As you gaze out at the breathtaking vistas of Yellowstone National Park, the aroma of sizzling campfire delights wafts through the air, tantalizing your taste buds. The great outdoors has a way of inspiring culinary creativity, and this collection of 20 recipes from the heart of America’s most iconic park is no exception. From hearty stews to savory burgers, sweet treats to tangy jams, these Yellowstone-inspired dishes are sure to satisfy even the most adventurous palates.
Bison Chili with Beans
This hearty bison chili recipe combines the rich flavor of buffalo meat with the comfort of tender beans and spices, perfect for a cozy evening or outdoor adventure.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground bison
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground bison in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Wild Huckleberry Pancakes
Start your day with a taste of the wild side! These fluffy pancakes infused with the sweet-tart flavor of wild huckleberries are sure to delight. Perfect for a special breakfast or brunch, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1/4 cup fresh or frozen wild huckleberries, rinsed and drained
– Maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Gently fold in the huckleberries.
5. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drop 1/4 cup of batter onto the skillet.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until bubbles appear on surface and edges start to dry. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve warm with maple syrup, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes for 8-10 pancakes.
Smoked Trout with Lemon Butter
This recipe combines the rich, smoky flavour of trout with a bright and citrusy lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as an appetizer for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 smoked trout fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together softened butter, lemon juice, and garlic until well combined.
3. Place the smoked trout fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Spoon the lemon butter mixture evenly over the trout fillets.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
8. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Elk Steak with Rosemary Garlic Rub
Elevate your dinner game with this simple yet flavorful recipe for Elk Steak with Rosemary Garlic Rub. This bold combination of earthy elk and aromatic rosemary is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 4 elk steaks (6 oz each)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, and rosemary.
3. Season the elk steaks with salt and black pepper.
4. Rub the garlic-rosemary mixture all over each steak, making sure to coat evenly.
5. Place the steaks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until desired level of doneness is reached.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Tips:
– Let the elk rest for 5 minutes before serving.
– Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Campfire Dutch Oven Stew
A hearty, comforting stew perfect for a camping trip or backyard adventure. This recipe is easy to prepare and cooks quickly over a campfire.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef stew meat (such as chuck or round)
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup of mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and corn)
– 2 cups of beef broth
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Dutch oven over medium-high heat on your campfire.
2. Brown the beef stew meat in the Dutch oven for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the cubed potatoes, mixed vegetables, and beef broth to the pot.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover the Dutch oven and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Grilled Rainbow Trout with Herbs
This recipe brings together the bright flavors of herbs and the rich taste of grilled trout for a memorable meal. With minimal preparation and cooking time, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 rainbow trout fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
– 2 tbsp lemon zest
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh lemons, sliced (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, parsley, dill, and lemon zest.
3. Place trout fillets on the grill and brush with herb mixture.
4. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with sliced lemons if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Yellowstone Bison Burgers
Elevate your burger game with this recipe featuring tender and flavorful Yellowstone bison burgers. These juicy patties are infused with the natural sweetness of bison, making them a perfect addition to any backyard BBQ or camping trip.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb Yellowstone bison ground meat
– 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine bison ground meat, chopped onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until just combined.
3. Form into 4-6 patties, depending on desired size.
4. Brush grill or grill pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Grill burgers for 4-5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
6. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 8-12 minutes
Wild Mushroom and Barley Soup
This hearty soup is a celebration of autumn’s bounty, featuring a medley of wild mushrooms and nutty barley. Perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups mixed wild mushrooms (such as chanterelle, cremini, and shiitake), sliced
– 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 10 minutes.
4. Add the barley, vegetable broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the barley is tender.
5. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Dutch Oven Cornbread
Perfect for camping trips or cozying up by the fireplace, this Dutch oven cornbread recipe yields a warm, crusty, and deliciously flavored treat that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Dutch oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking soda.
3. In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, melted butter, and egg.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared Dutch oven.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cornbread is golden brown and crusty.
7. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. Optional: drizzle with honey or maple syrup.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Campfire Potatoes with Bacon
These crispy, smoky potatoes are the perfect companion for your next campout or backyard gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and some quality time spent around the campfire, you’ll be enjoying a deliciously satisfying snack in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2-3 large potatoes
– 6 slices of bacon
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: garlic powder, chili powder, or other seasonings of your choice
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire pit by adding larger logs to the fire. Once the flames have died down and the coals are hot, adjust the heat by adjusting the size of the logs.
2. Cut the potatoes into 1-inch wedges or small chunks.
3. Wrap each potato piece in a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed.
4. Place the wrapped potatoes on a sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and any additional desired seasonings.
5. Cook for 30-40 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the bacon is crispy.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Venison Sausage and Cabbage Skillet
This hearty skillet dish combines the rich flavor of venison sausage with the crunch of caramelized cabbage, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. With just a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes of cooking time, you can have this satisfying dinner on the table in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb venison sausage, sliced
– 1 medium-sized head of cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 tsp caraway seeds
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced venison sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet and stir to combine with the onion. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is caramelized and tender.
