A Fired Pie is a sure way to make your time outdoors a delight amongst your family and friends. You can use a cast iron Pie Iron to make several different recipes including an Apple Pie desert, Cast Iron Chicken Pot Pie, and a slew of other great Fire Pie Iron recipes. Check out these two awesome recipes below.
If you enjoy spending time gathered around a campfire, whether it be while out enjoying a weekend in Mother Nature or out in your backyards at night with family and friends, then you need to invest in a fired pie iron.
Creating a delicious fried pie is a great way to enjoy your bonfires with more than just a marshmallow on a stick or the good ole spider dogs you used to love as a kid.
If you are unfamiliar with what it is, you are truly missing out. Keep reading for information regarding the greatest outdoor invention ever created and all the fantastic recipes you can make with them.
You’ll Need a Campfire Pie Irons to Start
After reading this article, we are pretty sure you are going to want one of these bad boys for yourself. That is why we took the time to find some of the best irons on the market today to give you great options to choose from when you go to make your very first hobo-pie.
- (Most nostalgic)- Toas-Tite Sandwich Grill – Handheld Iron
- (Best Budget-Friendly)- Texsport Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Square Cooker
- (Best Overall)- Guidesman Cast Iron Camp Grill Cooker
- (Best Under $20)- Coghlan’s Cast Iron Cooker & Broiler
- (Best for Paninis)- Panini Press (Pack of 2)
- (Cutest)- Rome Industries Inc 1540 – Love Gray
Pie Iron/Camp Cooker (What is it?)
It is an amazing tool used in a campfire, also known as a hobo tart maker. It is a great way to create a quick meal or snack while camping. It can even be used in the backyard while enjoying a bonfire.
How does it work? A jaffle iron is a set of two iron slabs attached to a long metal rod. These slabs (or irons) are like two small griddles that lock together after placing your ingredients inside.
Before filling it with ingredients, make sure the iron is well-greased so you will not end up with a burnt, crispy mess. Then, add your outside layers, preferably something with starch such as hash browns, then you can add your other ingredients.
Once the iron is filled with the ingredients you want to cook, you place it over the fire holding onto the rod or handle.
It has been given this name because you can easily make camping pies with a few slices of bread and some fruits or jelly, but that is not the only thing you can make with it.
It is a device that allows you to spruce up the way you eat while you are out roughing it. You can quickly turn old boring items into the best outdoorsman dish in minutes.
Campfire Iron (A Little History)
While no one is sure where the idea came to fruition, the campfire iron has been a staple in the lives of girl scouts, boy scouts, campers, etc., for many years. It seems to mimic the same idea as an indoor sandwich iron, which may have been where the idea originated.
Nonetheless, as years went on, the popularity grew, and the recipes became more creative. As long as you have all the right ingredients, you can enjoy just about anything you are craving, even sitting out in nature.
Cast Iron Apple Pie Dessert
When we said you could create just about anything, we were not kidding. You can make a delicious cast iron apple pie treat in just a few simple steps.
What you will need:
For the filling (Serves 4):
- 5 thin-sliced apples
- 5 tablespoons butter/margarine
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup brown sugar
- Âľ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
For the crust:
- 1 loaf of white bread
- 1 stick butter, softened
Preparation:
Before you head to the campfire, add the cinnamon, sugars, and nutmeg into one zip-up baggie or small Tupper ware container, and place the apples and butter into another.
Instructions:
Once you are comfy cozy by the campfire and ready to enjoy a delicious apple fired pie, butter the insides of both the cast irons slabs thoroughly. Then, place a slice of bread on one side. Put some apple slices onto it, then sprinkle on your spice mixture. Add a little piece of margarine to the mix, then place another slice on top and close the iron.
Cook over the campfire for about 3-4 min on each side, browning the bread inside. Once ready, allow it to cool for a few minutes as the contents will be scorching hot.
Cast Iron Grilled Chicken Pot Pie
What is a great meal without first enjoying a delicious cast iron dinner? Here is a fantastic recipe for a jaffle iron chicken pot pie.
What you will need (serves 6):
For the filling:
- Pre-cooked chicken breast (about 6-pre-grilled strips)
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables (either drained from a can or frozen)
- 1 teaspoon chicken bullion
- 1 can cream of chicken
- Salt
- Pepper
For the crust:
- 2 tubes of crescent rolls or biscuits
- Non Stick Cooking spray or butter
Preparation:
In a sealable container, mix all the filling ingredients and keep refrigerated until it is time to head out to the fire.
Baking Instructions:
Spray the inside of both iron slabs completely. Then, flatten the crescent rolls or biscuit dough to the sides of the iron to fit in perfectly. Then pour a few tablespoons of the mixture into the center. Close the iron and place it over the fire for 2-3 minutes on both sides, making sure to keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Other Great Recipes
Now that you know how easy it is to use, you need to check out some of the other great recipes other campers have created. Just a quick warning, you will want to run out right after reading this to grab an iron maker or two for yourself.
- Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil Grilled Cheese
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Pudgy
- Chocolate Marshmallow Puffs
- S’More Pudgy Pies
- Campfire Fruit Pies
- Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich
- Blueberry Cream Cheese Stuffed French Toast
- Ham & Pineapple Pizza Pocket
- Spicy Shredded Mozzarella
If you don’t want specific recipes and are interested in doing a little mixing and matching, here are some ingredients to keep in mind.
Sweet
- Chocolate chips or pieces
- Peanut butter
- Fruit
- Jellies
- Cinnamon rolls
- Marshmallows
- Caramel
Savory
- Sausage and bacon
- Eggs
- Poultry
- Vegetable
- Hash browns
- Biscuits
These are only a few of the options you can choose from; get creative and find your favorite recipe with whatever you have laying around.
FAQs
If you still have questions regarding irons, we probably have the answer. Here are a few of the more common and basic questions frequently asked by people looking to purchase a hobo-pie creator.
What Should You Look for in A Quality Iron?
A good one is made from a solid, durable, cast-iron material. The two plates should seal perfectly around the edges, and the clasp should lock shut tightly. You also want to find one with a nice long handle, so you are not burning your eyes trying to make your meal.
Is It Worth the Money?
We feel a jaffle iron is a great item to take on camping trips or even to a backyard get-together. It is a useful product that can make great meals quickly. All it requires is a fire for baking.
Does the Food You Make with It Really Taste Good?
Make sure to follow the recipes you are trying to a T, and be mindful of how long you cook your dish. As long as it is made right, the meal that comes from it is delicious.
How Long Do Irons Last?
Irons made from a cast-iron material can last for many years as long as they are properly seasoned, though consistent use. Just like cast-iron skillets or any other cast-iron product, taking proper care of it will add more life to it.
It is important to remember without being properly seasoned, it can begin to rust. It will cause your meal to burn.
Do Irons Have to be Cast Iron?
While cast iron is the best option, you can also find irons made from aluminum and stainless steel. Those options will be cheaper but probably won’t hold up as long as the cast iron ones.
Why get a Fired Pie Iron?
We truly believe this is a great item that every family should own. It is a simple tool that can serve many purposes when it comes to making meals around a campfire. Unlike the traditional roasting stick, you can make many fabulous creations for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
It is an affordable product and can last with you and your family for many years. We give the product two enthusiastic thumbs up.