The cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe has become a staple in my outdoor recipe list. They’re incredibly easy to prepare, packed with flavor and can be cooked easily over a campfire. John and I spend a lot of of time exploring the great outdoors. I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying the delicious cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe on countless camping trips.
The beauty of the cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe lies in their simplicity. Fresh asparagus, creamy cheese, and savory seasonings are carefully wrapped in foil, creating a self-contained flavor bomb that’s ready fast. The asparagus is tender and slightly caramelized. The entire dish is cooked in under 20 minutes, making it an good option for busy campers.
I’ve experimented with many ingredients and seasonings to create the perfect recipe, and I’m excited to share it with you. From the type of cheese to use (hint: it’s not just cheddar!) to the secret ingredient that takes these packets to the next level, I’ll walk you through every step of the process.
Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just starting to try outdoor cooking, this cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe is sure to become a favorite. So grab your camping gear, gather ’round the campfire, and get ready to try this recipe for the first time.
Cooking Instructions
- The first step of making the cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe, so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
- If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
- If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
- Trim the asparagus and rinse it so it can drip dry.
- Prepare your 4 twelve inch foil packets laying out tin foil to make a foil packet for the asparagus.
Spray your foil packets with a nonstick spray and lay out your dried asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic salt, and pepper. - Fold up and put on the grill grate over your fire.
- To serve cut a large X across each foil packets. Carefully peel the foil back and serve. Add cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese. Allow to melt for a couple of minutes and serve
Ingredients
asparagus
cheddar cheese
parmesan cheese
butter
garlic salt
pepper
Why I Love This Campfire Cheesy Asparagus Foil Packets Recipe
Cooking with foil packets is a popular method among campers for several reasons. Here are ten factual reasons why:
Ease of Preparation:
1. Minimal Prep Time: Preparing foil packet meals is usually quick and straightforward, often involving simply chopping ingredients and seasoning them before wrapping in foil.
Simple Ingredients: Many foil packet recipes require basic, readily available ingredients.
2. Convenience:
No Need for Pots and Pans: Foil packets eliminate the need for multiple cooking utensils and dishes.
Portability: Foil packets are easy to transport, making them ideal for camping trips.
3. Versatility:
Variety of Recipes: Almost any meal can be adapted for foil packet cooking, from breakfast to dessert.
Suitable for Various Cooking Methods: Foil packets can be cooked over an open flame, on a grill, or in coals.
4. Flavor Enhancement:
Sealed Cooking: The sealed packets trap steam, helping to retain moisture and enhance the flavors of the ingredients.
Even Cooking: Foil packets promote even cooking by distributing heat uniformly.
5. Easy Cleanup:
Disposable: After cooking, the foil can be disposed of, reducing the need for washing dishes.
Less Mess: The foil contains the food and any cooking juices, minimizing spills and mess.
6. Healthier Cooking:
Less Oil Needed: The steaming effect of foil packets often requires less oil or fat for cooking.
Nutrient Retention: Cooking in foil packets can help retain nutrients in the food since it cooks in its own juices.
7. Portion Control:
Individual Servings: Foil packets can be easily portioned out for individual servings, making it easier to manage meal sizes.
Customizable: Each packet can be customized to accommodate individual dietary preferences or restrictions.
8. Safety:
Reduced Risk of Contamination: Cooking food in sealed packets reduces the risk of cross-contamination, especially important when dealing with raw meat.
Controlled Cooking Environment: The packets help control the cooking environment, reducing the risk of food falling into the fire or grill.
9. Fuel Efficiency:
Shorter Cooking Times: Foil packets often require less cooking time, conserving fuel.
Efficient Heat Use: The packets make efficient use of the heat source, whether it’s a campfire, grill, or portable stove.
10.Fun and Interactive:
Group Activity: Making foil packets can be a fun group activity, allowing everyone to assemble their own meals.
Creative Cooking: Campers can get creative with their recipes, trying different ingredient combinations and cooking techniques.
These reasons make foil packet cooking a favored method among campers, providing practicality, efficiency, and enjoyment.
Campfire Cheesy Asparagus Foil Packets Recipe Cooking Tips
Use heavy-duty aluminum foil. This will help prevent tearing as you handle the packs and flip them over the campfire/grill.
Take advantage of indirect heat. When cooking over a campfire, you’ll want to use embers/coals, rather than placing the packets right over a roaring fire.
Flip the packets. Turn the packets over every once in a while to make sure they cook evenly.
Protect your hands: We like to use heat-resistant gloves or extra-long BBQ tongs when handling hot foil packets.
Use a meat thermometer. When it comes to foil pack recipes, we highly recommend using an instant-read thermometer to ensure that the meat is cooked through. Take a packet off the fire, carefully open it (it will be full of steam!), and check the temp of a few pieces. If the meat needs more time, re-seal the packet and put it back on the fire to cook for a while longer.
What Are Foil Packets and How Do I Use Them
Campfire foil packets are dishes prepared on a campfire or grill packaged in foil and served all at once. You might have tried them previously or seen others camping with food wrapped in tinfoil and thrown on a grill to cook together.
Like a one-pot dinner, all of the ingredients cook altogether within the foil, resulting in a steaming, tender, and wonderful all-in-one dish. Foil packages can be prepared over a campfire, on a grill, or in the oven.
