), let the pizza bake cool completely before wrapping it in fresh foil or storing it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in a cooler with ice packs for up to 2 days. To reheat, toss the foil packet back on the fire or warm it up in an oven. Just know that the bread will lose some of its crispiness after being stored.

Scaling it up or down

Cooking for a crowd? Simply multiply the ingredients and make additional foil packets. For smaller servings, you can cut a smaller section of bread and scale down the toppings. Just remember, smaller portions will cook faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Bread burning: This usually happens if the fire is too hot. Move the foil packet to a cooler spot or turn it more frequently.
• Cheese not melting: The bread might need more time on the heat, or your fire isn’t quite hot enough. Give it a few more minutes, and don’t forget to flip!
• Too soggy: If the bread is too soft, you may have added too much sauce or wrapped it too loosely in the foil.

Give it a try!

This Campfire Pizza Bake is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that brings people together around the fire. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just looking for a fun backyard dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it your own. Don’t forget to share your creative twists in the comments!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of bread?
Absolutely! Ciabatta, baguettes, or even sourdough work great. Just choose a sturdy bread that won’t fall apart when wrapped.

2. Can I make this in the oven instead of a campfire?
Yes! Bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

3. What’s the best way to avoid burning the bread?
Use heavy-duty foil and cook over indirect heat. Turn the foil packet occasionally to prevent hot spots.

4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble the pizza bake ahead of time and keep it wrapped in the fridge or cooler until ready to cook.

5. What other toppings can I use?
Get creative! Try cooked chicken, pineapple, olives, or even jalapeños for a spicy kick.

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