Foil packet cooking, also known as “hobo dinners,” has been a popular cooking method for decades. This method involves wrapping food in foil packets and cooking them over an open flame or in an oven. Foil packet cooking is a versatile and easy way to prepare a variety of meals. It’s perfect for camping trips, backyard barbecues, or even a weeknight dinner at home. In this blog post, we’ll explore the basics of foil packet cooking, some tips for making the perfect packet, and some delicious foil packet recipes to get you started.

What is Foil Packet Cooking?

Foil packet cooking is a method of cooking food in a sealed packet made of aluminum foil. The packet is usually filled with a combination of ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, and spices. The packet is then sealed and cooked over an open flame or in an oven. This method of cooking is great because it allows the food to cook in its own juices, which helps to keep it moist and flavorful. It’s also a great way to cook a complete meal in one packet, making it perfect for camping trips or backyard barbecues.

Tips for Making the Perfect Foil Packet

Making the perfect foil packet is easy if you follow these tips:

1. Use Heavy Duty Foil: When making foil packets, it’s important to use heavy-duty foil. Regular foil is too thin and can tear easily, which can cause the food to spill out and burn. Heavy-duty foil is much more durable and can withstand the heat of the grill or oven.
2. Double Layer the Foil: To ensure that the foil packet is completely sealed, double-layer the foil. Place one sheet of foil on top of another and then fold the edges over to create a tight seal.
3. Don’t Overfill the Packet: When filling the foil packet, be careful not to overfill it. Overfilling the packet can cause it to burst during cooking, which can be messy and dangerous. Instead, leave some room at the top of the packet to allow the food to cook properly.
4. Add Liquid: Adding a little liquid, such as broth or wine, to the foil packet can help to keep the food moist and flavorful. Just be careful not to add too much liquid, as this can cause the packet to leak.
5. Cook on Indirect Heat: When cooking foil packets on a grill, it’s best to cook them on indirect heat. This means placing the packets on the grill grates away from the direct heat source. This will help to prevent the foil from burning and the food from sticking.

Foil Packet Recipes

Now that you know the basics of foil packet cooking, let’s explore some delicious foil packet recipes that you can try at home.

Foil Packet Salmon

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place each salmon fillet on a piece of heavy-duty foil.
3. Top each fillet with 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 minced garlic clove, and a few slices of lemon.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Fold the foil to create a sealed packet.
6. Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
7. Foil Packet Chicken Fajitas

Foil Packet Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Tortillas and toppings of your choice (sour cream, cheese, salsa, etc.)

Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut 4 sheets of heavy-duty foil.
3. Divide the sliced peppers and onions evenly among the sheets of foil.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Place one chicken breast on top of each packet of vegetables.
6. Drizzle the chicken with the olive oil mixture.
7. Fold the foil to create a sealed packet.
8. Grill the packets for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
9. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
10. Foil Packet Potatoes

Foil Packet Potatoes:

• 4 large potatoes, sliced into thin rounds
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut 4 sheets of heavy-duty foil.
3. Divide the sliced potatoes evenly among the sheets of foil.
4. Top each packet of potatoes with 1 tablespoon of butter, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Fold the foil to create a sealed packet.
6. Grill the packets for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
7. Foil Packet S’mores

Foil Packet S’mores:

• Graham crackers
• Chocolate bars
• Marshmallows

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
   2. Cut 4 sheets of heavy-duty foil.
   3. Place a graham cracker on each sheet of foil.
   4. Top each graham cracker with a chocolate bar and a marshmallow.
   5. Place another graham cracker on top to create a sandwich.
   6. Fold the foil to create a sealed packet.
   7. Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the chocolate and marshmallow are melted.

Foil packet cooking is a simple and versatile cooking method that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. With just a few basic ingredients and some heavy-duty foil, you can create a variety of delicious meals. Whether you’re camping, grilling in the backyard, or just looking for an easy weeknight dinner, foil packet cooking is definitely worth trying. So grab some foil and get cooking! See? Tater Junction has lots of good ideas for campfire cooking!