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Bacon Ranch Foil Wrapped Potatoes are the ultimate side dish for backyard cookouts and camping nights. These potatoes come out tender every time with melty cheese, crispy bacon and a burst of ranch flavor tucked inside a foil packet for easy grilling or oven roasting. I keep coming back to this recipe whenever I want something everyone at the table will truly dig into.
I made these last summer at a family camping trip and the smoky bacon mixed with cheesy potatoes made everyone come back for seconds. Since then this recipe has become our go to when we fire up the grill or want a special side without a ton of work.
Ingredients
- Yukon gold potatoes: Quartered so they cook evenly and become creamy tender inside For best flavor choose small potatoes without blemishes or green spots
- Garlic Cloves: Minced adds aromatic depth Fresh is best but jarred works in a pinch
- Jalapenos: Seeded and sliced to bring gentle heat You can skip or adjust to your spice preference
- Onion: Diced for subtle sweetness and heartiness Choose firm onions with no soft spots
- Red peppers: Diced for pops of color and mild flavor Firm and glossy peppers have the best crunch
- Ranch dip mix: Dry mix packs in savory tang and classic American flavor Check expiration for freshest taste
- Olive oil: Helps everything roast up golden with a slight crisp Choose extra virgin for more flavor
- Cooked bacon: Chopped for a smoky bite Use freshly cooked bacon for the best texture
- Shredded cheese: Melts over everything Use a blend of cheddar and pepper jack for more oomph
- Salt and pepper: Classic seasonings for balance and zing Always taste and adjust if needed
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh pop of green and light herby flavor Pick bunches with perky leaves
- Sour cream: Optional creamy topping to make it extra rich Thick full fat sour cream melts in perfectly
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes:
- Wash and quarter the potatoes making sure each piece is about the same size This ensures that every chunk cooks evenly and becomes fork tender Creamy Yukon golds are my favorite here
- Mix Everything Together:
- In a big bowl combine the potatoes with olive oil onions red pepper garlic sliced jalapenos and ranch dip mix Toss until everything is glossy and the flavor is well distributed
- Assemble the Packets:
- Spray large sheets of foil with nonstick spray Divide the potato mixture evenly between the sheets Spread into a flat layer for even cooking Fold up the foil sides then seal well at the top and edges to make tight packets that lock in steam
- Cook the Packets:
- Place the packets directly on a medium grill or center rack of a preheated oven at 425 degrees Let them roast undisturbed for 15 minutes then use tongs to rotate and cook for another 15 minutes Potatoes should be very easy to pierce with a fork
- Add Cheese and Bacon:
- Open the packets carefully to avoid steam Sprinkle the tops with shredded cheese and chopped bacon loosely reseal and return to the grill or oven for another 2 to 3 minutes Just until the cheese is gooey and melts in
- Finish and Serve:
- Take off the heat and garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream if using Serve hot right in the foil for easy cleanup
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Bacon is hands down my favorite part of this recipe Every time I bite into the smoky crispy bits with creamy potatoes I am brought back to weekends at the lake house with family sharing food around the fire This recipe is truly all about those memory making flavors
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge They reheat beautifully in the microwave or wrapped and placed right back on the grill for a few minutes To freeze assemble packets without adding cheese or bacon then freeze Bake straight from frozen with a few extra minutes then top and finish as normal
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don t have Yukon golds try red potatoes or russets For less spice swap jalapeno for chopped green bell pepper No ranch mix Use half a teaspoon each of garlic powder onion powder dried parsley and dill plus a generous pinch of salt
Serving Suggestions
These potatoes go with everything from grilled steak to barbecue chicken They are also amazing served over a bed of greens with a bit of chopped tomato for a hearty summer salad If you are camping serve with eggs and sausage at breakfast
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A Quick Bit of History
Foil pack cooking became popular with North American campers in the mid twentieth century Because food could be prepared ahead and cooked over a fire or grill cleanup was a breeze Over time home cooks borrowed this technique for easy meals at home and on the go
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I bake these potatoes instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake foil-wrapped potatoes in a preheated oven at 425°F for about 30 minutes. Finish with cheese and bacon, and return to the oven until the cheese melts.
- → Which potatoes work best for this dish?
Small Yukon gold potatoes are preferred for their creamy texture, but russet potatoes are also suitable if cut into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- → What cheese varieties can I use?
Pepper jack and cheddar are flavorful choices, but feel free to use any cheese blend you enjoy for extra creaminess and taste.
- → How spicy are the jalapenos in this dish?
Jalapenos add mild heat. Removing seeds keeps the spiciness subtle, but you can skip them or use more to adjust the heat level.
- → Is it possible to prepare in advance?
Yes, you can assemble foil packs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready, grill or bake as directed for fresh flavor.