Cozy Baked Potatoes in Foil Packets with Parmesan Ranch Sauce Recipe

Crispy, golden baked potatoes nestled in foil packets create a mouthwatering culinary adventure you’ll absolutely adore.

Seared edges and tender interiors promise a delightful sensory experience for dinner.

Parmesan ranch sauce adds a creamy, tangy twist that elevates this simple dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Wrapped snugly in aluminum foil, these potatoes develop intense flavors while staying incredibly moist.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of herbs can personalize each packet to suit individual tastes.

Dive into this comforting meal that promises to satisfy both hunger and cravings with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Parmesan Ranch Baked Potatoes

Main Ingredients:

Potatoes: Hearty base for the dish, russet or red potatoes work best for a creamy texture and holding shape well.

• Potatoes, Parmesan Cheese: Classic combination that adds rich flavor and crispy texture to the dish.

Seasoning Ingredients:

Spice Blend: Provides depth and warmth to the potato flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for creating a well-rounded, savory seasoning that enhances the potato's natural taste.

Cooking and Preparation Ingredients:

Cooking Essentials: Helps with cooking process and preventing sticking.

• Olive Oil, Aluminum Foil: Olive oil helps distribute seasonings and create a golden exterior, while foil packets lock in moisture and make cooking and cleanup easy.

Sauce Ingredients:

Finishing Touch: Adds creamy and tangy element to the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty finish that complements the potatoes' natural flavor.

Step-by-Step for Foil Packet Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Cooking Surface

Crank up your oven to 400F or fire up the grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature around 375-400F.

Step 2: Season Potato Slices

• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss the potato slices in a mixing bowl, coating each slice generously with the spice blend.

Step 3: Create Foil Magic

Tear out four generous pieces of aluminum foil, each about 12 inches long.

Distribute the seasoned potato slices evenly across the foil sheets.

Sprinkle a hearty layer of Parmesan cheese over the potatoes.

Carefully fold and seal the foil packets, ensuring no steam can escape.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Oven Method:

Slide the foil packets into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until potatoes become fork-tender and mouthwateringly soft.

Grill Method:

Place foil packets directly on the grill grates.

Cook for 25-30 minutes, giving them a gentle flip midway through cooking.

Step 5: Serve with Ranch Sauce

Unwrap the foil packets carefully.

Drizzle with creamy ranch dressing.

Enjoy your crispy, cheesy potato creation straight from the packet!

Tips for Flavorful and Fluffy Baked Potatoes

• Customize Potato Cuts: Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the packet.
• Check Foil Seal: Crimp and fold packet edges tightly to prevent steam from escaping, which keeps potatoes moist and tender.
• Adjust Seasoning Levels: Experiment with different herb and spice combinations like rosemary, thyme, or chili powder to personalize flavor profile.
• Test Doneness Carefully: Gently open foil packet using tongs and pierce potatoes with a fork to confirm they're soft and fully cooked without losing precious steam.
• Make Ranch Sauce Ahead: Prepare Parmesan ranch sauce in advance and refrigerate to let flavors meld, creating a more robust dipping experience.

How to Reheat Baked Potatoes Without Drying Them

• Store leftover potato packets in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping them sealed to maintain moisture.
• Unwrap foil packets, place on a baking sheet, and warm at 350F for 10-15 minutes until heated through, restoring their crispy texture.
• Transfer potatoes to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese or drizzle ranch sauce after reheating to revive the original flavors and add moisture.

Pairing Options for Foil Packet Potatoes

• Grill juicy grilled chicken breasts alongside these potato packets for a complete meal that balances crispy potatoes with lean protein.
• Pour a crisp craft beer or chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, tangy Parmesan ranch flavors and cut through the potato's buttery texture.
• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add fresh, peppery notes that contrast with the warm, cheesy potatoes and provide a bright, clean counterpoint.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped chives or parsley over the finished dish to add a burst of green color and provide a subtle, fresh herb accent that elevates the overall flavor profile.

Unique Takes on Foil Packet Baked Potatoes

• Herb-Infused Potato Medley: Replace regular potatoes with a mix of sweet potatoes, red potatoes, and fingerling potatoes for diverse flavors and nutrients.
• Vegan Ranch Alternative: Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use dairy-free ranch made from cashews and plant-based milk for a completely plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to create a keto-friendly and low-carbohydrate option that maintains the same delicious seasoning profile.
• Mediterranean-Style Packet: Add crumbled feta cheese, dried oregano, and diced kalamata olives to transform the recipe with Greek-inspired Mediterranean flavors.

Potato and Ranch FAQ Time

• Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or russet potatoes. Each variety will give a slightly different texture and flavor, but they’ll all work well in the foil packets.

• Do I need to peel the potatoes before cooking?

No, you don’t have to peel the potatoes. Leaving the skin on adds extra nutrition and helps the potatoes hold their shape during cooking. Just wash them thoroughly before slicing.

• How can I tell if the potatoes are fully cooked?

Pierce the potatoes with a fork. If it slides in easily without resistance, the potatoes are done. They should be tender but not mushy.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the foil packets earlier in the day and refrigerate them. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if you’re starting with cold potatoes from the refrigerator.

Why People Love Baked Potatoes in Foil with Parmesan Ranch

• Super easy recipe that requires minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners wanting to create a delicious side dish without complicated techniques.
• Total cooking time under 40 minutes means you can whip up a tasty potato dish even on busy evenings, reducing stress and saving precious time for family or relaxation.
• Freedom to choose between oven and grill methods makes this recipe adaptable to different kitchen setups and outdoor cooking preferences, ensuring you can enjoy these potatoes year-round.
• Simple seasoning blend allows for easy personalization, letting home cooks experiment with different spices or cheese variations to match individual taste preferences and dietary needs.

Baked Potatoes in Foil Packets with Parmesan Ranch Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy ranch parmesan baked potatoes deliver comfort in a simple foil packet, promising golden edges and creamy center. Hearty potatoes drizzled with zesty sauce make you crave another bite of this irresistible side dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Potatoes:

• 4 medium russet or Yukon gold potatoes, sliced into ½-inch (1.27 cm) rounds

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil or melted butter
• ¼ cup (30 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Parmesan Ranch Sauce:

• ½ cup (120 grams) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
• ¼ cup (30 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the heat source by warming the oven to 400F (200C) or preheating the grill to medium-high temperature around 375-400F.
2. Create a flavor blend by mixing olive oil with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
3. Gently coat the potato slices with the seasoned oil mixture, ensuring each slice is evenly and thoroughly covered.
4. Cut four generous sheets of aluminum foil, each approximately 12 inches long, to create individual cooking packets.
5. Distribute the seasoned potato slices evenly across the center of each foil sheet, maintaining a single layer for consistent cooking.
6. Generously sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the potato slices, allowing the cheese to complement the herb-infused seasoning.
7. Carefully fold and crimp the edges of each foil packet, creating a tight seal that will trap moisture and steam during cooking.
8. For oven preparation, place the sealed packets on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes until potatoes reach a tender consistency when pierced with a fork.
9. If grilling, position the packets directly on the grill grates, rotating them midway through cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
10. After cooking, allow the packets to rest for a few minutes before carefully opening to release the aromatic steam and serve the potatoes hot.

Notes

• Slice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the packet.
• Adjust seasoning levels based on personal taste preferences, experimenting with different herb combinations like rosemary or thyme.
• Consider using parchment paper underneath foil for easier cleanup and preventing potential sticking.
• For dietary modifications, replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a lower glycemic index option or try using vegan Parmesan for dairy-free diets.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 25 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg