There’s something uniquely satisfying about enjoying freshly cooked food by a campfire under the open sky. After a day full of hiking, swimming, or simply relaxing in the great outdoors, you’ve earned a delightful meal. Campfire paninis offer a scrumptious twist to your outdoor dining experience, combining the rustic charm of campfire cooking with the sophisticated taste of Italian sandwiches. This recipe is not just about combining ingredients; it’s about creating moments that become memories.
Ingredients for the Perfect Campfire Paninis
– Sliced Bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or any bread that grills well)
– Cheese Slices (choose from mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone)
– Deli Meats (ham, turkey, salami, or even roast beef)
– Veggies (tomato slices, spinach, or roasted red peppers)
– Condiments (pesto, mustard, or aioli)
– Butter or Olive Oil (for grilling)
Instructions for Savory Success
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Get all your ingredients laid out and ready to go—a good panini is about layering flavors. Butter the outside of your bread slices or brush them with olive oil. This will give you that crisp, golden crust.
- Craft Your Sandwich: On the non-buttered side of the bread, start with a cheese slice; it’ll act as the glue holding everything together. Add your choice of deli meat, then your veggies, and top it off with another slice of cheese. Spread your condiments on the top slice of bread before placing it on your sandwich.
- The Art of Grilling: Place your sandwich on a cast iron pan or sandwich press over the campfire. If you’re using a pan, you may need to press down with a spatula or use another heavy object to apply the required pressure. Flip your panini once the bread is toasted to your liking and the cheese melts.
- Enjoy Your Masterpiece: Once perfectly grilled, remove your panini from the fire, let it cool slightly, and then indulge in the melty, crispy goodness.
The beauty of paninis is that you can mix and match ingredients to your preference. Are you vegetarian? Skip the meat and double up on veggies and cheese. Do you love spice? Add some jalapeños or a dab of hot sauce. The combinations are endless and can be tailored to any palate.
Cooking over Campfire
Remember to manage your fire and create a steady bed of coals to cook on. Flames are too unpredictable and can burn your paninis rather than toast them. Steady coals provide consistent heat to crisp your bread and warm your insides.
Whether you’re by yourself, with friends, or with family, these campfire paninis will enhance the experience of any outdoor excursion. They are simple, versatile, and delicious.
If this outdoor culinary adventure appeals to you, contact us to learn how we can help bring out the chef in you, even when you’re miles away from your kitchen.
