Potatoes Roasted in Foil (3 Flavors!)

I can’t tell you how many times roasted red potatoes have saved my day. I almost always have baby red potatoes on hand during the summer. Because that’s people’s favorite part of making it on the grill. Plus, the foil pack method never fails!

These foil-baked potatoes are crispy on the outside, fork-tender on the inside, and ready in just 30 minutes with virtually no cleanup. Toss with olive oil and spices, wrap, and let the grill do the work. They are my go-to for cooking all summer long, camping trips, and mid-week grilling.

Why this recipe works

Grilling season is here. These roasted red potatoes have received tons of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews and are a summer staple for many of our readers!

• fast: All it takes is 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to grill.
• Easy cleanup: The foil pack means no scrubbing grill grates.
• Cooked perfectly every time. The sealed foil generates steam so the potatoes cook evenly without drying out.
• Endlessly customizable: Switch up the spices, different types of potatoes, and add toppings.

What you need

How to make foil baked potatoes

Wash and quarter 2 pounds of red potatoes. Cut each potato in half and then in half again. Make sure the pieces are about 1 to 1.5 inches in size to ensure even cooking. Finely dice the yellow onion.

Place potatoes and onions in a large gallon-sized plastic bag (or large bowl). Drizzle with olive oil, add all the spices, seal the bag and shake until everything is evenly coated. This bag method is my favorite trick. All products are completed perfectly without any mess.

I have officially mastered foil pack folding. The more you practice, the easier it will become. I promise!

1. Lay 2 sheets of heavy-duty foil (or 2 pieces of regular foil) on the counter.
2. Transfer seasoned potatoes and onions to center of foil.
3. Place another piece of foil on top and carefully fold all four sides to seal the pack.
4. Poke a few holes using a fork. top only Your foil pack. This will allow the steam to escape and make the potatoes crispy rather than soggy.

Heat grill to 400°F. Place the foil pack directly over the heat, cover the grill, and cook for 15-20 minutes. The potatoes are done when you can easily pierce the foil with a fork.

Best Potato Varieties for Grilling

Red potatoes are my favorite because they are naturally bite-sized and hold their shape perfectly. However, I have made this recipe using many other varieties.

• Yukon Gold: This buttery, creamy foil pack is my second favorite product.
• Fingering: Cut in half lengthwise. It cooks a little faster, so check at 12 minutes.
• Russet or Idaho: Cut into 1.5-inch chunks. It has more starch, which makes it fluffier on the inside.
• sweet potato: Cut into 1-inch cubes. It takes a few extra minutes, but tastes amazing with the Cajun seasoning.

The Italian herb version of this recipe is my go-to, but here’s how to turn it into my favorite method.

• Smokey Cajun: Replace the Italian seasoning with 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon cayenne, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. It goes so well with grilled chicken.
• Ranch Style: Use 1 tablespoon of dry ranch seasoning mix instead of the spices. It’s incredibly easy and always a crowd favorite.
• Lemon Herb: Add 1 lemon peel, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary. It’s bright and goes perfectly with the fish.
• Loaded Baked Potato Styles: Keep the basic recipe the same and top the cooked potatoes with shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and chives.
• All About Bagels: Toss with 1 to 2 tablespoons of all the bagel seasoning instead of the spice mixture. Trust me on this.

creative toppings

Once you take the foil pack potatoes off the grill, you can add some toppings for some real fun. Open the pack, stack these and serve straight from the foil.

• Sour Cream + Chives: It’s a classic for a reason.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Mexican blend — melts right on top.
• Jalapeño + green onion: For some heat and crunch.
• Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley, cilantro or dill.
• Hot Sauce or Salsa: This is my personal favorite way to finish.
• Crumbled Feta Cheese + Lemon Juice: A truly special Mediterranean twist.

Alternative Ways to Cook Foil Pack Potatoes

No grill? are you okay. This foil pack method works well with other cooking methods as well.

oven

Preheat to 400°F. Place the sealed foil packs on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for tenderness at 25 minutes and continue baking until fork tender. This is a rainy day backup.

air fryer

Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place the foil packs into the basket (you may need to make smaller packs to fit) and cook for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally. Using an air fryer will make the edges crispier. In fact, I like this method almost as much as the grill.

campfire

Place the foil pack directly over hot coals (not over a fire) and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, turning the pack over with tongs every 10 minutes. Double wrap the coals in sturdy foil to prevent them from tearing. This is absolutely perfect for camping and 4th of July bonfires.

Tips for Best Results

• Use sturdy foil. Regular foil can tear easily and cause oil to leak into the grill. If you only have regular foil, double it.
• Don’t skimp on the olive oil. It prevents sticking and is the secret to making the outside of the potatoes crispy.
• Drill a hole only at the top. This will allow the steam to escape rather than letting the juices drip to the bottom (for crispier potatoes).
• Fork test through foil: No need to open the pack. Check for doneness by pricking the top with a fork.
• Keep the grill warm. If dinner isn’t ready yet, leave the sealed foil pack on the top rack of the grill for up to 30 minutes. It stays warm without overcooking.
• Cut the potatoes evenly: Uniform 1- to 1.5-inch pieces cook at the same rate, making them slightly mushy and less crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to boil potatoes before baking them?

no! There is no need to boil the potatoes before baking. The sealed foil pack creates steam that cooks the potatoes quickly and evenly, eliminating the need for separate cooking.

How long does it take to bake potatoes in foil?

Using direct heat at 400°F, foil pack potatoes take 15 to 20 minutes to make. Transfer to indirect heat (top rack) for 25 to 30 minutes.

What happens if you don’t have space to heat your own?

Prepare the foil packets by toasting them directly over the heat for 5 minutes, then move them to the top shelf to finish cooking while you grill other foods. Add just 5 to 10 minutes more to the cooking time.

Can I prepare foil packs in advance?

yes! Collect the foil packs up to 4 hours ahead of time and store in the refrigerator. When ready, place them directly on the grill. It will get cold so add a few more minutes.

How do I leave grill marks on foil bag potatoes?

To add grill marks and charcoal, open the foil pack and place the potatoes directly on the grill during the last 3 to 5 minutes. The olive oil coating adds a crunchy feel.

storage tips

• Refrigerated storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat on a grill or oven at 400°F for 10 minutes, or in an air fryer at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes. If you want it to stay crispy, don’t use the microwave!
• freezing: I don’t recommend freezing. When potatoes thaw, they become rough and mealy.

offer suggestions

Every baked potato recipe should be paired with other delicious baked goods! Here are my favorites: