Say goodbye to messy dinner cleanups and hello to the ultimate convenience meal! These incredibly easy Baked Potato Foil Packs are your perfect solution for a hearty, satisfying dinner, whether you’re cooking at home, grilling in the backyard, or enjoying a rustic campfire meal. We’re taking all the beloved flavors of a fully loaded baked potato and transforming them into a simple, individual foil packet creation, complete with savory sausage, perfectly seasoned potatoes, and all your favorite toppings. Get ready for a delicious, customizable, and stress-free meal experience.

Baked Potato Foil Packs: Your Ultimate No-Mess Meal

The classic baked potato holds a special place in many hearts and on many dinner tables. It’s a comforting, versatile meal that allows everyone to customize their plate just the way they like it. It’s this very appeal that inspired us to create these fantastic foil pack versions. While you could certainly keep things super simple with just potatoes, we elevate these foil packs into a complete, well-rounded meal by incorporating savory sausage. This addition not only boosts the protein content but also adds incredible flavor and heartiness, making it a truly satisfying dish for any occasion.

For those looking for a healthier option, chicken or turkey sausage works wonderfully, offering a leaner protein choice without sacrificing taste. However, if you prefer, traditional pork or beef sausage will also yield incredibly delicious results. The beauty of these foil packets lies in their adaptability, allowing you to tailor them to your dietary preferences and flavor cravings.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Baked Potato Foil Packs

Crafting these delectable foil pack meals is remarkably straightforward. The key to success lies in uniform preparation of your ingredients, ensuring everything cooks evenly and is ready to enjoy at the same time. Here’s a closer look at the main components you’ll need for this incredibly simple yet flavorful dish:

Sausage Selection: To keep these foil packets on the lighter side without compromising on flavor, we often opt for pre-cooked smoked turkey or chicken sausage. Brands like Aidell’s® Italian Style Chicken Sausage or Butterball’s® Hardwood Smoked Turkey Sausage are fantastic choices, known for their excellent flavor and convenience. Their pre-cooked nature means less prep time and ensures they cook through perfectly alongside the potatoes. However, feel free to use your favorite variety of pork or beef sausage; just ensure it’s fully cooked or factor in additional cooking time if using raw sausage (which we don’t recommend for this specific quick-cook method).
Yukon Gold Potatoes: The humble potato is the star of this dish, and Yukon Golds are our top recommendation. Often simply called “gold” or “yellow” potatoes, they boast a naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture that holds up beautifully to grilling or baking. Because potatoes take the longest to cook, precise cutting is crucial. We suggest using baby Yukon gold potatoes and dicing them into small, bite-sized pieces, ideally no larger than 1 inch in size. This ensures they become wonderfully tender within the cooking time. A bonus? The skin on Yukon golds is so delicate and thin that peeling is entirely optional – most people don’t even notice it, saving you valuable prep time!

Crafting the Ideal Seasoning Blend

While the ingredients are simple, the right seasoning blend is what truly brings out that comforting, “baked potato” inspired flavor. Our approach keeps it straightforward yet incredibly effective, drawing inspiration from our favorite roasted potato recipes. Here’s the simple yet potent mix we use:

Paprika: This spice adds a beautiful warm color to your potatoes and sausage, along with a mild, sweet peppery flavor that complements the other spices without overpowering them.
Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, Italian seasoning provides an aromatic and savory depth that elevates the entire dish. It’s a simple way to infuse complex herbal notes.
Garlic Powder: Essential for that undeniable savory kick! For an even richer, deeper garlic flavor that truly shines, we highly recommend using roasted garlic powder if you can find it. It adds a layer of warmth and robustness that fresh garlic, while delicious, might not achieve in this quick-cooking method.
Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are critical for enhancing all the other flavors. Always add them to your personal taste preference. A pro tip: if your meal feels a bit “flat” or “lacking,” often the simplest fix is to add a touch more salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t underestimate their power to brighten and balance a dish!
Optional Boosts: For an extra layer of flavor, consider a pinch of onion powder or a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note, especially if you’re not using smoked sausage.

