Easy Grilled Potatoes in Foil: Cheesy Bacon Potato Packs for the Grill & Campfire
These Grilled Potatoes in Foil are the ultimate hassle-free side dish for any outdoor meal. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned potato chunks mingled with gooey cheese, savory bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh green onions, all cooked to perfection in a convenient foil packet. Not only are they incredibly tasty, but everything cooks in its own little pouch, making cleanup an absolute breeze!
There’s nothing quite like the joy of warm weather and the inviting aroma of food cooking outdoors. As soon as the sun shines and the temperatures rise, my grill becomes the heart of our kitchen. While classics like Classic Hamburgers are always a hit, the grill offers so much more potential, especially for delicious and simple side dishes. Grilled Baked Potatoes are a staple, but sometimes you crave something a little different, something that combines all your favorite flavors into one delightful package.
That’s where these incredible grilled potatoes in foil truly shine! They’ve quickly become one of our family’s absolute favorites. Each packet bursts with flavor from the generous amounts of melted cheese, smoky bacon, and vibrant green onions. The best part? The foil acts as a miniature oven, steaming the potatoes to tender perfection while infusing them with all the delicious seasonings and mix-ins. Serve them straight from the grill, topped with a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of fresh salsa, or even a kick of hot sauce, and you’ll have a quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying grilled side dish that everyone will rave about.
Why Grilled Potato Foil Packs Are Your New Favorite Side
Beyond the fantastic flavor, these foil potato packs offer unparalleled convenience. They are incredibly versatile, allowing you to choose your preferred cooking method based on the season or occasion. Grilling is fantastic for those sunny summer days, but these packets are equally delicious when baked in the oven during colder months. They even work beautifully over a campfire, making them an ideal camping meal! This adaptability, combined with minimal preparation and virtually no cleanup, makes them a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, backyard barbecues, or adventurous camping trips.
The individual servings in foil also ensure even cooking and keep the potatoes wonderfully moist. No more worrying about some potatoes being undercooked or over-charred; each packet creates a consistent, flavorful result every time. Plus, the customization options are endless, allowing you to tailor the flavors to suit any palate or dietary preference.
Essential Ingredients for Your Potato Packs
Below is a list of the core ingredients for our classic cheesy bacon potato packs. Remember to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements!
- Potatoes: For this recipe, I highly recommend using Russet potatoes. Their starchy texture becomes wonderfully fluffy and tender when cooked, absorbing all the flavors beautifully. However, you can also use Yukon Gold for a creamier texture or even red potatoes if you prefer them to hold their shape a bit more.
- Salt: Don’t underestimate the power of good seasoning. We start with salt, but feel free to get creative with your favorite spice blends! Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, or a dash of your favorite herb mix can elevate the flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese melts into a glorious, gooey layer that complements the potatoes perfectly. For a different twist, try Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack.
- Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a salty, smoky depth that is simply irresistible. You can cook your bacon fresh or use pre-cooked bacon bits for an even quicker prep.
- Butter: A pat of butter in each packet adds richness and helps create that wonderful, slightly caramelized exterior on some of the potato pieces.
- Green Onions: Sliced green onions provide a fresh, mild oniony bite and a pop of color, best added after cooking for optimal flavor and texture.
Think of this recipe as more of a versatile method than a strict ingredient list. Once you master the basic technique, you can easily swap in whatever seasonings and mix-ins your heart desires to create endless variations!
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Grilled Potato Packets
Making these potato packets is incredibly simple. Just follow these easy steps:
- Prepare Your Foil & Potatoes: Lay out 4 large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil on your counter. Lightly spray each piece with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Evenly divide your diced potatoes, placing approximately one medium potato’s worth in the center of each foil piece. Sprinkle the potatoes generously with salt and gently toss them around in the foil to ensure an even coating. Uniformly dicing the potatoes (about 1-inch cubes) is key for consistent cooking.
- Layer the Flavor: Top each potato mound with an equal amount of shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Don’t be shy – these are the stars of the show!
- Add Butter & Seal the Packs: Place a small pat of butter on top of the cheese and bacon in each packet. Then, carefully bring the edges of the foil together, sealing them tightly to form a secure packet. Ensure there are no gaps for steam to escape.
- Grill to Perfection: Place the sealed foil packets on a preheated grill (around 400ºF / 200ºC) and cook for about 30-35 minutes. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on your grill’s heat and the size of your potato dice. The potatoes are done when they are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Serve Immediately: Carefully remove the packets from the grill. Open them gently, as steam will escape. Sprinkle fresh green onions over each serving for a burst of fresh flavor and serve hot!
Mastering the Cook Time: Grill, Oven & Campfire
The beauty of these potato packs lies in their versatility. You can cook them using various methods, each yielding delicious results. The key is to ensure the potatoes are tender throughout.
Grill
For grilling, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, around 400º F (200ºC). Place the foil packets directly on the grill grates and cook for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Thicker-cut potatoes will naturally require a longer cooking time. Flipping them once or twice during cooking can help ensure even doneness. Don’t overcrowd the grill, allowing for good heat circulation around each packet.
