How to Cook Biscuits While Camping: A Beginner's Guide

Check out our headlamp, tarp pole, and bike light collection!

If you're planning a camping trip, there's nothing quite like waking up to the smell of freshly baked biscuits. Cooking biscuits over a campfire may seem like a daunting task, but with the right equipment and a little know-how, you can whip up a delicious batch in no time. In this article, you'll learn the basics of biscuit cooking while camping, including the equipment you'll need, preparation tips, and several tasty recipes to try.

Before you head out on your camping trip, it's important to prepare for biscuit cooking. Make sure you have all the necessary equipment, such as a Dutch oven or a cast-iron skillet, as well as a good fire pit or stove. You'll also want to plan out your meals in advance and make sure you have all the ingredients you need. Once you have everything you need, you're ready to start cooking up some delicious biscuits in the great outdoors.

Key Takeaways

• To cook biscuits while camping, you'll need the right equipment and preparation.
• There are several delicious biscuit recipes that are perfect for camping.
• Follow safety tips and use alternative ingredients to make your biscuits unique and flavorful.

The Basics of Biscuit Cooking

When it comes to cooking biscuits while camping, it's important to keep things simple. You'll want to start with a basic biscuit recipe that you can easily modify to suit your needs. Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients, including biscuit mix, flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, butter, and milk.

In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients and mix well. Add the butter and use your fingers to mix it into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly. Slowly add the milk, stirring until the dough comes together.

Once the dough has come together, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it gently. Roll the dough out to your desired thickness, then use a biscuit cutter or a glass to cut the biscuits. Place the biscuits onto a greased baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven or over a campfire until they are golden brown.

If you prefer buttermilk biscuits, simply substitute buttermilk for the milk in the recipe. And if you want to get creative, you can add in other ingredients like cheese, herbs, or even bacon to give your biscuits a unique flavor.

Camping Equipment Needed

When it comes to cooking biscuits while camping, you'll need to make sure you have the right equipment on hand. Here are some essentials to consider:

• Dutch Oven: A dutch oven is a great option for cooking biscuits over an open fire. It's a heavy, cast-iron pot with a tight-fitting lid that can be used to bake, roast, or fry food.
• Skillet or Pan: If you're not using a dutch oven, a skillet or pan will work just as well. Cast-iron skillets are a popular choice for camping because they're durable and can be used over an open flame.
• Camp Stove: If you're not planning on cooking over an open fire, a camp stove is a must-have. Look for a compact and portable stove that's easy to set up and use.
• Tongs and Spatula: You'll need tongs and a spatula to handle the biscuits as they cook. Make sure they're heat-resistant and long enough to keep your hands away from the flames.
• Aluminum Foil: Foil can be used to line your cooking surface or wrap your biscuits for cooking. It's lightweight and easy to pack, making it a great addition to your camping gear.
• Pot Holder: A pot holder is essential for handling hot pots and pans. Look for one that's heat-resistant and easy to clean.
• Thermometer: A thermometer can be used to check the temperature of your biscuits as they cook. Look for a digital thermometer that's easy to read and accurate.
• Pie Iron: A pie iron is a fun way to cook biscuits over an open flame. It's a metal sandwich maker that can be used to cook a variety of foods, including biscuits.
• Grill: If you're camping at a site with a grill, you can use it to cook your biscuits. Make sure to clean the grill before using it and use foil to prevent sticking.
• Jar Rings and Foil Pie Plate: If you don't have a dutch oven or skillet, you can use jar rings and a foil pie plate to make a makeshift oven. Place the jar rings on the bottom of the plate and place the biscuits on top. Cover with foil and place over the fire.

With the right equipment, cooking biscuits while camping can be a fun and delicious experience.

Preparation Before Camping

Before you head out on your camping trip, it's important to prepare for making biscuits. You'll need to gather all the necessary ingredients and tools, and plan out your prep time and storage methods.

First, gather your ingredients. You'll need flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and milk. Make sure to measure out the ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate plastic bags or containers.

Next, you'll need a biscuit cutter and a rolling pin. These can be purchased at your local kitchen supply store or online. You can also use a cup or a knife as a makeshift biscuit cutter if you don't have one.

