Campfire pie irons make it easy to prepare delicious camping meals the whole family will love. Whether it’s time for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, these pudgy pies recipes are sure to please!
Pudgy pies, also called campfire pies, hobo pies, or mountain pies, are made in a small, hinged pan with a long handle, called a campfire pie iron, and cooked over a campfire.
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There are a few different styles of pie irons — square, double (fits two slices of bread, side-by-side), and round. The different styles are available in aluminum or cast iron.
In my opinion, the square cast iron campfire pie iron is preferable. Season it like you would any other cast iron pan, and it’ll last a good long time. Plus, it’s the perfect shape for fitting a slice of bread, which is an important ingredient in many pudgy pie recipes.
Aluminum pie irons are cheaper, but not as durable and aren’t able to withstand high heat as well as cast iron. Additionally, there is some concern about the safety of aluminum cookware, as studies show it leaches into food in small amounts during preparation.
If cooking pudgy pies with kids, I’d avoid the double pie iron. It’s a bit too heavy for them to manage easily, which can pose a safety risk since it gets very hot during the cooking process. As for the round pie irons, I find them less ideal because they don’t fit a piece of bread without cutting off the edges.
How to Cook Pudgy Pies
Pudgy pies are pretty simple and straightforward to make, but there are a few things you can do to make the process go smoother. One thing I’ve learned from many stuck-on pudgy pies is that thoroughly buttering the bread or pie iron before cooking is key. Butter is what I’ve found to work best (much better than cooking spray), but coconut oil or lard are possible alternatives.
When making pudgy pies that use tortillas, if your tortilla unfolds before you can get the pie iron shut, try this: press a knife on top of the folded tortilla to hold it together and close the pie iron almost all the way. Then slide the knife out just before closing it completely.
It’s helpful to get your fire going about an hour before you want to cook. Then let the flames die down a bit and use the low flame and hot coals. Cooking pudgy pies over a very hot flame can burn the outside, while leaving the inside not fully done.
Cook times will vary greatly depending on how hot your fire is and what type of campfire pie iron you have (aluminum or cast iron). Several of the following pudgy pie recipes involve fillings that need to be pre-cooked. This can happen on a camp stove, campfire, or even in your kitchen. Cook the fillings ahead of time and pack in food storage containers in a cooler or portable fridge for easy meal prep. When cooking over a campfire, using a grate can be helpful.
Check on your pudgy pie’s progress periodically by resting the pie iron somewhere flat (Careful! It will be very hot!), and gently opening it. If the bread or tortilla has turned crispy and golden brown, that side is done. Flip it over and stick it back in the fire for a bit, then check it again.
Campfire pie irons are easy to use, whether on a camping trip or over a bonfire in your backyard. Pudgy pies are fun to make and easily customizable to suit everyone’s tastes. Let kids build and cook their own pudgy pies (with supervision, of course!) to join in on the meal-making fun.
Here’s 30 pudgy pie recipes to try on your next camping trip or backyard cook out.
Campfire Pie Iron Breakfast Recipes
Campfire breakfasts don’t have to be complicated. Just pop a few ingredients into a campfire pie iron, set it in the fire, and relax with a cup of coffee while it cooks. These pudgy pie recipes take classic breakfast foods and turn them camp-fire friendly.
Pudgy Pie Breakfast Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 1-2 scrambled eggs
- 2 slices of bread
- About ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2-3 slices bacon
Makes 1 breakfast sandwich pudgy pie
Directions:
Melt a spoonful of butter in a cast iron pan. Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble them. You can cook a big batch if you’re making several of these pudgy pies.
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Top with the eggs, cheese, and bacon. Then butter the other slice and place it butter-side up on top of the pile. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Pudgy Pie Breakfast Burrito Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 1-2 scrambled eggs
- 1 flour tortilla
- About ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1-2 Tbsp black beans, canned or pre-cooked
- 1 tsp chopped onion
- Salsa (optional)
- Avocado (optional)
Makes 1 pudgy pie breakfast burrito
Directions:
Melt a spoonful of butter in a cast iron pan. Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble them. You can cook a big batch if you’re making several of these pudgy pies.
