Campfire Baked Potatoes in a Dutch Oven
These Dutch oven baked potatoes are fluffy on the inside, crisp on the outside, and easy to make over a campfire, with charcoal in the backyard, or even in the oven at home. A simple, no-foil method that delivers reliable results every time.
Servings: 5
Calories: 218kcal
Equipment
- 7 qt Dutch Oven OR
- 12 inch Camp Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 5 russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoon olive oil +/- as needed
- 2 tablespoon coarse salt +/- as needed
Instructions
- Heat coals in a charcoal chimney.
- Once they're hot, place approximately 12 coals on bottom (camp table, fire pit, etc). Then nestle the Dutch oven or camp oven on top of the coals.
- Apply a thin layer of olive oil to each potato.
- Sprinkle each lightly with salt.
- Place the potatoes in the Dutch oven.
- Cover with the camp oven lid. Place heated coals over the entire lid. Cook for 45 minutes to an hour. (or up to 75 minutes depending on the potato size.)
- Use a lid lifter once done.
- Allow the potatoes to cool for several minutes before cutting and dressing them, as the steam will be incredibly hot.
- Serve with optional ingredients.
Oven Cooking
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Coat each potato with oil and salt and place in the dutch oven.
- Place the lid and cook for 45 minutes. (or up to 75 minutes.)
Notes
- Potato Size Matters: Cooking time varies by size. Thinner potatoes may be done in about 45 minutes, while larger ones can take up to 75 minutes. They’re ready when a fork slides in easily.
- No Need to Pierce: There’s no need to poke potatoes before cooking. They won’t explode, and leaving them intact helps the skins bake up better.
- Balance the Heat: If the bottoms are browning too quickly, move a few coals from underneath to the lid to even out the heat.
- Rotate for Even Cooking: Campfire heat isn’t always even. Rotate the Dutch oven or turn the lid halfway through cooking to prevent hot spots.
- Mind the Steam: For crisper skins, briefly crack the lid near the end of cooking to let excess steam escape.
Nutrition
Calories: 218kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 2801mg | Potassium: 889mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 2mg
