Cooking outdoors adds unique flavour to any recipe, infusing dishes with smoky aromas and a connection to nature. Gathering around a fire pit fosters camaraderie, as friends and family bond over shared meals cooked al fresco, creating memories that linger long after the last bite.
Whether you're a seasoned grill master or a novice camper, mastering outdoor cooking is a great way to make the most of nature’s splendor. From open-flame grilling to smoking ingredients to perfection, the outdoor culinary possibilities are truly endless.
Le Creuset recently launched its outdoor collection – its very own Outdoor Alpine Collection. Featuring an outdoor skillet, pizza pan, and square grill basket, these outdoor cooking essentials are built to last, bringing culinary innovation to the great outdoors.
Benefits of Outdoor Cooking
There is something unique about cooking over an open flame that is hard to replicate in the kitchen. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, or slow-cooking, there are a lot of benefits to cooking outdoors. From the rich, smoky flavours to the quality time with your favourite people, it’s not hard to see why so many summertime activities center around outdoor cooking.
Cooking over an open flame or grill can elevate even the simplest meals. The smokiness and slight char add a depth and richness to food that can be near impossible to achieve with conventional cooking. The best part is that with the right pieces of cookware, you can cook just about anything outdoors. Roasting vegetables, grilling meat, and even making pizza are taken to the next level when cooked outdoors.
Few things will fray your nerves like trying to cook in a crowded kitchen. Hosting a party can mean being sequestered away in your kitchen and missing out on all the fun and conversation. Cooking outdoors allows you to still hang out in the center of parties and gatherings while preparing food for everyone. Even better, it can foster a communal atmosphere full of warmth. Food is more than just fuel, it’s something that brings us together and strengthens social bonds. The most cherished memories are often made right in your backyard.
After the long winter months, Canadians will take any and every excuse to spend some time out in nature. Feeling the sun on your face and hearing the wind rustling the trees is an amazing balm for a hectic life. Outdoor cooking gives you the opportunity to spend time appreciating nature that we often wouldn’t take otherwise. Even if you don’t have the opportunity to go camping in the woods, firing up the barbecue in your backyard will give you some much needed time away from your screen.
Essential Outdoor Cooking Techniques
While barbecuing is the most familiar method of outdoor cooking, there are actually a few more techniques that you should consider adding to your arsenal. The best part is that most of these techniques can be done with the barbecue you already own.
You might not realize it, but grilling and barbecuing aren’t the same thing. Both are cooking techniques for preparing meat and veggies on the barbecue. The difference is that grilling is better suited to smaller cuts of meat that can handle a short amount of time being cooked at a very high heat. Cooking high and fast gives food a nice sear and gets it on your plate in less time. Barbecuing on the other hand can take hours as a larger cut of meat is cooked over low heat to lock in all that flavour. Popular barbecue recipes include brisket, pulled pork, and bbq ribs.
Smoking bears some similarities to barbecuing. This is a technique that cooks and flavours food by exposing it to the smoke of burning or smoldering materials. The process involves cooking food at temperatures between 126 to 176°F (52 to 80°C). This will cook the meat without losing any of the moisture, while also giving it a rich, smoky flavour. There are a few different types of smokers on the market; electric, wood, charcoal, or pellet. You can also buy smoker boxes for your barbecue.
Another popular method of hot smoking involves cooking a cut of meat or fish on top of a plank of wood. The flavour will change depending on the type of wood used. Popular types of wood for smoking include cedar, applewood, hickery, and maple.
Roasting is a technique that involves cooking food on a rack or rotisserie, which exposes it to hot, dry air. Roasting temperatures range from 350 to 500°F (176 to 260°C). This gives food a nice crispy exterior while keeping the center tender and juicy. Meat isn’t the only thing that can be cooked this way. Roasting is ideal for vegetables that are tender and caramelized.
As the weather heats up, spending time in a hot kitchen baking isn’t very appealing. Luckily, you can bake outdoors, too. Maybe you have access to a wood fire stove, but even just a barbecue can work. The trick to outdoor baking is being able to create an enclosed environment suitable for baking. Cast iron pans and Dutch Ovens are ideal for baking bread outdoors. Cast iron can handle high temperatures for long periods of time, and provide excellent heat distribution to ensure that your baked goods are cooked all the way through. You can also use a pizza pan or stone to make fresh pizza on the grill.
Le Creuset's Essential Outdoor Alpine Collection
Having the right tools is essential for every outdoor cook. Le Creuset’s Alpine Collection offers a wide range of outdoor cookware ideal for all your outdoor cooking needs. Made from cast iron, our Alpine cookware can handle high temperatures while providing even heat distribution.
Alpine Outdoor Skillet
Specifically designed for cooking over an open flame, the Alpine Outdoor Collection Round Skillet is a versatile essential for searing, sautéing, stir-frying and griddling outdoors. Coated with a rugged, matte black enamel, this skillet is easy to clean and maintain without needing to be seasoned. It’s also the perfect size to fit on most grills while leaving space to cook alongside it. The Alpine Outdoor Collection Round Skillet is ideal for seared steaks, fried eggs, toasted sandwiches, pancakes and more.
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Alpine Outdoor Pizza Pan
The best pizza is made over an open flame. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to a wood-fire pizza oven. That doesn’t mean you have to miss out on amazing pizza this summer. For the avid outdoor cook, Le Creuset’s Alpine Outdoor Collection Pizza Pan is ideal for not only pizza and bread, but for seared burgers, pancakes, fried eggs, toasted sandwiches and more. It’s perfectly sized to accommodate a large pizza, with superior heat distribution for a crispy crust.
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Alpine Outdoor Square Grill Basket
Grilling is an indispensable part of outdoor cooking. With Le Creuset’s Alpine Outdoor Collection Square Grilling Basket, you can get that deliciously charred, smoky flavour without worrying about smaller items sticking or slipping through your grill. The rugged enamel coating provides even heat distribution without the need to season. It’s the perfect size to fit most grills while leaving you with enough space to cook alongside it. Durable and easy to clean, the Alpine Outdoor Square Grill Basket ideal for fish and shellfish, asparagus and other small vegetables, French fries and more.
Buy nowWhy Choose Le Creuset's Alpine Outdoor Collection
Outdoor cooking is the highlight of the summer season. Whether you’re planning on going camping or just want to make the most of your backyard, Le Creuset’s Alpine Outdoor Collection will help you master the art of cooking outdoors.
Crafted from enameled cast iron and specifically designed for cooking over an open flame, each piece is completely encased in a rugged matte black enamel that is ready to use and requires no seasoning. The raised loop handles and low sides make it easy to maneuver on the grates, yet with a low-profile design that allows grill hoods to close. For more outdoor cooking inspiration, be sure to visit our blog for cooking tips, care and use, and creative ways to get the most out of your Le Creuset Alpine Outdoor Collection!