Unleash Flavor with Delicious Toppings

With just a few core ingredients – perfectly diced potatoes, savory sausage, and a balanced seasoning blend – we all know the true magic happens with the toppings! Much like a traditional baked potato, the array of delicious additions is what truly makes these foil packs shine and allows for endless customization. Get creative and load up your packets with your absolute favorite baked potato toppings. Here are some of our top picks, designed to elevate every bite:

Freshly Grated Extra-Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Nothing beats the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of sharp cheddar. Grating it yourself ensures superior melting and a richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
Cool and Creamy Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a delightful tang and creaminess that perfectly balances the savory notes of the sausage and potatoes. Feel free to use fat-free or light sour cream for a slightly healthier option; both work beautifully.
Fresh Green Onions or Chives: Don’t skip the fresh herbs! Finely chopped green onions or chives provide a burst of fresh, mild oniony flavor and a vibrant pop of color that makes a huge difference in the overall experience.
Crispy Crumbled Bacon: A classic for a reason! The salty, smoky crunch of crumbled bacon is simply irresistible. If you’re camping, you can easily cook and crumble bacon beforehand to bring along. Turkey bacon is also an excellent, leaner alternative.
More Topping Ideas to Spark Your Creativity:
- Chili: A spoonful of your favorite beef or veggie chili can turn these into a hearty chili-cheese potato pack.
- Jalapeños: Freshly sliced or pickled jalapeños add a welcome kick of heat.
- Salsa: For a fresh, vibrant, and slightly spicy twist, a dollop of your favorite salsa is fantastic.
- Hot Sauce: A drizzle of your preferred hot sauce adds a quick and easy layer of heat.
- Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions: Cook these ahead of time or add them raw to the foil pack for an earthy, savory addition.
- Pulled Pork or Chicken: Transform your pack into a BBQ delight by adding some leftover pulled meat.

Quick Tip: Freshly Grated Cheese is Best!

While convenient, pre-shredded Cheddar cheese can sometimes resist melting fully in foil packs and may leave your potatoes feeling a bit greasy due to anti-caking agents. For the best gooey, melted cheese experience, we highly recommend grating your own extra-sharp Cheddar from a block.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sealing Your Foil Packs

Properly sealing your foil packs is key to ensuring even cooking and keeping all those delicious flavors locked in. Follow these simple steps for perfectly sealed packets every time:

Prepare Your Foil: Tear off four substantial strips of heavy-duty aluminum foil, with each piece measuring approximately 2 feet long. The heavy-duty variety is crucial to prevent tearing during cooking and flipping. Lightly spray the inside of each foil sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Portion the Mixture: Divide the seasoned potato and sausage mixture **equally** among the center of each of the four foil pieces. Ensure there’s enough space around the mixture to allow for proper sealing.
Seal the Short Sides: To create a tight seal, bring the two **short sides of the foil together in the middle** above the mixture. Gently fold them down together, creating a series of small, secure folds until the seam is completely sealed. This creates a dome-like space above the food, allowing steam to circulate.
Roll Up the Ends: Once the top is sealed, **roll up the ends** of the foil packets towards the center. Aim for tight, secure rolls to prevent any liquid or steam from escaping during cooking.
Ready to Cook!: Your perfectly sealed foil packs are now ready for the grill, oven, or campfire. Remember, a good seal ensures efficient steam cooking and prevents any delicious juices from seeping out.

Expert Tips for Cooking Baked Potato Foil Packs

Achieving perfectly tender potatoes and flavorful sausage in your foil packs is simple with a few helpful tips. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or cooking over a campfire, these insights will ensure a delicious outcome:

