The Creamiest Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Foil Packets Recipe

Crispy potatoes meet their perfect match in this mouthwatering bacon ranch potato foil packets creation that promises to tantalize every taste bud.

Tender potato wedges get coated with zesty ranch seasoning and studded with crisp bacon bits.

Each packet seals in maximum flavor while ensuring a deliciously easy cleanup.

The combination of smoky bacon and creamy ranch delivers an irresistible punch to your dinner table.

Aluminum foil works magic, trapping all the savory juices and creating a meal that’s both simple and spectacular.

Weeknight dinners just found their new champion with this crowd-pleasing recipe that comes together in minutes.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly these potato packets become everyone’s favorite side dish.

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Foil Packets Hit The Spot

• Grill Up Flavor Explosion: Combine the smoky bacon, zesty ranch, and spicy jalapeno for a mouthwatering potato experience that transforms a simple side dish into a taste sensation.
• Minimize Kitchen Cleanup: Foil packet cooking means zero dishes, minimal prep, and easy cleanup, letting you spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots.
• Zero-Fuss Cooking Method: Perfect for outdoor gatherings, camping trips, or lazy weekends, this recipe requires minimal cooking skills and delivers maximum deliciousness with just a few simple steps.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels by adding or reducing jalapenos, swap cheese types, or include different herbs to make this recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences.

Gather Cheesy Bacon Potato Packet Fixings

Main Ingredients:

• Potatoes: Hearty and versatile vegetables that form the base of this delicious grilled dish.
• Ranch Dip Mix: Adds a tangy and savory flavor profile to the potatoes.
• Olive Oil: Helps coat the potatoes and enhance their seasoning absorption.

• Bacon: Crispy and flavorful meat that provides a smoky and salty element to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds rich, creamy texture to the potato packets.

• Jalapeno, Fresh Herbs, Sour Cream: Optional garnishes that add extra heat, freshness, and creaminess to the dish.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents the foil packets from sticking during grilling.

Cheesy Bacon Potato Packet Cooking Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Grill

Get your gas or charcoal grill warming to a perfect medium heat around 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

This will create the ideal cooking environment for your delicious potato packets.

Step 2: Prep Your Foil Canvas

Grab two large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil measuring 18×12 inches.

Give each sheet a quick spray with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks during the grilling magic.

Step 3: Mix Potato Flavor Explosion

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in your halved potatoes.

Drizzle with oil, sprinkle ranch dip mix, and add some chopped jalapenos for a spicy kick.

Mix everything until the potatoes are completely coated with flavor.

Step 4: Create Foil Packet Masterpieces

Divide the seasoned potato mixture evenly between the two foil sheets, placing it right in the center.

Sprinkle crispy chopped bacon over the potatoes, ensuring every bite will be packed with smoky goodness.

Step 5: Seal the Flavor Treasure

Carefully bring up the sides of each foil sheet.

Create a tight seal by folding the edges twice, leaving some room for heat to circulate and the packet to expand during cooking.

Step 6: Start the Grilling Adventure

Place your sealed packets directly on the grill over medium heat.

Close the grill lid and let the cooking magic begin for about 12 minutes.

Step 7: Rotate and Continue Cooking

Give the packets a half turn and continue grilling for another 12 to 14 minutes.

Check the potatoes’ tenderness by piercing with a fork.

Step 8: Cheese Finale Preparation

Remove the packets from the grill.

Carefully cut a large X across the top of each packet, being mindful of the hot steam.

Fold back the foil edges.

Step 9: Melty Cheese Moment

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot potatoes.

Return the opened packets to the grill and close the lid for 1-2 minutes to create the perfect cheese melt.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Dress up your potato packets with optional garnishes like extra jalapeno slices, fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream.

Serve directly from the foil for a fun and delicious meal.

Tips For Cheesy Bacon Potato Success

• Prevent Sticking Carefully spray foil with cooking spray to ensure potatoes don't stick and create easy cleanup.
• Control Spice Level Adjust jalapeno quantity based on personal heat preference, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.
• Check Potato Doneness Use a fork to test potato tenderness during grilling, ensuring they're soft but not mushy.
• Maximize Cheese Melt Cover grill briefly after adding cheese to help it melt evenly and create a gooey texture.
• Substitute Ingredients Swap ranch mix with other seasonings like cajun or garlic herb for different flavor profiles, and use turkey bacon for a lighter option.

