Hobo pie: The classic campfire dish everyone should try

Did you know there’s more to sweet campfire cooking than just s’mores and marshmallows? Meet the hobo pie – an absolutely delicious and versatile meal that’ll elevate your outdoor adventures in a snap. 

In this blog post, we’ll dive into hobo pies’ history, essential tools, mouthwatering recipes, and safety tips. So, grab your pie iron, gather your favorite ingredients, and get ready to level up your campfire cooking game!

The history of hobo pies

Before we start whipping up our hobo pies, let’s quickly trip down memory lane and learn about their origins. Hobo pies, also known as pudgy, mountain pies, or simply campfire pies, have a unique history deeply rooted in American culture.

The origins of the hobo pie

The hobo pie, or mountain pie, dates back to the early 20th century, during the Great Depression, when hobos – transient workers who traveled by rail – roamed the United States for employment.

These resourceful folks needed a simple, filling meal that could be cooked over an open fire, and thus the hobo pie was born.

A campfire cooking staple

Since their humble beginnings, hobo pies have become a beloved staple in campfire cooking. They’re popular not only for their simplicity but also for their ability to bring people together around the fire. 

Just as hobos once shared their meals with fellow travelers, today’s campers enjoy bonding over the communal experience of making hobo pies together.

Essential tools and tips for making hobo pies

Now that we’ve covered the history of hobo pies, let’s discuss the tools and techniques you’ll need to make your own delicious campfire creations.

The pie iron

At the heart of any hobo pie is the campfire pie iron – a versatile cooking tool consisting of two hinged metal plates connected to long handles. Pie irons come in various shapes and sizes, but the most common is a square or round design.

The whole process is very simple – you need to place your bread and fillings inside the pie maker, close it, and hold it over the fire until your hobo pie toasts to perfection.

It’s a very handy addition to your campfire cooking kit. 

Additional equipment and tips

In addition to a pie iron, you’ll need a few other essentials for hobo pie cooking, such as a fire source (campfire, fire pit, or campfire grill), tongs or fire-resistant glove for handling the hot pie iron, and a camping cutting board or plate for assembling your pies.

To ensure even cooking, maintain a steady temperature using a bed of hot coals rather than direct flames. And remember, practice makes perfect – it may take a few tries to get the hang of cooking your hobo pies just right.

Delicious hobo pie recipes

One of the best things about hobo pies is their versatility. You can experiment with various fillings to create a meal that suits your taste buds.

Here are some delicious recipes to get you started, but don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild.

Savory hobo pie: Ham and cheese

1. Preheat your pie iron over the fire for a few minutes. 
2. Layer your pie iron with cooking spray generously.
3. Butter one side of two slices of white bread.
4. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the pie iron.
5. Layer on thinly sliced ham and mozzarella cheese, or choose your favorite cheese. 
6. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
7. Close the pie iron and cook over the fire for 3-5 minutes per side. Cooking time will vary depending on your pie iron and heat source, so it’s best to check when the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts.

Sweet hobo pie: Apple and cinnamon

1. Preheat your pie iron over the fire for a few minutes.
2. Layer your pie iron with cooking spray generously.
3. Butter one side of two slices of bread.
4. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the pie iron.
5. Spread a layer of apple pie filling on the bread, and sprinkle it with cinnamon and sugar.
6. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
7. Close the pie iron and cook over the fire for 3-5 minutes per side or until the bread is golden brown and the filling is heated through.

Breakfast hobo pie: Egg and veggie delight

Egg hobo pies make for a scrumptious and satisfying breakfast around the campfire. To whip up your own egg hobo pie, follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your pie iron over the fire for a few minutes.
2. Butter one side of two slices of bread.
3. Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in the pie iron.
4. Add a layer of cooked scrambled eggs, and top with your choice of diced vegetables (such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms) and a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
5. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.
6. Close the pie iron and cook over the fire for 3-5 minutes per side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts.

Remember, these are just a starting point – feel free to mix and match your favorite ingredients to create unique hobo pie masterpieces! To help spark your culinary creativity, here are some popular ingredients that work well in hobo pies:

Proteins: grilled chicken, turkey, pepperoni, sausage, bacon, or even tofu

Cheeses: cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, provolone, gouda, or brie

Vegetables: onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, or olives

Fruits: sliced apples, peaches, cherries, blueberries, or raspberries

Spreads and sauces: marinara, pesto, barbecue sauce, mustard, or even Nutella

Extras: fresh herbs, jalapeños, pickles, or crushed potato chips for added crunch

As we said, this is just the beginning – delve deeper into pie iron recipes.

Safety tips and campfire etiquette

As we wrap up our exploration of hobo pies, let’s touch on some important camping safety tips and campfire etiquette to ensure that your outdoor cooking experience is both fun and responsible.

Fire safety

First and foremost, always practice fire safety when cooking outdoors. Ensure you’re using a designated fire pit or ring, and never leave your fire unattended.

Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby in emergencies, and thoroughly extinguish your fire when you’re finished cooking.

Leave no trace

Responsible campfire cooking also means leaving no trace of your activities. Clean up any food scraps, trash, and other debris, and dispose of them properly. Be mindful of local wildlife, and avoid feeding them or leaving food out that could attract them to your campsite.

Have fun

Lastly, remember that campfire cooking is a communal experience meant to be shared with others. Invite your fellow campers to join in the fun, and use the opportunity to bond, learn new recipes, and create lasting memories together.

Summing up

Hobo pies are more than just a delicious meal – they’re an opportunity to connect with nature, share experiences with loved ones, and create lasting memories around the campfire. All without too much effort into cooking.

So, next time you find yourself in the great outdoors, grab your pie iron and favorite ingredients and give hobo pie cooking a try.