We went camping with friends who made these cheesy potatoes campfire style golden potato slices layered with cheese, bacon, and butter, all cooked in foil packets over the fire. When they unwrapped the packets, steam billowed out and the smell was intoxicating. We took one bite and our minds were blown: “This is better than any restaurant potato dish. How is something this good coming from a campfire?” Our friend smiled and said, “Foil packet potatoes are camping magic. Everything you want in one package.” That camping trip sent us on a mission to perfect what became our outdoor cooking staple.
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Potatoes Campfire
This cheesy potatoes campfire recipe solves that eternal camping problem of wanting real, satisfying food without hauling complicated equipment or doing elaborate prep in the wilderness. Most impressive camping meals require multiple pots, careful timing, or ingredients that don’t travel well. These campfire potato recipe packets are literally slicing The Best Cheesy Potatoes Campfire Recipe, layering with cheese and toppings, wrapping in foil, and cooking over fire (or in the oven). You can prep packets at home, refrigerate them, transport to the campsite, and cook directly over the fire.
Here’s what makes this outdoor cooking The Best Cheesy Potatoes Campfire Recipe approach absolutely genius the foil packet creates a self-contained cooking environment that steams the The Best Cheesy Potatoes Campfire Recipe while crisping the cheese and bacon. Traditional campfire cooking requires constant monitoring, turning, or preventing burning. These foil packets are literally place on coals, wait 30-40 minutes, remove, and eat. The foil traps steam that cooks potatoes tender while the heat caramelizes cheese and bacon on the edges. No stirring, no monitoring, no burning just set and forget.
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Ingredients You Need for Cheesy Potatoes Campfire
For 4 Foil Packets (4 servings):
- 2 lbs russet potatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter, cubed
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Optional: sour cream and green onions for serving
For Loaded Campfire Potatoes:
- Add extra bacon
- Include diced jalapeños
- Add ranch seasoning
- Top with sour cream
For Campfire Potatoes with Bacon (Classic):
- Focus on bacon and cheese
- Skip onions
- Simple and perfect
For Campfire Potatoes Without Foil:
- Use cast iron skillet method
- Layer same ingredients
- Cover and cook over fire
Optional Add-Ins:
- Fresh herbs
- Bell peppers
- Mushrooms
- Different cheeses
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Cheesy Potatoes Campfire Step by Step
Prep Potatoes and Ingredients:
Wash potatoes thoroughly (no need to peel unless you prefer). Slice into ¼-inch rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline uniform thickness is crucial for even cooking. Cook bacon until crispy, drain on paper towels, and crumble. Thinly slice onion. Shred cheese if using block cheese. Cube butter. Have everything ready for assembly foil packet assembly is like an assembly line. Cut 4 large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 12×18 inches each. If using regular foil, double-layer it to prevent tearing.
Assemble Foil Packets:
For each packet: Place foil shiny-side down (shiny side reflects heat better when facing up). Spray center with cooking spray or brush with butter. Layer about ¼ of the potato slices in the center, overlapping slightly. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Top with ¼ of the cheese, ¼ of the crumbled bacon, and some sliced onions. Add another layer of potatoes, more seasoning, more cheese, bacon, and onions. Finish with final potato layer and remaining cheese on top. Dot with cubed butter and drizzle with 1 tablespoon cream or milk. The liquid is crucial it creates steam that cooks potatoes.
Cook Over Campfire or Grill:
For campfire: Let your fire burn down to coals (flames will burn the packets). Place packets on grill grate over coals or directly on cooler coals (not flames). Cook for 30-40 minutes, rotating packets every 10 minutes for even cooking. Don’t open to check-trust the process. For grill: Preheat to medium heat (350-400°F), place packets on grates, close lid, cook 30-35 minutes, turning once halfway through. For campfire potatoes in oven: Preheat oven to 400°F, place packets on baking sheet, bake 40-45 minutes. Packets are done when you can easily pierce potatoes through the foil with a fork.
Check Doneness and Serve:
Carefully open one packet (steam will be hot be careful!). Pierce potatoes with a fork they should be completely tender. Cheese should be melted and bubbly. If potatoes are still firm, reseal and cook another 5-10 minutes. Once done, carefully open all packets and serve directly in the foil (no dishes to wash camping magic!). Top with sour cream, green onions, or additional bacon if desired. Each packet is one serving, perfectly portioned and customizable.
Serve Hot:
The beauty of foil packets is they stay hot for 10-15 minutes even off the fire, and they’re self-contained serving vessels. Everyone gets their own packet, opens it carefully, and eats directly from the foil. Zero cleanup, maximum flavor.
Smart Swaps for Your Cheesy Potatoes Campfire
Potato Options:
- Yukon Gold → Russet (creamier, holds shape better)
- Red potatoes → Russet (waxy, different texture)
- Sweet potatoes → Regular (sweet version, unique)
Cheese Swaps:
- Pepper jack → Cheddar (spicy kick)
- Gruyère → Cheddar (nutty, sophisticated)
- Mexican blend → Cheddar (different flavor profile)
Fat Options:
- Olive oil → Butter (different flavor, dairy-free)
- Bacon grease → Butter (extra smoky)
- Ghee → Butter (higher smoke point)
Liquid Additions:
- Skip liquid → Not recommended (potatoes won’t cook properly)
- Chicken broth → Cream (savory, not as rich)
- Half-and-half → Heavy cream (lighter)
Cheesy Potatoes Campfire Variations
Classic Campfire Cheesy Potatoes:
- Potatoes, cheddar, bacon, butter
- Simple and perfect
- Standard version
Loaded Campfire Potatoes:
- Extra bacon, jalapeños, ranch seasoning
- Sour cream and green onions
- Fully loaded
Garlic Butter Potatoes:
- Double the garlic
- Add fresh rosemary
- Skip bacon for vegetarian
- Herbaceous and aromatic
Breakfast Campfire Potatoes:
- Add scrambled eggs
- Breakfast sausage instead of bacon
- Perfect morning camping meal
Equipment For Cheesy Potatoes Campfire
- Heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Sharp knife or mandoline (for slicing)
- Cutting board
- Campfire grate or grill (optional but helpful)
- Heat-resistant gloves or tongs
Storing Your Cheesy Potatoes Campfire
Prep-Ahead Storage (24 hours):
- Assemble packets completely at home
- Refrigerate in sealed container or bag
- Transport in cooler with ice
- Cook at campsite when ready
Leftover Storage (2-3 days):
- Store cooked potatoes in airtight container
- Refrigerate within 2 hours
- Reheat in oven at 350°F for 15 minutes
- Or reheat over campfire in new foil
Freezer Storage (Not Recommended):
- Cooked potatoes get mushy when frozen
- Raw assembled packets don’t freeze well
- Better to prep fresh or refrigerate
Camping Transport:
- Pack assembled packets in cooler
- Keep cold until cooking
- Cook within 24 hours of assembly
- Food safety matters even camping
Top Tip
- The absolute game-changer for perfect campfire The Best Cheesy Potatoes Campfire Recipe is slicing your potatoes to exactly ¼-inch thickness and adding at least 1 tablespoon of liquid (cream, milk, or broth) per packet to create steam that cooks potatoes tender. Most people slice potatoes too thick thinking “bigger pieces are better,” creating packets that stay raw in the middle even after 45 minutes of cooking. The science is that potatoes need steam to cook through in foil the sealed packet traps steam that penetrates and softens potatoes.
- Here’s the practical technique: Use a mandoline or very sharp knife to slice potatoes uniformly ¼ inch thick measure the first few to calibrate your eye. When assembling packets, drizzle 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or milk over the The Best Cheesy Potatoes Campfire Recipe before sealing. That small amount of liquid creates sufficient steam inside the sealed foil to cook potatoes completely tender. Seal packets with multiple tight folds no steam should escape.
