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Home » Blog » Recipes » Side Dish

Cheesy Ranch Potato Foil Packs

by Donya Mullins May 7, 2019 18 Comments This post may contain affiliate links.

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This post may contain affiliate links.

Cheesy Ranch Potatoes cooked in Foil Packs are the perfect side dish for cookouts and BBQs. Cooking in foil packs on the grill is super popular, and for good reason. You can customize your dish with your favorite ingredients; it’s easy, there’s virtually no cleanup, and most importantly, the flavor is outstanding.

Red potatoes flavored with ranch seasoning then cooked on the grill in foil packets are loaded with cheese for a side dish that is perfect for any cookout or BBQ!


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I’ve been doing “foil pack” cooking for years. I’m not sure if it harkens back to my Girl Scout days or maybe from when my family would go camping in the summer, and truthfully, it doesn’t really matter which one it is because it seems I’ve always known how to cook in foil packs.

Why I Love These Potatoes

They’re tender and soft, and pack a big flavor punch from the ranch seasoning, but let’s not stop there. They are also topped with velvety melted cheese, and that’s what makes this no ordinary recipe. Now, for the big surprise, they’re cooked in foil packs on the grill! I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love that part too, but I’ll try.

It’s a convenient way to prepare main dishes, sides, and even desserts. For our family, it’s the way to go for grilled fish and chicken recipes since you can build your foil packet with all your favorite ingredients, which makes picky eaters really happy.

Red potatoes flavored with ranch seasoning then cooked on the grill in foil packets are loaded with cheese for a side dish that is perfect for any cookout or BBQ!
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What You Need To Make Foil Pack Cheesy Ranch Potatoes

  • Red Potatoes
  • Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
  • Ranch Seasoning
  • Kosher Salt
  • Fresh Cracked Pepper
  • Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Scroll down for measurements and instructions

Great Topping For Cheesy Ranch Potato Foil Packs 

  • Sour cream
  • Fresh herbs like Chives and Parsley
  • Chopped Ham
  • Chopped Bacon
  • Sautéed Broccoli
  • Shredded Pepper jack cheese

Pro Tip:

This is an excellent recipe for cookouts, picnics, and BBQs. To make things easy, I like to build my packets ahead of time and keep them on a sheet pan until it’s time to grill. They only take about 20 minutes to cook, then once they’re done, it’s fun to serve them to each person around the table. It’s like everyone gets their own little potato present!

Red potatoes flavored with ranch seasoning then cooked on the grill in foil packets are loaded with cheese for a side dish that is perfect for any cookout or BBQ!

Recipe Notes

  • I used red-skin potatoes, but others that are just as yummy are Yukon Gold, Russet, or baby potatoes.
  • I lightly spray the bottom of the foil before placing any food down. Even though the potatoes are lightly coated with olive oil, it’s still good to have a slight bit of a non-stick surface.
  • If you’re also grilling steak or chicken, you can start the potatoes on the part of the grill that’s not as hot halfway through the main dish cooking process.
  • Place the foil packs on the grill with the SEAM SIDE DOWN for the first 10 minutes.
  • Be careful when opening the foil packets, as steam will have formed and will escape when the foil is peeled back.
Red potatoes flavored with ranch seasoning then cooked on the grill in foil packets are loaded with cheese for a side dish that is perfect for any cookout or BBQ!

Commonly Asked Questions

What type of potatoes should I use for the cheesy ranch potato foil packs?

Red potatoes are ideal for this recipe, as they hold up well during cooking and have a delicious, tender texture when roasted.

Which cheese works best for this recipe?

A combination of mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack cheese is perfect for achieving a cheesy, flavorful result. Feel free to experiment with extra sharp cheddar as well.

Can I bake the potato foil packets in the oven instead of grilling them?

Yes, you can bake the foil packs in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted.

How do I prepare the foil packs for cooking?

Use heavy-duty foil to create the packets. Place the seasoned, ranch-coated red potatoes, then fold and seal the edges to form a packet.

What type of oil should I use to coat the potatoes?

Canola oil is recommended for this recipe, but you can also use olive oil or vegetable oil if you prefer. Make sure to mix the oil with salt, pepper, and ranch dressing to coat the potatoes evenly.

Red potatoes flavored with ranch seasoning then cooked on the grill in foil packets are loaded with cheese for a side dish that is perfect for any cookout or BBQ!

Craving More? Try These Potato Recipes:

  • Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
  • Classic Scalloped Potatoes
  • Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
  • Cheesy Hashbrown Potato Casserole
  • Twice Baked Stuffed Baked Potatoes
  • Air Fryer Crispy Baby Potatoes
Red potatoes flavored with ranch seasoning then cooked on the grill in foil packets are loaded with cheese for a side dish that is perfect for any cookout or BBQ!
5 from 5 votes

Cheesy Ranch Potato Foil Packs

Author: Donya Mullins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 328kcal
Print Pin Rate
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes cooked in Foil Packs are the perfect side dish for cookouts and BBQs. Cooking in foil packs on the grill is super popular, and for good reason. You can customize your dish with your favorite ingredients; it's easy, there's virtually no cleanup, and most importantly, the flavor is outstanding.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds red skin potatoes – cut into bite size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese – shredded

Instructions

  • Heat grill to medium heat. Lightly spray four rectangles of foil with cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Place potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle on olive oil. Sprinkle on ranch seasoning, salt and pepper. Toss to coat potatoes. Place potatoes in center of each of four foil rectangles dividing equally. Fold foil and seal ends. Place on grill seam side down for 10 minutes. Turn pack over and continue to cook for 10 minutes.
  • Remove packets from grill and carefully open. Sprinkle cheese on top of potatoes and place packet back on grill, closing lid, for 3-4 minutes, until cheese is melted. Top with addition salt and pepper if desired.