Plan out your prep time. Biscuits can be made ahead of time and stored in a plastic gallon bag or wrapped in plastic wrap. Consider making the dough at home and freezing it until you're ready to use it.

When it comes time to make the biscuits, make sure to follow the recipe carefully. Use a light touch when handling the dough and avoid overworking it. This will ensure that your biscuits are light and fluffy.

By following these preparation steps, you'll be able to make delicious biscuits on your camping trip without any hassle.

Camping Biscuit Recipes

When you're camping, biscuits can be a delicious and easy breakfast or snack option. There are many different ways to make biscuits while camping, so you can choose the recipe that works best for you. Here are some of our favorite camping biscuit recipes:

Dutch Oven Biscuits

Dutch oven biscuits are a classic camping recipe that are easy to make and always delicious. To make them, you'll need a Dutch oven and some basic biscuit ingredients like flour, baking powder, salt, and milk. Mix the ingredients together, form the dough into biscuits, and then bake them in the Dutch oven over a campfire or on a camp stove.

Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits and gravy is a hearty breakfast that will keep you full all morning. To make it, cook up some sausage in a skillet and then make a simple gravy with flour, milk, and the sausage drippings. Serve the gravy over homemade biscuits, and you've got a delicious breakfast that will fuel you for a day of hiking or exploring.

Homemade Biscuits

If you prefer to make your biscuits from scratch, there are plenty of homemade biscuit recipes that work well for camping. These recipes typically use simple ingredients like flour, baking powder, salt, and butter or shortening. Mix the ingredients together, form the dough into biscuits, and then bake them over a campfire or on a camp stove.

Campfire Drop Biscuits

Campfire drop biscuits are a quick and easy biscuit recipe that doesn't require any rolling or cutting. To make them, mix together flour, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a greased skillet or griddle and cook them over a campfire or on a camp stove.

Bisquick Recipe

If you're looking for a shortcut, Bisquick is a great option for making biscuits while camping. Simply mix the Bisquick with milk and then bake the biscuits over a campfire or on a camp stove. You can also add in extra ingredients like cheese, herbs, or spices to customize the flavor of your biscuits.

No matter which biscuit recipe you choose, you're sure to enjoy a delicious and filling breakfast or snack while camping. Try out a few different recipes to find your favorites!

Cooking Process

To cook biscuits while camping, first, you need to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Preheat your campfire or charcoal grill to a medium-low heat, and prepare a covered skillet with cooking spray or oil.

Mix your biscuit dough according to your preferred recipe, and divide it into small portions. Place the dough portions in the skillet, leaving enough space between them for heat distribution. Cover the skillet and allow the biscuits to cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

Check the temperature of the biscuits by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center of one. If it comes out clean, the biscuits are ready. If not, cover the skillet and cook for a few more minutes until they are fully cooked.

Once the biscuits are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a warm plate or in a covered container to keep them warm until serving. Enjoy your freshly baked biscuits while camping!

Serving and Storing Leftovers

After you've baked your biscuits to a golden brown, it's time to serve them fresh and warm. You can spread some jam or honey on top of your biscuits for a sweet treat, or add some cheese to make them savory. Just be careful not to let the sides touch each other, as they may become soggy.

If you're enjoying an outdoor dining experience, make sure to bring some plates and utensils to serve your biscuits. You can also pack some sides like fruit or vegetables to balance out your meal.

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag. Biscuits can last for a few days if stored properly. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

When reheating your biscuits, make sure to wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for a few seconds to keep them moist. You can also reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to make them crispy again.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your freshly baked biscuits while camping and store any leftovers for later.

Safety and Additional Tips

When cooking biscuits while camping, safety should always be a top priority. Here are some tips to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience:

• Always use caution when handling hot coals or flames. Keep a safe distance from the fire and use appropriate tools, such as tongs or gloves, to handle hot cookware.
• Make sure to properly extinguish the fire before leaving the campsite or going to bed. This will help prevent accidental fires and ensure the safety of both you and the environment.
• When cooking with aluminum foil, be sure to wrap the food tightly and avoid tearing the foil, as this can cause hot juices to spill and potentially lead to burns.
• Be mindful of the ash from the fire, as it can be hot and potentially cause burns. Avoid stepping or sitting on the ash and use a designated area for disposing of it.

