Around the Campfire
Griddled bell peppers are one of the most useful side dishes in camp cooking. They can stand alone, top burgers, fill fajitas, or stretch leftovers into another meal.
Why This Recipe Works
The Blackstone gives peppers direct heat and enough space to soften without getting watery.
Quick Facts
- Serves: 4
- Heat zone: Medium
- Best for: Fajitas, burgers, bowls, and wraps
- Teaches: Vegetable browning without steaming
Shopping List
- Bell peppers
- Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Home Prep
Slice peppers at home if using them early in the trip. Keep colors mixed for better presentation.
Cooler Packing
Keep sliced peppers dry in a sealed container.
Equipment
- Blackstone griddle
- Spatula
- Tongs
Heat Zones
Use medium heat and give the vegetables room to caramelize rather than steam.
Ingredients
- 4 medium bell peppers (any color), cored and sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as canola or avocado)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the griddle to medium.
- Oil the surface lightly.
- Add peppers in a single layer.
- Cook until tender-crisp and lightly browned.
- Season and serve.
Doneness
Peppers should be tender-crisp with browned edges.
Common Mistakes
- Crowding the griddle.
- Cooking until limp.
- Adding wet sauce too early.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with fajitas, burgers, rice bowls, steak, chicken, or eggs.
Variations
- Add 1 medium onion, sliced (cook with peppers).
- Add 1 tablespoon taco seasoning during the last minute of cooking.
- Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: As written.
- Dairy-free: As written.
- Vegan: As written.
Scaling
Cook in batches for larger groups.
Weather Notes
Wind is manageable because peppers cook quickly.
Leftovers
Use leftovers in omelets, tacos, wraps, quesadillas, or bowls.
Kid Helper Tasks
Kids can choose pepper colors and add finishing lime.
Dragonfly Tip
Peppers are more useful when you keep them simple. Season lightly and let them become tomorrow’s ingredient too.
Dragonfly Challenge
Try peppers alone and peppers with onions. Pick the more useful camp prep.