Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Foil Packs offer a delightful blend of tender sweet potatoes, savory smoked sausage, and a luscious cream sauce, all cooked to perfection in convenient foil packets. This recipe promises not only incredible flavor but also incredibly easy cleanup, making it a dream for any busy cook!

If you love the simplicity and deliciousness of foil packet meals, be sure to explore some of our other favorites, including these Hearty Hobo Foil Packets, delicious Foil Pack French Dip Sandwiches, and our flavorful Garlic Butter Sausage and Veggies. Each offers a unique taste experience with the same fuss-free cooking method!

Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Foil Packs: The Ultimate Easy Dinner

In today’s fast-paced world, finding quick, easy, and genuinely delicious dinner solutions that the entire family will love is a true culinary victory. That’s precisely why we are thrilled to introduce you to our latest obsession: Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Foil Packs. This recipe is designed to bring a comforting, home-cooked meal to your table without demanding hours of your precious time in the kitchen.

Imagine tender, naturally sweet potatoes, perfectly cooked alongside smoky, robust sausage, all generously coated in a rich, savory cream sauce. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, guaranteed to satisfy. But the magic doesn’t stop there! With everything contained and cooked within individual foil packets, you can wave goodbye to stacks of dirty pots and pans. Cleanup becomes an absolute breeze, freeing up more time for you to spend with loved ones.

Beyond its convenience and flavor, this dish boasts incredible versatility. Whether you prefer the steady heat of your oven or the char-grilled goodness from your outdoor grill, these foil packs adapt seamlessly to either cooking method. This makes them a fantastic choice for any season – a cozy winter dinner, a vibrant summer BBQ, or even a hearty meal on your next camping trip. Get ready to add this no-fuss, flavor-packed meal to your regular rotation!

Why Foil Packs Are Your New Best Friend for Dinner

Foil packet dinners have gained immense popularity, and for good reason! They offer a host of benefits that make mealtime less stressful and more enjoyable. Here’s why these Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Foil Packs, and foil meals in general, should be a staple in your home:

• Effortless Cleanup: This is perhaps the biggest draw. Since all your ingredients cook within a sealed foil packet, there are virtually no dishes to wash afterward. Simply toss the used foil, and you’re done!
• Built-In Portion Control: Each individual packet serves one, making it easy to manage portion sizes for yourself and your family.
• Customization Made Easy: Have picky eaters or dietary restrictions? Foil packs are incredibly versatile. You can easily tailor each packet to individual preferences by adding or omitting certain vegetables, cheeses, or spices.
• Moisture and Flavor Retention: The sealed environment of the foil packet locks in moisture and infuses all the ingredients with rich flavors, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy dishes every time.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: As mentioned, these packets are perfect for both oven baking and grilling. They’re also fantastic for camping trips, allowing you to cook directly over hot coals.
• Quick and Easy Preparation: With minimal prep work, you can assemble several packets in no time. Once assembled, they cook relatively quickly, making them ideal for busy weeknights.

Essential Ingredient Tips for Perfect Foil Packs

The success of these Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Foil Packs hinges on a few key ingredient choices. Selecting the right components ensures optimal flavor and texture, turning a simple meal into something truly special.

• Embrace Full-Fat Heavy Cream: For that truly rich, luxurious, and creamy texture that beautifully coats the sweet potatoes and sausage, full-fat heavy cream is non-negotiable. Lighter alternatives like milk or half-and-half simply lack the necessary thickness and fat content to create the luscious sauce this dish deserves.
• Always Freshly Grate Your Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese offers convenience, freshly grated sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar cheese delivers superior flavor and melts much more smoothly. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can lead to a grainy texture and even excess oil or grease in your foil packs. Freshly grating also ensures accurate measurement for the perfect cheese-to-sauce ratio.
• Choose the Right Smoked Sausage: Opt for a high-quality smoked sausage, ideally a blend of beef and pork, for the most robust and savory flavor. It’s crucial to use *smoked* sausage, which is already cooked. Raw sausage will not cook through properly within the recommended foil pack cooking time, potentially leading to an unsafe and unappetizing meal. Look for brands known for their flavor and quality.
• Perfect Sweet Potatoes: Select firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. Their natural sweetness perfectly balances the smoky sausage and rich cream sauce.
• Vibrant Red Bell Pepper: The red bell pepper not only adds a pop of color but also a crisp-tender texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients.
• Aromatic Spices: Smoked paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground mustard create a deep, complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish. Don’t skip these!

