Lori's Campfire Potatoes
Lori's Campfire Potatoes are tender sliced potatoes layered with onions, butter, cheese, and savory seasonings, wrapped in foil, and cooked over campfire coals or a grill until perfectly soft and flavorful. This easy outdoor side dish is perfect for camping trips, backyard cookouts, picnics, and barbecue dinners. With endless customization options and simple preparation, these cheesy potatoes deliver comforting homemade flavor while requiring almost no cleanup. Whether served alongside grilled steak, burgers, chicken, or breakfast, they're guaranteed to become a camping tradition.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a campfire and allow it to burn until you have a bed of hot, glowing coals. Alternatively, preheat a grill to medium heat.
- Lay out two large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, onions, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Divide the potato mixture evenly between the foil sheets.
- Dot each packet with pieces of butter.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the potatoes.
- Seal the foil packets tightly to prevent steam from escaping.
- Place the packets directly on the hot campfire coals or grill grate.
- Cook for 40–50 minutes, turning the packets carefully every 10–15 minutes for even cooking.
- Carefully open the packets, allowing the hot steam to escape.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Yukon Gold potatoes provide a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Heavy-duty foil prevents tearing during cooking.
- Slice the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
- Butter adds richness and helps prevent sticking.
- Cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the potatoes.
- Bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor but is optional.
- Avoid opening the packets during cooking to retain moisture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.