Mix Up Potato Foil Packet Flavors

• Vegetarian Potato Packet: Replace bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh, using vegetable bacon bits for similar smoky flavor. Swap ranch mix for herb-seasoned salt for plant-based protein option.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets, maintaining same seasoning and cooking method. Use low-fat cheese to reduce overall calorie content.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add chili powder, cumin, and swap ranch mix with taco seasoning. Include diced green chilies and pepper jack cheese for bold southwestern flavors.
• Mediterranean Herb Version: Use Greek seasoning instead of ranch mix, incorporate crumbled feta cheese, and add chopped kalamata olives. Sprinkle with fresh oregano before serving for authentic Mediterranean taste.

How To Serve Cheesy Bacon Potato Packets

• Backyard BBQ Buddy: Perfect for casual outdoor gatherings, these potato packets become the star side dish that sparks conversation and smiles.
• Picnic Paradise Plate: Pack these foil packets in a cooler for a delicious campground or beach meal that travels easily and requires minimal cleanup.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these cheesy bacon ranch potatoes as an irresistible appetizer during sports events, guaranteeing rave reviews from hungry fans.
• Customize Your Craving: Top with green onions, extra crispy bacon bits, or a drizzle of ranch dressing to personalize each packet's flavor profile.

Keep Potato Foil Packets Warm Later

• Store any remaining potato foil packet contents in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The bacon and cheese may slightly change texture when reheated.
• Warm the packets in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain their crispy texture. Microwave as a quick alternative, but expect softer potatoes.
• Wrap cooled potato packets tightly in additional foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Keep the foil packets slightly open during storage to prevent moisture buildup, which can make the potatoes lose their crisp texture.

FAQs

• Why use ranch dip mix for seasoning potatoes?

Ranch dip mix adds instant flavor and helps coat the potatoes evenly with a tangy, herby taste that complements the bacon and cheese perfectly.

• Can I make these potato packets in the oven?

Yes, you can bake them at 400F for about 25-30 minutes, following the same foil packet method and sealing techniques used for grilling.

• How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork and are tender throughout. This typically takes about 24-26 minutes of total cooking time.

Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato Foil Packets Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory cheesy bacon ranch potato foil packets promise a mouthwatering journey through comfort food heaven. Crispy bacon, melted cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning create an irresistible campfire or grill-friendly side dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) small Yukon gold potatoes, halved
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon, coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons ranch dip mix
• 1 jalapeno chile, seeded and finely chopped
• 4 teaspoons vegetable or olive oil

Cooking Supplies:

• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
• Cooking spray

Garnish (Optional):

• Additional sliced jalapeno
• Chopped fresh parsley or chives
• Sour cream for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat the grill to medium temperature, approximately 375°F, ensuring consistent heat for even cooking.
2. Create two 18×12-inch aluminum foil sheets, lightly coating each with cooking spray to prevent ingredient adhesion.
3. Combine potato halves with oil, ranch seasoning, and chopped jalapeno in a mixing bowl, thoroughly coating each piece with the flavorful mixture.
4. Distribute the seasoned potato mixture centrally on each foil sheet, ensuring even placement for uniform cooking.
5. Sprinkle chopped bacon uniformly over the potato mixture, adding a savory layer of flavor.
6. Carefully fold foil edges, creating a sealed packet with sufficient space for heat circulation and steam expansion.
7. Position foil packets directly on the grill grates over medium heat, covering the grill to trap internal warmth.
8. Cook for 12 minutes, then rotate packets a half turn to ensure comprehensive heating and prevent uneven cooking.
9. Continue grilling for an additional 12-14 minutes until potatoes reach tender consistency when pierced with a fork.
10. Remove packets from grill and carefully cut an X-shaped opening on top, allowing steam to escape safely.
11. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the exposed potatoes, letting residual heat or brief additional grilling melt the cheese completely.
12. Garnish with optional toppings like extra jalapeno slices, fresh herbs, or a dollop of sour cream before serving directly from the foil packets.

Notes

• Potato Perfection Choose waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold for the best texture and even cooking in foil packets.
• Bacon Brilliance Pre-cook bacon slightly before adding to the packet to ensure crispy, fully rendered pieces that don’t become soggy.
• Heat Management Create small venting holes in the foil to prevent steam buildup and allow proper heat circulation for perfectly cooked potatoes.
• Dietary Flexibility Swap bacon for turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences while maintaining the dish’s delicious flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 30mg