Chuck’s wagon chef Kent Rollins shares 6 tips for cooking in extreme weather

As much of the country transitions from winter storms to warmer temperatures come spring, the veteran cowboy cook says decades of experience have taught him how to prepare food for some of the world’s harshest conditions.

Kent Rollins, longtime chuck wagon chef and Outdoor Channel host, has spent decades cooking for ranchers in extreme weather conditions across the country.

“If they can do cowboys on it and ride horses, I can cook on it,” Rollins told Fox News Digital.

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From temperatures ranging from 30 to 117 degrees, Rollins, who is based in New Mexico, has learned to adapt while preparing snacks outside year-round.

“Life is simple,” he said. “Don’t confuse it with cooking.”

Rollins built a following of millions on social media and hosted “Cast Iron Cowboy” on the Outdoor Channel.

He also recently launched the “Cowboy Coffee Hour” podcast with his wife, Shannon, with two sharing stories from the trail and lessons on grit, faith and the cowboy code.

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Here are six tips that Rollins revealed to Fox News Digital that are essential for cooking in extreme conditions, he said.

1. Stay clean in extreme heat and look for warning signs

In high temperatures, Rollins, who grew up in Oklahoma, said hydration is important — but water alone isn’t enough.

Kent Rollins is a ranger and host of the Outdoor Channel’s popular show “Cast Iron Cowboy.” (Shannon Rollins)

“You have to have something that will bring some of the good things back to you,” he said, noting that he often turns to electrolytes, bananas and even coconut water.

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He also warned people to pay attention to their bodies.

“If you’ve reached there to wipe your forehead and there’s no sweat left, you’ve probably gone too far,” he said.

2. Wear layers in the cold to protect against frostbite

Cold weather presents its own dangers, especially for those who cook outdoors for extended periods of time.

Rollins recommended dressing in layers and wearing moisture-wicking clothing.

Rollins says cooking outdoors requires both adaptability and common sense. (Shannon Rollins)

“Try to wear something that will remove that moisture in the winter when you sweat because water and cold make ice,” he warned.

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Rollins also stressed the importance of covering exposed areas – noting that frost can quickly penetrate the air and snow.

3. Plan your meals based on the weather

What’s there has to change with the weather, Rollins said.

In the colder months, you focus on high-calorie, hearty foods.

“We do a lot of one-pot meals,” he said, including stews, chili and homemade silly Joes with ground beef, onions, jalapeños, chipotle peppers, adobe sauce and grated cheese for thickening.

In warmer temperatures, Rollins says the farm hands can still enjoy the meat. (External channel)

For breakfast, she keeps things simple with a biscuit recipe that calls only for self-raising flour and heavy cream.

However, the hotter the food, the less food and the easier it is to eat.

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“Cowboys won’t eat much, especially at lunchtime,” he said.

4. Protect your fire — and always have a backup plan

Cooking outside means everything depends on your fire, Rollins said, especially in inclement weather.

That means protecting it from wind, snow or rain and having a plan to keep it going.

A well-placed shelter and dry wood are important, Rollins said. (Shannon Rollins)

“Make sure you have a shelter … so the water doesn’t go out,” he said.

5. Apply thick metal insulation in cold weather to avoid cracking

Extreme temperatures can affect cookware, too, Rollins said.

Cast iron should never be taken from cold to hot too quickly, he said.

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“If you shock a thick piece of iron from very cold to very hot very quickly, you can break it in half,” he said.

Instead, he recommended heating it slowly around a fire or stove before cooking and letting it cool slightly afterward.

Proper maintenance of cast iron is important in extreme cases, Rollins said. (Shannon Rollins)

6. Use coolers in addition to keeping food cold

One of Rollins’ most versatile tools is neither a pan nor a pot. It is a cool thing, which he uses in many ways, depending on the weather.

In winter, an ice chest can keep ingredients like potatoes from freezing. It can also help to thaw meat or hold heat with hot water in it.

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Overall, mindset is the most important ingredient, according to Rollins.

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it will never change you,” he said.