In addition to safety precautions, here are some additional tips and tricks to make your camping biscuit cooking experience even better:

• Use a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven for even cooking and to give your biscuits a delicious, crispy crust.
• Preheat your skillet or Dutch oven before adding the biscuit dough to ensure that they cook evenly and thoroughly.
• Consider adding herbs or spices to your biscuit dough for added flavor. Rosemary, thyme, and garlic are all great options.

By following these safety precautions and tips, you can enjoy delicious, homemade biscuits while camping without any worries.

Alternative Ingredients and Variations

If you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of alternative ingredients and variations you can try when making biscuits on your camping trip. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Canned biscuits: If you don't want to bother with making your own dough, canned biscuits are a quick and easy option. Just pop them open and bake according to the instructions on the can.
• All-purpose flour: If you don't have self-rising flour on hand, you can use all-purpose flour instead. Just add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt for every cup of flour.
• Drop biscuits: If you don't want to bother with rolling out the dough, you can make drop biscuits instead. Just drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake as usual.
• Shortening: If you don't have butter on hand, you can use shortening instead. Just keep in mind that shortening has a higher melting point than butter, so your biscuits may not be quite as flaky.
• Herbs: If you want to add some extra flavor to your biscuits, try adding some herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage to the dough.
• Unsalted butter: If you're watching your sodium intake, you can use unsalted butter instead of regular butter. Just be sure to add a little extra salt to the dough to make up for it.
• Fat: If you're looking for a healthier option, you can try using Greek yogurt or buttermilk instead of butter or shortening. This will give your biscuits a tangy flavor and a slightly different texture.
• Soups: If you're making biscuits to go with a soup or stew, you can try adding some of the soup or stew liquid to the dough for extra flavor.
• Chemical additives: If you're looking for a shortcut, you can try using a premade biscuit mix that contains chemical additives like leavening agents and preservatives.
• Baking parchment: If you're worried about your biscuits sticking to the baking sheet, you can try using baking parchment instead. Just place a sheet of parchment on the baking sheet before adding the biscuits.
• Sausage: If you want to turn your biscuits into a breakfast sandwich, try adding a cooked sausage patty to the biscuit before serving.
• Pepper: If you want to add a little heat to your biscuits, try adding some black pepper to the dough. Just be careful not to overdo it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some ways to cook biscuits while camping without a Dutch oven?

If you don't have a Dutch oven, you can still cook biscuits while camping. One option is to use a skillet or a griddle. Another option is to wrap the biscuits in aluminum foil and cook them over hot coals. You can also use a campfire grill or a tripod grill to cook biscuits.

How can I cook biscuits using a cast iron biscuit pan while camping?

If you have a cast iron biscuit pan, you can use it to cook biscuits while camping. Simply heat the pan over a campfire or a camping stove, and then add the biscuit dough. Cook the biscuits for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

What is the easiest way to make campfire biscuits?

The easiest way to make campfire biscuits is to use a biscuit mix. Simply mix the ingredients according to the package instructions, and then wrap the dough around a stick. Cook the biscuits over hot coals, turning frequently, until they are golden brown.

Can I cook biscuits on a stick over a campfire?

Yes, you can cook biscuits on a stick over a campfire. Simply wrap the biscuit dough around the end of a stick and cook it over hot coals, turning frequently, until it is golden brown.

How do I make biscuits in a Dutch oven on a stove top while camping?

To make biscuits in a Dutch oven on a stove top while camping, place the Dutch oven on a camping stove and heat it up. Add the biscuit dough to the Dutch oven and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown.

Is it possible to cook Pillsbury biscuits or frozen biscuits over a campfire while camping?

Yes, it is possible to cook Pillsbury biscuits or frozen biscuits over a campfire while camping. Simply wrap the biscuits in aluminum foil and cook them over hot coals, turning frequently, until they are heated through and golden brown.