Hot Macks

Simon Kihlberg Wallström • January 5, 2026 • 3 min read •

Level up from hot dogs with a grilled cheese by the fire. I don’t think I’m the only parent who’s made hot dogs more times than I can count. Don’t get me wrong, they’re great! I like them, the kids love them, and they’re quick and easy to cook both at home and outdoors. But almost as easy (and even tastier) is putting your favorite sandwich in a sandwich iron and grilling it over the fire. It’s a fun change of pace, and the best part is you can prep them at home so everyone gets exactly what they want.

Kettles for cowboy coffee and blueberry soup, next to the packed-up sandwich iron.

The base is two slices of bread, any bread you like, just make sure it fits inside your iron so it doesn’t burn around the edges. Butter both the inside and outside of the bread for extra crispiness (and a bit of non-stick). Then fill it with your favorite toppings and some melting cheese, but don’t go overboard on wet ingredients. Grill it for a couple of minutes on each side, and when it’s golden, dig in!

You can prepare the entire sandwich at home and be ready as soon as the fire’s going, or simply prep the toppings and let everyone assemble their own around the fire.

Some of My Favourites

Cheesy Classic

Mozzarella and basil make a simple yet delicious combo. For extra pizza flavor, add a spoonful of tomato purée and a sprinkle of oregano. You can also step it up with ham or salami for a true classic.

Hot Tuna Melt

Mix one can of tuna (about 150 g) with 1 dl of mayonnaise, half of a very finely chopped red onion, 1-2 tablespoons of Japanese soy sauce, and about 1 tablespoon of sriracha (to taste). Don’t put too much on each sandwich, as it can get a bit wet. And don’t forget a slice or two of cheese on top!

Holiday Leftovers

Ham and mustard, meatballs with beetroot salad, Brussels sprouts, or sliced sausages. It all works between two buttered slices of bread. And it’s not just for the holidays: leftover Sunday roast makes an excellent cheesesteak sandwich.

Dessert Toasties

Let’s not forget about dessert! Thin apple slices with cinnamon sugar, chocolate spread or nut butter with banana or strawberries, or a s’mores-style sandwich with marshmallows and chocolate pieces are all irresistible sweet options.

Coffee, blueberry soup, and sandwich iron over the fire.

Choosing Your Sandwich Iron

So which sandwich iron should you get? I use a cast iron one from Stabilotherm, as seen in the picture above alongside my Trangia kettles, because it retains heat brilliantly and will probably outlive me. It is a bit heavy, though, so if you are walking a fair distance you might prefer a lighter aluminum option. Either way, preheat your sandwich iron, butter the outside of the bread, and you’ll be good to go!

Now Go Light a Fire

The best part about all of this? It’s just an excuse to get outside. So grab the family, pack a bag, and head out. If cooking feels like too much, just bring (normal and cold) sandwiches. The fire, the fresh air, and the time together is what really matters.

Originally written for Off the Beaten Pot. Inspired by Undertian’s guide to outdoor sandwiches.