Easy Italian Foil Packet Potatoes - Oven or Grill
Tender Russet potatoes seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and olive oil, then cooked in convenient foil packets. These versatile potatoes work perfectly as a side dish for grilled meats, family dinners, or camping trips. The foil packet method keeps the potatoes moist while infusing them with Mediterranean flavors, and the dual cooking options make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor cooking.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Russet potatoes, sliced into bite-size pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic seasoninggarlic powder1:1vegetariangluten-free
slightly different flavor profile
- ¼ teaspoon salt(optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper(optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F or set grill to medium heat
- 2
Slice potatoes into bite-size pieces and place in large mixing bowl
- 3
Mix olive oil with Italian seasoning, garlic seasoning, salt, and pepper in small bowl
- 4
Pour seasoning mixture over potatoes and toss until evenly coated
- 5
Place foil on baking sheet and arrange potatoes on foil
- 6
Fold up all sides of foil to form a pouch covering potatoes
- 7
Bake for 15-20 minutes until fork tender, or grill for 30-40 minutes turning every 10 minutes
Tips
Pierce foil packets with a fork before serving to release steam safely
Cut potatoes uniformly for even cooking - about 1-inch pieces work best
Double wrap in foil for grilling to prevent tearing and ensure even heat distribution
Good to Know
Refrigerate cooked potatoes up to 3 days in airtight container
Can prep foil packets up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate
Serve hot directly from foil packets as side dish
Common Mistakes
Cut potatoes uniformly to avoid uneven cooking
Seal foil packets tightly to prevent moisture loss
Check doneness with fork before serving to avoid undercooking
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well, though cooking time may vary slightly. Waxy potatoes hold their shape better while russets become more fluffy.
How do I know when the potatoes are done cooking?
Test with a fork - properly cooked potatoes should be easily pierced and tender throughout. Cooking times vary based on potato size and heat level.
Can I freeze these foil packet potatoes?
Raw seasoned potatoes can be frozen in foil packets for up to 3 months. Add 10-15 minutes to cooking time when cooking from frozen.