Maintain Consistent Heat: When grilling these foil pack meals, aim for a **medium-high heat, typically around 425-450 degrees F**. At this temperature, your packs should cook beautifully in as little as 20-25 minutes. Remember that actual cooking times can vary based on your specific grill’s temperature and, crucially, the size of your potato pieces.
Ensure Tight Seals: This is paramount! **Seal the foil packets tightly** before cooking. Since these packets will need to be flipped partway through cooking, a good, secure seal prevents any flavorful liquid from seeping out, ensuring your potatoes remain moist and delicious.
Opt for Heavy-Duty Foil: For the best results, especially on the grill or over an open flame, always use **heavy-duty aluminum foil**. It’s more durable and less likely to tear. There’s no need to double-wrap these packets with multiple layers of foil; doing so will actually increase your cooking time unnecessarily.
Uniform Potato Size is Key: As mentioned, cut your potatoes into roughly equal, small (1-inch or less) pieces. This consistency ensures that all the potatoes cook evenly and become fork-tender at the same time.
Check for Doneness: To test if your potatoes are cooked through, carefully open one packet (beware of steam!) and gently poke a potato piece with a fork. It should be easily pierced and tender. If not, reseal the packet and cook for a few more minutes.
Alternative Cooking Methods: Not keen on using foil, or simply looking for other options? Many variations exist! You can cook the mixture in a large Dutch oven on the stovetop, spread it on a sheet pan in the oven without foil, or even use cast iron. Check the “Recipe Notes” section below for detailed instructions on these alternative methods.
Safety First When Opening: Always open foil packs carefully, peeling back the foil slowly to allow the trapped steam to escape gradually. The steam will be very hot!

More Delicious Campfire & Foil Packet Meals

Foil packet meals are a game-changer for easy dinners and outdoor adventures. If you loved these baked potato foil packs, you’ll definitely want to try some of these other fantastic, minimal-cleanup options:

Pesto and Sausage Foil Packs with sun-dried tomatoes offer a taste of Italy.
Philly Cheesesteak Dinners in Foil Packs with ground beef for a classic favorite.
Sausage and Veggies Jambalaya Foil Packs – yes, even the rice cooks perfectly in the foil!
Italian Sausage and Veggies Foil Packs featuring a vibrant Italian-inspired seasoning blend.
Garlic Herb Sausage, Shrimp, and Veggies Foil Packs – a highly-rated reader favorite!

Baked Potato Foil Packs Recipe

These easy Baked Potato Foil Packs are ideal for a no-mess dinner or campfire meal. Capture the flavors of a hearty baked potato and all your favorite toppings in a simple foil pack!

By: Chelsea Lords

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 4 foil packs

Equipment

Heavy-duty aluminum foil
Large mixing bowl
Tongs for flipping (if grilling/campfire)
Sheet pan (if baking)

Ingredients

2 pounds baby gold potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 (12-ounce) package Italian-style chicken sausage, precooked and diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1-1/2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder (roasted garlic powder recommended)
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
3/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
4 tablespoons butter, divided
Toppings as desired (see notes)

Instructions

Preheat your cooking surface: If using an oven, preheat to 400°F. If grilling, prepare the grill to medium-high heat (425–450°F). For foil packs, tear off 4 sheets of heavy-duty foil, approximately 2 feet long each, and lightly spray the inside with cooking spray. If cooking without foil packs (e.g., sheet pan), line a large sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Prepare ingredients: Cut the pre-cooked chicken sausage into coins, then quarter them. Cut the baby gold potatoes into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are no bigger than 1 inch in size (no need to peel Yukon golds).
Season the mixture: In a large bowl, combine the diced sausage and potatoes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and evenly coated.
Assemble foil packs: Divide the seasoned mixture evenly among the four prepared sheets of foil. Cut the 4 tablespoons of butter into 1-tablespoon pieces, then cut each tablespoon into four smaller pieces. Add four small pieces of butter (totaling 1 tablespoon) to the top of the mixture in each foil pack.
Seal the foil packs: To seal, bring the two short sides of the foil together over the mixture and gently fold them down repeatedly to create a complete, tight seal. Then, roll up the remaining open ends securely. Ensure the packs are sealed tightly to prevent steam and liquid from escaping. Avoid double-wrapping with multiple layers of foil, as this will increase cooking time.
Cook the foil packs:
- Grill: Grill for 25–35 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Flip the foil packs halfway through cooking (around 15 minutes) to ensure even cooking.
- Bake: Place the sealed foil packs on a sheet pan and bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Finish and serve: Carefully open each foil pack, being cautious of the hot steam released. Immediately add about 2 tablespoons of freshly shredded Cheddar cheese to each pack. Loosely reseal the foil to allow the cheese to melt for 2–3 minutes. Open the packs again, add your favorite additional toppings as desired, and serve hot!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Recommended Toppings

We love topping these foil packs with 1/2 cup freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon, 4–8 tablespoons of sour cream, and 3–4 thinly sliced green onions.