Crafting Perfect Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Foil Packs: Expert Tips

Making these delicious foil packs is straightforward, but a few expert tips can ensure your meal turns out perfectly tender, flavorful, and mess-free every time.

1. Selecting the Right Foil: Always use heavy-duty aluminum foil for foil packet cooking. Its thickness and durability are essential to prevent tearing and leaks, especially when handling and cooking. Avoid the temptation to double-wrap regular foil, as this can trap too much heat and steam, altering the intended cooking time and potentially overcooking your ingredients.
2. Achieve Uniform Sweet Potato Cubes: For consistent cooking, it’s vital to dice your sweet potatoes into small, uniform ½-inch cubes. Irregularly sized pieces will cook unevenly, leaving some undercooked and others mushy. Precision here makes all the difference for perfectly tender potatoes.
3. Pre-cook for Perfect Tenderness: Briefly boiling the diced sweet potatoes before assembling the foil packs is a crucial step. This par-cooking ensures they become perfectly tender and fully cooked at the same rate as the sausage and sauce within the foil packets. Don’t skip this step for the best results!
4. Seal Your Foil Packs Securely: Proper sealing is key to locking in all the delicious flavors and juices. Bring the long ends of the foil together, fold them down tightly several times, then fold in the shorter sides to create a completely sealed packet. A tight seal prevents any leaks and ensures the steam circulates effectively for even cooking.
5. Monitor Cooking Time: Oven and grill temperatures can vary, so it’s important to keep a watchful eye on your foil packs as they cook. The goal is cooked-through ingredients without them becoming mushy. Adjust the cooking time as needed, checking for tenderness after the initial recommended time.
6. Allow for Resting Time: Once cooked, let the foil packs rest for a minute or two before carefully opening them. This allows the internal steam to settle, preventing burns, and gives the creamy sauce a moment to thicken to the perfect consistency. Expect a burst of aromatic steam upon opening!

Elevate Your Meal: Delicious Topping Ideas

While Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Foil Packs are incredibly satisfying on their own, adding a few thoughtful toppings can introduce an extra layer of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. These suggestions allow you to customize each serving to individual preferences, making dinner even more exciting!

• Parmesan Cheese: A light sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese right before serving adds a wonderful salty, umami kick and an additional layer of cheesiness that complements the savory cream sauce beautifully.
• Crispy Crumbled Bacon: For an irresistible smoky crunch, crumble some cooked bacon over the top. The salty, crispy bacon bits enhance the smoky notes of the sausage and provide a delightful textural contrast. For a quick option, microwave bacon works wonders, or try our favorite method for baking bacon for perfectly crisp results every time.
• Fresh Herbs: Brighten up your dish with a garnish of freshly chopped herbs. Parsley, green onions (scallions), or a hint of fresh thyme can add a vibrant pop of color and a burst of refreshing, aromatic flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: If you appreciate a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled over your foil pack can add a subtle or pronounced spicy kick, depending on your preference. It’s a fantastic way to introduce a bit of warmth to the dish.
• A Dollop of Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: For an extra layer of creaminess and a tangy counterpoint, a small dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can be a delightful addition, especially when mixed into the warm sauce.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve Alongside Your Foil Packs

Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Foil Packs are undoubtedly hearty and bursting with flavor, making them a complete meal on their own. However, pairing them with the right side dishes can elevate your dining experience, adding balance, freshness, and variety. Here are some excellent suggestions to complement your foil pack dinner:

