Cooking Outdoors by the Coast: Simple Campfire Meals for Hungry Families

The first time we cooked a proper meal outdoors by the coast, I was convinced it would be a disaster. Wind, smoke, hungry kids, and a pan that refused to sit level — it had all the ingredients of a meltdown. But something about eating outside, with the sea somewhere in the background and the light going gold, made even the burnt bits taste good. We've refined things since, and now outdoor cooking is one of our favourite parts of a coastal day out.

The golden rule is to keep it simple. Outdoors is not the place for a recipe with fifteen steps. You want food that can be prepped at home, packed in a cool bag, and finished over a fire or stove with minimal fuss. We've settled on a small rotation of meals that work every time, no matter the weather.

Our Go-To Campfire Meals

Top of the list is foil packets. You take a square of foil, layer in sliced potatoes, onions, a knob of butter, and whatever protein you fancy — sausages, chunks of chicken, or halloumi for a veggie version — then wrap it tight and tuck it into the embers. Twenty minutes later you've got a steaming, savoury parcel that you eat straight from the foil with a fork. No plates, no washing up, total winner.

Second is the one-pot pasta. We bring a big pot, a bag of small pasta, a jar of tomato sauce, and a handful of olives. Boil the pasta on a camping stove, stir in the sauce to warm through, and serve in bowls with grated cheese from a tub. It's warm, filling, and forgiving, which is exactly what you want when everyone's ravenous.

Third, and the kids' absolute favourite, is stick bread. You make a simple dough at home, wrap it around clean sticks, and toast it over the fire until it's golden and puffed. We serve it with soup from a flask or just with butter and jam. It's messy, it's hands-on, and it never fails to make everyone happy.

Keeping It Safe and Sane

A few practicalities make all the difference. Check whether fires are allowed before you go — many coastal spots have strict rules, and a small gas stove is often the safer choice. Bring water for dousing, keep the fire small, and never leave it unattended with kids around. We give our children clear jobs — one collects kindling, one sets out the plates — so they feel involved without being in the way.

We also pack a bin bag and take everything home. Coastal spots stay beautiful because people do that small thing, and it's a lesson worth repeating to the kids every single time. Cooking outdoors takes a bit more planning than ordering a takeaway, but the payoff — full bellies, salty air, and a sunset you didn't have to pay for — is worth every bit of effort.