Note 2: Cooking Time and Alternative Methods

Cooking time can vary significantly based on your heat source (different stovetops, ovens, grills, and campfires will have varying temperatures) and, most importantly, the size of your potato pieces. Always check one packet first for doneness. Opening packets frequently will release steam and may add a few extra minutes to the total cooking time.

Stovetop (No Foil): Place the entire seasoned mixture into a large Dutch oven (or half the mixture into a large skillet) over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the potatoes are crisp-tender (about 15 minutes), adding additional olive oil or butter if needed to prevent sticking or burning. Reduce heat if browning too quickly. Add toppings to individual servings after cooking.
Oven (No Foil – Sheet Pan): Line an extra-large sheet pan (approximately 15 x 21 inches) with parchment paper. Pour the entire seasoned mixture onto the baking sheet and spread evenly. Bake at 425°F for about 30–35 minutes, stirring or flipping the ingredients once halfway through. For cheesy potatoes, add shredded cheese on top during the last 3-5 minutes of baking, or until melted. Add toppings to individual servings.
Oven (Foil Packs): As per main instructions. Divide the mixture evenly onto 4 sheets of heavy-duty foil and wrap them tightly. Place the foil-wrapped packets on a sheet pan and bake for 30–40 minutes at 400°F. The cooking time within this range depends on your desired potato tenderness (30-35 minutes for crisp-tender, longer for very soft). Add toppings to individual servings after cooking.
Grill (Foil Packs): As per main instructions. Divide the mixture evenly onto 4 sheets of heavy-duty foil and wrap them tightly. Place on a pre-heated grill (medium-high heat; ~450°F) and cook for 25–35 minutes. Flip the packets once during the grilling process. Add toppings to individual plates or back into the opened packs.
Campfire (Foil Packs): Divide the mixture evenly onto 4 sheets of heavy-duty foil and wrap them tightly. Place foil packs directly into the hot coals of a campfire. Cook until the potatoes are tender, which typically takes around 20–40 minutes, depending on the heat intensity of the coals. Flip the packs every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. With very hot coals, they can cook up in about 20 minutes. Add toppings to individual servings.

Storage: Store any cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so it should only be used as an approximation. Toppings are not included in this calculation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Potato Foil Packs

Q: Can I prepare these foil packs ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can prepare the potato and sausage mixture, season it, and even assemble the foil packs up to 24 hours in advance. Store the sealed packs in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before placing them on the grill or in the oven to ensure more even cooking.

Q: What kind of potatoes work best?

A: While Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended for their buttery flavor and creamy texture, you can also use other waxy potatoes like red new potatoes or even small russets. The key is to cut them into uniform, small pieces (no more than 1 inch) to ensure they cook thoroughly and evenly within the foil pack.

Q: How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the foil?

A: The best way to prevent sticking is to lightly spray the inside of your heavy-duty aluminum foil with cooking spray before adding the ingredients. Using enough olive oil or butter in the seasoning step also helps create a protective layer.

Q: Can I add vegetables to these foil packs?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can add quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, onions, sliced zucchini, or mushrooms. For harder vegetables like carrots or broccoli, cut them into very small pieces or pre-steam them slightly to ensure they cook through at the same rate as the potatoes.

Q: What if I don’t have heavy-duty foil?

A: If you only have regular aluminum foil, you can double-wrap each packet to increase its durability and prevent tearing. However, be aware that this might slightly increase the cooking time compared to using a single layer of heavy-duty foil.

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