Rustic Campfire Biscuits and Gravy – A hearty morning feast

Introduction

For centuries, the campfire has been the beating heart of wilderness exploration. It’s the warm, comforting glow after a day’s hike, a place to gather, to tell stories, and most importantly, to cook. Cooking over an open fire isn’t just about necessity, it’s about tradition, connection, and the pure joy that comes with it.

One dish that epitomizes the soul-warming comfort food perfect for outdoor cooking is biscuits and gravy. A staple of southern cuisine, this satisfying breakfast is incredibly adaptable for campfire cooking. And trust me, the smoky aroma of sausage gravy and freshly baked biscuits wafting through the early morning air is a game-changer for your camping experience. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through making rustic campfire biscuits and gravy that would make any Southern grandmother proud.

Ingredients and Preparations

The best thing about this recipe is its simplicity. You’ll need basic ingredients that are easily packable for a camping trip: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, milk, and breakfast sausage. No fancy kitchen gadgets are required here; just a couple of cast-iron skillets or a Dutch oven, and you’re all set. Before you get started, make sure your campfire is stable and has a grate safe for cooking.

Crafting the Perfect Biscuits

Let’s start with the biscuits. Baking on a campfire might sound daunting, but the heat of the fire can work beautifully to give your biscuits a lovely golden crust and fluffy interior.

Combine your dry ingredients – the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, cut in the chilled, cubed butter. The key is to ensure your butter is cold to create pockets of steam while baking, giving your biscuits a light, airy texture. Gradually add the milk while stirring until your dough comes together.

Pat the dough out on a floured surface to about a 1-inch thickness. If you don’t have a biscuit cutter, don’t fret! The top of a drinking glass works just fine. Remember, we’re in the great outdoors; perfection isn’t the goal, but deliciousness is.

Arrange your biscuits in your greased skillet or Dutch oven. The Dutch oven is a great tool for campfire baking as it provides even heat distribution, mimicking an oven environment. Place your biscuit-filled skillet on the campfire cooking grate, cover, and let the magic of the fire do the rest.

A Gravy Worth Waking Up For

While your biscuits are baking, it’s time to tackle the gravy. A hearty sausage gravy brings a rich, savory element that pairs perfectly with the light, flaky biscuits.

Brown your sausage in a separate skillet over the fire, breaking it up into small crumbles. A cast-iron skillet is excellent for this purpose as it can handle high heat and imparts a subtle smokiness to the sausage. Once browned, sprinkle the flour over the sausage, stirring well to incorporate. Cook for another minute, allowing the flour to absorb the fat released by the sausage.

Next, slowly add the milk, stirring constantly. Cooking the gravy requires patience; you want a slow, steady heat from your fire. As the milk heats, it will gradually thicken into a beautifully creamy gravy. Remember to stir frequently to prevent the bottom from burning.

Once your gravy reaches your desired thickness, season with salt and pepper to taste. By now, your biscuits should be golden brown and ready. Slice one open, ladle your fresh campfire gravy over the top, and prepare for a bite of heaven.

The Campfire Difference

Cooking over a campfire isn’t just about the food; it’s about the experience. The crackle of the fire, the aromatic mix of wood smoke, fresh air, and the fragrance of cooking can be therapeutic, calming, and connect you deeply with nature. The smell of the sausage as it sizzles, the sound of the biscuits baking in a Dutch oven over open flames, it’s all part of the adventure.

When you take that first bite of your rustic campfire biscuits and gravy, you’ll taste more than just the ingredients. You’ll taste the satisfaction of creating something delicious in the wild, the smoky undertones the campfire imparts, the beauty of the surrounding wilderness, and the joy of the journey.

Conclusion

Rustic campfire biscuits and gravy is more than just a traditional southern breakfast; it’s a satisfying, comforting dish that brings warmth and fulfillment to your camping mornings. Simple yet hearty, this dish can transform your camping culinary experience, reinforcing the profound connection between food and nature.

Remember that the timing and final results may vary based on the size and heat of your campfire. Cooking outdoors invites an element of unpredictability, but that’s all part of the fun. In the end, it’s about the experience, the satisfaction of cooking in the great outdoors, and the enjoyment of delicious, comforting food in the heart of nature.

So the next time you set off on a camping trip, pack your cast-iron skillet and the ingredients for these rustic campfire biscuits and gravy. Trust me, you’ll start the day in the most rewarding way. After all, the wilderness never tasted so good!

Another camping breakfast

FAQ

Q1: Can I make the biscuit dough in advance before camping? A: Yes, you can prepare the biscuit dough at home and keep it chilled in your cooler until you’re ready to use it. This can save time and make the process easier while camping.

Q2: Can I use a different type of meat for the gravy? A: Absolutely! While breakfast sausage is traditional, you can also use bacon, chorizo, or even a vegetarian meat substitute. Just ensure that the meat or substitute is cooked thoroughly before adding the flour and milk.

Q3: Can I use store-bought canned biscuits instead of homemade? A: Yes, you can use store-bought biscuits if you prefer. They are convenient and will save some preparation time. You can bake them in a Dutch oven or covered skillet over the campfire according to the package instructions.

Q4: Can I make the gravy in advance? A: Gravy is best when it’s fresh, but you can make it in advance if necessary. Store it in a sealed container in your cooler, then reheat it over the campfire when you’re ready to serve. You might need to add a little extra milk to thin it if it thickens too much while stored.

Q5: What can I use if I don’t have a campfire cooking grate? A: If you don’t have a cooking grate, you can use a tripod and hang the Dutch oven over the fire, or place the Dutch oven or skillet on hot coals to the side of the main fire.

Q6: Can I cook this recipe on a camping stove instead? A: Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a camping stove. Follow the same instructions, but adjust the heat as needed, since a camping stove can often provide a more consistent heat than a campfire.

Q7: Can I use whole wheat flour for the biscuits? A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but note that it may alter the texture of the biscuits, making them denser.

Q8: Is there a vegan version of this recipe? A: Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with a non-dairy version like almond or soy milk in both the biscuits and the gravy. Use a plant-based butter substitute for the biscuit dough, and for the gravy, use a vegan sausage substitute.