Cheesy Campfire Potatoes are the quick-and-easy comfort side you never knew you needed. Imagine tender baby potatoes mingling with melty cheddar cheese, buttery onions, and a touch of garlic—all cooked up in a foil packet right on the campfire (or in your oven!). There’s something so cozy about unwrapping this little present of cheesy, golden goodness, whether you’re outdoors or just dreaming of a starry night.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-Convenient Campfire Cooking: Prep these Cheesy Campfire Potatoes right at your site or ahead at home—the foil packet does all the work, no pans required.
- Irresistibly Creamy and Cheesy: Every bite is a cozy combo of melt-in-your-mouth potatoes, cheddar, and buttery goodness, guaranteed to win over all ages.
- Versatility for Any Gathering: These potatoes shine whether you’re around the campfire, grilling in your backyard, or just turning on the oven for a family meal.
- Customizable to the Max: You can dress them up with your favorite herbs, cheeses, or even a handful of bacon for extra wow factor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be delighted at how short the ingredient list is for Cheesy Campfire Potatoes! Each item plays a starring role—potatoes for heartiness, cheese for gooey fun, and simple seasonings for maximum flavor in every forkful.
- Baby potatoes: Their tender texture and thin skins mean no peeling—just halve or quarter and go.
- Onion: Sliced thin, the onion gets sweet and caramelized in the steamy foil packet, adding irresistible flavor.
- Garlic: Just one clove, minced, brings a cozy aroma and a punch of savory depth.
- Butter: Diced over the top, it melts and coats every piece, making the potatoes rich and decadent.
- Olive oil: A drizzle for extra moisture and to help everything roast up golden and beautiful.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The melty factor! Cheddar brings bold flavor and cheesy pulls you’ll crave.
- Fresh parsley: For that touch of color and a fresh bite to cut through the richness.
- Salt and pepper: Simple but essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Chicken broth: Poured in just before sealing, it creates steamy magic and keeps the potatoes tender.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to let Cheesy Campfire Potatoes reflect your own campfire cravings or weeknight wants! This recipe is ultra-adaptable—you can switch up herbs, swap cheeses, or work around what’s in your kitchen (or cooler).
- Swap the Potatoes: If you can’t find baby potatoes, Yukon Gold or even simple russets (peeled and diced) create their own rustic vibe.
- Add Crunch with Bacon: Toss in a handful of cooked, crumbled bacon before sealing your packet for a smoky twist.
- Go Herbaceous: Sub out parsley for chopped chives, dill, or thyme—or use a teaspoon of your favorite dried herbs for easy flavor.
- Spice It Up: Sprinkle in a dash of smoked paprika, chili flakes, or Cajun seasoning for a bold, campfire kick.
How to Make Cheesy Campfire Potatoes
Step 1: Layer and Toss the Goodies
Start by placing two large overlapping sheets of heavy-duty foil on your work surface for extra sturdiness. Pile the halved (or quartered) potatoes and thinly sliced onion right in the center. Sprinkle over cheddar, butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and plenty of salt and pepper. Drizzle everything with olive oil and then, with absolutely clean hands, gently toss the ingredients together to coat each potato with flavor and love.
Step 2: Seal Up the Packet
Fold up all sides of the foil to form a deep “bowl,” then carefully pour the chicken broth over the potato mixture—this is the secret to perfectly steamed, fork-tender spuds! Bring the top and sides of the foil together and fold to seal tightly, forming a secure packet that locks in all the amazing aromas while cooking. Make sure those edges are snug so none of that cheesy, buttery deliciousness has a chance to escape.
Step 3: Cook Over Campfire, Grill, or Oven
If you’re camping or grilling, nestle the foil packet over medium heat (on a rack or the embers) and cook for 30–40 minutes, turning once or twice for even roasting. For oven adventures, bake at 425°F for about 30–35 minutes. The potatoes are ready when they’re easily pierced with a fork—open your packet slowly and let the steamy, cheesy aroma hit you!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Campfire Potatoes
- Foil Matters: Use heavy-duty foil or double layers of standard foil to protect the potatoes from burning and to make cleanup a breeze.
