My poblano n potato foil packet recipe was the best side dish I tried our recent picnic to the lake. I decided to try out this new recipe on our outdoor trip and I’m so glad I did. This dish was easy to prepare and cooks to perfection in just 30 minutes.
As I was packing up the ingredients, I realized how few items you need to make this recipe. You’ll need some potatoes, poblanos, onions, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. That’s it! I love that it doesn’t require any fancy spices or hard-to-find ingredients.
When we arrived at the lake, I started a medium side fire below the grill grate. While it was burning down to coals, I began to prep the ingredients. I sliced up the potatoes and onions, and chopped the garlic. Then I seeded and sliced the poblanos.
Next, I drizzled some olive oil onto a large piece of foil and added the potatoes, onions, garlic, and poblanos. I seasoned everything with salt and pepper, and then folded up the foil to create a packet.
I placed the packet on the grill and let it cook for 30 minutes, flipping it halfway through. The result was really good! The potatoes were tender and the poblanos added a nice flavor.
You can add some cheese or sour cream to make it even creamier. Or, you can add some diced chicken or steak to make it more of a meal than a side dish. As we sat down to eat, I realized that this recipe is perfect for outdoor adventures. It’s easy to transport and can be cooked on a grill or even over a campfire.
Cooking Instructions For the Easy Poblano n Potato Foil Packet Recipe
- The first step of making the poblano n potato foil packet recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the poblano n potato foil packet 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.
- Cut 8 (18×12-inch) sheets of heavy-duty foil.
- Toss potatoes, chiles, corn, onion, oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well coated. Place one-eighth of the veggies on each piece of foil. Combine 1 tablespoon broth and 1 teaspoon butter in each. Bring up two sides of foil until the edges touch. Seal edges with a tight 1/2-inch fold, then fold again, leaving space on the sides for heat circulation and expansion.
- Place packets on grill over medium heat. Cover fire grate or grill and cook 15 to 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
- To serve cut a large X across each foil packet. Carefully peel the foil back and serve.
Ingredients
potatoes
poblano chiles
corn
onion
olive oil
chili powder
salt
black pepper
chicken broth
butter
Why I Love This Easy Poblano n Potato Foil Packet 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 Foil Packet 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 Easy Poblano n Potato Foil Packet 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 Easy Poblano n Potato Foil Packet Recipe
Q: What is the poblano n potato foil packet recipe?
A: The poblano n potato foil packet recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines roasted poblano peppers, potatoes, onions, garlic, and cheese wrapped in foil packets. It’s a perfect side dish or main course for any occasion, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Q: What type of potatoes are best for this poblano n potato foil packet recipe?
A: For the poblano n potato foil packet recipe, it’s recommended to use high-starch potatoes like Russet or Idaho potatoes. These types of potatoes will yield a fluffier and more tender result when cooked. Avoid using waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they will retain their shape and texture even after cooking.
Q: Can I use fresh poblano peppers instead of roasted ones in the poblano n potato foil packet recipe?
A: If you’re short on time, you can use fresh poblanos in this poblano n potato foil packet recipe, but be prepared for a slightly different flavor profile. To roast poblano peppers, simply place them on a baking sheet, drizzle with oil, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until the skin is charred and blistered.
Q: Can I customize the poblano n potato foil packet recipe with other ingredients?
A: Absolutely! The poblano n potato foil packet recipe is highly customizable. Some ideas for add-ins or substitutions include: diced chorizo or bacon for added smokiness, chopped fresh cilantro or scallions for extra freshness, grated carrots or zucchini for added nutrients, or different types of cheese like feta or goat cheese for unique flavors. Feel free to experiment and make the recipe your own!
Q: How do I store leftovers from this poblano n potato foil packet recipe?
A: Leftovers from the poblano n potato foil packet recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply wrap the packets in foil and bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also freeze the cooked packets for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat from frozen in the oven or microwave.
Other Foil Packet Recipes to Try
Breakfast Sausage n Hash Browns n Scallions
Tilapia with Pesto Veggies Foil Packet Recipe
Campfire Honey Dijon Chicken Foil Packets Recipe
Ultimate Campfire Burger Foil Pack Recipe
Campfire Sweet Potato Tacos Foil Packets Recipe
Easy Poblano n Potato Foil Packet 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
- 2 lb potatoes scrubbed, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 2 poblano peppers stemmed, seeded and cut into 2x1/4-inch strips
- 1 cup corn kernels or frozen whole kernel corn
- 1 cup onion thinly sliced red
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 chicken broth
- 8 tsp butter
Video
Instructions
- The first step of making the poblano n potato foil packet recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the poblano n potato foil packet 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.
- Cut 8 (18x12-inch) sheets of heavy-duty foil.
- Toss potatoes, chiles, corn, onion, oil, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well coated. Place one-eighth of the veggies on each piece of foil. Combine 1 tablespoon broth and 1 teaspoon butter in each. Bring up two sides of foil until the edges touch. Seal edges with a tight 1/2-inch fold, then fold again, leaving space on the sides for heat circulation and expansion.
- Place packets on grill over medium heat. Cover fire grate or grill and cook 15 to 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
Nutrition
