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The Ultimate Vegan Bonfire Guide

Your guide to a perfect vegan bonfire—plant-based snacks, cozy recipes, and cruelty-free tips for unforgettable nights with family and friends.

Oct 4, 2025

by Megan McFadden

Kindling Connection

There's nothing quite like gathering around a crackling fire on a crisp autumn night. The smoky air, the glow of the flames, and the sound of laughter drifting through the dark—it all makes bonfire season feel like pure magic.

Bonfires aren't just about the fire itself; they're about connection. They're about slowing down, wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket, and sharing food, stories, and memories with the people who matter most.

However, if you're vegan, the traditional bonfire menu—featuring marshmallows, hot dogs, cheesy dips, and buttered corn—doesn't align with your lifestyle. The good news? You don't have to sit on the sidelines or nibble on plain chips while everyone else enjoys.

With just a little planning, your bonfire can be 100% plant-based, cruelty-free, and every bit as comforting (if not more). From gooey vegan s'mores to smoky veggie foil packets and mugs of spiced cider, there are endless ways to make the experience both delicious and compassionate.

A vegan bonfire isn't about giving anything up. It's about creating new traditions that are better for the animals, the planet, and your taste buds.

Ready to spark some ideas? Let's dive into how to make your next bonfire cozy, fun, and completely vegan-friendly.

Vegan Bonfire Food

A bonfire isn't complete without something tasty to pass around. The good news is that all the classics can be reimagined in delicious, plant-based ways. Here are some vegan-friendly food that will have everyone reaching for seconds—whether they're vegan or not.

Vegan S'mores

The ultimate bonfire treat, made cruelty-free! Swap traditional marshmallows for vegan versions (brands like Dandies are perfect), layer with a square of dairy-free chocolate, and sandwich it all between crisp, honey-free graham crackers. The result? Ooey, gooey, chocolatey goodness with no compromise on taste.

Campfire Corn on the Cob

Corn takes on a smoky, caramelized flavor when roasted over a fire. Wrap each ear in foil, and let the flames do the rest. Peel back the foil, add some vegan butter, sprinkle with salt, pepper, or smoked paprika, and you've got sweet, buttery corn with just the right amount of char.

Stuffed Veggie Packets

Think of these as little bundles of campfire comfort. Toss a mix of zucchini, bell peppers, potatoes, mushrooms, and onions with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, then seal them in foil packets. Place them in the embers, and soon you'll have tender, flavorful veggies with a hint of smokiness.

Vegan Hot Dogs and Sausages

No bonfire feels complete without something on a stick. Luckily, there are plenty of plant-based hot dogs and sausages that grill beautifully. Brands like Beyond, Field Roast, or Tofurky offer options full of flavor and texture. Or, if you're up for an adventure, try homemade lentil dogs or carrot dogs marinated in smoky spices.

Cinnamon Apple Foil Packs

A sweet ending to the night! Slice apples, sprinkle with cinnamon and brown sugar, and wrap them in foil packets. Roast them in the coals until soft and caramelized, then serve warm. For an extra treat, top with a dollop of vegan whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

These snacks aren't just tasty. They're conversation starters. Once people taste how good vegan campfire food can be, you might just win over a few new fans for plant-based living.

Cozy Drinks to Sip Fireside

When the night air turns crisp and your fingers crave warmth, there's nothing like wrapping them around a steaming mug—or an ice-cold glass—of something cozy.

Whether you're gathered around the fire telling stories or quietly soaking in the crackle of the flames, these vegan-friendly drinks will keep the mood glowing.

Warm and Comforting

Mulled Apple Cider

Simmer apple cider with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices for a fragrant, soul-warming classic. Add a touch of maple syrup or a splash of brandy (if you drink) for extra depth.

Hot Chocolate

Whisk together cocoa powder, oat or almond milk, and a drizzle of maple syrup. Top it with vegan whipped cream or marshmallows for that fireside nostalgia.

Chai Latte

Brew black tea with cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, then stir in frothy soy or cashew milk. It's creamy, spicy, and pure autumn comfort.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Blend pumpkin purée, espresso, oat milk, and pumpkin pie spice for a dairy-free seasonal favorite. Top with coconut cream and a dusting of cinnamon.

Cool and Refreshing

Apple Ginger Sparkler

Mix apple cider, sparkling water, and freshly grated ginger over ice. Garnish with an apple slice and a cinnamon stick for fall flair.

Cranberry Orange Cooler

Combine cranberry juice, orange slices, and mint for a tangy drink that pairs perfectly with smoky campfire air.

Maple Cold Brew

Brew your favorite coffee and chill it, then sweeten it with maple syrup and top with oat milk. Smooth, naturally sweet, and totally vegan.

Coconut Chai Iced Latte

For chai lovers who prefer it cold, brew extra-strong chai, chill, and pour over ice with coconut milk for a creamy twist.

