Imagine a mouthwatering dish that combines crispy potatoes, smoky bacon, tangy BBQ sauce, and gooey melted cheese - all wrapped up in a convenient foil packet that guarantees maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. These Cheesy BBQ Bacon Potato Foil Packets are about to become your new favorite go-to recipe that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds! Whether you're grilling outdoors on a summer evening or looking for a quick and delicious side dish in your oven, this recipe promises to deliver a taste explosion that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the outdoor grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) or preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Wash and dice the potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Pat the potato cubes dry with a paper towel to help them crisp up.
- Prepare four large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil, each about 12 inches long. Lightly spray or brush the center of each foil sheet with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
- Divide the diced potatoes evenly among the four foil sheets, placing them in the center of each sheet.
- Season the potatoes generously with salt and black pepper. Toss the potatoes to ensure even seasoning.
- Crumble the pre-cooked bacon into small pieces. If bacon is not already cooked, cook in a skillet until crisp, then drain and crumble.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the seasoned potato cubes.
- Drizzle BBQ sauce evenly over the potatoes and bacon, ensuring good coverage.
- Top each foil packet with an equal portion of shredded cheese.
- Carefully fold and seal the foil packets, creating a tight seal but leaving some space inside for steam circulation.
- Place the foil packets on the preheated grill or in the oven. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Carefully open the foil packets (watch for hot steam) and check that potatoes are cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Let the packets rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions.
Tips
- Choose the right potatoes: Use firm, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes that hold their shape well during cooking.
- Uniform cutting: Dice potatoes into consistent 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked.
- Pat potatoes dry: Remove excess moisture from potato cubes to help them crisp up and prevent steaming.
- Use heavy-duty foil: This prevents tearing and helps create a better seal for trapping flavors.
- Don't overcrowd: Leave some space in the foil packet for steam circulation, which helps cook the potatoes evenly.
- Customize your BBQ sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce or mix different varieties for a unique flavor profile.
- Cheese matters: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Check for doneness: Potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and cheese should be fully melted.
- Let it rest: Allowing the packets to rest for a few minutes after cooking helps distribute heat and flavors evenly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
