Simple 1-Step Winner: Campfire Potatoes

There s just something magical about cooking over an open fire, isn t there? The crackle of the wood, the smell of smoke, and that feeling of being truly outdoors. It takes me right back to camping trips with my family growing up. My grandmother, the heart of our kitchen, always said the simplest meals cooked outside tasted the best. And she was right!

That s exactly how I feel about these easy Campfire Potatoes. They re the perfect example of how simple ingredients, cooked with a little care over a fire, can create something truly memorable. No fancy equipment needed, just potatoes, some seasoning, and a good campfire.

I remember one trip where a sudden rain shower soaked everything. We thought dinner was ruined. But we huddled under a tarp, got a small fire going, and cooked these potatoes right in the embers. It turned a potentially disappointing evening into one of our favorite memories. That s the kind of simple joy we love sharing here at 911Recipes, bringing a little bit of that family kitchen warmth to your outdoor adventures.

These Campfire Potatoes are incredibly forgiving and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you re a seasoned camper or just trying campfire cooking for the first time, this recipe is a winner.

Why You ll Love These Easy Campfire Potatoes

Why do I keep going back to this Campfire Potatoes recipe? Well, for so many great reasons! It s become a staple for us when we re cooking outside.

• They are incredibly simple to make. Seriously, anyone can do this!
• You only need a few basic ingredients to get started.
• The flavor is just unbeatable, a little smoky and perfectly seasoned.
• It s such a fun way to cook, right there in the fire.
• Clean up is a breeze thanks to that foil packet.
• They make the perfect side dish for almost any outdoor meal.

Gather Your Ingredients for Delicious Campfire Potatoes

Getting ready to make these tasty campfire potatoes is easy! You likely have most of these things already. Here s what you ll need to gather:

• 4 large potatoes, washed and scrubbed clean
• 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, fresh herbs for extra flavor

Equipment You ll Need

You don t need a lot of fancy gear to make these simple campfire potatoes. That s part of what makes them so great! Here s what you ll want to have on hand:

• A good sturdy knife for cutting the potatoes.
• A large bowl for tossing everything together.
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil this is key for wrapping!
• Tongs or a long stick for moving the packet in the fire.
• Heat-resistant gloves are a really good idea for safety.

How to Prepare Your Campfire Potatoes

Let s get these delicious campfire potatoes ready! It s a simple process, perfect for relaxing outdoors.

Prepping the Potatoes for the Campfire

First things first, make sure your potatoes are nice and clean. Give them a good scrub under running water. No need to peel them unless you really want to! I like to leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients.

Next, cut the potatoes into chunks. Aim for pieces that are roughly the same size. This helps them cook evenly in the fire. About one to two inch pieces works well. If some are much bigger or smaller, they might cook at different rates.

Toss the cut potatoes into a large bowl. Drizzle them with your olive oil or melted butter. Add the salt, pepper, and any extra seasonings you like. I love adding a little garlic powder and paprika! Give everything a good stir to make sure all the potato pieces are coated evenly.

Wrapping and Cooking Campfire Potatoes

Now it s time to wrap! Tear off a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil. You might even want to use two layers if your foil isn t super thick. Place the seasoned potato mixture in the center of the foil.

Bring the edges of the foil together and fold them over tightly to create a sealed packet. Make sure there are no gaps where steam can escape or embers can get in. You want a nice, secure little package.

Find a spot in your campfire embers where the heat is consistent but not blazing flames. Use tongs or a stick to carefully place the foil packet directly into the hot embers. Let them cook for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Remember to flip the packet every 5-10 minutes using your tongs. This helps the potatoes cook evenly on all sides. To check if they re done, carefully remove the packet from the fire and use a fork to pierce through the foil into a potato chunk. If it goes in easily, they re ready!

Safely Enjoying Your Campfire Potatoes

Once the potatoes are tender, it s super important to be careful. The foil packet will be extremely hot!

Use those tongs or heat-resistant gloves to carefully lift the packet out of the fire. Place it on a safe surface away from the heat. Let it sit for just a few minutes to cool down slightly before you open it. The steam inside will be very hot too.

Carefully unfold the foil, letting the steam escape away from you. Your delicious campfire potatoes are ready to serve! Be mindful of the hot foil edges as you dish them out.

Tips for Perfect Campfire Potatoes Every Time

Making great campfire potatoes is pretty simple, but a few tricks can make them even better. Here s what I ve learned:

Picking the right potato helps a lot. are classic and get nice and fluffy inside. But red or Yukon Gold potatoes hold their shape well too.

Every campfire is different. The heat varies a lot! Keep an eye on your packet and check for doneness a little earlier or later than the timing suggests. It s better to check often than to burn them!

If you re short on time or worried about cooking them through, you can parboil the potatoes at home for about 5-7 minutes before you head out. This gives them a head start and reduces campfire cooking time.

Variations for Your Campfire Potatoes

The basic campfire potato recipe is fantastic on its own, but it s also a perfect canvas for adding your own twist! Don t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings and additions.

Adding Flavor to Campfire Potatoes

Want to kick up the flavor? Try tossing the potatoes with chopped fresh rosemary and thyme before wrapping. A sprinkle of paprika and garlic powder gives them a smoky, savory edge. Even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a nice little heat!

Making Loaded Campfire Potatoes

Who doesn t love a loaded potato? After your campfire potatoes are cooked and you open the packet, top them with shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt for a minute or two in the residual heat. Add some crispy bacon bits and a dollop of sour cream right before serving. It s like a campfire feast in a foil packet!

Serving and Storing Campfire Potatoes

Your delicious campfire potatoes are best enjoyed hot right out of the packet! They make a fantastic side to grilled meats like burgers or sausages. Or serve them with campfire corn on the cob for a full outdoor meal.

If you happen to have any leftovers, which is rare in my experience, let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in your cooler or fridge. You can reheat them gently in a pan or even wrap them in foil again and warm them near the fire embers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Campfire Potatoes

Got questions about whipping up these tasty campfire potatoes? Here are some common things people ask me.

How long do Campfire Potatoes take to cook?

This is the trickiest part because every fire is different! The 20-30 minutes in the recipe is a good estimate. A hotter fire means faster cooking, while cooler embers will take longer. Always check for tenderness with a fork to be sure they re done.

Can I make Campfire Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! If you want to cut down on campfire cooking time, you can parboil the potatoes at home first. Just boil them for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften slightly, then drain them well before tossing with oil and seasoning and packing for your trip.

Are Campfire Potatoes safe to eat?

They are very safe to eat as long as they are cooked through! The main safety concern is handling the hot foil packet. Always use tongs or heat-resistant gloves when putting the packet in or taking it out of the fire. Be careful of the hot steam when you open the packet too.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a quick note on the nutrition details provided for these campfire potatoes. The numbers are estimates based on the ingredients listed. Things like the exact size of your potatoes, the type of oil you use, and any extra seasonings you add can change the final values.

Cooking methods can also play a small role. Think of this as a general idea, not a precise count! We want you to enjoy your outdoor cooking without stressing over every single number.

Sharing Your Campfire Creations

Now that you know how simple and delicious these campfire potatoes are, I really hope you give them a try on your next outdoor adventure!

There s nothing quite like pulling that hot, steamy packet from the fire and digging in. If you make them, I d love to hear about it! Share your experience in the comments below. What seasonings did you use? Did you add any fun toppings? Let s inspire each other with our campfire cooking successes!

And please, share this easy campfire potato recipe with anyone you know who loves camping or just enjoys simple, good food cooked outdoors. Happy cooking!