Tortilla Pie Iron Magic: Crispy Campfire Creations!

Published:  05/05/2025

Some of my fondest memories from camping trips involve gathering around the fire, not just for warmth, but for the sheer joy of creating something delicious together.

And what could be more perfectly suited for campfire cooking, and memory-making, than a campfire pie iron sandwich? Forget the bread for a moment, because today, we're taking this classic to a whole new level of easy and fun by using tortillas!

Get ready to unlock a world of crispy, handheld goodness with your trusty pie iron using tortillas!

Forget complicated recipes and messy dough – with tortillas and a pie iron, you're just moments away from creating crispy, handheld pockets of pure campfire comfort food. 

Get ready to be amazed by the versatility of the tortilla as we explore a fantastic list of pie iron recipes using tortillas, guaranteed to spark your culinary creativity under the stars!

From savory snacks to sweet sensations, the possibilities are endless.

My Favorite Cast Iron Pie Iron from Amazon and be sure to get a Campfire Pie Iron Cookbook for more great ideas! 

Pie Iron Cooker

Buy on Amazon

What Is a Pie Iron?

A pie iron, also known as a pudgy pie iron, sandwich toaster, or jaffle iron, is a cooking tool made of two hinged concave metal plates (usually cast iron or aluminum) attached to long handles.   

Think of it like a clamshell or a waffle iron without the waffle pattern. You place food inside, close the plates, and then cook it over an open fire, hot coals, or even on a stovetop. The heat toasts the outside of the food and warms the filling inside. The edges of the plates often crimp together, sealing the contents.   

Essentially, a pie iron lets you make hot, sealed sandwiches and small, pie-like meals over a campfire (or other heat sources).   

They are incredibly versatile and popular for camping because they are easy to use and allow you to cook a variety of things, from simple grilled cheese sandwiches to more elaborate meals and desserts.

So many delicious and fun creations to make in a pie iron. Pickup a well-reviewed pie iron cookbook from Amazon.

And do a search on the internet and you can find lots of recipes using tortillas, sliced bread, dough and even frozen waffles! 

Caution

Word to the wise! Pie irons will be extremely hot after use. 

 Trust us, heat-resistant gloves aren't a suggestion, they're your best buddy when wrangling those tasty, molten creations. 

What Tortillas to Use

You've got options when it comes to tortillas for your campfire pie iron sandwiches! 

Flour Tortillas:

• Pros: They are generally more pliable and less likely to tear, which can be helpful when pressing them in the pie iron. They also tend to get a nice, slightly crispy exterior while remaining soft on the inside.
• Cons: Some might find them a little less flavorful than corn tortillas.
• Good Choices: Look for standard-size flour tortillas. Fajita-size can also work well, especially if you want smaller sandwiches or have a smaller pie iron.

Corn Tortillas:

• Pros: They offer a distinct, earthy flavor that some people prefer. They can also get quite crispy in the pie iron.
• Cons: They can be more prone to tearing or cracking, especially if they are cold. Warming them slightly before using can help with pliability.
• Good Choices: Standard-size corn tortillas are a good starting point.

Whole Wheat Tortillas:

• These are a readily available and popular choice. They generally have a slightly nutty flavor and a good texture for pressing in a pie iron.

Low-Carb Tortillas:

• Almond Flour Tortillas: These are a popular option, often made with almond flour, psyllium husk, and other binders. They tend to be lower in net carbs than traditional flour tortillas.   
• Coconut Flour Tortillas: Made with coconut flour, these can be another low-carb choice, though the texture can be a bit different – sometimes slightly more crumbly.   
• Other Low-Carb Flour Alternatives: Some brands use a blend of ingredients like oat fiber, resistant tapioca starch, or even vegetable powders to create lower-carb tortillas. Look for labels that clearly state the net carb count.
• "Carb Balance" or "Keto-Friendly" Tortillas: Many mainstream brands now offer versions specifically marketed as low-carb. Check the ingredient list to see what they are made from.   

Gluten-Free Tortillas:

• Corn Tortillas: Naturally gluten-free, these are a classic option. Just be sure to check the label to ensure they aren't made in a facility that also processes wheat, in case of cross-contamination.
• Rice Flour Tortillas: Made from rice flour (white or brown), these can be a good gluten-free alternative.   
• Cassava Flour Tortillas: Cassava flour makes for soft and pliable gluten-free tortillas.   
• Almond Flour Tortillas (again): As mentioned above, many almond flour tortillas are also gluten-free.   
• Other Gluten-Free Flour Blends: You'll find tortillas made with blends of tapioca starch, potato starch, sorghum flour, and other gluten-free flours.

