Baked potatoes in foil packets are a simple yet delicious side dish that’s perfect for grilling, baking, or even campfire cooking. These tender potatoes are seasoned to perfection, wrapped in foil, and baked until soft, then topped with a creamy, flavorful Parmesan ranch sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy & Hands-Off – No complicated steps, just wrap, bake, and enjoy.
- Perfectly Tender – Foil packets lock in moisture for soft, flavorful potatoes.
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or camping.
- Creamy & Savory – The Parmesan ranch sauce takes these potatoes to the next level.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Potatoes:
- Baby potatoes (or russet potatoes, diced)
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
For the Parmesan Ranch Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
Directions
Prepare the Potatoes:
- Preheat the Oven or Grill – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat your grill to medium-high.
- Season the Potatoes – In a bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Wrap in Foil – Divide the potatoes evenly onto large sheets of aluminum foil. Fold into packets, sealing the edges tightly.
- Bake or Grill –
- Oven: Bake for 35-45 minutes until fork-tender.
- Grill: Cook over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Make the Parmesan Ranch Sauce:
- Mix Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Chill & Serve – Let the sauce chill for 10 minutes before drizzling over the potatoes.
Assemble & Serve:
- Carefully open the foil packets and drizzle with Parmesan ranch sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Potatoes – Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the potatoes before sealing the foil.
- Spicy Version – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the seasoning.
- Bacon Ranch Potatoes – Stir in crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Herb Butter Potatoes – Swap olive oil for melted herb butter.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat – Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Freeze – Not recommended, as potatoes can become mushy when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use different potatoes?
Yes! Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well, but adjust the cooking time for larger potatoes.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients, but you can peel them if preferred.
Can I cook these over a campfire?
Yes! Place the foil packets on hot coals and cook for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
They should be fork-tender and easy to pierce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free ranch seasoning and swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast.
What main dishes pair well with these potatoes?
Grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or BBQ ribs are great options.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes! Assemble the foil packets ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking?
Grease the foil with cooking spray or use non-stick aluminum foil.
Can I add veggies to the foil packets?
Yes! Bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms pair well with the potatoes.
Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of the homemade sauce?
Yes, but the homemade Parmesan ranch sauce has a richer flavor.
Conclusion
Baked potatoes in foil packets with Parmesan ranch sauce are an easy, flavorful, and foolproof side dish that pairs well with any meal. Whether you’re baking them in the oven, grilling outdoors, or cooking over a campfire, these potatoes are always a hit. Try them today and enjoy their rich, creamy goodness!
Print
Baked Potatoes in Foil Packets with Parmesan Ranch Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking, Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These baked potatoes in foil packets are tender, flavorful, and infused with garlic butter. Topped with a creamy Parmesan ranch sauce, they make the perfect side dish for grilling, roasting, or campfire cooking!
Ingredients
For the Potatoes:
- 4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Parmesan Ranch Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes:
-
Preheat Oven or Grill:
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Grill: Preheat to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
-
Season the Potatoes:
- In a bowl, toss sliced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
-
Assemble the Foil Packets:
- Divide the seasoned potatoes into four pieces of foil (about 12 inches each).
- Sprinkle each packet with Parmesan cheese.
- Wrap the foil tightly, sealing the edges to trap steam.
-
Bake or Grill the Packets:
- Oven: Bake for 30-35 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Grill: Place packets on the grill and cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Make the Parmesan Ranch Sauce:
-
Mix the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, garlic powder, and black pepper.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Carefully open foil packets and drizzle with Parmesan ranch sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Want crispy potatoes? Broil for the last 5 minutes in the oven or place foil packets directly on grill grates.
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- Perfect for camping! Prep ahead, keep packets chilled, and cook over the campfire.