The crackle of a campfire is the original soundtrack of outdoor living, and nothing complements it better than campside cooking. Take a break from the usual hot dogs and marshmallows and introduce your taste buds to the cheesy delight of Campfire Quesadillas. This easy-to-make twist on a traditional favorite fires up the flavor and is sure to become a staple in your adventure cookbook.
Gather Your Ingredients
First off, round up the quesadilla essentials: tortillas, cheese, and a filling of your choice. While cheddar or Monterey Jack are classic picks, feel free to mix things up with a blend of your favorite meltables. As for the fillings, grilled chicken, sautéed onions, peppers, or even black beans can turn the humble quesadilla into a hearty meal.
Ingredients:
– Tortillas (flour or corn, your choice) – quantity as desired
– Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses) – about 1 cup per quesadilla, shredded
– Grilled chicken (pre-cooked and sliced or shredded) – about 1/2 cup per quesadilla
– Onions – 1 medium (sliced and sautéed until caramelized)
– Bell peppers (any color) – 1 to 2 (sliced and sautéed until tender)
– Black beans – 1 can (drained and rinsed)
– Optional extras: sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, corn kernels, avocado slices or guacamole, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
Feel free to customize your campfire quesadillas with whatever fillings you enjoy or have on hand.
Foil-Wrapped and Fire-Ready
1. Prepare the Filling:
– Slice the onions and bell peppers into thin strips.
– Peel and mince any garlic you might want to use.
– Drain and rinse the black beans in a colander.
– If using grilled chicken, ensure it’s precooked and either chopped or shredded into bite-size pieces.
– If adding extras like jalapeños or tomatoes, slice or chop them as desired.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
– Heat a skillet over your campfire or camp stove. Add a little oil if your pan isn’t non-stick.
– Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet.
– Sauté the vegetables until they are soft and lightly caramelized. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
– If you’re using garlic, add it towards the end to avoid burning.
3. Warm the Beans:
– If you prefer your black beans to be warmed, you can add them to the skillet with the onions and peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.
– Stir everything together until the beans are heated through.
4. Shred the Cheese:
– If you haven’t bought pre-shredded cheese, shred your block of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mix of cheeses into a bowl.
5. Assemble Quesadillas:
– Lay out the tortillas and spread an even layer of cheese over half of each tortilla.
– On of the cheese, distribute your fillings—grilled chicken, sautéed onions and peppers, black beans, and any additional chosen ingredients.
– Fold the tortilla in half over the fillings, pressing down slightly to flatten.
6. Prepare for Grilling:
– Wrap each assembled quesadilla in foil if you plan to cook directly on campfire coals or a grill grate.
– If you’re using a skillet, you can cook the quesadillas directly in the pan without foil.
Now your ingredients are prepped and your quesadillas are ready for grilling over the campfire!
Embrace the Embers
When it comes to cooking, let the campfire embers work their magic. Place your foil-wrapped parcels on a grill grate over the embers, or nestle them directly into a cozy spot by the fire’s edge. After a few minutes, flip them over, ensuring each side gets a kiss from the heat to achieve that coveted golden crunch.
Add a Sizzle to Your Sides
No quesadilla is complete without a fiesta of sides. A dollop of sour cream, a scoop of guacamole, and a splash of salsa can elevate your dish to divine dining. And let’s not forget a squeeze of lime for an added zest that sings of freshness.
Savor Every Bite
With the quest crispiness complete, unwrap your campfire quesadillas and indulge in the melted magnificence. Each bite offers a combination of smoky flavor infused by the fire and the creamy, comforting embrace of melted cheese.
Campfire Quesadillas are more than just food—they’re an experience, a gathering of friends around shared flames, and an invitation to create memories that stretch beyond the palate. Here’s to many a cheesy delight under the stars and the simple pleasure of a meal prepared in the great outdoors! Contact us to find the ideal RV for all your adventures.