• Fresh Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing green salad is an ideal counterpoint to the richness of the foil packs. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light Vinaigrette dressing. It adds a welcome freshness and textural contrast. Try one of these beloved salad recipes: a classic Garden Salad, our versatile Everyday Salad Recipe, or a timeless Caesar Salad.
• Simple Roasted Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and add more delicious flavors with a side of perfectly Roasted Vegetables. Options like crisp Parmesan Asparagus, tender Roasted Green Beans, or savory Roasted Broccoli offer a delightful earthy sweetness and complement the dish beautifully.
• Warm Garlic Bread: There’s nothing quite like warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible creamy sauce from your foil packs. It’s a comforting addition that always pleases.
• Fluffy Rice or Quinoa: For a more substantial meal, serve the contents of your foil packs over a bed of perfectly cooked white rice or nutritious quinoa. These grains provide a satisfying base that absorbs the flavors and adds a wholesome element to your dinner.
• Classic Cornbread: A slice of homemade Cornbread or a few delightful Cornbread Muffins can perfectly complement the smoky flavors of the sausage. Its slightly sweet and crumbly texture offers a comforting, rustic touch.
• Crusty Artisan Bread: A freshly baked loaf of crusty bread, such as a baguette or sourdough, is excellent for scooping up the creamy sauce. It allows you to savor every last bit of the deliciousness your foil pack offers. Our No-Knead Bread recipe is a fantastic, easy option for homemade crusty bread.

Explore More Sweet Potato Delights

Sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and nutritious, starring in countless delicious dishes beyond these foil packs. If you’ve fallen in love with their creamy texture and sweet flavor, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic sweet potato recipes:

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Discover both sweet and savory versions of this simple yet satisfying side dish.
• Sweet Potato Risotto: A comforting and creamy risotto, made incredibly easy in the Instant Pot pressure cooker.
• Farro Soup with Sweet Potatoes: A hearty and wholesome soup packed with ancient grains and the goodness of sweet potatoes.
• Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger: A flavorful and satisfying vegetarian burger featuring sweet potatoes and wild rice.
• Sweet Potato Nachos: A fun and creative twist on classic nachos, using sweet potato fries as the base!

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Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage in Foil Packs

By

Chelsea Lords

Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage Foil Packs are packed with tender sweet potatoes, smoky sausage, and a rich, savory sauce. Easy to make, loaded with flavor, and zero cleanup hassle!

Prep Time:

20
minutes

Cook Time:

17
minutes

Total Time:

37
minutes

Servings:

4
foil packets

Video

Watch the full recipe video here: Creamy Sweet Potato and Sausage in Foil Packs Video

Equipment

• Heavy-duty aluminum foil
  (see note 1)
• Grill
  (or oven)
• Large pot

Ingredients

• 
  Cooking spray
  
• 4
  cups
  sweet potatoes
  peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes (see note 2)
• 1
  large
  red bell pepper
  chopped to ½-inch pieces
• 13 to 14
  ounces
  smoked sausage
  thinly sliced (see note 3)
• 1
  teaspoon
  smoked paprika
• 1
  teaspoon
  dried thyme
• ½
  teaspoon
  onion powder
• ½
  teaspoon
  garlic powder
• ½
  teaspoon
  ground mustard
• 4
  tablespoons
  unsalted butter
• 1
  packed cup
  sharp Cheddar cheese
  freshly shredded (see note 4)
• ⅔
  cup
  heavy cream
  (see note 5)
• 
  Salt and pepper
  
