There's nothing quite like a cozy evening spent gathered around a backyard fire pit—warm flames flickering, the smell of wood smoke drifting through the air, and the promise of something delicious cooking right beside you. It's the perfect setting for slowing down, spending time with loved ones, and sharing food that's made to be eaten outdoors. Whether you're having a casual family night or hosting a laid-back get-together with friends, the best recipes to eat around the fire pit strike that perfect balance between comfort and fun.
Of course, you can't go wrong with the classics. Think: camping recipes like golden, gooey s'mores, perfectly roasted hot dogs, and smoky kebabs that are easy to make and even easier to eat. But since it's your own backyard, you can also get creative! Foil packet meals loaded with seasoned veggies and meat, scrumptious fall soups served in mugs, or even skillet recipes such as dips bubbling right over the coals can easily take your outdoor dining game to the next level.
The beauty of cooking around the backyard fire pit is its simplicity—no fancy equipment or hours of prep required. Just good company, a few ingredients, and the magic of open flames. From nostalgic treats to inventive new favorites, these easy, flame-kissed recipes are sure to bring everyone together.
Bean Dip
This one-skillet dip is creamy, zesty, and made to stay warm by the fire. Seriously, the hot skillet will keep the dip hot and melty a little longer. Layer on toppings like tomato, onion, cilantro, avocado, cotija, and sour cream, and let everyone scoop in under the stars.
Get Ree's Bean Dip recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs
Take a classic fireside favorite up a notch! These juicy hot dogs are wrapped in smoky bacon, crisped to perfection, and ready to be dressed with your favorite fixings. Serve 'em in buns with jalapeño, red onion, ketchup, and mustard.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dogs recipe.
Apple Cake in an Iron Skillet
When the air turns crisp, there's nothing more comforting than digging into an apple dessert! This rustic treat is full of warm spice, tender apples, and a golden crust—all baked right in your cast iron. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream.
Get Ree's Apple Cake in an Iron Skillet recipe.
Pickle Cheeseburger Bites
Fire pit nights call for finger food, and burger bites are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Mini beef patties are cooked in a cast-iron skillet, then wrapped with melty cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and dill pickle slices as the buns. Hand them out on skewers or toothpicks with dipping sauces.
Get Ree's Pickle Cheeseburger Bites recipe.
S'mores Dip
Talk about dessert done right! S'mores dip is the fire pit hero you never knew you needed. Layer chocolate and marshmallows in a cast iron skillet, heat it till everything's melty and golden, then dip in graham crackers, fruit, or anything you like.
Get the S'mores Dip recipe.
Beef-and-Bean Chili
It's hearty, savory, and perfect for serving straight from a Dutch oven by the fire. This chili combines browned ground beef, garlic, tomato sauce, beans, and plenty of spices for a rich, smoky flavor. Top it with cheddar, bacon, and jalapeños for extra kick.
Get Ree's Beef-and-Bean Chili recipe.
Sausage and Peppers
For sizzling flavor, this hearty recipe delivers. Juicy Italian sausage links are grilled alongside colorful bell peppers and red onions. Serve them straight from the grill on a platter or tucked into toasted rolls for the ultimate campfire sandwich.
Get the Sausage and Peppers recipe.
Poblano-Potato Bundles
Here's a hearty side with zero stress! Thinly sliced potatoes, poblanos, onions, butter, and seasonings are sealed in foil and placed right on coals or a grill grate. The result? Tender, golden potatoes with crispy edges and flavor in every bite.
Get Ree's Poblano-Potato Bundles recipe.
Grilled Veggie Skewers
Give your fire pit menu a burst of color and flavor with these zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes threaded onto skewers, brushed with a balsamic mixture, then grilled until lightly charred and tender.
Get the Grilled Veggie Skewers recipe.
Frito Chili Pie
Check out this cozy, no-plate-needed dinner! The classic campfire dish layers hearty chili, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings—right over crunchy Fritos inside the bag. Just grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy.
Get Ree's Frito Chili Pie recipe.
Campfire Cones
Move over s'mores! Campfire cones are the new dessert everyone reaches for by the fire pit. Fill waffle cones with mini marshmallows, graham crackers, chocolate, candy, nuts, or anything else delicious. Wrap them in foil and toss them on the coals until warm and gooey.
Get the Campfire Cones recipe.
Grilled Tilapia
This dish’s secret weapon? Foil packets that let the fish and veggies steam together over heat—no flipping, no mess. Top with butter, garlic, herbs, and lemon slices, seal in foil, and grill. You'll get flaky, juicy fish infused with fresh, smoky flavor.
Get the Grilled Tilapia recipe.
Perfect Potato Soup
This cozy soup starts with crisp bacon, onions, carrots, and celery, then simmers with diced potatoes in broth. A blend of flour and milk gives it body, and heavy cream adds richness. Serve it in deep mugs or insulated bowls right beside the flames.
Get Ree's Perfect Potato Soup recipe.
Doughnut Hole Kebabs
Sweeten your fire pit night this playful dessert that's easy to roast and even easier to enjoy. Thread doughnut holes, then warm over the coals until soft and gooey. Dip in Ree's scrumptious fruit sauces to seal the deal.
Get Ree's Doughnut Hole Kebabs recipe.
S'mores
It doesn't get more classic than s'mores by the fire! Just follow this step-by-step guide to roasting marshmallows just so, choosing the perfect chocolate, and assembling the gooey sandwich that melts hearts.
Get the S'mores recipe.
Foil-Packet Shrimp Pasta
This recipe brings elegance to your fire pit menu without the fuss. Shrimp, pasta, tomato sauce, garlic, butter, white wine, and herbs all get wrapped into a tightly sealed foil pouch. Once it’s done, drizzle with warm cream, and top with fresh basil, parsley, and parmesan.
Get Ree's Foil-Packet Shrimp Pasta recipe.
Chili Mac and Cheese
Try the Best New Pumpkin Spice Products for 2026
This Is First Day of the Fall Season
10 Cozy Shows for Fall Decorating
