Cheesy Bacon Chive Potato Packets The Ultimate NoFuss BBQ Side

Cheddar Bacon Potato Packets

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:40 Mins

Servings:4 Generous Servings

Ingredients:

• 8 medium Potatoes (Waxy or All-Purpose, scrubbed clean)
• 6 rashers Smoked Streaky Bacon, diced
• 1/2 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme or Oregano
• 1 tsp Sea Salt
• 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1 cup Sharp Mature Cheddar, freshly grated
• 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, cut into 4 equal pats
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Chives, finely chopped

Instructions:

• Prep the Spuds: Scrub the potatoes well. Slice the potatoes into thin, uniform rounds, approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Slicing uniformly is crucial for even cooking.
• Partially Cook Bacon: Sauté the diced bacon in a frying pan over medium heat for 3 4 minutes until it just begins to crisp. Drain off most of the rendered fat.
• Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, sautéed bacon, diced onion, olive oil, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly until all potato slices are lightly coated.
• Prepare Foil: Lay out 4 large sheets of heavy duty aluminum foil. For extra security, double layer each portion if using a very hot grill.
• Divide and Add Cheese: Divide the seasoned potato mixture evenly among the 4 sheets. Sprinkle 3/4 of the grated cheddar over the top of the potatoes in each packet.
• Add Butter Pat: Place one pat of butter (1 Tbsp) directly on top of the cheese and potatoes in the center of each portion.
• Seal the Packets: Bring the long edges of the foil up and together, folding them over twice to create a tight seam. Fold in the shorter ends to seal tightly, crimping firmly to ensure no moisture escapes. The packets must be completely sealed to allow steaming.
• Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your BBQ grill for medium high heat.
• Cook Time: Place the packets directly on the grill grates or on a baking tray in the oven. Cook for 35 45 minutes.
• Test for Doneness: Carefully remove one packet and open the seam slightly. Test a potato slice with a fork. If still resistant, reseal and cook for another 5 10 minutes.
• Finish with Cheese: When tender, open the packets slightly and sprinkle the remaining grated cheddar over the potatoes. Place them back on the heat (open) for 2 3 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
• Garnish and Serve: Transfer the hot packets to plates. Garnish generously with freshly chopped chives. Instruct diners to exercise caution when opening due to hot steam.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	1834 kcal
Protein	19.1 g
Fat	84.4 g
Carbs	54.5 g
Fiber	18.9 g
Sodium	614 mg

Recipe Info

Category	Side Dish; BBQ
Cuisine	Western; American

Why These Foil Packets Are Your Summer Grilling Secret Weapon

When the weather is perfect, the last thing anyone wants is to be chained to the kitchen. That’s precisely why mastering the art of the Foil Packet Meal is essential for effortless summer entertaining.

These Cheddar Bacon Potato Packets represent the pinnacle of outdoor Country Cooking : a complete, flavour packed side dish that cooks itself entirely on the grill or over a campfire.

The heavy duty aluminum foil acts as a miniature oven, steaming the potato slices to tender perfection while simultaneously crisping the bacon and melting the cheese. They deliver maximum flavour with almost zero cleanup, making them the ultimate "set it and forget it" solution for any backyard gathering or Camping Food adventure.

Say Goodbye to Grill Grates: Introducing the Cheddar Bacon Potato Packets

This dish takes the beloved concept of a loaded baked potato and simplifies it into a convenient, personalized serving. Each packet offers a comforting mixture of thinly sliced waxy potatoes, smoky diced bacon, sharp mature cheddar, and fragrant herbs.

The result is a savory, rich, and perfectly contained side, making these cheesy bacon potato foil packets an instant crowd pleaser that eliminates the need for messy serving bowls and constant stirring.

Comparing Convenience: Foil Packet vs. Traditional Potato Sides

Unlike traditional methods that require boiling potatoes before grilling or roasting them in a bulky tray, these Foil Dinners streamline the entire process. A traditional side of scalloped potatoes demands pre-heating, careful layering, and continuous monitoring to prevent scorching.

Conversely, once the ingredients for these Potato Packets are mixed and sealed, they require zero intervention for 35 to 45 minutes. This hands off cooking style frees you up to focus on your main course or, better yet, enjoy your guests.

Achieving Perfectly Tender Potatoes Every Time

The secret to success within these packets lies in steam. By sealing the seasoned potatoes, bacon, and a vital pat of butter tightly within the foil, we create a high humidity environment. This steam cooks the sliced potatoes evenly and quickly from the inside out.

