There’s something special about celebrating Thanksgiving outdoors… the crisp air, the golden leaves, and the smell of a warm meal cooking over the fire. If you’re spending the holiday camping this year, a Dutch oven is all you need to pull off a hearty, home-style feast right at your campsite.
With a few Dutch ovens and some campfire coals, you can serve a Thanksgiving dinner that’s every bit as good as the one at home.
Below is a simple but impressive menu designed for campers who want the full holiday experience without the stress of a full kitchen.
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Table of Contents
Main Dish:
🍴Dutch-Oven Roast Turkey Breast
Serves: 4–6
Cooking Time: 1.5–2 hours
A bone-in turkey breast fits perfectly in a 10 or 12-inch Dutch oven. Rub it down with butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme, then roast it over medium coals (about 350°F). Baste it halfway through with a bit of broth or melted butter to keep it juicy. The result? Tender, golden turkey with crisp skin that rivals an oven roast.
Tip: Place a few coals on top of the lid for even browning.
Side 1:
🍴 Campfire Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Boil peeled potatoes directly in the Dutch oven, drain, and mash with butter, roasted garlic, and a splash of milk or cream.
If you’re short on cooler space, powdered milk works just fine. Keep the pot near the coals to stay warm until serving.
Shortcut: Pre-boil the potatoes at home and store them in a sealed bag to save time at camp.
Side 2:
🍴 Dutch-Oven Sausage & Sage Stuffing
Use cubed bread, breakfast sausage, chopped celery, onion, and a little broth. Mix everything in the Dutch oven and bake until the top is golden and crispy, about 30–40 minutes. The smoky flavor from the coals adds something store-bought stuffing can’t touch.
Optional Add-In: Toss in some dried cranberries for a pop of color and sweetness.
Side 3:
🍴 Campfire Green Bean Casserole
Combine green beans (canned or fresh), cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions right in the Dutch oven.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly, then top with more onions for crunch.
Gear Tip: Use a trivet or a few small rocks under your pot to prevent scorching.
Dessert:
🍴 Dutch-Oven Pumpkin Cobbler
Mix canned pumpkin puree with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread it in the bottom of a greased Dutch oven and sprinkle yellow cake mix and butter slices on top.
Bake for about 40 minutes, rotating the pot occasionally. Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you have a cooler handy.
Check out my article on the 10 Must-Have Camping Cookware for Outdoor Cooking. It's packed with essential gear recommendations to make your camping meals even more delicious and hassle-free!
Campfire Setup & Gear Tips
Use charcoal briquettes for consistent heat – about 25–30 briquettes per Dutch oven for baking or roasting.
Rotate the pot and lid every 15 minutes for even cooking.
Bring lid lifters, gloves, and trivets to make handling easier.
If you have multiple Dutch ovens, stack them (largest on bottom) to cook multiple dishes at once.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving at the campsite is all about slowing down, enjoying nature, and making new memories around the fire. Whether you’re camped at a state park or parked in your backyard, this Dutch-oven menu brings comfort, tradition, and a touch of rustic charm to your holiday meal.
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