- Even Cuts, Even Cooks: Dice potatoes into the same size pieces (around ½ inch) so they become perfectly tender at the same time.
- Cheese Timing: For ultra-gooey cheese, sprinkle a little extra cheddar on top just after opening the packet and let it melt before serving.
- No Campfire? No Problem: These Cheesy Campfire Potatoes are just as delicious baked in a hot oven as cooked outdoors over glowing embers!
How to Serve Cheesy Campfire Potatoes
Garnishes
Toss on some extra chopped parsley, snipped chives, or a shower of green onions for a pop of freshness. A tiny dusting of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper over the melting cheese adds both color and a spark of flavor. If you’re feeling really fun, a dollop of sour cream brings cool, creamy contrast to the warm potatoes.
Side Dishes
Cheesy Campfire Potatoes are ultra-versatile and pair like a dream with grilled steak, burgers, barbecue chicken, or even a platter of roasted veggies. They’re hearty enough to be the star of a vegetarian meal—just round things out with a crisp green salad and you’re set.
Creative Ways to Present
For campouts or BBQs, bring the whole foil packet to the table and let everyone dig in “family style.” Or, assemble individual mini packets for personalized servings—so fun for kids! At home, you can transfer the potatoes to a cast-iron skillet or rustic serving bowl and sprinkle extra cheese right before serving for that tempting, melty finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), let the potatoes cool, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat like a dream for a quick lunch or dinner side.
Freezing
Cheesy Campfire Potatoes can be frozen for future feasts! Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe bags, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture—the potatoes may be a bit softer, but they’ll still be packed with cheesy flavor.
Reheating
To bring potatoes back to life, reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water, or pop them in a preheated oven (350°F) until warmed through. For the speediest fix, the microwave works, too—just cover to keep them from drying out and stir halfway for even heating.
FAQs
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Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold or russet potatoes work beautifully—just peel and dice them into ½-inch pieces so they cook evenly and absorb all that cheesy, buttery flavor.
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Can I prepare Cheesy Campfire Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes—prep the foil packet with everything except the chicken broth and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Right before cooking, add the broth, seal, and cook as usual for a fuss-free side.
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Do I need heavy-duty foil for this recipe?
Heavy-duty foil is best—especially if you’re placing your packet directly on campfire coals. For grill or oven use, a double layer of standard foil is usually sturdy enough to protect your potatoes and keep the cheese from leaking.
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Can I make Cheesy Campfire Potatoes without chicken broth?
No chicken broth handy? No problem! Vegetable broth or even just a splash of water works—the key is adding some liquid to create that steamy, tender potato texture.
Final Thoughts
Give Cheesy Campfire Potatoes a try and get ready for stargazing-worthy comfort food, wherever you gather! It’s the kind of side that always brings smiles, a touch of nostalgia, and that irresistible, melty, share-worthy magic—no camping required.
Print
Cheesy Campfire Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling, Baking
- Cuisine: Outdoor, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Campfire Potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish perfect for outdoor cooking. Tender baby potatoes, onions, and flavorful seasonings are cooked in a foil packet for a simple, mess-free camping meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered into 1/2 inch pieces
Seasonings:
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquid:
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prep foil packet: Place 2 large pieces (at least 20 inches long) of heavy-duty aluminum foil over each other to form a cross. Add potatoes and onion in the middle. Sprinkle with cheese, butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat. Fold up the sides to create a sealed pouch. Pour chicken broth over potatoes. Seal packet well.
- Cook foil packet: On a grill/fire over medium heat, cook for 30-40 minutes until tender. In the oven, bake at 425°F for 30-35 minutes. Be cautious when opening as steam will escape.
Notes
- Regular potatoes like Yukon Gold can be used; peel and dice them.
- 2 teaspoons of dried herbs can substitute for fresh parsley.
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil is recommended for direct coal cooking; a double layer of regular foil on a grilling rack works too.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
