Mountain Pie Mania: The Ultimate Guide to Campfire Cooking with Delicious Recipes

Mountain pies, also known as pudgy pies, campfire pies, or hobo pies, are a quintessential campfire treat. They offer a simple, delicious, and customizable way to create warm, toasty sandwiches over an open fire. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a novice camper, mastering the art of the mountain pie is a rewarding experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the basic equipment to a variety of mouthwatering recipes.

What is a Mountain Pie?

A mountain pie is essentially a toasted sandwich cooked in a specialized hinged cooking iron over a campfire or grill. The iron consists of two metal plates, usually cast iron, that are connected by a hinge. Bread slices are placed on either side of the plates, filled with your desired ingredients, and then clamped shut. The iron is then placed over the heat source, cooking the sandwich until golden brown and the filling is heated through. The result is a crispy, warm, and utterly satisfying treat that’s perfect for outdoor adventures.

The Essential Equipment

Before embarking on your mountain pie journey, you’ll need a few essential pieces of equipment:

* **Mountain Pie Iron:** This is the heart of the operation. Cast iron is the preferred material due to its excellent heat retention and even cooking. Look for a durable iron with a sturdy hinge and a long handle to keep your hands safely away from the heat. Both square and round irons are available; square irons generally fit bread slices better.
* **Heat Source:** A campfire is the traditional heat source, but a grill (gas or charcoal) works equally well. If using a campfire, ensure you have a good bed of coals for even heat distribution. If using a grill, medium heat is ideal.
* **Oven Mitts or Gloves:** Essential for protecting your hands from the heat of the iron.
* **Long-Handled Tongs or Spatula:** For flipping the iron and removing the cooked pie.
* **Butter or Cooking Spray:** To prevent the bread from sticking to the iron.
* **Bread:** Sliced bread is the standard choice. White, wheat, or sourdough all work well. Experiment with different types to find your favorite.
* **Ingredients:** The possibilities are endless! We’ll explore various recipe options later in this guide.
* **Knife or Spatula:** A knife or spatula will be very helpful for spreading butter or fillings on the bread.
* **Cutting Board (optional):** If you’re preparing ingredients at your campsite, a cutting board provides a clean and stable surface.

## Getting Started: Preparing Your Mountain Pie

Once you have your equipment ready, follow these simple steps to create your first mountain pie:

1. **Prepare the Iron:** Lightly butter or spray both sides of the mountain pie iron with cooking spray. This will prevent the bread from sticking and ensure easy removal of the cooked pie.

2. **Assemble the Pie:** Place one slice of bread on one side of the iron. Add your desired fillings on top of the bread. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make it difficult to close the iron properly and may result in the filling spilling out during cooking.

3. **Top with Bread:** Place another slice of bread on top of the fillings, creating a sandwich.

4. **Close the Iron:** Carefully close the mountain pie iron, ensuring that the bread slices are aligned and the filling is contained within the iron.

5. **Cook Over the Heat:** Place the closed iron over your heat source (campfire coals or grill). Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the filling is heated through. The cooking time will vary depending on the heat of your fire or grill, so keep a close eye on it.

6. **Check for Doneness:** Use oven mitts or gloves and long-handled tongs to carefully flip the iron and cook the other side. After a few minutes on the other side, gently open the iron to check for doneness. The bread should be golden brown and the filling should be melted and heated through. If the bread is browning too quickly, move the iron further away from the heat source.

7. **Remove and Serve:** Once the pie is cooked to your liking, carefully remove it from the iron using a spatula or tongs. Let it cool slightly before serving, as the filling can be very hot. Enjoy your delicious mountain pie!

## Tips for Perfect Mountain Pies

* **Don’t Overfill:** Overfilling the iron is a common mistake. It makes it difficult to close the iron properly, can cause the filling to spill out, and can result in uneven cooking. Less is more!
* **Use Butter or Cooking Spray:** This is essential for preventing the bread from sticking to the iron. It also helps to create a golden-brown crust.
* **Monitor the Heat:** The heat of your fire or grill is crucial for even cooking. If the bread is browning too quickly, move the iron further away from the heat source. If the bread is not browning enough, move it closer.
* **Be Patient:** Cooking mountain pies takes a little patience. Don’t rush the process. Allow the bread to toast and the filling to heat through completely.
* **Experiment with Fillings:** The possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to try new and creative fillings.
* **Clean the Iron Properly:** After each use, clean the mountain pie iron thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Dry it completely before storing to prevent rust.

## Mountain Pie Recipes: Sweet and Savory Delights

Now that you know the basics, let’s explore some delicious mountain pie recipes. These recipes are just a starting point; feel free to customize them to your liking!