Oven Instructions

  • Heat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare potato foil packs as instructed above. Cook in oven seam side down for 10 minutes then turn and continue to cook 15 more minutes until potatoes are done. Remove packets from oven, open and sprinkle on cheese. Return to oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.

Video

Notes

  • Lightly spray the bottom of the foil before placing any food down. Even though the potatoes are lightly coated with olive oil, it’s still good to have a slight bit of a non-stick surface.
  • If you’re also grilling steak or chicken, you can start the potatoes on the part of the grill that’s not as hot halfway through the main dish cooking process.
  • Place the foil packs on the grill with the SEAM SIDE DOWN for the first 10 minutes.
  • Be careful when opening the foil packets, as steam will have formed and will escape when the foil is peeled back.
 
Nutritional values provided are an estimate and will vary depending on the brands used.

Nutrition

Calories: 328kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 17g
Red potatoes flavored with ranch seasoning then cooked on the grill in foil packets are loaded with cheese for a side dish that is perfect for any cookout or BBQ!
Did you make my Cheesy Ranch Potato Foil Packs?I’d love to see! Share on Instagram, tag @asouthernsoul, and use the hashtag #asouthernsoul!
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Red potatoes flavored with ranch seasoning then cooked on the grill in foil packets are loaded with cheese for a side dish that is perfect for any cookout or BBQ!


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Reader Interactions

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Deidre

    July 15, 2023 at 5:34 am

    I added some Garlic powder.

    Reply
  2. Kandi

    June 24, 2023 at 4:45 am

    Very Good and easy to make

    Reply
  3. Sue

    May 30, 2021 at 5:30 pm

    Made these tonight for supper. They were delicious.

    Reply
    • Donya

      May 31, 2021 at 7:51 am

      Hey there Sue!
      Thank you so much for your fantastic rating, I’m glad to hear your family enjoyed this recipe! Foil packet meals are a favorite in my house as well, it makes cleanup so easy. I appreciate your support, thank you so much!
      ~Donya

      Reply
  4. Linda Surek

    July 22, 2020 at 8:19 pm

    lf you prep this the night before how do you prevent the potato pieces from going turning brown?

    Reply
    • Donya

      July 24, 2020 at 12:30 pm

      I’ve never had that problem. I usually prep the night before and just cook per the instructions.
      Have a great day!
      ~Donya

      Reply
    • Kimmie

      August 11, 2021 at 9:12 pm

      The oil coating the potatoes keeps them from turning brown. Hope this helps to answer your question! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Lori Taylor

    June 19, 2020 at 2:45 pm

    Hi there. Will I need to adjust the baking time if I’m using baby potatoes and baking them in the oven? Thanks for your help.

    Reply
    • Donya

      June 19, 2020 at 3:30 pm

      Lori,
      You should be just fine with the smaller potatoes. Maybe check them about 5 minutes before the total cooking time.
      ~Donya

      Reply
      • Mike F

        May 3, 2021 at 12:47 am

        I’m curious what desserts you make in these foil packs!

        Reply
        • Donya

          May 3, 2021 at 8:06 am

          Hey Mike!
          That’s a very creative idea, I don’t have any recipes up right now that are dessert tinfoil packets, but I will look into it. I have tried s’mores in tinfoil before and that works well! Thank you for your support!
          ~Donya

          Reply
  6. caycee

    June 13, 2020 at 9:11 pm

    how far in advance can I prepare these packets?

    Reply
    • Donya

      June 19, 2020 at 3:31 pm

      Caycee,
      I prepare them the night before I need to bake them. Hope this helps.
      ~Donya

      Reply
  7. Yvonne

    March 25, 2020 at 12:41 am

    These were totally awesome, first time making them too.

    Reply
  8. Ashley F

    June 14, 2019 at 7:56 pm

    I am all about the foil packets right now! I need to add these to my summer grilling list!

    Reply
  9. Toni

    June 14, 2019 at 10:18 am

    I love how easy this is to make!

    Reply
  10. Lindsay Cotter

    June 10, 2019 at 1:21 pm

    Such a delicious side dish! Love how easy these foil packs are to make!

    Reply
  11. Julie @ Back To My Southern Roots

    June 7, 2019 at 1:31 pm

    These look so delicious! I love how they are cooked in the tinfoil!

    Reply

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Hey, there! I’m Donya and welcome to A Southern Soul. I love to cook and entertain with easy to make recipes and simple ideas that make people feel special. Read More

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Hey, there! I’m Donya and welcome to A Southern Soul. I love to cook and entertain with easy to make recipes and simple ideas that make people feel special. Read More

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