5. Return the cooked venison sausage to the skillet and stir to combine with the cabbage mixture.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and caraway seeds to taste.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Homemade Huckleberry Jam
A sweet and tangy jam that’s perfect for toast, yogurt, or as a topping for your favorite desserts.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups huckleberries (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 package pectin
Instructions:
1. Rinse the huckleberries and remove any stems or leaves.
2. In a large pot, combine the huckleberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the berries have broken down and the mixture has thickened.
5. Stir in the pectin and continue to simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the jam has reached your desired consistency.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to a clean jar.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 cups of jam
Grilled Elk Kabobs with Vegetables
Savor the bold flavor of grilled elk paired with colorful vegetables on skewers. Perfect for a summer evening or outdoor gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound elk tenderloin or steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 zucchinis, cut into 1-inch slices
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: any other vegetables of your choice (e.g., cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or squash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add elk cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Thread elk, bell peppers, onion, and zucchinis onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Grill kabobs for 8-10 minutes per side or until elk reaches desired doneness.
5. Serve hot with your favorite sides, such as cornbread or quinoa salad.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Smoked Bison Ribs
Elevate your barbecue game with this tender and flavorful smoked bison ribs recipe. Perfect for a special occasion or just a weekend treat, these fall-off-the-bone ribs are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 racks of bison ribs (about 4 pounds)
– 1 cup wood chips (hickory or apple work well)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat smoker to 225°F.
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder.
3. Remove membrane from the back of the ribs (optional but recommended).
4. Season the ribs with salt, pepper, and the spice mixture.
5. Place ribs in the smoker, bone-side down. Close lid and smoke for 4-5 hours, or until meat is tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Wrap ribs in foil and continue smoking for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 5-6 hours
Cast Iron Skillet Trout with Almonds
This recipe combines the flaky texture of trout with the crunch of toasted almonds and a hint of citrus, all cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet. It’s a simple yet impressive dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 trout fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together almonds, lemon juice, and garlic.
3. Place trout fillets in a cast iron skillet, leaving space between each fish.
4. Top each trout with the almond mixture, dividing it evenly among the four fillets.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the trout and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the trout is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Campfire Baked Beans
Transform your camping trip with this easy-to-make recipe that combines the sweetness of baked beans with the smoky flavor of a campfire. Perfect for a camping weekend or outdoor adventure, these Campfire Baked Beans are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (16 oz) pork and beans
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp ground mustard
– 1/4 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 6 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat your campfire grill or cooking grate over medium-high heat.
2. In a large cast-iron skillet, combine the pork and beans, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground mustard, and cumin.
3. Add the bacon pieces on top of the bean mixture.
4. Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and place it on the campfire grill or cooking grate.
5. Cook for 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender and the bacon is crispy.
6. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Wild Rice and Mushroom Casserole
This hearty casserole combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the earthy taste of sautéed mushrooms, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cups mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook wild rice according to package instructions using water or broth.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and mushrooms; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine cooked wild rice with mushroom mixture and stir to combine.
6. Transfer mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with grated cheddar cheese.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Dutch Oven Apple Cobbler
This classic dessert is a perfect blend of tender apples, crispy biscuit topping, and sweet caramelized flavors, all cooked to perfection in your Dutch oven. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an ultimate comfort treat.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup biscuit mix (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat your Dutch oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
3. Pour apple mixture into the preheated Dutch oven.
4. In a separate bowl, mix biscuit mix with heavy cream or milk to form a dough. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the apple mixture.
5. Drizzle melted butter over the cobbler topping.
6. Cover the Dutch oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
7. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Grilled Bison Steak with Chimichurri
This recipe combines the richness of grilled bison steak with the bright, herby flavors of chimichurri sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a unique dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 4 bison steaks (6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush bison steaks with olive oil and season with chimichurri mixture.
4. Grill steaks for 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired level of doneness.
5. Let steaks rest for 5 minutes before serving.
6. Serve with remaining chimichurri sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Yellowstone Campfire S’mores
Gather ’round the campfire and enjoy a classic treat with a park-inspired twist! This recipe combines the gooey, chocolatey goodness of s’mores with the essence of Yellowstone National Park.
Ingredients:
– 1 bag of marshmallows
– 1 bar of milk chocolate (at least 2 ounces)
– 4 graham crackers
– 1/4 cup of crushed pecans or walnuts
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Roast marshmallows over the campfire, turning frequently, until they reach your desired level of toastiness.
2. Meanwhile, place a graham cracker on a flat surface and drizzle with a small amount of chocolate.
3. Place a roasted marshmallow on top of the chocolate.
4. Sprinkle crushed nuts over the marshmallow.
5. Top with another graham cracker.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on marshmallow roasting time)
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the wild flavors of Yellowstone with these 20 hearty recipes inspired by nature. From bison chili and wild huckleberry pancakes to smoked trout and grilled elk kabobs, this cookbook offers a range of mouth-watering dishes that combine bold flavors with a love for the great outdoors. Whether you’re camping or cooking up a storm in your kitchen, these recipes are sure to satisfy your appetite and leave you feeling like you’re right in the heart of Yellowstone.
Leave a Reply