If you’re searching for the ultimate easy comfort food to enjoy by the campfire (or right at home), look no further than these Cheesy Campfire Potatoes! Tender, buttery potatoes, melty cheddar, and the faintest hint of smoke all meld together in one foil-wrapped parcel of pure, cheesy bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Campfire Magic, Anywhere: These Cheesy Campfire Potatoes can be cooked over an open fire or baked in your oven, so you get that rustic, outdoorsy flavor any time.
- Ridiculously Easy Prep: Everything gets tossed together and wrapped in foil—there’s basically zero cleanup, so you can focus on having fun with your crew.
- Melty, Gooey Goodness: Layers of cheddar melt into the potatoes as they cook, creating decadent pockets of cheese in every bite.
- Make It Your Own: There’s endless room for customization, from swapping herbs to sprinkling on bacon or going extra cheesy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the beauty of Cheesy Campfire Potatoes is that the ingredients are as down-to-earth as can be, but each one packs a punch. Every piece—potatoes, onions, butter, and of course, plenty of cheddar—comes together to form comforting forkfuls with just the right bite, melt, and color.
- Baby potatoes (1 pound, halved or quartered): Their thin skins and bite-sized pieces cook up tender and soak up all that cheesy, buttery flavor. Yukon Golds are a great backup—just peel and dice!
- Onion (thinly sliced): Adds subtle sweetness and a little savory edge that balances the richness of the cheese.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Just a touch brings out earthiness and depth.
- Butter (2 tablespoons, diced): For that classic creamy, luscious texture and irresistible flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the potatoes crisp up around the edges and prevents sticking.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (¼ cup): The melting heart of this recipe—feel free to be generous here!
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A hit of color and freshness that brightens each bite (dried herbs work in a pinch).
- Salt and pepper (to taste): For seasoning, of course! You can always adjust at the table.
- Chicken broth (¼ cup): Steams the potatoes from the inside, making every chunk creamy and flavorful.
Variations
The fun of Cheesy Campfire Potatoes is that you can totally riff on them with whatever you have handy! Tweak the cheese, toss in extra veggies, or try different seasonings—these foil-wrapped wonders are built for creativity and every kind of dietary need.
- Bacon Lover’s Version: Sprinkle in crisped bacon bits before sealing the foil for smoky, savory pops throughout.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra color, crunch, and nutrients.
- Dairy-Free Twist: Use a dairy-free margarine and plant-based cheese so everyone can enjoy that gooey, golden top.
- Fresh Herb Medley: Swap parsley for dill, chives, or rosemary for a new palette of flavors in your potatoes.
How to Make Cheesy Campfire Potatoes
Step 1: Build Your Foil Packet
Tear off two big pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil—each at least 20 inches long—and lay them criss-crossed for extra strength. This trusty pouch is going to hold all your cheesy dreams and keep them from leaking onto the coals or oven rack.
Step 2: Layer and Toss Ingredients
Plop the potatoes and sliced onion right in the center. Sprinkle on shredded cheddar, diced butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil, then gently toss everything together (your hands are the best tool for this!) so those flavors coat every piece.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Seal Tight
Fold up the sides of the foil, making a bowl, then pour in your chicken broth so everything steams to fork-tender perfection. Fold the foil down and crimp all the edges tightly—no one wants a leaky potato pouch!—to keep in every drop of flavor.
Step 4: Get Cooking
If you’re at the campfire or over a grill, set your packet on the rack (medium heat) and cook for 30–40 minutes, until the potatoes are soft and the cheese is gloriously gooey. For oven folks, bake at 425°F for 30–35 minutes. Always be careful opening your foil—there will be hot steam escaping!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Campfire Potatoes
- Choose the Right Foil: Heavy-duty aluminum foil is a must for direct campfire cooking—double it up for extra security against tears or leakage.
- Cut Even Potato Pieces: Dice your potatoes to uniform ½-inch chunks so they finish cooking at the same time and deliver consistent creaminess.
- Add an Extra Cheese Sprinkle: For maximum cheesy pull, open the packet right before serving and sprinkle on a bit more cheddar—close for a couple of minutes to let it melt!
- Careful with the Steam: When opening the packet, use tongs or oven mitts—hot steam escapes fast and can give quite a burn.
How to Serve Cheesy Campfire Potatoes
Garnishes
For a pop of freshness, shower your Cheesy Campfire Potatoes with more chopped parsley, a little fresh chive, or even a sprinkle of paprika for color. If you love some crunch, crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon on top add a beautiful final flourish.
Side Dishes
These potatoes are a superstar sidekick to anything off the grill—think juicy burgers, smoky barbecued chicken, or buttery corn on the cob. They’re also fabulous with grilled fish (hello, foil-packet salmon) or alongside an easy green salad for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Cheesy Campfire Potatoes straight out of their foil packets for laid-back campfire charm, or spoon them into a cast iron skillet for rustic family-style presentation. For a fun twist, divvy them up into individual foil packets so everyone gets their own personal stash of cheesy comfort!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the Cheesy Campfire Potatoes cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Pop them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While these potatoes are at their very best fresh, you can absolutely freeze them for later. Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months—just know the texture might be a touch softer once reheated, but they’ll still taste fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat Cheesy Campfire Potatoes in the oven at 350°F until hot (about 15 minutes), or microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until bubbly and steamy. A little fresh cheese on top before reheating never hurts!
FAQs
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Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold or even russet potatoes work beautifully—just be sure to peel and dice them into small (½ inch) pieces so they cook evenly and soak up all that cheesy, buttery flavor.
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Can I prepare Cheesy Campfire Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the foil packet a few hours in advance and keep it chilled until ready to cook. It’s a great way to prep ahead for a hassle-free cookout or easy weeknight dinner.
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What’s the best way to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the foil?
Using a little olive oil in the mix really helps, and double-layering your foil gives added protection. You can also use a light spritz of non-stick spray if you want extra insurance!
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Can I bake these Cheesy Campfire Potatoes in the oven instead of on a fire or grill?
Definitely! The foil packet bakes up beautifully in a 425°F oven and gives you all the same gooey, cheesy results, even if you’re far from the campfire. Just watch for when the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbling.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about peeling open a foil packet and having melty Cheesy Campfire Potatoes greet you with their aroma and gooey richness. Whether you’re circled around the campfire or gathered at your kitchen table, I hope this recipe brings everyone together and delivers pure, cheesy joy—give it a try, and let the comfort food memories begin!
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: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cheesy Campfire Potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish perfect for your next outdoor cookout. Tender baby potatoes, caramelized onions, and gooey cheddar cheese all cooked together in a foil packet for a hassle-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
Additional:
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prep foil packet: Place 2 large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil over each other. Add potatoes, onion, cheese, butter, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Create a foil pouch, pour chicken broth, and seal well.
- Cook foil packet: On grill/fire, cook for 30-40 minutes or until tender. In the oven, bake at 425°F for 30-35 minutes. Be cautious when opening due to hot steam.
Notes
- Regular potatoes like Yukon Gold can be substituted; peel and dice into ½ inch pieces.
- 2 teaspoons of dried herbs can replace fresh parsley.
- For direct coal cooking, use heavy-duty aluminum foil; for a grilling rack, a double layer of regular foil is sufficient.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
