Cooking in the fall is a great way to enjoy the changing of the season. With cooler temperatures and stunning foliage, outdoor cooking can be an enjoyable and stress-free experience. Here are five ideas for outdoor cooking in the fall:
Open Fire Cooking:
Nothing says fall like an open fire. Whether it be a campfire, bonfire, or fire pit in your backyard, this is a perfect way to enjoy the crisp fall weather. Open fire cooking can be intimidating and time-consuming, but with a few tips and tricks you can make it an enjoyable and successful experience. Here are some of our best tips for open fire cooking:
- Start with a good fire – A hot and roaring fire is the key to successful open fire cooking, so make sure you spend enough time getting it going.
- Choose the right tools – Long-handled utensils, fireproof oven mitts, and a dutch oven are essential for open fire cooking. Invest in high-quality tools that will last you season to season.
- Keep an eye on the fire – Open fire cooking requires a bit more attention than grilling or broiling, so keep an eye on your fire and adjust the cooking time as needed.
Dutch Oven:
Dutch oven cooking is ideal for slow-cooked dishes and is one of the oldest ways to cook outdoors. If you’re looking for something hearty and flavorful, this is the way to go! Try a Dutch oven chili or stew with ingredients like beef, beans, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices.
Brick Oven
Brick ovens are a great way to create authentic wood-fired pizza and other wonderful dishes. Here are some of the best foods to cook in a brick oven:
- Pizza – It’s no surprise that pizza is one of the most popular items to cook in a brick oven; it’s hot, crispy crust and gooey cheese make for a delicious meal.
- Roasted Vegetables – Roast up some of your favorite vegetables like potatoes, peppers, and squash and enjoy the smoky flavor that only a brick oven can provide.
- Focaccia Bread – The high heat of a brick oven is perfect for baking focaccia bread; its crunchy exterior and soft interior make for a delicious side dish.
- Roasted Meats – Make your own wood-fired rotisserie chicken or pork with flavor that only a brick oven can produce.
Grilling:
Grilling is always a great way to enjoy outdoor cooking in the fall. Fire up your grill and make some grilled meats, vegetables, and even desserts like a fruit cobbler!
Smoked Cooking:
This is the perfect time of year to smoke some savory fall dishes. Whether you use an electric or charcoal smoker, smoked brisket, ribs, pork chops, turkey breasts, and salmon are all delicious choices for the perfect fall feast. Smoking the right type of wood can make a huge difference in the flavor of your smoked dishes. Try using hickory, mesquite, apple, or cherry wood chips for maximum flavor.
Enjoy the Fall Season
Whatever you decide to make this fall, outdoor cooking has never been easier. All you need is some creative ideas and a little bit of preparation! With the right ingredients and tools at hand, anyone can create gourmet dishes outdoors that will be sure to impress friends and family. So get out there and enjoy the fall season with a delicious home cooked meal!