### Savory Mountain Pie Recipes

#### 1. Classic Pizza Pie

* **Ingredients:**
* Sliced bread
* Pizza sauce
* Shredded mozzarella cheese
* Pepperoni slices
* Optional: Mushrooms, onions, bell peppers
* **Instructions:**
1. Butter or spray the iron.
2. Place one slice of bread in the iron.
3. Spread pizza sauce on the bread.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
5. Add pepperoni slices and any other desired toppings.
6. Top with another slice of bread.
7. Close the iron and cook over the heat until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

#### 2. Ham and Cheese Melt

* **Ingredients:**
* Sliced bread
* Sliced ham
* Sliced cheddar cheese
* Optional: Dijon mustard
* **Instructions:**
1. Butter or spray the iron.
2. Place one slice of bread in the iron.
3. Layer with ham and cheddar cheese.
4. Add a dab of Dijon mustard, if desired.
5. Top with another slice of bread.
6. Close the iron and cook over the heat until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

#### 3. BBQ Chicken Pie

* **Ingredients:**
* Sliced bread
* Cooked, shredded chicken
* BBQ sauce
* Shredded cheddar cheese
* Optional: Diced red onion
* **Instructions:**
1. Butter or spray the iron.
2. Place one slice of bread in the iron.
3. Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and spread on the bread.
4. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and diced red onion, if desired.
5. Top with another slice of bread.
6. Close the iron and cook over the heat until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

#### 4. Reuben Pie

* **Ingredients:**
* Rye bread
* Corned beef, thinly sliced
* Sauerkraut, drained
* Swiss cheese
* Russian dressing
* **Instructions:**
1. Butter or spray the iron.
2. Place one slice of rye bread in the iron.
3. Spread with Russian dressing.
4. Layer with corned beef, sauerkraut, and Swiss cheese.
5. Top with another slice of rye bread.
6. Close the iron and cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

#### 5. Monte Cristo Pie

* **Ingredients:**
* Sliced bread
* Cooked ham, thinly sliced
* Cooked turkey, thinly sliced
* Swiss cheese
* Dijon mustard (optional)
* Egg, beaten (for dipping)
* Butter, for cooking
* Powdered sugar and jam for serving (optional)
* **Instructions:**
1. Assemble the sandwich with ham, turkey, Swiss cheese, and a touch of Dijon mustard, if desired, between two slices of bread.
2. Dip the assembled sandwich into the beaten egg, ensuring both sides are coated.
3. Butter the mountain pie iron.
4. Place the egg-dipped sandwich in the iron.
5. Close the iron and cook until golden brown on both sides.
6. Serve hot, optionally dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by a side of jam for dipping.

#### 6. Taco Pie

* **Ingredients:**
* Sliced bread
* Cooked ground beef, seasoned with taco seasoning
* Shredded cheddar cheese
* Salsa
* Optional: Sour cream, guacamole, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce
* **Instructions:**
1. Butter or spray the iron.
2. Place one slice of bread in the iron.
3. Spread a layer of cooked and seasoned ground beef.
4. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and salsa.
5. Add any other taco toppings you desire.
6. Top with another slice of bread.
7. Close the iron and cook until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

#### 7. Pizza Burger Pie

* **Ingredients:**
* Sliced bread
* Cooked hamburger patty, seasoned
* Pizza sauce
* Mozzarella cheese
* Optional: Pepperoni, mushrooms, onions
* **Instructions:**
1. Butter or spray the iron.
2. Place one slice of bread in the iron.
3. Place the cooked hamburger patty on the bread.
4. Spread pizza sauce over the patty.
5. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and any other desired pizza toppings.
6. Top with another slice of bread.
7. Close the iron and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

### Sweet Mountain Pie Recipes

#### 1. Classic Apple Pie

* **Ingredients:**
* Sliced bread
* Apple pie filling (canned or homemade)
* Butter, melted
* Optional: Cinnamon sugar
* **Instructions:**
1. Butter or spray the iron.
2. Place one slice of bread in the iron.
3. Spoon apple pie filling onto the bread.
4. Top with another slice of bread.
5. Brush the top of the bread with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, if desired.
6. Close the iron and cook over the heat until golden brown and the filling is heated through.

#### 2. S’mores Pie

* **Ingredients:**
* Sliced bread
* Chocolate squares
* Marshmallows (large or mini)
* **Instructions:**
1. Butter or spray the iron.
2. Place one slice of bread in the iron.
3. Layer with chocolate squares and marshmallows.
4. Top with another slice of bread.
5. Close the iron and cook over the heat until golden brown and the marshmallows are melted and gooey.