Butter the bottom pie iron and gently press the middle of a tortilla down into it in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Fill with the eggs, cheese, beans, and onion. Then gently fold the tortilla down over top of the filling. Spread some butter on the top of the campfire pie iron. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Campfire Pie Iron Egg-in-a-Hole Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 1 piece of bread
- 1 egg
Makes 1 campfire pie iron egg-in-a-hole
Directions:
Cut a hole in the center of a piece of bread. Thicker slices work best. Butter both sides of the pie iron, and the slice of bread. Put the bread into the bottom side of the campfire pie iron. Crack an egg into the hole in the center of the bread. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the egg is done.
Campfire Pie Iron Taco & Quesadilla Recipes
Campfire pie irons are great for cooking camping meals inspired by Mexican cuisine. The addition of meat and beans provides a protein boost, giving you and your little ones the energy you need to enjoy all-day camping adventures. Because you’re building each pudgy pie separately, it’s simple to customize them based on everyone’s personal preferences. Serve with salsa or sliced avocado, if desired.
Pudgy Pie Taco Recipe
Ingredients:
Taco Meat —
- Butter
- 1 lb ground beef
- About 2 Tbsp taco spice blend — buy taco seasoning or make your own
Makes enough for approximately 4-5 taco pudgy pies
Taco Pudgy Pie —
- Butter
- 1 flour tortilla
- About ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup pre-cooked taco meat
- 1-2 Tbsp black beans, pre-cooked or canned
- 1 Tbsp diced onion
- 2-3 Tbsp diced tomatoes
- Salsa (optional)
- Avocado (optional)
Makes 1 pudgy pie taco
Directions:
In a cast iron pan, cook the hamburger meat, seasoning it with taco spices. You can also make ahead at home!
Butter the bottom pie iron and gently press the middle of a tortilla down into it in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Fill with the cheese, meat, beans, onion, and tomato. Then gently fold the tortilla down over top of the filling. Spread some butter on the top of the campfire pie iron. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Cheese Quesadilla Pudgy Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 1 tortilla
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
- Salsa (optional)
- Avocado (optional)
Makes 1 cheese quesadilla pudgy pie
Directions:
Butter the bottom pie iron and gently press the middle of a tortilla down into it in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Fill with the cheese. Then gently fold the tortilla down over top of the filling. Spread some butter on the top of the campfire pie iron. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Chicken Quesadilla Pudgy Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 1 tortilla
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
- 1 Tbsp diced onion
- ¼ cup chicken, pre-cooked or canned
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salsa (optional)
- Avocado (optional)
Makes 1 chicken quesadilla pudgy pie
Directions:
Butter the bottom pie iron and gently press the middle of a tortilla down into it in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Fill with onion, chicken, and cheese. Then gently fold the tortilla down over top of the filling. Spread some butter on the top of the campfire pie iron. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Black Bean Quesadilla Pudgy Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 1 tortilla
- 1 Tbsp diced onion
- ¼ cup black beans (pre-cooked or canned)
- 2 Tbsp diced tomato
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese
- Salsa (optional)
- Sliced avocado (optional)
Makes 1 black bean quesadilla pudgy pie
Directions:
Butter the bottom pie iron and gently press the middle of a tortilla down into it in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Fill with onion, black bean, tomato, and cheese. Then gently fold the tortilla down over top of the filling. Spread some butter on the top of the campfire pie iron. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Campfire Pie Iron Sandwich Recipes
Campfire pie irons make the most delicious hot sandwiches, not unlike a panini. But, something about pudgy pies is extra satisfying. Maybe it’s because you can relax by a campfire while they cook, or maybe it’s the simple fact that they’re cooked over an open fire— which always seems to make food taste better!
Sloppy Joe Pudgy Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 1 small-medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 lb ground beef — makes enough for approximately 4-5 people
- 1 can/jar sloppy joe sauce — make your own or get it pre-made
- 8 pieces of bread
Makes 4 sloppy joe pudgy pies
Directions:
Heat a cast iron pan over a campfire or cookstove. Add a spoonful of butter to the pan and once it melts, add the diced onion. Cook the onion until it becomes soft and translucent.
Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook until it’s fully browned, stirring occasionally (or more frequently if the fire is really hot). Once the burger is cooked, stir in the sloppy joe sauce.
To assemble the sloppy joe pudgy pies: butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spoon the sloppy joe filling onto the bread. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown.
Cheese Burger Pudgy Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
Burger Filling —
- Butter
- 1 small-medium yellow onion
- 1 lb ground beef
Makes enough filling for approximately 4 pudgy pies
Cheese Burger Pudgy Pie —
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- ¼ cup ground beef
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese
- Ketchup, to taste
- Mustard, to taste
- A few pickle slices
Makes 1 cheese burger pudgy pie
Directions:
Heat a cast iron pan over a campfire or cookstove. Add a spoonful of butter to the pan and once it melts, add the diced onion. Cook the onion until it becomes soft and translucent.
Add the ground beef to the pan. Cook until it’s fully browned, stirring occasionally (or more frequently if the fire is really hot).
To assemble each pudgy pie, butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spoon the burger filling onto the bread. Top with cheese. Add pickles, and condiments, to taste. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Grilled Cheese Pudgy Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces of bread
- ½ cup cheddar cheese
Makes 1 grilled cheese pudgy pie
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Sprinkle the cheese on it. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Grown up Grilled Cheese Pudgy Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese,
- ⅛ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 5 or slices apple
Makes 1 grown up grilled cheese pudgy pie
Directions:
Thinly slice an apple. Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Arrange the apple slices on the bread, then add the cheeses. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Campfire Pie Iron Tomato Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese
- A few tomato slices (depending on the size of the tomato)
Makes 1 campfire pie iron tomato sandwich
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread mayonnaise over the other side of the bread. Arrange the tomato slices on it, then add the cheese. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Campfire Pie Iron Cuban Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- Mustard
- 2 pieces sliced deli ham
- 2-3 pieces sliced deli salami
- 1-2 slices Swiss cheese
- About 4 pickle slices
Makes 1 campfire pie iron cuban sandwich
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread the mustard over it. Layer on the ham, salami, cheese, and pickle slices. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Campfire Pie Iron Turkey Pesto Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- Pesto, pre-made or jarred
- A few tomato slices (depending on the size of the tomato)
- A few slices deli turkey
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese
Makes 1 campfire pie iron turkey pesto sandwich
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread the pesto over it. Layer on the tomato and turkey slices. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Campfire Pie Iron BBQ Chicken Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- BBQ sauce
- 1 Tbsp diced onion
- ¼ cup chicken, pre-cooked or canned
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese
- Pickled jalapeños (optional)
Makes 1 campfire pie iron BBQ chicken sandwich
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread the BBQ sauce over it. Sprinkle on the onion, chicken, and cheese. Pickled jalapeños are a tasty addition, if you like a bit of spice. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Tuna Melt Pudgy Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
Tuna Filling—
- Two 5 oz cans white tuna
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup celery, diced (optional)
Makes enough for 4 tuna melt pudgy pies
Tuna Melt Pudgy Pie —
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- ½ cup tuna salad
- 1-2 slices tomato
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese
- Pickled jalapeños (optional)
Makes 1 tuna melt pudgy pie
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread the tuna filling onto it. Then add tomato slices and cheese. Pickled jalapeños are a tasty addition, if you like a bit of spice. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Campfire Pie Iron Honey Mustard Ham Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- Honey mustard
- 4 slices deli ham
- 1-2 slices Swiss cheese
Makes 1 campfire pie iron honey mustard ham sandwich
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread the mustard onto it. Then layer on the ham and cheese slices. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
BLT Pudgy Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- Mayonnaise
- 2-4 pieces bacon
- A few slices tomato (depending on the size of the tomato)
- A few pieces lettuce
Makes 1 BLT pudgy pie
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread mayonnaise over the other side of the bread.