Make a Beverage Station

Create a DIY "Fireside Drink Bar" with both warm and chilled options. Set out thermoses, mugs, glass jars, and toppings like cinnamon sticks, vegan marshmallows, citrus slices, and coconut whipped cream. It's interactive, inclusive, and guaranteed to spark smiles.

Tips for a Vegan-Friendly Bonfire

Hosting or attending a bonfire as a vegan doesn't mean you have to compromise on fun or flavor. With a few thoughtful choices, you can make your gathering more inclusive, sustainable, and delicious for everyone.

Here's how to keep the fire glowing—inside and out.

Check Your Marshmallows

Traditional marshmallows are made with gelatin, a byproduct of animal collagen—but there's no need to skip them!

Look for vegan brands like Dandies, Trader Joe's Vegan Marshmallows, or Yummallo, which roast, melt, and taste just like the classic kind. They're perfect for gooey s'mores or just toasting over the flames.

Eco-Friendly Firewood

A bonfire is about connecting with nature, so why not keep it earth-friendly? Choose sustainably sourced or untreated wood, and avoid pallets or painted lumber that release toxins when burned. You can also look for recycled fire logs made from compressed sawdust for a cleaner, lower-smoke option.

Bring Your Own Plate and Mug

Ditch the disposables! Reusable dishes, mugs, and utensils not only reduce waste but also make your setup feel cozier and more personal. A sturdy enamel mug or insulated cup keeps drinks warm for longer, making them perfect for sipping vegan cocoa or chai under the stars.

A bonfire is the perfect opportunity to showcase how delicious vegan food can be. Bring enough to share—vegan s'mores, grilled veggie skewers, or cinnamon apple foil packs—and watch even non-vegans ask for seconds. Sometimes, one delicious bite can spark curiosity about compassionate eating.

Clean Up Kindly

When the fire dies down, ensure that it is fully extinguished and pack out all trash. Compost food scraps if possible, and leave the space cleaner than you found it. Small actions add up to a big difference for the planet.

Try This Tradition

End your bonfire night with a gratitude circle. Everyone can share something they're thankful for this season. It's a cozy, heartfelt way to close out the night and celebrate connection, kindness, and community.

Vegan-Friendly Bonfire Destinations

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or hosting something close to home, the perfect bonfire spot sets the stage for connection, warmth, and plenty of plant-based treats. Here are a few cozy, vegan-friendly places to spark your next gathering.

Campsites with Fire Pits

State and national parks worldwide offer scenic spots where bonfires are welcome in designated areas. Picture roasting vegan s'mores beneath a sky full of stars, the scent of pine in the air, and a thermos of oat-milk cocoa in hand.

Parks like Yosemite (California), Banff (Canada), and Snowdonia (Wales) feature fire rings and picnic areas that are ideal for group gatherings. Be sure to check fire safety regulations and bring eco-friendly supplies to leave no trace behind.

Beach Bonfires

Few things compare to the magic of a bonfire by the sea. From Huntington Beach (California) and Cannon Beach (Oregon) to the shores of Ibiza (Spain) and Byron Bay (Australia), beach bonfires bring together the best of nature and community.

Imagine the sound of waves mingling with laughter while you pass around vegan hot dogs, foil-roasted corn, or grilled fruit skewers. Always check local ordinances. Some beaches require permits or limit bonfire hours.

Backyard Gatherings

You don't have to travel far to enjoy bonfire season. A simple fire pit in your backyard can transform any autumn evening into a cozy, plant-based get-together.

Invite friends, stack blankets, and set out a vegan hot chocolate bar with toppings like whipped coconut cream, cinnamon, and dairy-free chocolate chips. It's low-cost, easy to organize, and endlessly heartwarming.

Cabin Retreats

If you're looking to unplug for a weekend, rent a cabin with a private fire pit. Mountain regions in Colorado, Vermont, or the Scottish Highlands offer crisp air, stunning foliage, and the perfect excuse to cook vegan chili or campfire stew over the flames.

Try This Tip

Wherever your bonfire takes place, always pack a reusable mug, cruelty-free bug spray, and plenty of snacks to share. The best memories are made when warmth, laughter, and compassion meet under the stars.

Final Sparks

Bonfires are more than just crackling flames and comforting food. They're moments of connection, laughter, and shared warmth under the open sky. When you bring vegan treats to the firelight, you're not only feeding your friends but also nurturing compassion, conversation, and community.

Every cup of hot cocoa, every toasted marshmallow, and every glowing ember becomes a reminder that kindness can be as simple as what you choose to share. A vegan bonfire proves that you don't need meat or dairy to make a gathering feel rich, cozy, and full of heart.

So grab your blanket, pack your favorite plant-based snacks, and gather around the fire. Let the sparks rise, the laughter flow, and the evening glow with warmth, friendship, and good food—for everyone.

Here's to more compassionate nights under the stars.