Are you ready to elevate your next barbecue or family dinner with a dish that's as delicious as it is easy to prepare? Introducing Cheesy Ranch Potato Foil Packs—a mouthwatering combination of tender potatoes, zesty ranch seasoning, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped up in a convenient foil packet! Perfect for busy weeknights or outdoor gatherings, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, you'll be savoring every cheesy bite in no time. Dive into this recipe, and discover how to create a delightful side dish that complements any meal!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning
- 1 cup of shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) or prepare an outdoor grill to medium-high heat.
- Wash and dice the potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Pat the potato cubes dry with a paper towel to help them crisp up.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, olive oil, ranch seasoning packet, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat all potato pieces evenly with the seasoning.
- Cut four large pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil, approximately 12x12 inches each. If using standard foil, double up the layers to prevent tearing.
- Divide the seasoned potato mixture equally among the four foil sheets, placing them in the center of each sheet.
- Carefully fold the foil edges to create sealed packets, ensuring there's some space inside for steam to circulate.
- Place the foil packets on a baking sheet if cooking in the oven, or directly on the grill grates if using a barbecue.
- Bake or grill for 25-30 minutes, or until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, open the foil packets and sprinkle shredded cheese over the potatoes.
- Return to heat and cook until cheese is fully melted and potatoes have a golden, crispy exterior.
- Carefully remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Open packets cautiously to avoid steam burns.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for medium-sized russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best texture and flavor. Their starchy nature helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior.
- Uniform Dicing: Cut your potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly. This small step makes a big difference in the final result!
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: After washing and dicing, make sure to pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel. This helps them crisp up nicely during cooking.
- Sealing the Packets: When folding the foil packets, ensure they are tightly sealed but leave a little space inside for steam to circulate. This will help the potatoes cook evenly and become tender.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your grill or oven. Start checking for tenderness at the 25-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
- Melted Cheese Magic: For that gooey cheese finish, open the packets during the last 5 minutes of cooking and sprinkle the cheese on top. This allows it to melt perfectly without burning.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Consider adding fresh herbs like chives or parsley just before serving to brighten up the dish and add a pop of color.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair your Cheesy Ranch Potato Foil Packs with ranch dressing, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor boost!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
