By: Julia Mertes, Communications Intern, The Lion’s Pantry
Foil packs are a traditional summer meal at campgrounds and backyard bonfires. Filled with an assortment of meats, veggies and seasonings and cooked in tightly wrapped aluminum foil, this meal can be fun to make, customize and eat. The great thing about foil packs is that you can include as many — or as few — items as you’d like in the mix and personalize the dinner to your liking.
Even if you don’t have access to a grill or bonfire, you could also make this meal in a traditional oven or toaster oven. Foil packs are a versatile meal option for people of all age groups and backgrounds.
Making and Customizing Your Own Foil Pack Dinner
When constructing your foil pack, include as many proteins as you’d like! If you are not a meat lover, there are many alternate foods to add to a foil pack that are equally filling and nutritious. If fresh protein or seafood is in your budget, consider adding the following items into your dinner:
- Chicken, Beef, Sausage, Steak
- Seafood like fish or shrimp
- Meat Alternatives like Tofu
Beyond your typical proteins, you could also use the following items as the main feature within your foiling pack: beans, noodles, rice and quinoa.
Fruits and vegetables act as another prominent feature within foil pack dinners. Consider adding the following ingredients into your next foil pack meal:
- Artichoke
- Avocado
- Broccoli
- Canned Green Beans
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Corn
- Lemon or Lime
- Mushrooms
- Onions
- Peas
- Peppers
- Potatoes
- Squash
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
When making a foil pack, it’s important to remember to use a substantial amount of butter to ensure adequate flavor when cooking and to incorporate your favorite seasonings. You can use whatever you have in your cupboard to add flavor to your pack.
Some other items to consider incorporating into your foil pack include cheese, salsa, and tortilla chips depending on one’s preferences and flavor pallet.
Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Pexels
If you don’t feel like customizing your meal, try these 11 recipe ideas!
1. Grilled Green Beans
This is a great way to put your green beans to good use. Try adding some lemon juice, seasonings and breadcrumbs. If that doesn’t suit your fancy, you could also make a garlic-flavored variation!
2. Fire Roasted Corn on the Cob
All you really need is some corn, seasonings and some butter, and you will be able to enjoy some roasted corn with your dinner.
When making foil packs, be sure to use a generous helping of butter and oil to allow proper cooking and flavor distribution.
3. Campfire Filled Ice Cream Cones
Rather than making a savory meal, you could also make a foil pack dessert. There are many treats that you could whip up over a fire, but this one may be great to hanker your sweet tooth. Fill an ice cream cone with an assortment of candies, nuts, syrups, sauces and marshmallows. Then, wrap the cone in aluminum foil, and cook to your liking. When you take it off the heat, your meal will be gooey and delicious.
4. Breakfast Pack
Who doesn’t like breakfast? Try adding eggs, ham, potatoes and peppers into your foil pack for a yummy breakfast-style meal. It doesn’t matter what time it is when it comes to eating an egg-filled dish!
It’s important to note that cutting vegetables, like potatoes, thinly will allow them to cook and soften quicker, which allows for a shorter cooking time.
5. Veggie Pack
Even if you don’t like meat, foil packs provide meal options. Add broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, and carrots to your pack along with butter and your favorite seasonings. You’ll get many of your daily nutrients through this dinner plan.
6. Philly Cheesesteak Foil Pack
A Philly cheesesteak is a classic dinner beloved by many Pennsylvanians. We suggest using ground beef, finely chopped potatoes, onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, garlic, seasonings and provolone cheese.
7. Taco Chicken Foil Pack
What would you include in a taco chicken foil pack? Everything you love in your traditional tacos! For instance, you could add in drained black beans and tomatoes, frozen or fresh corn, rice, mixed cheese, and chicken. For added flavor, sprinkle some taco seasoning mix on your ingredients.
Once your taco chicken comes off the fire, you could also incorporate your desired toppings, like avocado, guacamole, hot sauce, and tortilla chips.
8. Seafood and Veggie Pack
If you are a seafood lover, pick your favorite item to include in the pack — whether it be fish, shrimp or some other option. Then, use some zucchini and squash to keep your meal light and to add extra flavor.
9. Baked Potato Foil Pack
The number one ingredient for this meal is potato. Once you cut it open, pour in your favorite baked potato toppings — cheese, garlic butter, bacon, and seasonings. Add your sour cream on top at the end!
10. Barbecue Chicken Foil Pack
All you’ll need is 5 ingredients for this meal, and they are chicken, barbecue sauce, drained pineapple, red onions and red peppers. It’s quick, easy and full of flavor.
11. Pasta Foil Pack
Pour in your favorite type of pasta, whether it be gnocchi or the traditional spaghetti noodles. Top the pack with your favorite sauces and melted cheese.
What’s your favorite foil pack recipe? Be sure to share your tips and tricks with us.