- My other essential tip: layer cheese between every potato layer (not just on top) so cheese melts throughout the packet instead of staying in one blob on top. Most people dump all cheese on top thinking “cheese rises when melting,” but in foil packets cheese doesn’t rise it stays where you put it. Proper layering potato, cheese, bacon, potato, cheese, butter creates the signature cheesy potato experience where every bite has melted cheese instead of dry potatoes with cheese only on top!
FAQ
How long do you cook potatoes on a campfire?
Cook campfire potato foil packets for 30-40 minutes over coals (not flames), rotating every 10 minutes for even cooking. The exact time depends on coal temperature and potato slice thickness. The Best Cheesy Potatoes Campfire Recipe should be completely tender when pierced with a fork through the foil. Thicker slices need 40-45 minutes, thinner slices finish in 30 minutes. Don’t cook over flames they’ll burn the outside before the inside cooks. Use a grill grate over coals for best results, or place packets on cooler coals away from direct heat!
What to put on campfire potatoes?
Classic toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sliced onions, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. After cooking, add sour cream, green onions, extra bacon, or jalapeños. Popular variations include ranch seasoning, different cheeses (pepper jack, Gruyère), diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or fresh herbs. The key is layering cheese and toppings between potato layers (not just on top) so they melt throughout. Each packet can be customized with different toppings for picky eaters!
Can I prepare cheesy potatoes the night before?
Yes! Assemble foil packets completely the night before, seal tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Transport in a cooler with ice to the campsite and cook when ready. This is the best camping strategy all the prep work done at home with good lighting and clean counters, then just cook at camp. Cold packets may need an extra 5 minutes cooking time. Don’t prep more than 24 hours ahead or potatoes may oxidize and turn brown (still safe but less appetizing).
Why are funeral potatoes called funeral potatoes?
Funeral potatoes are a completely different dish cheesy potato casserole traditionally served at Mormon funeral gatherings in Utah, made with hash browns, sour cream, cheese, and cornflake topping. They’re called “funeral potatoes” because they’re commonly brought to post-funeral meals. Campfire potatoes are different foil packets with sliced potatoes cooked over fire. The only similarity is potatoes and cheese.
The Ultimate Camping Food Victory!
Now you have everything you need to create these incredible cheesy potatoes campfire-from proper slicing to my best friend’s steam management wisdom. This loaded campfire potatoes recipe proves that impressive outdoor cooking doesn’t require elaborate equipment or professional skills. Sometimes the best camping food involves simple techniques executed with precision.
Looking for more campfire eats? Try our hearty Healthy Salsa Macha In 10 Minutes for a cozy, fire-simmered meal. Craving foil packets? Our Best Honey Garlic Shrimp Recipe offer fun, customizable protein options. Need an easy side? Delicious Grilled Chicken Kabobs Recipe brings sweet, smoky flavor with almost no prep.
We love seeing your cheesy potatoes campfire creations! Tell us whether you cooked over fire, grill, or oven, if you tried my best friend’s slicing technique, and how much you’ve saved on camping food. We get so excited seeing your beautiful foil packets!
Rate this Cheesy Potatoes Campfire and tell us if camping food will ever be boring again-we love hearing about outdoor cooking victories!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cheesy Potatoes Campfire
Cheesy Potatoes Campfire Recipe
Golden, cheesy, Cheesy Potatoes Campfire Recipe cooked in foil packets over a campfire, grill, or oven. Self-contained, flavorful, and perfect for camping with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
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Wash and slice potatoes, cook bacon, slice onions, shred cheese, and cube butter.
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Layer potatoes, cheese, bacon, onions, and butter in foil; drizzle cream and seal tightly.
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Place foil packets over campfire coals, grill, or in oven; cook 30-45 minutes until tender.
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Carefully open one packet and pierce potatoes with fork to ensure they are fully cooked.
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Serve directly in foil with optional toppings like sour cream, green onions, or extra bacon.
Nutrition
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