Arrange the tomato slices on it, then add the bacon. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown.
When the pudgy pie has cooked, open it up and add the lettuce.
Campfire Pie Iron Club Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- Mayonnaise
- 2 slices deli chicken
- 2 slices deli ham
- 3 slices bacon
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- A few tomato slices
- A few pieces lettuce
Makes 1 campfire pie iron club sandwich
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread mayonnaise over the other side of the bread. Arrange the chicken, ham, and bacon slices on it. Sprinkle on the cheese and add the tomato. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
When the pudgy pie has cooked, open it up and add the lettuce.
PB&J Pudgy Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- Peanut butter
- Your favorite type of jelly — raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, or blackberry are excellent options
Makes 1 PB&J pudgy pie
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread peanut butter liberally on the bread, then add a layer of jelly. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown.
Campfire Pie Iron Pizza Recipes
Pizza pudgy pies are always a hit. Put out a variety of toppings and let everyone cook their favorite pizzas, campfire style.
Margarita Pizza Pudgy Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- Pizza sauce
- ⅛ cup diced tomato
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- A few leaves fresh basil (optional)
Makes 1 margarita pizza pudgy pie
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread pizza sauce on the bread. Add tomato and cheese, and some fresh basil, if desired. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Pepperoni Pizza Pudgy Pie
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 slices bread
- Pizza sauce
- 6-8 pepperoni slices
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Makes 1 pepperoni pizza pudgy pie
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread pizza sauce on the bread. Add the pepperoni and cheese. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Hawaiian Pizza Pudgy Pie
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- Pizza sauce
- 2 slices deli ham, sliced into small pieces
- A few pieces canned or fresh pineapple
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Makes 1 Hawaiian pizza pudgy pie
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread pizza sauce on the bread. Add the ham, pineapple, and cheese. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Veggie Pizza Pudgy Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- Pizza sauce
- 1 Tbsp diced onion
- 1 Tbsp diced tomato
- A few canned black olives
- 1 Tbsp diced bell pepper
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Makes 1 veggie pizza pudgy pie
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread pizza sauce on the bread. Add the veggies and cheese. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Cheese Pizza Pudgy Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- Pizza sauce
- ¼ cup mozzarella, shredded
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
Makes 1 cheese pizza pudgy pie
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread pizza sauce on the bread. Add the cheese. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Campfire Pie Iron Dessert Recipes
Craving something sweet? Dessert pudgy pies make wonderful camping trip treats. Give these recipes a try!
Chocolate Banana Pudgy Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces bead
- Chocolate hazelnut spread
- ½ banana, sliced
Makes 1 chocolate banana pudgy pie
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread nutella on the bread. Add the banana slices. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown.
Peanut Butter Banana Pudgy Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- Peanut butter
- ½ banana, sliced
- Honey
Makes 1 peanut butter banana pudgy pie
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread peanut butter on the bread. Add the banana slices. Drizzle some honey over it all. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown.
Apple Mountain Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Bread
- ½ cup apple pie filling
- Cinnamon
Makes 1 apple mountain pie
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread apple pie filling on the bread and sprinkle some cinnamon on it. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown.
Cherry Mountain Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- ½ cup cherry pie filling
Makes 1 cherry mountain pie
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread cherry pie filling on the bread. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown.
Strawberry “Cheesecake” Pudgy Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Butter
- 2 pieces bread
- Cream cheese
- Strawberry jam
Makes 1 strawberry cheesecake pudgy pie
Directions:
Butter one side of a piece of bread and place it butter-side down in the bottom half of the campfire pie iron. Spread cream cheese on the bread and then spoon a generous amount of strawberry jam onto it. Top with another piece of buttered bread, butter side up. Close the pie iron. Cook over a campfire until the bread is golden brown.
Campfire Pie Irons Make it Easy
Whether you’re on a camping trip, or cooking over a bonfire in your backyard, pudgy pies are fun to make and eat! Campfire pie irons make it easy to prepare delicious camping meals the whole family will love.
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Pudgy Pie Recipes
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