By slicing the potatoes uniformly thin (about 1/4 inch), we ensure that they fully absorb the rendered bacon fat and moisture, leading to incredibly tender results never tough or crunchy.

What Makes This Recipe the Perfect BBQ Companion?

The robust, smoky flavour profile of these cheddar bacon potatoes is designed to complement grilled meats. The sharpness of the mature cheddar cuts through the richness of the bacon and the starchiness of the potato, creating a balanced and deeply satisfying bite.

Served fresh from the grill, the individual packets keep the contents piping hot, meaning everyone gets a perfectly cooked, fully loaded portion of this luxurious side dish.

Gathering Your Supplies: Essential Elements for Loaded Spuds

Crafting the perfect packet begins with procuring high quality ingredients. For four generous servings, you will need approximately eight medium waxy or all-purpose potatoes (about 1.2 kg), which should be scrubbed clean but left unpeeled.

The key flavour elements include 6 slices (150 g) of smoked streaky bacon, finely diced, and a half medium yellow onion (100 g), also finely diced. The dry seasoning mixture is composed of two tablespoons of olive oil for coating, one teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of dried thyme or oregano, and the requisite salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Finally, for assembly and the magnificent finish, secure one packed cup (120 g) of freshly grated sharp mature cheddar and four tablespoons of unsalted butter, cut into equal pats, topped off with fresh chives for garnish.

The Toolkit: Necessary Equipment for Foil Packet Success

Beyond your standard chef’s knife and large mixing bowl, the single most critical piece of equipment is the wrapping material. Tongs are essential for safely handling the searing hot packets on and off the heat.

Selecting the Best Potatoes for Slicing and Steaming

Waxy varieties, such as Yukon Gold or Maris Piper, are ideal for this preparation because they hold their shape well under steam and become beautifully creamy without disintegrating. To ensure every slice cooks at the same rate, uniformity is absolutely paramount.

Aiming for 1/4 inch (6 mm) slices guarantees that all the spuds reach that perfect fork tender texture simultaneously.

Mature Cheddar and Bacon Prep: Tips for Even Distribution

We employ two crucial preparatory steps for maximum flavour. First, the bacon must be partially cooked sautéing the diced lardons for 3– 4 minutes before mixing them in ensures they impart a smoky texture, rather than a soft, steamed texture, within the packet.

Second, grating your cheddar fresh is non-negotiable. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti caking agents that inhibit a smooth, gooey melt, which defeats the purpose of these rich Bacon Potato packets.

The Importance of Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil

Never skimp on the foil. Standard aluminum foil is simply too thin for the heat intensity of a grill or campfire and is highly susceptible to tearing and scorching, which releases the crucial internal moisture.

Using heavy duty aluminum foil, and considering a double layer for extra heat protection, especially when using charcoal or hot gas grills, ensures the integrity of your packets and prevents disastrous leakage.

Quick Guide to Perfect Potato Slicing (Mandoline vs. Knife)

While a sharp chef's knife works perfectly well, achieving perfectly uniform 1/4 inch slices can be challenging. For truly flawless results and to drastically reduce prep time, consider using a mandoline slicer. If using a knife, stack the potatoes after scrubbing and slice slowly, verifying thickness frequently.

Uniformity guarantees even cooking the ultimate secret to the success of these Cheddar Bacon Potato Packets .

Related Recipes Worth Trying

• The Ultimate Crunchy Broccoli Salad with Bacon Tangy Dressing — This creamy Broccoli Salad is guaranteed picnic gold Crisp florets salty bacon and toasted nuts bound by a perfectly tangy mayobased dressing A guaranteed...
• Best Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup Recipe Easy Creamy — Forget takeout This Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup tastes like it simmered all day using simple ingredients for that classic baked potato flavour Get the...
• Foolproof Warm Bacon Cheddar Dip Recipe Gooey Cheesy — Skip the jarred stuff This Warm Bacon Cheddar Dip recipe is rich foolproof and studded with crispy bacon The perfect hot appetizer for any gathering

The Crucial Steps for Building Your Cheddar Bacon Potato Packets

The preparation stage is swift and involves just two main actions before assembly. First, slice your potatoes thinly and partially sauté the diced bacon until it just begins to show colour, draining any excess fat.

Next, combine the sliced potatoes, partially cooked bacon, diced onion, olive oil, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Toss this thoroughly for several minutes until every potato slice has a thin, glistening coating of the seasonings.

Divide this mixture evenly across four sheets of heavy duty foil (roughly 18 x 12 inches each), sprinkling three quarters of the grated cheddar over the top of each portion before adding one tablespoon of butter to the centre of each mound.

