There is nothing quite like the smoky, melty goodness of a perfect side dish cooked right on the grill, which is exactly what you get with this Grilled Ranch Potato Foil Packets Recipe. Tender baby red potatoes get infused with the zesty tang of ranch seasoning, then wrapped up with a generous layer of melted cheddar cheese all cooked beautifully in foil packets. This recipe is not just simple and convenient, but it’s packed with flavor and texture that makes every bite a little celebration. Whether you’re camping, hosting a barbecue, or just craving comfort food with a twist, these foil packets bring hearty warmth and flavor to your meal effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, but together they create a dish that bursts with flavor and texture. Each component is essential—from the creamy ranch seasoning to the rich cheddar cheese—to ensure your Grilled Ranch Potato Foil Packets Recipe turns out irresistibly tasty.
- Baby red potatoes (2 pounds, halved): The perfect size for quick cooking and a tender, creamy texture inside a crisp skin.
- Hidden Valley Ranch dressing packet (1): Adds that classic, tangy ranch flavor that transforms everyday potatoes.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps coat the potatoes evenly, enhancing browning and keeping them moist.
- Cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): Melts beautifully over the potatoes, adding a rich, savory layer everyone loves.
- Chives (1 teaspoon, optional): A fresh, mild onion flavor that finishes the dish perfectly if you want a little extra zing.
How to Make Grilled Ranch Potato Foil Packets Recipe
Step 1: Mix Ranch Dressing and Olive Oil
Start by combining the Hidden Valley Ranch dressing packet with olive oil inside a large ziplock bag. Shake it well to make sure the dressing is evenly distributed in the oil. This creates a creamy marinade that’ll coat each potato piece with robust flavor as it cooks.
Step 2: Add and Coat the Potatoes
Next, toss the halved baby red potatoes into the bag. Seal it tight, then give it a good shake. The ranch and oil mixture will cling to every potato chunk, setting the stage for that irresistible ranch taste in every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Foil Packets
Cut four large pieces of aluminum foil, making sure each is big enough to hold a quarter of the potatoes. This prep step ensures easy individual portions that cook evenly and are perfect for serving or storing later.
Step 4: Divide Potatoes onto Foil
Evenly distribute the coated potatoes onto each piece of foil. This keeps the cooking process consistent and makes those beautiful foil packets easy to handle on the grill.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle a generous one-fourth of the shredded cheddar cheese over each pile of potatoes. This layer will melt into gooey, golden perfection as they grill, giving the dish that crave-worthy cheesiness.
Step 6: Seal the Foil Packets
Pull the long edges of the foil up then fold down in the middle, making sure the packets are sealed tight. Tightly folded ends prevent steam from escaping, which helps the potatoes cook evenly and retain moisture.
Step 7: Heat and Prepare Your Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat, about 350°. Getting the grill ready in advance means your potato packets hit the perfect temperature to cook through without burning.
Step 8: Grill the Packets
Place the foil packets seam side down on the grill. Cook for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each one over. Grilling both sides ensures even cooking and lets that ranch aroma infuse deep into the potatoes.
Step 9: Finish Cooking and Remove
Grill for an additional 7 to 10 minutes after flipping until the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted to perfection. Then, remove from the heat and carefully open the foil packets to release that incredible steam and aroma.
Step 10: Add Optional Toppings and Serve
If you want to take your Grilled Ranch Potato Foil Packets Recipe to the next level, sprinkle with fresh chives or add dollops of sour cream, crispy bacon pieces, ham, salsa, or even steamed broccoli for an extra burst of flavor and texture.
How to Serve Grilled Ranch Potato Foil Packets Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes not only adds freshness but also introduces new flavor notes that complement the rich ranch and cheddar melt. Try chives for a subtle onion bite or sour cream for a tangy creaminess that balances the savory potatoes perfectly. Crispy bacon or ham adds a delightful crunch and smoky depth, while salsa brings a bright, zesty contrast.
Side Dishes
These foil packets are a fantastic standalone side that’s hearty enough to shine, but they also pair beautifully with grilled chicken, steak, or even a fresh salad. For a summer cookout vibe, serve alongside grilled corn, coleslaw, or a tomato and cucumber salad. The creamy ranch flavor meshes wonderfully with all these dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the foil packets straight from the grill still wrapped, letting guests open their own steaming packets for that interactive experience. Alternatively, plate the potatoes on a wooden board with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a few sprigs of fresh herbs to elevate the rustic charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover foil packets to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers or reseal the foil tightly and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining much of their flavor and texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked potato foil packets. Wrap each packet tightly in plastic wrap before sealing in aluminum foil or placing in freezer bags. They’ll keep up to 2 months, making them an easy make-ahead meal for busy days or camping trips.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or frozen packets in the oven at 350° until warmed through, typically about 15-20 minutes if thawed, or 30-40 minutes from frozen. You can also carefully reheat on the grill using indirect heat to revive that fresh-grilled flavor and melty cheese goodness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While baby red potatoes are ideal for their size and texture, Yukon gold or new potatoes work wonderfully too. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if you use larger pieces to make sure they cook through evenly.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! You can bake these foil packets in an oven at 400° for about 25-30 minutes. Just place them on a baking sheet and be sure they are sealed tightly to keep all the delicious steam inside.
Can I add other vegetables to the foil packets?
Definitely! Sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms make great additions and will grill beautifully along with the potatoes. Just keep the pieces similarly sized so everything cooks evenly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Grilled Ranch Potato Foil Packets Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your ranch seasoning does not contain any gluten additives. It’s a safe and delicious option for gluten-sensitive guests.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free cheese option and use a dairy-free ranch seasoning if needed. These substitutions will keep the flavors vibrant and let everyone enjoy the dish without missing out.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing side that bursts with flavor and grills up in no time, this Grilled Ranch Potato Foil Packets Recipe should be your go-to. It’s all about simple ingredients coming together to create that magical comfort food moment that feels special every time. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become a staple at your cookouts and family dinners alike!