Low-Carb AND Gluten-Free Options:

• Almond Flour: Many brands combine almond flour with ingredients like psyllium husk or flaxseed to create low-carb and gluten-free tortillas.   
• Coconut Flour: Some low-carb tortillas made with coconut flour are also gluten-free.   
• Other Nut and Seed Flours: You might find options made with flours like sunflower seed flour.
• Specific "Keto" or "Grain-Free" Blends: Some brands focus on creating tortillas that meet both low-carb and gluten-free dietary needs using unique ingredient combinations.

Things to Consider:

• Size of your pie iron: Make sure the tortillas you choose aren't too large or too small for your pie iron. You want them to cover the cooking surface without too much overhang.
• Thickness: Thinner tortillas will cook more quickly and get crispier. Very thick tortillas might take longer to heat through.
• Personal preference: Ultimately, the best tortilla is the one you enjoy the most! Feel free to experiment with both flour and corn to see which you like better in your campfire pie iron sandwiches.

Tips for Success with Tortilla Pie Irons

• Don't overfill: Too much filling will make it hard to close and seal, and it might spill out.
• Use a little oil or cooking spray: Lightly coat the inside of the pie iron to prevent sticking and help with browning.
• Press firmly: Close the pie iron securely to seal the edges.
• Cook over medium heat: Avoid high heat, which can burn the tortilla before the filling is heated through.
• Check for doneness: Cook until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the filling is hot and melted.
• Experiment with different fillings and seasonings!

Savory Pie Iron Ideas

Pizza Pockets:
Tortilla, pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella, pepperoni (or other toppings like mushrooms, olives, cooked sausage).
Try different sauces like pesto or BBQ.

Quesadillas:
Tortilla, shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack), cooked and seasoned chicken or beef, salsa (optional).
Add black beans, corn, or sautéed peppers and onions.

Breakfast Burritos:
Tortilla, scrambled eggs, cooked sausage or bacon, shredded cheese, salsa or hot sauce. Include diced potatoes, onions, or peppers.

Taco Pockets:
Tortilla, seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa or taco sauce.

Ham and Cheese Melt:
Tortilla, sliced ham, Swiss or cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard or mayonnaise (spread lightly).

Spinach and Artichoke Melts:
Tortilla, cream cheese, chopped spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder.

BBQ Chicken or Pulled Pork:
Tortilla, shredded cooked chicken or pulled pork tossed in BBQ sauce, shredded coleslaw (optional), shredded cheddar.

Philly Cheesesteak Pockets:
Tortilla, thinly sliced cooked steak, sautéed onions and peppers, provolone cheese.

Cuban-Inspired Pockets:
Tortilla, sliced ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, mustard.

Mediterranean Pockets:
Tortilla, crumbled feta cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives (chopped), a drizzle of olive oil.

Pastrami and Swiss:
Pastrami, Swiss cheese, and mustard.  Add pickles and sauerkraut if you like, too!

Sweet Pie Iron Ideas

Fruit Turnovers:
Tortilla, sliced fruit (apples, peaches, berries), sugar, cinnamon, a touch of butter.
Add a sprinkle of granola or chopped nuts.

Chocolate and Nutella Pockets:
Tortilla, Nutella or other chocolate spread, sliced bananas or strawberries (optional), chopped nuts.

S'mores Pockets:
Tortilla, crushed graham crackers, chocolate chips, mini marshmallows.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Pockets:
Tortilla, peanut butter, your favorite jelly or jam.

Apple Pie Pockets:
Tortilla, apple pie filling (canned or homemade), a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.

Cherry Pie Pockets:
Tortilla, cherry pie filling (canned or homemade), a sprinkle of cinnamon and sugar.

Caramel Apple Pockets:
Tortilla, thinly sliced apples, caramel sauce, a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Berry Cream Cheese Pockets:
Tortilla, cream cheese, fresh or frozen berries (slightly thawed), a sprinkle of sugar.

