Whether you’re camping in the backyard or the backwoods it's time to spice up your campfire menu. You may be kicking it back in a tent, but that doesn't mean you can't kick up your campsite eats. Because, let’s be honest, there's more to camping than S'mores.

From cooking up a storm in a cast iron skillet to roasting foil packets over hot flame, you'll find what you need at Co-op. And don't forget to check out Table Magazine for more summer cooking inspiration.

Brilliant Bush Pies

Camping is so much more than charred hotdogs on a stick. Take your camping recipes to the next level with a mouthwatering bush pie. Convenient, delicious and hand-held!

If you don’t already have one (or two), make sure to pick up a pie iron at your local Co-op Home Centre. Stuff the iron with anything of your choosing, and rest it just a few inches above the hot campfire coals for a few minutes on each side.

Try our Tomato, Avocado, Bacon, and Mozzarella Bush Pie for an easy sandwich. You can also whip up a fireside dessert by packing the pie iron with puff pastry to make a Nectarine and Vanilla Bush Pie ‒ a decadent treat, perfect for a warm summer evening. For an extra indulgent grown-up breakfast, try a Bourbon French Toast Bush Pie.

Cast Iron Handles the Heat

Cast iron will be your new BFF when it comes to broadening your campfire recipe repertoire.. Cast iron offers versatility to your cookout. There’s nothing you can't cook in a cast iron pan, and you can put the skillet directly onto your fire.

Try our easy Cast Iron Potato Skillet recipe for breakfast, and our Cast Iron Nachos for a quick, filling, campfire meal that doesn't skimp on flavour. Craving sandwiches? Great, try sauteing onions and peppers in the skillet and add to dinner rolls with your choice of protein and cheese. Then add the sandwiches back to the skillet and let that cheese get oozy and melty and a nice crust develop on the bread. Heaven.

Extraordinary Classics

Of course, there’s nothing better than a good ol’ fashioned hot dog roasted over the open fire. For something more elevated, try one of these hot dog recipes inspired by the provinces of Western Canada.

And there’s always the trusted s'more to fall back on. While fumbling with graham crackers, chocolate and toasted marshmallow is part of the messy fun, you can try this hack that puts all that ooey-gooey goodness and more in a waffle cone. Or you can try this variation on the classic treat, made shareable in a foil baking dish or a cast iron pan.

With these tasty ideas, you’re all set for a campfire cookout ‒ even if you’re just a couple steps away from your backdoor.

If your camping excursion takes you beyond your fence line, make sure to stop at a Co-op Gas Bar to fuel your summer fun. Hop into the convenience store to stock up on any last minute supplies and snacks.

It’s time to find your summer with delicious campfire eats!