When you’ve had your fill of hot dogs and s’mores, it might be time to take a walk on the wild side of campfire cooking. Let me introduce you to the ultimate sweet-and-savory camping combo you didn’t know you needed: donut burgers.
Yes, we’re talking juicy burger patties sandwiched between two glazed donuts. It’s indulgent, it’s unforgettable, and it’s the kind of over-the-top treat that turns an ordinary camping trip into a delicious memory.
What is a Donut Burger?
A donut burger is exactly what it sounds like: a hamburger patty served between two glazed donuts instead of a bun. This quirky creation blends salty, savory, and sweet into every bite, and while it might not be your everyday dinner, it’s the perfect “why not?” meal when you’re gathered around the campfire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These come together quickly with minimal prep, which makes them perfect for camping:
Basic Ingredients:
- Glazed donuts (2 per burger)
- Ground beef or pre-formed burger patties (we grab preformed burgers from Kroger when we camp)
- Cheese slices (cheddar or pepper jack are perfect)
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, hot sauce, fried egg (our families favorite- we cook these on the griddle)
Gear You’ll Need:
- Portable grill or griddle, camp stove, or cast iron skillet
- Spatula or tongs
How to Make Donut Burgers at the Campsite
- Prep Your Fire, Griddle or Grill
Get your heat source going and let it warm up while you prep your ingredients. - Cook the Patties
Season your burger patties with salt and pepper or we love montreal steak seasoning. Cook them over medium-high heat until they’re done. - Toast the Donuts
Lightly toast each side of the glazed donuts on the grill or in your skillet—just enough to warm them without melting the glaze completely. - Assemble Your Burger
Layer your donut, patty, cheese, bacon, and any other toppings. Top it off with another donut and gently press together. - Enjoy!
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese.
- Breakfast-Style: Use sausage patties, fried eggs, and a maple-glazed donut.
- Sweet + Savory Dessert Burger: Add a swipe of Nutella and a slice of crispy bacon.
What to Serve With Donut Burgers
Keep it simple and camp-friendly:
We eat chips or warm up some baked beans.
Tips for Donut Burgers
- Pack your donuts in a hard container to avoid squishing
- Store ingredients in a cooler with ice packs and prep what you can ahead of time
- Let kids customize their own burgers for a fun, hands-on dinner (with supervision, of course!)
- Have napkins ready…this one gets messy in the best way!
Try It and Tell Us If You Love It.
Camping is the perfect time to break the food rules and try something new. Donut burgers are a one-of-a-kind twist that’ll get everyone around the fire talking.
Would you try this on your next trip? Let us know in the comments!
And if you love fun camping food, don’t miss our other easy campfire recipes.
Donut Burgers
Craving something delicious while camping? Donut burgers are the sweet and savory campfire treat you’ll love!
Ingredients
- 8 glazed donuts
- 1 lb ground beef (or 4 burger patties)
- 4 slices cheese
- 4 slices bacon (optional)
- Lettuce, tomato, pickles (optional)
- Foil for wrapping
Instructions
- Heat grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook patties until fully cooked, about 4–5 minutes per side.
- Lightly toast donuts on the grill—30 seconds per side.
- Assemble: donut, patty, cheese, bacon, toppings, donut.
- Wrap in foil and warm by the fire for 2–3 minutes.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the sweet + savory magic!
Notes
Campfire Tip: Keep all burger toppings in separate zip bags for easy assembly
