Camping trips have always held a special place in my heart, offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. One of my fondest memories involves a summer camping trip with my family in the scenic Rocky Mountains. We spent our days hiking along the beautiful trails, exploring the rich flora and fauna, and our evenings were filled with laughter, stories, and, of course, delicious campfire meals. One evening, my mother introduced us to a recipe that quickly became a family favorite: Foil-Packet Potatoes and Sausage.
This dish is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also packs a punch of flavor. The combination of tender red potatoes, smoky sausage, crispy bacon, and aromatic onions, all seasoned to perfection, makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. The best part? It’s cooked right over the campfire, adding a unique, rustic taste that you simply can’t replicate in a kitchen.
I remember the first time we made these foil packets. My mother laid out all the ingredients, and we kids took turns helping to chop and mix everything. As the packets sizzled over the fire, the aroma wafting through the campsite was irresistible. We eagerly awaited the moment when we could tear open the foil and dive into the savory goodness. Each bite was a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from the creamy potatoes to the spicy sausage and the crunchy bacon bits. It was a meal that brought us closer, huddled around the campfire, sharing stories and making memories.
What I love about this recipe is its versatility. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various tweaks to keep things interesting. Sometimes, I add bell peppers for a pop of color and a hint of sweetness. Other times, I swap out the smoked sausage for andouille for an extra kick of spice. For a touch of indulgence, I’ve even thrown in some shredded cheddar cheese before sealing the packets. Each variation brings a new dimension to the dish, making it a fun and customizable meal that never gets old.
This Foil-Packet Potatoes and Sausage recipe is perfect for any outdoor gathering, be it a camping trip, a backyard barbecue, or even a cozy bonfire night. Its simplicity and robust flavors make it a crowd-pleaser every time. So, gather your friends and family, light up the grill or campfire, and enjoy this delightful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your outdoor cooking repertoire.
Making Foil-Packet Potatoes and Sausage
Click here to get printable version
Ingredients
- 3 pounds red potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 12 ounces smoked sausage links, cut into 1/2-inch rounds
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
- Optional: additional chopped parsley for garnish
Directions
- Heat your grill or campfire to a medium temperature.
- In a big bowl, mix the potato chunks, sausage rounds, crumbled bacon, diced onion, parsley, salt, garlic salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Cut eight 18×12-inch sheets of heavy-duty nonstick foil. Place the potato mixture on the dull side of each foil sheet. Fold the foil over the mixture, ensuring the packets are sealed tightly.
- Place the foil packets on the grill or over the campfire. Cook for approximately 15 minutes on each side, or until the potatoes are soft.
- Open the packets carefully to let out the steam. If desired, add more parsley before serving.
Storing Suggestions:
If you have leftovers, allow the packets to cool completely. Transfer the contents to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the mixture in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the smoked sausage with any sausage of your choice. Kielbasa, Italian sausage, or chicken sausage are great alternatives that will add different flavors to the dish.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy-duty foil?
If you don’t have heavy-duty foil, you can double up on regular aluminum foil to prevent the packets from tearing and to ensure even cooking.
Can I bake these foil packets in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! You can bake the foil packets in the oven at 400°F for about 30-35 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. This is a great alternative if you don’t have access to a grill or campfire.
How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?
The potatoes are fully cooked when they are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork. If needed, you can carefully open one packet to check for doneness before removing all the packets from the heat.
Is it possible to prepare the packets in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the packets a few hours ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. This makes them convenient for camping trips or busy days when you want a quick meal.
Can I add other vegetables to these foil packets?
Certainly! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. Just make sure to cut them into small, uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly with the potatoes.
Foil-Packet Potatoes and Sausage
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of red potatoes diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 packs of smoked sausage links 12 ounces each, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 4 strips of bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium-sized onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- Optional: more chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your grill or campfire to medium heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes, sausage slices, crumbled bacon, chopped onion, parsley, salt, garlic salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure even seasoning.
- Tear eight 18x12-inch sheets of heavy-duty nonstick foil, placing the potato mixture onto the dull side of each piece. Fold the foil around the mixture, sealing the packets tightly.
- Cook the foil packets over the campfire or grill for about 15 minutes on each side, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Carefully open the packets to release steam. If desired, sprinkle with additional parsley before serving.