#### 3. Cherry Pie

* **Ingredients:**
* Sliced bread
* Cherry pie filling
* Optional: Almond extract
* **Instructions:**
1. Butter or spray the iron.
2. Place one slice of bread in the iron.
3. Spoon cherry pie filling onto the bread (add a drop of almond extract to the filling if desired).
4. Top with another slice of bread.
5. Close the iron and cook until the bread is toasted and the filling is heated through.

#### 4. Peanut Butter and Banana Pie

* **Ingredients:**
* Sliced bread
* Peanut butter
* Sliced banana
* **Instructions:**
1. Butter or spray the iron.
2. Place one slice of bread in the iron.
3. Spread peanut butter on the bread.
4. Top with sliced banana.
5. Top with another slice of bread.
6. Close the iron and cook until the bread is toasted and the banana is warm.

#### 5. Chocolate Hazelnut Pie

* **Ingredients:**
* Sliced bread
* Chocolate hazelnut spread (e.g., Nutella)
* **Instructions:**
1. Butter or spray the iron.
2. Place one slice of bread in the iron.
3. Spread a generous amount of chocolate hazelnut spread on the bread.
4. Top with another slice of bread.
5. Close the iron and cook until golden brown and the filling is melted.

#### 6. Strawberry Cheesecake Pie

* **Ingredients:**
* Sliced bread
* Cream cheese, softened
* Strawberry jam or preserves
* Optional: Graham cracker crumbs
* **Instructions:**
1. Butter or spray the iron.
2. Place one slice of bread in the iron.
3. Spread a layer of softened cream cheese on the bread.
4. Top with strawberry jam or preserves.
5. Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, if desired.
6. Top with another slice of bread.
7. Close the iron and cook until the bread is toasted and the filling is warm.

#### 7. Blueberry Pie

* **Ingredients:**
* Sliced bread
* Blueberry pie filling (canned or homemade)
* Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice
* **Instructions:**
1. Butter or spray the iron.
2. Place one slice of bread in the iron.
3. Spoon blueberry pie filling onto the bread. Add a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
4. Top with another slice of bread.
5. Close the iron and cook until the bread is toasted and the filling is heated through.

## Safety First: Campfire Cooking Precautions

Campfire cooking can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it’s important to take safety precautions to prevent accidents:

* **Clear the Area:** Before building a fire, clear a 10-foot radius around the area of any flammable materials, such as dry leaves, grass, and branches.
* **Build a Safe Fire:** Use a fire pit or ring to contain the fire. Keep the fire small and manageable.
* **Never Leave a Fire Unattended:** Always supervise a campfire. Never leave it unattended, even for a short period.
* **Keep Water Nearby:** Have a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of emergencies.
* **Use Proper Tools:** Use long-handled tools, such as tongs and spatulas, to handle hot items and keep your hands away from the heat.
* **Wear Protective Gear:** Wear oven mitts or gloves to protect your hands from burns.
* **Be Aware of Wind Conditions:** Be extra cautious on windy days, as sparks can easily spread and ignite nearby vegetation.
* **Extinguish the Fire Completely:** When you’re finished with the fire, extinguish it completely with water. Stir the ashes to ensure that all embers are extinguished. Make sure the ashes are cool to the touch before leaving the area.
* **Follow Local Regulations:** Be aware of any local regulations regarding campfires. Some areas may have restrictions or bans on open fires, especially during dry seasons.

## Beyond the Basics: Creative Mountain Pie Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic mountain pie, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different fillings and flavor combinations. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

* **Breakfast Pies:** Fill your mountain pie with scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon, sausage, or ham for a hearty breakfast on the go.
* **Dessert Pizzas:** Use sweet pizza dough or tortillas instead of bread and top with chocolate, fruit, and marshmallows for a campfire dessert pizza.
* **Savory Dips:** Layer bread with spinach artichoke dip, buffalo chicken dip, or French onion dip for a warm and cheesy appetizer.
* **Quesadillas:** Fill the iron with cheese, beans, salsa, and your favorite Mexican fillings for a quick and easy quesadilla.
* **International Flavors:** Experiment with different cuisines by using fillings like curry, hummus, or pesto.
* **Grilled Cheese Variations:** Explore different cheeses and add-ins like tomatoes, bacon, or caramelized onions to create gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.

## Mountain Pies: A Campfire Tradition

Mountain pies are more than just a delicious campfire treat; they’re a tradition. They’re a symbol of outdoor adventures, shared meals, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re camping with family, hiking with friends, or simply enjoying a backyard bonfire, mountain pies are a perfect way to add a touch of warmth and flavor to your outdoor experience.

So, gather your equipment, choose your favorite recipes, and get ready to embark on a mountain pie adventure. Happy cooking!