These Little Potato and Bacon Foil Packs bring together tender baby potatoes, salty bacon, and a hint of fresh herbs, all grilled or roasted to perfection in individual foil packets. It's the kind of simple potato recipe that transforms humble ingredients into something magical—perfect for outdoor cookouts or a laid-back weeknight dinner. The foil simplifies cleanup, and the aroma of sizzling bacon mixed with roasted potatoes is comfort food at its finest.
Little Potato and Bacon Foil Packs
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 40 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Packs (serves 2–4 people as a side dish)
Large mixing bowl (or zip-top bag) for tossing potatoes in seasonings
Heavy-duty aluminum foil enough for 4 to 6 packets
Grill or Oven broiler-safe
Tongs for turning foil packs
Cutting board and knife
- 900 g baby gold potatoes or any tiny potato like mini russets or baby russet potatoes—washed and halved
- 200 g thick-cut bacon cut into 2 cm pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small cubes
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
Prepare the potatoes and bacon
In your mixing bowl, combine the halved baby gold potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Toss well so every potato is lightly coated. Mix in the chopped bacon, fresh rosemary, and thyme.
Assemble foil packs
Tear out 4 sheets of heavy-duty foil (about 30 cm each). Divide the potato and bacon mixture evenly among them. Top each packet with a couple of butter cubes for richness. Fold the sides up and seal into snug packets, leaving a bit of room so steam can circulate inside.
Choose your cooking method
On the grill: Preheat to medium-high heat (about 200 °C / 400 °F). Place foil packets on the grill grates, cook for 12 minutes per side. Turn with tongs halfway through.
In the oven: Preheat the oven to 200 °C (400 °F). Place packets on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for about 30–35 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
Serve
Carefully open the packets (steam alert!). Transfer contents to a serving dish, sprinkle with chopped parsley for brightness. These roasted baby potatoes with bacon juices soak up all the smoky, savory flavors.
Variations
Add vegetables: Include diced bell peppers or thin-sliced zucchini to round out the side dish.
Swap starches: Use small potatoes recipe staples like petite potatoes or mini red potatoes for variety.
Spice twist: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a smoky kick.
Pairings
These foil packs are the perfect companion for many mains:
- Grilled chicken or steak for a hearty, satisfying meal
- Salmon fillets—smoky potato flavor matches beautifully with roasted fish
- Vegetarian options: Serve alongside grilled portobello mushrooms or veggie skewers
- Sauces: A dollop of sour cream mixed with chives, or a spoonful of garlic aioli makes them extra indulgent
On warm summer evenings, add a crisp garden salad or simple coleslaw. In cooler months, pair with oven-roasted vegetables and crusty bread to soak up those rich bacon pan juices.
FAQs
1. Can I use russet potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, but cut them into bite-size pieces for even cooking. Baby russet potato recipes work here too, though they may need a minute or two more in the oven to become tender.
2. What’s the best bacon to use? Thick-cut or regular?
Thick-cut bacon holds its shape better in the packs and provides a great texture. Regular cut works fine too—it just renders faster and melds into the potatoes.
3. Can I prepare these packs ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the foil packets, seal and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking. Add 2–3 extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure potatoes are fully cooked through.
4. Are these packs suitable for campfire cooking?
They’re perfect for campfires—just place packets in the hot embers (or elevated on grill grates) and cook for around 15 minutes per side, checking doneness carefully.
5. Can I substitute herbs?
Yes! Parsley, oregano, or dill can all be used. Simply use about 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh for each herb you choose.
