The zucchini parmesan foil packet recipe is a work saver for camping trips. This recipe has become a side dish favorite in my camping cookbook. What I love most about this recipe is its easy and time saving creation. It requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for camping trips where resources are limited. All you need is some zucchini, parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to customize. If you’re a meat-lover, you can add some sliced sausage or bacon to give it an extra boost of flavor. If you’re a vegetarian, you can stick to the original recipe. Either way, the result is always great.
It’s also a great way to get everyone involved in the cooking process. Assign each person a task, such as slicing the zucchini or sprinkling the parmesan cheese, and you’ll have a fun and interactive cooking experience. Since everything is cooked in a foil packet, you won’t have to worry about washing pots and pans. This is especially important when camping, where access to clean water may be limited.
Cooking Instructions
- The first step of making the zucchini parmesan foil packet recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the zucchini parmesan 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.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, Parmesan, basil, and oregano. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Place the zucchini onto a piece of Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil. Spoon the butter mixture over the zucchini. Bring up the foil sides. To close the packet, double fold the top and ends, allowing for heat circulation within.
- Place the foil packets on the grill and cook until barely cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
SERVE immediately, topped with red pepper flakes and parsley, if preferred. - To serve cut a large X across each foil packet. Carefully peel the foil back and serve.
Ingredients For the Zucchini Parmesan Foil Packet Recipe
butter
Parmesan
basil
oregano, dried
Kosher salt
black pepper
4 zucchini
red pepper
parsley
Why I Love This Zucchini Parmesan 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 hashbrowns 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 hashbrowns 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 Zucchini Parmesan 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 Zucchini Parmesan Foil Packet Recipe
Q: What is the zucchini parmesan foil packet recipe, and how does it work?
A: The zucchini parmesan foil packet recipe is a simple and healthy cooking method that involves wrapping sliced zucchinis, tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and breadcrumbs in foil packets and baking them in the oven. This zucchini parmesan foil packet recipe allows for easy cooking and cleanup, while also ensuring that the zucchinis are tender and flavorful. The foil packets trap the heat and moisture, allowing the zucchinis to steam cook and absorb the flavors of the tomato sauce and cheese.
Q: Can I customize the zucchini parmesan foil packet recipe to suit my dietary needs?
A: Yes, you can customize the zucchini parmesan foil packet recipe to suit your dietary needs. For example, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute the mozzarella cheese with a dairy-free alternative. You can also add other ingredients such as garlic, basil, or olives to give the zucchini parmesan foil packet recipe more flavor. Additionally, you can use different types of cheese, such as parmesan or ricotta, to change the flavor profile.
Q: How do I ensure that the zucchini parmesan foil packet recipe is cooked through and tender?
A: To ensure that the zucchini parmesan foil packet recipe is cooked through and tender, make sure to slice them thinly and evenly. This will help them cook quickly and consistently. Also, make sure to seal the foil packets tightly to trap the heat and moisture. You can also check on the zucchini parmesan foil packet recipe after 20-25 minutes of baking and adjust the cooking time as needed. If the zucchinis are still firm, cover them back up and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Q: Can I make the zucchini parmesan foil packet recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the zucchini parmesan foil packet recipe ahead of time. You can prepare the zucchinis, tomato sauce, and cheese mixture up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Then, simply assemble the foil packets and bake them when you’re ready. You can also bake the packets ahead of time and reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to serve.
Q: What are some serving suggestions for the zucchini parmesan foil packet recipe?
A: The zucchini parmesan foil packet recipe makes a great side dish or main course. You can serve it with pasta, garlic bread, or a green salad. You can also serve it as a vegetarian main course or add some protein such as chicken or sausage to make it more substantial. Additionally, you can serve the zucchinis with a side of marinara sauce or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
Other Foil Packet Recipes to Try
Easy Mediterranean Salmon Foil Packet Recipe
Peach Glazed Pork Tenderloin Foil Packet Recipe
Salsa Verde Chicken Rice Veggies Foil Packet Recipe
Honey Garlic Shrimp Zucchini Foil Packet Recipe
Cilantro Garlic Lime Seafood Foil Packet Recipe
Zucchini Parmesan 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
- ¼ cup butter melted unsalted
- ¼ cup Parmesan freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon basil dried
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- Kosher salt
- black pepper freshly ground
- 4 zucchini cut into 1/4-inch thick rounds
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper crushed flakes
- 2 tablespoons parsley leaves chopped fresh
Video
Instructions
- The first step of making the zucchini parmesan foil packet recipe is to start your fire or charcoals. You will using them for the zucchini parmesan 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.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, Parmesan, basil, and oregano. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Place the zucchini onto a piece of Reynolds Wrap® Heavy Duty Foil. Spoon the butter mixture over the zucchini. Bring up the foil sides. To close the packet, double fold the top and ends, allowing for heat circulation within.
- Place the foil packets on the grill and cook until barely cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
- SERVE immediately, topped with red pepper flakes and parsley, if preferred.
- To serve cut a large X across each foil packet. Carefully peel the foil back and serve.
Nutrition
