Garlic Cream Sauce Ingredients:

This decadent cream sauce is the foundation of our pizza nachos, offering a rich and savory base that sets them apart. Preparing it at home can save valuable time at the campsite.

• 1.5 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
• ½ Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2-3 Garlic Cloves, freshly minced for optimal flavor
• ½ cups Heavy Cream
• ¼ cup Milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
• ¼ Cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
• Salt, to taste
• Black Pepper, freshly ground, to taste
• A pinch of Red Pepper Flakes, for a subtle kick (optional)

Nacho Ingredients:

The fun part of building your pizza nachos comes with choosing your favorite toppings. This list provides a classic combination, but feel free to customize!

• 1 Bag of sturdy Tortilla Chips (look for thicker chips that hold up well under toppings)
• ½ cups Garlic Cream Sauce (prepared as below)
• ¼ cups Onion, finely diced (red or white onion works well)
• ½ cups Pepperoni, cut into quarters (mini pepperoni also works)
• ½ cups Black Olives, sliced
• ½ whole Bell Pepper, diced (any color bell pepper adds sweetness and crunch)
• 2 Green Onions, thinly sliced, for garnish and fresh flavor
• 1 cup Colby-Jack Cheese, freshly shredded (a blend of mozzarella and cheddar is also excellent)

Directions: Crafting Your Campfire Masterpiece

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping dish that will impress everyone around the campfire (or at your kitchen table).

Preparing the Garlic Cream Sauce:

This sauce is best made ahead of time at home, saving you precious minutes at the campsite. Store it in an airtight container until ready to use.

1. Melt Fats: In a medium saucepan, combine the unsalted butter and olive oil. Melt them over medium heat until the butter is fully liquid and shimmering. The olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and oil. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
3. Simmer Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir continuously with a whisk or spoon. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Thicken and Season: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue stirring gently over low heat until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Set Aside: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and set the garlic cream sauce aside. Allow it to cool slightly before transferring to a container if making ahead for camping.

Assembling and Cooking the Pizza Nachos:

Whether over the fire or in the oven, the layering technique is key to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

6. Prepare Your Skillet: Grab your sturdy cast iron skillet. A 10-12 inch skillet is ideal for this recipe. Arrange a generous layer of tortilla chips at the bottom of the skillet.
7. Drizzle Sauce: Evenly drizzle a portion of the prepared garlic cream sauce all over the layer of chips. Don’t be shy – the sauce is what makes these nachos shine!
8. Layer Toppings: Begin layering your toppings. Start with a sprinkle of diced onions, then a portion of the quartered pepperoni, sliced black olives, diced bell pepper, and a generous amount of shredded Colby-Jack cheese. The best approach is to create multiple layers of chips and toppings to ensure every single chip gets plenty of deliciousness. Repeat the chips, sauce, and topping layers until you’ve used all your ingredients, finishing with a final layer of cheese on top.

9. Cook Over Fire: Carefully place the skillet over the open fire. The ideal heat source is glowing embers rather than direct, roaring flames, which can scorch the bottom. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil to trap heat and help the cheese melt evenly. Cook until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the veggies are warm, typically about 5-8 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
10. Oven Method (for home): If you’re making these at home, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the assembled skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges.
11. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove from the fire or oven. Garnish with fresh green onions before serving immediately.

Tips for Campfire Cooking Success:

• Heat Management: A good bed of hot coals provides more even heat than direct flames. If using flames, position the skillet higher or move it around to prevent hot spots.
• Lid is Key: A sturdy lid (or heavy-duty foil) creates a mini-oven effect, ensuring the cheese melts thoroughly and the toppings warm through.
• Pre-Chop at Home: Minimize campsite work by chopping all vegetables and preparing the sauce before you leave.
• Sturdy Chips: Choose thick, restaurant-style tortilla chips that won’t get soggy or crumble under the weight of the toppings.

Serving Suggestions:

These pizza nachos are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or some grilled corn on the cob. For drinks, try a refreshing lemonade or a cold craft beer.

Customization Ideas:

Get creative with your toppings! Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Meats: Cooked sausage, crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, Canadian bacon.
• Veggies: Mushrooms, jalapeños, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, red onion.
• Cheeses: Mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, Monterey Jack, feta.
• Sauce Variations: A drizzle of BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or pesto can add another layer of flavor.

Make-Ahead & Storage:

The garlic cream sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Leftover nachos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh. Reheat in the oven until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again.

More Delicious Camping Recipes:

If you loved these Campfire Pizza Nachos, you’ll definitely want to explore more of our outdoor cooking adventures:

• Campfire Whiskey BBQ Chicken
• Golden Coconut Raspberry S’moreo

Other Irresistible Pizza Creations:

Craving more pizza goodness? Check out these unique and flavorful pizza recipes:

• Prosciutto & Fig Pizza
• Kalua Pork Pizza
• BBQ Pork French Bread Pizza