The Easiest Foods to Grill Over a Fire Pit
Here’s the thing: not every food is meant for fire pit cooking. Some are too messy, some too delicate, and some just take way too long. If you want to keep things simple (and delicious), stick with foods that cook quickly, don’t need fancy tools, and taste amazing with that smoky, charred flavor only a real fire can give.
Let’s dig into the easiest—and most satisfying—foods to grill over a fire pit.
Hot Dogs: The Campfire Classic
You can’t talk about fire pit cooking without starting here. Hot dogs are the ultimate low-effort, high-reward campfire food. All you need is a stick, a few dogs, and a bit of patience. Hold them over the flames, rotate every so often, and watch them blister to golden perfection.
Want to step it up? Toast your buns right on the grill grate for a few seconds. Add some mustard, relish, or even a drizzle of barbecue sauce. That’s it—no plates, no cleanup, no problem.
Pro tip: spiral-cut your hot dogs before grilling. It helps them cook evenly and gives those charred edges even more surface area to caramelize.
Sausages and Brats
Think of sausages as the hot dog’s older, more flavorful cousin. Bratwursts, Italian sausages, chorizo—these cook beautifully over an open flame. The trick is to cook them slowly over the embers, not directly in the fire. If the flames are too high, the casings can burst before the inside is done.
You can even toss a small cast iron skillet on the grate, add a splash of beer or cider, and let the sausages simmer after they’ve browned. That smoky-sweet combo is unbeatable.
Kebabs: Easy, Colorful, and Crowd-Pleasing
Kebabs are practically made for fire pits. Just thread chunks of meat and veggies onto skewers, brush them with oil, and you’re good to go. Chicken, shrimp, steak cubes, bell peppers, onions, cherry tomatoes—mix and match however you like.
Metal skewers are easiest, but if you’re using wooden ones, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes first. That keeps them from catching fire.
Rotate the kebabs every few minutes and keep an eye on the edges of the vegetables. When they start to blister and the meat looks firm and browned, dinner’s ready.
And here’s a bonus: everyone can make their own combo. It’s part meal, part activity.
Corn on the Cob
Fire-roasted corn tastes like summer. You can cook it two ways—husk on or off. Leaving the husk on gives it a subtle smoky sweetness and protects the kernels from burning. Just soak the corn (husks and all) in water for about 15 minutes, then place it on the grill near the coals. Turn it every few minutes until it’s tender.
For a little extra flavor, pull back the husk, spread on some butter and seasoning, then wrap it back up before grilling.
If you prefer charred edges, take off the husks completely and roll the corn directly over the flames until it’s golden and spotted with black. Sprinkle on a little salt or chili powder, and it’s perfect.
Burgers
Burgers over a fire pit might sound ambitious, but they’re actually one of the easiest meals to pull off. All you need is a sturdy grate and some high heat from glowing embers. Shape your patties a little thicker than usual—they’ll shrink a bit over the fire—and press a small dent in the middle to keep them from puffing up. If you want your burgers on the thinner side, use a burger smasher.
Cook them about four minutes per side, depending on how hot your coals are. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they easily release from the grate.
Before you get started, make sure your coals are at the right temperature—how much charcoal to use can make all the difference.
Toast your buns over the edge of the pit, throw on your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a burger that beats any backyard grill flavor.
Vegetables
Grilling veggies over a fire pit turns even picky eaters into fans. The heat brings out their natural sweetness, and that smoky finish is irresistible. Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes are all great choices.
You can skewer them, grill them right on the grate, or toss them into a foil packet with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Foil packets are especially good if you want a no-fuss cleanup—just seal them up and toss them in the coals for about 10 to 15 minutes.
For best results, learn how to grill vegetables over an open flame without drying them out.
For a fun twist, drizzle a little balsamic glaze or squeeze some lemon over the veggies when they’re done.
S’mores (Of Course)
Let’s be real—no list of fire pit foods is complete without s’mores. They’re the grand finale, the reason we all keep a bag of marshmallows handy.
But you can still make them fun to customize. Try swapping the chocolate for peanut butter cups, or use chocolate-covered cookies instead of graham crackers. If you’re feeling fancy, toss a banana slice in there.
Hold your marshmallow just above the flames (not in them), and rotate slowly for that golden, gooey finish. It’s simple, sweet, and guaranteed to make everyone smile.
Before dessert, make sure you put out the fire safely.
Bonus: Campfire Breakfasts
If you’re an early riser, your fire pit can do more than dinner. Breakfast foods like bacon, eggs, and pancakes can all be cooked in a cast iron skillet right over the coals.
Crack a few eggs, add some shredded cheese, maybe toss in leftover grilled veggies, and you’ve got a rustic fire pit omelet. Or lay a few strips of bacon across the grate for a smoky twist on your morning favorite.
You can even try making pancakes over a fire for a fun breakfast that doesn’t require a stove.
Don’t forget the coffee. If you’ve never had coffee brewed over a campfire, you’re missing out on one of life’s simplest pleasures.
Tips for Fire Pit Grilling Success
While you don’t need to be a chef to master fire pit cooking, a few simple habits can make your meals turn out perfectly every time.
Start with the right fire. You want glowing embers, not raging flames. Let the fire burn down for 20–30 minutes before you start cooking. Brush up on how to start a fire if you’re new to it.
Use sturdy tools. Long-handled tongs, metal skewers, and heatproof gloves are your best friends.
Control the heat zones. Keep one side of the pit hotter for searing, and another cooler for slower cooking. You can move your food around as needed.
Prep before you start. Once that fire’s going, you won’t want to leave it. Have your ingredients ready to go, and be sure your firewood is dry enough to burn well.
And most of all—don’t rush it. Fire pit cooking is about the experience as much as the food. The laughter, the smoke in your clothes, the glow of the embers—it’s the stuff memories are made of.
Final Thoughts
Cooking over a fire pit is a way to connect. You’re not just grilling dinner; you’re slowing down, sharing stories, and savoring the moment.
The easiest foods to grill are the ones that let you focus on that feeling—simple, hearty, and full of flavor. From hot dogs and kebabs to foil packets and s’mores, you can make an entire meal without needing a single gadget.
So next time the flames start to crackle and the night sky glows above you, grab a stick, gather your favorite ingredients, and let the fire do the rest. Just make sure to follow fire pit safety and keep your outdoor area clean for the next time you light it up.
