Robi Foil Packet Potatoes
Foil packet potatoes are a must for any camping trip or backyard cookout. Mine are incredibly simple, made with some pantry staples.
Why “Robi” Potatoes?
My aunt used to make these for every cookout growing up, so we would always call them Robi Potatoes. I know our family isn’t the only one who makes these, but I feel like I have to call them that!
What Kind of Potatoes?
I usually use whatever I have on hand, which is usually some sort of baking potato that’s fairly buttery in flavor. If you only have some smaller potatoes, they’ll work too–just be sure to cut them into halves or quarters to be sure you have more starchy surface area to crisp up.
What goes into Foil Packet Potatoes?
Potatoes, of course, and also butter, garlic, onion, and salt and pepper. The ingredients are incredibly simple, but that’s the beauty of them! They’re so simple to throw together as a delicious side to your meal.
What Kind of Onions?
I’ll let you in on a little secret: I don’t really like onions. At least not in most recipes. Most recipes they’re raw and take over the entire flavor of the dish or they’re barely cooked. If they’re caramelized or cooked for a while like in a stew, they’re alright. But they still need to be in small pieces. Ha!
That being said, when I find Vidalia sweet onions, those are what I use for mine. They’re a really sweet onion only grown in Vidalia, Georgia. They’re one of the few region-restricted foods we have here in the US. If you can’t find them, use your favorite white or yellow onions instead.
Can I add Toppings to these?
You won’t want to. You could have some green onions and sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side if you must though.
What if I need to Make More?
This question is a great one. I’ve found that this recipe is flexible, depending on what else will be served. If this is one of very few sides, I like to use roughly this recipe per person:
1 potato
¼-½ onion
1 Tablespoon butter
½ teaspoon garlic powder OR 1-2 cloves fresh garlic
Salt & pepper, to taste
However, if I’m making potatoes and there will be several other options, I’ll usually half that so each packet serves 2 people.
All of these ingredients are meant to be measured with your heart. Love onions? Add more. Love butter? Noone’s stopping you from adding more! Prefer olive oil? You can absolutely swap the butter for your favorite cooking oil.
Robi Foil Packet Potatoes
These easy foil packet potatoes are perfect for any camping trip or backyard cookout.
2 Servings
Ingredients
2 potatoes
½ onion
2 Tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder OR 2 cloves fresh garlic
Salt & pepper, to taste
Method
Cut 2 sheets of heavy duty foil or 4 sheets of regular foil into roughly 15 inch sheets. If you’re using regular foil, stack 2 sheets on top of each other for added strength.
Cut potatoes into ½ inch cubes. Cut onions into slices or wedges, as preferred.
Split potatoes and onions between 2 foil sheets, placing them in the center in a line long-ways.
Add butter, garlic, and salt and pepper to foil packets.
Pull long sides of foil up, folding it loosely in half and having them meet in the middle above the potatoes. Roll the foil down, stopping just above your food. Roll up the 2 remaining sides.
Cook over a fire, grill, or oven set to 400F for 10-20 minutes, checking every 10 minutes or so.
The length of time depends greatly on how hot they’ll be cooking, how small you cut your food, and personal preference. I like to have some crispy bits in mine, so I’ll cook them past the “normal” done point when you can do the potato-fork test (stick a fork into a potato and if it slides off easily, it’s done).
Leave wrapped in foil packets until ready to serve to keep warm.
Enjoy!