Pie Iron Tacos

Serves 6
Ingredients
•    1 pound ground beef
•    1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
•    12 (5 inch) corn tortillas
•    1 cup shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese
•    ½ cup diced onion
•    2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
•    1 large tomato, diced
•    1 (8 ounce) jar salsa
•    1 (8 ounce) container sour cream (Optional)
Directions
1.    Build a campfire and allow the fire to burn until a bed of hot coals has accumulated. Rake the coals into a flat bed on one side of the fire.
2.    Meanwhile, cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, stirring to crumble. Discard excess fat; stir taco seasoning into beef according to package directions.
3.    Coat inside of a pie iron with cooking spray. Place 1 corn tortilla on one side, top with 1 scoop ground beef, sprinkle with cheese, add onion; place 1 (more) corn tortilla on top. Close pie iron.
4.    Cook taco over moderate campfire coals until tortillas have crisped and browned and taco is hot in center. Serve with lettuce, tomato, salsa, and sour cream. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Why Food Sticks to Your Pie Iron: 

• Lack of Seasoning: This is the most likely culprit, especially if your pie iron is new or hasn't been used much. Seasoning creates a natural, non-stick surface on cast iron through layers of baked-on oil.   
• Improper Preheating: Just like with a cast iron skillet, it's crucial to preheat your pie iron properly over the heat source before adding food. This helps the surface heat evenly and prevents food from immediately grabbing onto the metal. 
• Not Enough Oil or Grease: Even a well-seasoned pie iron benefits from a little added oil, butter, or cooking spray to prevent sticking. 
• Cooking at Too High a Heat: High heat can cause food to cook too quickly and stick, especially before a good seasoning layer has built up. 
• Dirty Surface: If there's old, burnt food residue on the pie iron, new food is more likely to stick to it. 
• Type of Food: Some foods are naturally more prone to sticking, especially those with high sugar content or delicate textures. 

What You Can Do to Prevent Sticking

Season Your Pie Iron Properly: 

• Clean it thoroughly: Remove any rust or debris with a stiff brush and hot water. Avoid soap for seasoning. Dry it completely. 
• Apply a thin layer of oil: Use a high smoke point oil like canola, vegetable, or flaxseed oil. Make sure to coat all surfaces, inside and out. Wipe off any excess oil; you want a very thin layer. 
• Heat it: Place the oiled pie iron over a moderate heat source (grill, campfire, or even in an oven if the handles are removable and it's safe to do so - check manufacturer instructions). Heat it for about 15-20 minutes. You might see some smoke. 
• Let it cool: Allow the pie iron to cool completely. 
• Repeat: Do this seasoning process 2-3 times to build up a good base layer. With each use, the seasoning will improve. 
• Preheat Your Pie Iron: Place the closed, empty pie iron over your heat source for a few minutes on each side before adding any food. It should be hot to the touch but not scorching.   
• Use Oil or Cooking Spray: Before placing food in the pie iron, lightly grease both inside surfaces with oil, butter, or a non-stick cooking spray. 
• Cook Over Moderate Heat: Avoid intense flames or high heat, especially in the beginning. Medium heat allows the food to cook through without burning and sticking prematurely. 
• Don't Force It: Let the food cook and release naturally. If you try to pull it out too early, it's more likely to stick and tear. Give it a few minutes on each side. 
• Clean After Each Use: After cooking, clean the pie iron while it's still slightly warm. Use a brush or sponge and hot water to remove food particles. Dry it thoroughly and apply a very thin layer of oil to prevent rust. 
   

Want More Pro Tips for a Healthier Lifestyle?

Maria Faires, RD Dietitian | Personal Trainer | Boat Captain with husband George

Connect with me on my Healthy Boat Living Instagram and Facebook pages and subscribe to my YouTube channel! And if you want to follow my Healthy Lifestyle pages MariaFaires, RD  and Facebook and YouTube.

As a fitness and nutrition expert and boat Captain, I'm excited to share how the principles of healthy living we've embraced aboard our Tollycraft Little Bear with my husband George and our boat dog Emmie can also enhance your boating and RV travels.

Discover tips and tricks for maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet, even with the limited space and resources of a boat galley – insights that translate beautifully to your RV kitchen. We'll explore creative meal prep and cooking solutions perfect for both life on deck and life at the RV park.
Stay active wherever you roam! We'll share workouts designed for the unique environment of a boat that can be easily modified for the often-cozy confines of an RV. From stretches to quick strength circuits, we'll help you integrate fitness into your healthy boat and RV lifestyle.