Oven
Don’t want to fire up the grill? No problem! These little foil packs are perfect for baking in the oven year-round. Preheat your oven to 375º F (190ºC). Place the individual packets on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. This method is great for preparing these as a cozy side dish any night of the week, regardless of the weather.
Campfire
These potato packs are an absolute essential for camping trips! You can cook them over your campfire for about 30-35 minutes. It’s crucial to avoid placing them directly into the flames, as this can burn the foil and the potatoes. Instead, nestle them among the hot coals or place them on a grill grate elevated above the embers. Rotate them periodically to ensure even cooking. Their contained nature means no ash on your food and super easy cleanup at the campsite!
Recipe Tips & Creative Variations
One of the best aspects of these grilled potato packets is how easily you can customize them. Use these ideas to make them uniquely yours!
- Boost with Veggies: Enhance your potato packs with extra nutrition and flavor by adding finely diced bell peppers (any color!), sliced mushrooms, corn kernels, or thinly sliced onions. For a spicy kick, throw in some jalapeño slices!
- Seasoning Sensations: Go beyond simple salt! Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano. A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika can add incredible depth. For a bold flavor profile, try a packet of ranch dressing seasoning mix or a Cajun spice blend with the potatoes before assembling.
- Add More Protein: While bacon is fantastic, you can make these a complete meal by adding more cooked protein. Stir in cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, spicy taco meat, or even thinly sliced sausage. Sliced steak or small chicken tenderloins can also be cooked right in the packets alongside the potatoes.
- Topping Extravaganza: The fun doesn’t stop when they come off the grill! Offer a topping bar with sour cream, Greek yogurt, various salsas (from mild to spicy), pickled jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, extra shredded cheese, or even chili.
- Camping Perfection: As mentioned, these are ideal for camping. To make them a hearty, complete meal over the campfire, consider adding extra protein like ground sausage or leftover pulled pork, along with some mixed vegetables.
- Cheese Blends: Don’t stick to just cheddar! A mix of cheddar and mozzarella for stretchiness, or a blend of Mexican cheeses for a zesty flavor, works wonderfully.
- Prep Ahead: For ultimate convenience, you can assemble these potato packs a few hours ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. This makes them perfect for parties or busy weeknights.
Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings
These grilled potato packs are incredibly versatile and pair well with almost any grilled main course. They’re fantastic alongside juicy steaks, grilled chicken breasts, pork chops, or even grilled fish. If you’re hosting a barbecue, they’re the perfect complement to hot dogs and burgers, providing a more exciting side than traditional fries. For a lighter meal, serve them with a fresh green salad or a simple coleslaw. They’re hearty enough to feel satisfying but light enough not to overwhelm your main dish.
More Delicious Side Dish Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more inspiration to round out your meal? Check out some of our other favorite side dish recipes:
- Grilled Zucchini
- BLT Pasta Salad
- Classic Potato Salad
- Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
- Greek Salad
Grilled Potato Packs
Erin Sellin
5 minutes
30 minutes
35 minutes
4
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Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
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Preheat grill to about 400º F.
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Place 4 large pieces of foil on the counter. Spray each one with cooking spray.
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Divide the potatoes evenly among each foil pack. Sprinkle salt evenly over the potatoes, mixing them around a little bit to coat.4 medium potatoes, 1 teaspoon salt
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Sprinkle evenly with cheese and bacon.1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 2 strips of bacon
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Top each with a pat of butter and fold each packet closed.2 Tablespoons butter
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Place each packet on a hot grill and cook for about 30 minute until the potatoes are tender.
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Remove from heat.
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Carefully open the potato packs and top each one with green onions.2 green onions
Notes
Bake In Oven – 375º for 40 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
Over A Campfire – cook for about 30 minutes, avoiding the directly flames from the fire.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 39g |
Protein: 13g |
Fat: 17g |
Saturated Fat: 10g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g |
Trans Fat: 1g |
Cholesterol: 49mg |
Sodium: 426mg |
Fiber: 4g |
Sugar: 2g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
5 minutes
30 minutes
35 minutes
Side Dish Recipes
American
4
362
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I prepare these potato packs ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can assemble the foil packets up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- How do I know when the potatoes are done?
- The best way to check for doneness is to carefully open one packet and pierce a potato piece with a fork. If it’s easily pierced and tender, they’re ready! If not, reseal the packet and cook for another 5-10 minutes, then check again.
- What kind of foil should I use?
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil is recommended to prevent tearing, especially when handling the packets on the grill or over a campfire. If you only have regular foil, use two layers for extra durability.
- Can I omit the bacon or cheese?
- Yes, you can certainly customize! If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon. You can replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative or leave it out entirely for a simpler, herb-focused potato pack. Adjust seasonings accordingly.
There you have it – a simple, delicious, and incredibly versatile recipe for grilled potatoes in foil. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master, a camping enthusiast, or just looking for an easy oven-baked side, these cheesy bacon potato packs are sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy the minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!
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