Sweet Potato and Bacon Foil Packs with Fontina Cheese

Prep: 15 minCook: 24 min4 servingsmediumAmerican
Sweet Potato and Bacon Foil Packs with Fontina Cheese

These sweet potato and bacon foil packs combine tender cubed sweet potatoes with crispy bacon pieces, all seasoned with maple syrup and a hint of cayenne. The mixture is wrapped in foil and grilled or baked until the potatoes are perfectly tender, then topped with melted Fontina cheese and fresh green onions. Perfect for outdoor grilling or easy weeknight dinners, these individual packets make cleanup a breeze while delivering bold, smoky-sweet flavors that please both kids and adults.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
    olive oil1:1dairy-freedairy-free

    works well

    Full guide →
  • 1 tablespoon real maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)
  • 1 ½ lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in 1-inch pieces
    regular potatoes1:1different flavor

    adjust cooking time

    Full guide →
  • 3 slices bacon, chopped
    turkey bacon1:1leaner

    less fat

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup shredded Fontina cheese (4 oz)
    cheddar cheese1:1common

    similar melt

  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat gas or charcoal grill and cut 2 sheets of heavy-duty foil, then spray with cooking spray

  2. 2

    Mix melted butter, syrup, salt and red pepper in medium bowl

  3. 3

    Add potatoes and bacon to butter mixture and stir until evenly coated

  4. 4

    Divide mixture evenly among foil sheets

  5. 5

    Bring up 2 sides of foil so edges meet and seal with tight folds, allowing space for heat circulation

  6. 6

    Place packs on grill over medium heat, cover and cook for 12 minutes

  7. 7

    Rotate packs and cook 10 to 12 minutes longer until potatoes are tender

  8. 8

    Remove packs from grill and cut large X across top of each pack

  9. 9

    Carefully fold back foil and sprinkle potatoes with cheese

  10. 10

    Loosely close packs and let stand until cheese melts

  11. 11

    Garnish with green onions before serving

Tips

Tip 1

Make sure to leave space in the foil packets for heat circulation and steam expansion to ensure even cooking

Tip 2

Test potato tenderness by carefully opening one packet and piercing with a fork before adding cheese

Tip 3

For extra crispy bacon, partially cook it in a skillet before adding to the potato mixture

Good to Know

Storage

Store cooked foil packs in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes.

Make Ahead

Assemble foil packs up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Serve With

Serve hot directly from foil packets with additional green onions if desired.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip the cooking spray or potatoes may stick to foil

Watch

Avoid overpacking foil to prevent bursting during cooking

Watch

Don't open packets too early or steam will escape and potatoes won't finish cooking

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter
olive oil1:1dairy-freedairy-free

works well

Full guide →

General Alternatives

Fontina cheese
cheddar cheese1:1common

similar melt

Full guide →
bacon
turkey bacon1:1leaner

less fat

Full guide →
sweet potatoes
regular potatoes1:1different flavor

adjust cooking time

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes, place foil packs on a cookie sheet and bake at 375°F for 40-45 minutes until potatoes are tender.

What if I don't have Fontina cheese?

Substitute with cheddar, Gouda, or any good melting cheese. Use the same amount for best results.

How long will these keep in the refrigerator?

Cooked foil packs will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored properly.