Campfire Potato and Cheese Skillet with Bacon

Prep: 15 minCook: 40 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Campfire Potato and Cheese Skillet with Bacon

Crispy roasted little potatoes loaded with melted cheese curds, sharp cheddar, smoky bacon, and fresh green onions. Perfect for outdoor entertaining and camping trips. This version captures classic diner-style loaded potatoes with the added texture of cheese curds and the convenience of cooking entirely on the grill or over a campfire, making it ideal for feeding a crowd without leaving the fire.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 ½ lbs little potatoes, halved
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
    bacon fat or butter1:1richer flavoradds dairy

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  • ½ cup cheese curds, torn apart if large
    fresh mozzarella balls1:1milder flavor

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  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
    gruyere or fontina1:1sharp flavordairy-free

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  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and cut into lardons
    smoked sausage or pancetta1:1keeps smokiness

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  • 3 green onions, chopped
    fresh chives or scallions1:1mild onion flavor

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Instructions

  1. 1

    Halve the little potatoes and place on a grill-safe tray.

  2. 2

    Season with half the seasoning packet, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat.

  3. 3

    Roast on a medium-high grill or over campfire coals until golden brown and tender.

  4. 4

    Transfer to a cast iron pan if desired, toss with remaining seasoning, and top with cheese curds, cheddar cheese, and bacon.

  5. 5

    Heat on the grill until cheese is fully melted.

  6. 6

    Finish with chopped green onions and serve.

Tips

Tip 1

Cut potatoes to uniform size so they cook evenly and finish at the same time.

Tip 2

Use a cast iron skillet on the grill for better heat distribution and easier cheese melting.

Tip 3

Prep all ingredients before cooking so assembly is quick once potatoes are tender.

Good to Know

Storage

Cover and refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat on grill or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Make Ahead

Slice and season potatoes up to 4 hours ahead. Cook potatoes just before serving for best texture and to melt cheese properly.

Serve With

Serve hot directly from the skillet or grill. Pairs well with grilled meats, coleslaw, or fresh salads.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Cut potatoes to similar sizes to avoid some being undercooked while others brown too much.

Watch

Keep grill at medium-high heat to prevent potatoes from burning before softening inside.

Watch

Add cheese near the end of cooking so it melts without separating or scorching.

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

cheddar cheese
gruyere or fontina1:1sharp flavordairy-free

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General Alternatives

cheese curds
fresh mozzarella balls1:1milder flavor

high confidence

bacon
smoked sausage or pancetta1:1keeps smokiness

high confidence

Full guide →
green onions
fresh chives or scallions1:1mild onion flavor

high confidence

Full guide →
olive oil
bacon fat or butter1:1richer flavoradds dairy

medium confidence

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can halve and season the potatoes up to 4 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator, but wait to roast them until just before serving for the best crispy texture and proper cheese melting.

What if I don't have a seasoning packet?

Use a combination of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. Divide in half as the recipe suggests and add the second half after roasting.

Can I make this in a regular oven instead of a grill?

Absolutely. Roast at 400F for 25-35 minutes until potatoes are tender and golden, then top with cheese and broil for 2-3 minutes until melted.