• Toppings as desired
  (see note 6)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or your grill to 425–450°F (220–230°C). Prepare 4 large pieces of heavy-duty foil (approximately 18×12 inches each) by generously spraying them with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures easy removal of your delicious meal.
2. Bring a large pot with 8 cups of water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water. Carefully add the diced sweet potatoes and boil for 5–7 minutes, or until they are tender enough to be pierced with a fork but still hold their shape and have a slight firmness. Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly in a colander, then immediately toss them with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper to season them evenly.
3. While the sweet potatoes are cooking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a glass liquid measuring cup or a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, heavy cream, smoked paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, and ground mustard. Season to taste with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Microwave the mixture for 60–90 seconds, or until the butter is completely melted. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth, then place the measuring cup in the fridge to allow the sauce to thicken slightly while you assemble the packets.
4. Divide the pre-cooked sweet potatoes and diced red bell pepper evenly among the four prepared foil sheets. On top of the vegetables, layer ¼ cup (packed) of freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese onto each packet. Finally, arrange the thinly sliced smoked sausage in an even layer over the cheese. Pour the chilled cream sauce evenly over all the ingredients in each packet.
5. To seal the packets, bring the two long ends of the foil together directly above the food. Fold them down several times, creating a tight seam. Then, fold in the short sides of the foil to ensure the packets are fully and securely sealed. Remember: do not double-wrap in foil, as this can affect cooking time and results. Leave a small pocket of air for steam circulation.
6. If using an oven, place the sealed foil packets on a baking sheet. If grilling, place them directly on the grill grates of your fully heated grill. Cook for 15 minutes on the grill or 17–20 minutes in the oven, or until the sweet potatoes are very tender and the sauce is bubbly. Carefully remove the packets from the heat and let them stand (still sealed) for 1 minute to allow the steam to settle and the sauce to thicken further. Open each packet carefully, as a burst of steam will be released. Initially, the sauce may look a little separated, but a good stir will bring it all together. Taste for salt and pepper and adjust seasoning if necessary. For an extra touch, finely grate some Parmesan cheese on top with a zester, add a sprinkle of crumbled bacon, and serve promptly. Enjoy your hassle-free, flavorful meal!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Heavy-duty foil is thicker and more durable, which makes it superior for foil packs as it resists tearing and prevents leaks. While it might seem intuitive to add an extra layer of foil for strength, this can actually alter the cooking time and make it less predictable. Stick to a single layer of heavy-duty foil.

Note 2: The key to evenly cooked sweet potatoes is cutting them into small, uniform ½-inch cubes. This consistent size ensures every piece cooks perfectly tender at the same rate. The recommended cooking times are based on this specific size; larger or irregular pieces may require longer cooking.

Note 3: It is essential to use smoked sausage, which is pre-cooked. Raw sausage will not cook properly within the specified time frame for these foil packets, leading to an undercooked meal. For the best flavor profile, we recommend a blend of beef and pork smoked sausage.

Note 4: For the most robust and complementary flavor, choose sharp or extra-sharp Cheddar cheese. Its rich taste harmonizes wonderfully with the other ingredients. Always use freshly shredded cheese to avoid the unwanted excess oil or grease that often comes with pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents. Gently pack the shredded cheese into a measuring cup for accurate volume.

Note 5: To achieve the desired thick, rich, and creamy sauce, use regular (full-fat) heavy cream. Lighter alternatives such as milk or half-and-half are not thick enough and will result in a watery sauce, compromising the overall texture and taste of this comforting meal.

Note 6: Optional toppings include: Parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon, thinly sliced green onions, and red pepper flakes. We particularly love grating some Parmesan over these foil packs using a zester. Thinly sliced green onions add a nice fresh bite, and crumbled bacon is absolutely delicious! For a quick option, use microwave bacon, or refer to our favorite hack for baking bacon for consistently crispy results.

Storage: To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When reheating, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly warmed, or microwave in short bursts, stirring at intervals to ensure even heating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving
|
Calories: 758 kcal
|
Carbohydrates: 34 g
|
Protein: 22 g
|
Fat: 60 g
|
Saturated Fat: 30 g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g
|
Monounsaturated Fat: 20 g
|
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
|
Cholesterol: 169 mg
|
Sodium: 1054 mg
|
Potassium: 806 mg
|
Fiber: 5 g
|
Sugar: 9 g
|
Vitamin A: 21975 IU
|
Vitamin C: 56 mg
|
Calcium: 284 mg
|
Iron: 2 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredients and preparation methods.

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