Mastering the Cook Time: Grilling, Oven, and Campfire Methods

Once sealed, these packets are wonderfully versatile. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set up your grill for medium high heat. Place the packets directly onto the heat source.

Cooking typically takes 35– 45 minutes, depending on the exact heat source and the thickness of the potatoes.

Layering the Ingredients for Optimal Melt and Texture

Proper layering ensures the best results. The seasoned potato slices should form the base. By sprinkling the cheese over the top of the potato mound and placing the butter pat directly on top of the cheese layer, as the packet heats, the butter melts down through the cheese and into the potatoes, promoting rapid steam generation and imparting crucial richness.

Creating a Secure Foil Seal (The 'Tent' Method)

The seal is the single most important factor in a successful Potato Packet . Bring the two long edges of the foil together directly above the potatoes, then fold that seam over twice, crimping tightly to ensure a secure fold. Next, fold the shorter ends up toward the centre, crimping them firmly.

The goal is to create a complete, airtight seal a little ‘tent’ shape which prevents any steam or precious rendered fat from escaping.

Checking for Doneness Without Opening the Packet Early

Resist the urge to open the packets frequently, as this releases steam and significantly lengthens the cooking time. After the initial 35 minutes, carefully remove one packet using tongs.

Open the top seam slightly watch out for escaping steam! and gently pierce a potato slice with a fork. If it is easily pierced and completely tender, the packets are done. If resistant, quickly reseal and return to the heat for 5-10 minute increments.

Resting and Serving the Hot Packets Safely

When the potatoes are tender, open the packets slightly and sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top. Return them to the heat (open) for 2– 3 minutes to achieve a final, bubbly, melted cheese topping.

Transfer the hot packets directly to the plate and warn diners about the extreme heat and steam when they open their personal portion of the rich Cheddar Bacon Potato Packets . Garnish generously with freshly chopped chives before serving.

Troubleshooting and Expert Tips for Flawless Results

Achieving perfect results with these cheesy bacon potato foil packets comes down to a few key techniques. Always remember that uniform slicing is essential; potatoes sliced to varying thicknesses will cook unevenly, leaving some firm while others turn mushy.

If you are using a gas BBQ or cooking over open coals, employing the double foil technique (two layers of heavy duty foil per packet) is highly recommended to mitigate the risk of scorching the bottom layer of potatoes.

Finally, listen to your packets: a frantic, high pitched sizzling usually means the heat is too high, signaling you should move the packet to a cooler zone of the grill.

Customizing Your Packets: Exciting Ingredient Swaps and Variations

While the classic Bacon Potato combination is unbeatable, these packets are endlessly customizable. For a Piri Piri kick, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of chilli flakes.

For a sophisticated twist, swap the bacon for sliced mushrooms, use Gruyère instead of cheddar, and finish with a teaspoon of truffle oil. For a fresher flavour, transform this into a "Cottage Garden" packet by adding diced courgette and bell peppers, replacing the bacon with crumbled feta.

Adjusting Seasoning Based on Bacon Saltiness

Smoked streaky bacon renders a significant amount of salt and smoky flavour into the potatoes as it cooks. Therefore, it is important to exercise restraint when adding the initial teaspoon of sea salt to the potato mixture.

Taste the mixture before sealing and remember that you can always add more salt after the packets are opened, but you cannot take it away.

Vegan and Vegetarian Alternatives for the Cheddar Bacon Potato Packets

The foundation of the Potato Packets translates beautifully to plant based diets. For a rich vegetarian packet, replace the bacon with a cup of sautéed cremini or shiitake mushrooms.

Substitute the mature cheddar with high quality vegan cheese shreds that melt well, or use a flavourful alternative like crumbled feta or goat cheese for those who consume dairy but not meat.

Safe Cooling and Refrigeration Guidelines

Due to the perishable nature of the bacon and cheese, any uneaten packets should be cooled quickly after the meal is complete. Once cooled to room temperature (within two hours of cooking), remove the contents from the foil and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

These leftovers can be quickly reheated in a pan or the oven for a speedy weeknight meal.

Nutritional Snapshot: Understanding Calories and Macros

These loaded Foil Dinners are robust and satisfying. Due to the generous use of bacon, olive oil, and mature cheddar, these packets offer a hearty profile, clocking in at approximately 520 kcal per serving.

They are rich in healthy fats (around 35 g) and provide a decent amount of protein (18 g), making them a substantial and fulfilling addition to any meal, particularly when paired with lean grilled protein.