This dish is extremely adjustable, so if someone doesn’t like onions, for instance, you may substitute it with green beans, making it ideal for a group. These are a few typical items found in foil packs.
It’s simple to switch out ingredients! Choose asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, or sweet peppers. To replace fresh potatoes, use frozen cubed hash browns or thinly chopped sweet potatoes. Instead of Italian spice, use lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite barbecue sauce. In addition, instead of chicken breasts, use chicken thighs, chicken sausage, or ground chicken in chicken foil packets.
What Exactly is a Foil Pack Meal?
A foil pack dinner, also known as a hobo package or foil packet dinner? is a complete meal composed of vegetables, meats, carbohydrates, and spices wrapped in many layers of aluminum foil. It’s cooked over campfire embers, on the grill, or in the oven. The tight closure retains moisture while steam cooks the food within the package.
Additionally, there are several vegetable and protein combos that may be used to create quick foil pack camping dinners. For example, in this package, I combine asparagus, chicken, and potatoes with garlic flavor.
It’s simple to switch out ingredients! Choose asparagus, zucchini, broccoli, snap peas, or sweet peppers. To replace fresh potatoes, use frozen cubed hash browns or thinly chopped sweet potatoes. Instead of Italian spice, use lemon pepper, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite barbecue sauce. In addition, instead of chicken breasts, use chicken thighs, chicken sausage, or ground chicken in chicken foil packets.
How To Make Foil Packets
- Tear out a 16-inch piece of tinfoil.
- Place the meal onto the foil sheet.
- Fold up both long edges of the foil until the ends touch above the meal.
- Double fold both ends, allowing heat circulation inside.
- To close the packet, double fold the two short ends.
Make Ahead Tips For the Campfire Cheesy Asparagus Foil Packets Recipe
Start The Coals / Prepare Your Fire
The first step is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them a lot so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
Campfire Cooking Tools
Kitchen Twine
Mixing Bowl
Cast Iron Skillet
Grill Grate
Knives
Campfire Cooking Utensils
Campfire Serving Utensils
Campfire Fork or Tongs
Fire Proof Cooking Gloves
Cast Iron Dutch Oven
Foil Paper Non Stick
FAQ For the Campfire Cheesy Asparagus Foil Packets Recipe
Q: What is the cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe?
A: The cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe is a simple and delicious way to prepare asparagus in the oven. It involves wrapping asparagus spears in foil packets with butter, cheese, and seasonings, and baking until tender and golden brown. This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy side dish or snack.
Q: What type of cheese is best to use in the cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe?
A: You can use a variety of cheeses in the cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe, but some popular options include Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, and feta. You can also mix and match different types of cheese for a unique flavor. If you want a stronger cheese flavor, use a harder cheese like Parmesan or cheddar. If you prefer a milder flavor, use a softer cheese like mozzarella or feta.
Q: Can I customize the seasonings in the cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe?
A: Yes, you can customize the seasonings in the cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe to suit your taste preferences. Some options include adding garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, or lemon zest to the butter and cheese mixture. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to bring out the flavors. Feel free to experiment with different seasoning combinations to find your favorite.
Q: How do I ensure the asparagus is tender and not overcooked in the cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe?
A: To ensure the cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe is tender and not overcooked, make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the asparagus spears. Thicker spears will take longer to cook, while thinner spears will cook more quickly. Check the asparagus after 12-15 minutes of baking and continue to check every 2-3 minutes until they reach your desired level of tenderness. You can also check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the asparagus – if it slides in easily, it’s done.
Q: Can I make the cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the packets just before baking. You can prepare the asparagus and cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Then, simply assemble the packets and bake when you’re ready. Keep in mind that the asparagus may lose some of its crunch if it’s stored for too long, so try to assemble and bake the packets within a few hours of preparation.
Other Foil Packet Recipes to Try
Campfire Chicken Bacon Ranch Foil Packets Recipe
Tuscan Butter Shrimp Foil Packets Recipe
Blueberry Crisp Foil Packet Recipe
French Toast Foil Packet Recipe
Philly Cheese Steak Foil Packet Recipe
Campfire Cheesy Asparagus Foil Packets Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen Twine
- mixing bowl
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Grill Grate
- knives
- Campfire Cooking Utensils
- Campfire Serving Utensils
- Campfire Fork Or Tongs
- fire proof cooking gloves
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven
- Foil Paper Non Stick
Ingredients
- 1 lb asparagus trimmed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 4 tbsp butter unsalted
- 1/4 tsp salt garlic salt preferred
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- The first step of making the cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the cheesy asparagus foil packets recipe, so you will want to make sure you have plenty on hand.
- If using embers, get a large fire going using (preferably) hardwood and let it slowly burn down. This process from start to finish can take upwards of an hour.
- If using charcoals, fill a large chimney starter and light. This process will take approximately 20 minutes to get all the coals hot and ready. You will likely want to have some charcoals available in reserve.
- Trim the asparagus and rinse it so it can drip dry.
- Prepare your 4 twelve inch foil packets laying out tin foil to make a foil packet for the asparagus.
- Spray your foil packets with a nonstick spray and lay out your dried asparagus. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic salt, and pepper.
- Fold up and put on the grill grate over your fire.
- To serve cut a large X across each foil packets. Carefully peel the foil back and serve. Add cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese. Allow to melt for a couple of minutes and serve
Nutrition
1 comment
I think this is the best asparagus I ever had.
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