Campfire Potatoes in Foil Packet

5 from 2 votes
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Campfire Potatoes cooked in a foil packet may sound like a recipe only for when you are camping in the great outdoors. But with only a few minutes of prep time and minimal cleanup, this is a side dish recipe you can enjoy any time, anywhere. That’s because you can toss those potato foil packs over the fire, but also in the oven or on the grill. 

Foil Packet Campfire Potatoes

I was never much of an outdoorsy girl. However, like the Girl Scout I was, I do love a good campfire. This recipe for Campfire Potatoes comes from back in the days of my mom and dad going on camping trips with her Girl Scout Troop. But even if you don’t have anywhere to build a fire, I’ve got you covered because you can make them in the oven or on the grill too!

Whether you cook these foil pack potatoes over the open flame or they are baked or grilled, you only need a few ingredients and a few minutes of prep time. Of course, cleanup is also a breeze since you just have to toss the aluminum foil in the trash.

If you are really roughing it, you can eat them right out of the foil. But you can also serve them nicely in a bowl and make them all pretty with a little paprika and chopped chives.

No matter what you do, these buttery potatoes are an easy and delicious side dish that is a kid-friendly family favorite to make along with any easy dinner recipes you love!

Campfire Potatoes in a white serving bowl garnished with chives and paprika

Ingredients

  • Potatoes – Small, waxy potatoes such as white or red potatoes are best for this recipe. Wash and dry them, then slice them about 1/2-inch thick.
  • Onions – Diced. Something sweet like a Vidalia adds a mild flavor, but any white or yellow onions will do.
  • Salt and pepper
  • Unsalted butter – Cut it into small pieces.
  • Water
  • Parika, chives, or scallions – Optional for garnish.
Labeled photo of ingredients to make campfire potatoes

How to Make Campfire Potatoes

Prepare the Potatoes. Coat a large piece of heavy duty aluminum foil, or a double thickness of regular foil with olive oil or cooking spray. Spread the potatoes and onion onto the foil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Spread the pieces of butter over the potatoes and onions.

Wrap the Foil Pack. Fold over the aluminum foil to form a pouch, pour in water, and seal all of the edges.

Cook the Potatoes. Cook on the campfire, grill, or oven at 400°F for 20 to 30 minutes. The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender. If your grill is much higher than 400°F, you’ll want to check them at about 20 minutes. At 400°F or lower, they could take a bit longer.

Serve and Enjoy. Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with paprika and chopped chives or scallions, if desired.

Small bowl of Foil Pack Potatoes and onions sprinkled with chives and paprika

Tips for Success

  • Use Thick Foil. For foil packets, I recommend heavy duty aluminum foil, especially if you are cooking them on the campfire or grill. This helps ensure that the foil won’t tear so that the moisture stays inside to cook the potatoes through, and that it cooks more evenly. In a pinch, you can just double or triple layer your regular aluminum foil.
  • Seal the Packet. Be sure to wrap the edges thoroughly and tightly to keep the moisture in so that the potatoes get nice and tender, and do not burn.
  • Don’t Burn Yourself. Be careful opening the foil, as the steam will be very hot and can burn you.
Foil Packet Potato slices served as a side dish for grilled chicken

Make it a meal

As a kid, we used to make foil pack potatoes on the campfire while toasting some hot dogs and marshmallows to make s’mores for dessert (unless Dad made chocolate pudding pie). But they are a great side for so many meals.

Many of those dishes are cooked on the grill, but you can make your entire dinner on a campfire in foil packets. Here are some ideas.

More foil pack recipes

Closeup of Buttery Potatoes Cooked in a foil pack

More potato side dishes

White bowl of Foil Pack Potatoes
5 from 2 votes

Campfire Potatoes

An easy side dish recipe you can cook on the campfire, on the grill, or in the oven, And since everything is cooked in a foil pack, there is minimal prep work and clean up.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 lb. red or white potatoes, sliced about 1/2 in. thick
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or more to taste
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Paprika and/or chopped chives or scallions for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Start your campfire, light your grill, or preheat your oven to 400°F.
  • Spray a large piece of heavy duty aluminum foil, or a double thickness of regular foil with olive oil or cooking spray. Spread the potatoes and onion onto the foil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat.
  • Cut the butter into small pieces and distribute across the top of the potatoes.
  • Fold over the aluminum foil to form a pouch, pour in water, and seal all of the edges.
  • Place on the campfire, grill, or oven and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with paprika and minced chives or scallions, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Campfire Potatoes
Amount Per Serving
Calories 181 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 20mg7%
Sodium 417mg17%
Potassium 715mg20%
Carbohydrates 26g9%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 247IU5%
Vitamin C 14mg17%
Calcium 22mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Originally published June 19, 2012. Updated with new photos and more helpful information about the recipe.

9 Comments
  1. Hi there. The current Food on Friday on Carole’s Chatter is all about favourite foods from childhood. I do hope you link this lovely one in. This is the link . Please do pop back to check out some of the other links. Have a great week.

  2. Debbie Lingl

    My 20 yr old calls these Dad’s potatoes and always requests them when we cook out. I like the idea if adding the water. I will try that!

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