35 Foil Pack Recipes Perfect For When You Want To Eat Outside (& Skip The Dishes!) (2024)

Bonus: Cleanup is basically nonexistent.

By Camille Lowder
35 Foil Pack Recipes Perfect For When You Want To Eat Outside (& Skip The Dishes!) (1)

If you're like us, you spend all winter dreaming about how once spring and summer hit, you're going to be eating every meal outside... Then spring rolls around and you get busy, and the idea of pulling out the grill and all its accouterments, not to mention the double cleanup (your kitchen and outside), makes it real easy to fall back on old habits and skip the grill for weeknight dinners. Don’t let another summer season go by without using your grill as much as possible—we’ve got THE hack for you: foil packs. All you need is a little aluminum foil, and you can make basically anything on your grill, with minimal cleanup. Check out our 35 foil pack recipes for ideas–yes, including dessert!

It’s truly incredible what you can stick in a foil packet—we’ve got everything from meaty favorites like surf 'n' turf, Caprese chicken, or honey-chipotle salmon, to carby classics like and "stir fry," with desserts like a berry crisp or marshmallow Reese’s cones in between. Interested? Making a foil pack for the grill is also surprisingly easy. Place your ingredients in the middle of a piece of foil, and simply bring the edges of it together in the middle and crimp so that no steam can escape (the key to ultra juicy meat and well-cooked vegetables). There's usually no need to even flip the foil packets during grilling. Once your meal is cooked through, you can serve straight from the packet (less dishes!) or slide each serving onto a plate or bowl.

Want more summertime grilling inspiration? Check out our top grilling recipes and our favorite weeknight dinners you can make on the grill too.

1

Hawaiian Chicken Foil Packs

35 Foil Pack Recipes Perfect For When You Want To Eat Outside (& Skip The Dishes!) (3)

Everything you need for dinner is inside these easy foil packs, including super tender chicken, pineapple and veggies, plus a tangy BBQ sauce. Simply bring the edges of the foil together in the middle and crimp so that no steam can escape (the key to ultra juicy chicken).

Get the Hawaiian Chicken Foil Packs recipe.

2

Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets

35 Foil Pack Recipes Perfect For When You Want To Eat Outside (& Skip The Dishes!) (4)

We love a good shrimp boil, but sometimes we don't have time for the production. Foil packs turn a shrimp boil into individual parties that are so fun tho throw onto the grill! It's everything you love with way less work.

Get the Grilled Shrimp Foil Packets recipe.

3

Gnocchi Foil Packets

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The foil packets trap in steam from the wine and juices from the tomato and corn as everything grills, which in turn cooks the gnocchi to perfectly tender while infusing the pasta with all the flavors of the dish. Bonus: Some of the meal browns a bit on the bottom right before it finishes cooking, adding extra flavor.

Get the Gnocchi Foil Packets recipe.

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4

Surf 'n' Turf Foil Packs

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Not sure about cook time? Feel free to take a peek! The shrimp should be pink and opaque and the steak—depending on how you like it—should be slightly pink in the very middle. Do open the packs carefully and slowly, exercising caution to avoid the steam trapped within!

Get the Surf 'n' Turf Foil Packs recipe.

5

Foil Pack Grilled Salmon With Lemony Asparagus

35 Foil Pack Recipes Perfect For When You Want To Eat Outside (& Skip The Dishes!) (7)

Cooking the packs over high heat will help to sear the fish while generating enough steam to fully cook the salmon and the asparagus. Your salmon will cook slightly faster if your pieces are thinner, so check for doneness by piercing a sharp knife into the fish in the foil. If the fish is flaking and light pink, then you'll know it's done.

Get the Foil Pack Grilled Salmon With Lemony Asparagus recipe.

6

Honey Mustard Chicken, Tomato, & Zucchini Foil Packs

35 Foil Pack Recipes Perfect For When You Want To Eat Outside (& Skip The Dishes!) (8)

Smothered in sweet honey mustard sauce, these chicken breasts are grilled to super-tender and juicy perfection inside foil packets. Honey mustard sauce can be as simple as just two its two titular ingredients, but we amped up its flavor with two mustards (grainy and Dijon) and cooked it slightly to thicken it into a glaze.

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7

Honey-Lime Tilapia and Corn Foil Pack

35 Foil Pack Recipes Perfect For When You Want To Eat Outside (& Skip The Dishes!) (9)

Cooking fish in these foil packs is a total cinch. Take note that if your fish fillets run larger, it might take a bit longer on the grill to cook through completely. If you own a meat thermometer, aim to hit 145° internal temperature before it comes off the grill!

Get the Honey-Lime Tilapia and Corn Foil Pack recipe.

8

Burger Foil Packs

35 Foil Pack Recipes Perfect For When You Want To Eat Outside (& Skip The Dishes!) (10)

We make these for it when our fridge is stocked from a weekend BBQ, but nothing is really calling to us for weeknight dinner. These are especially GREAT for families with picky eaters, since everyone can make their own personalized packet. Serve these straight from the grill, or add buns and a green salad for a full meal.

Get the Burger Foil Packs recipe.

9

Caprese Chicken Foil Packs

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This recipe combines three things we love—Caprese, chicken, and foil packets—for a SUPER-easy and bright chicken dinner that only takes about 30 minutes to make. Whether you're throwing a BBQ or having a chill family meal, everyone will love them!

Get the Caprese Chicken Foil Packs recipe.

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10

Shrimp, Broccoli & Rice Foil Packs

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Turns out you CAN make rice on the grill—using instant rice and quick-cooking shrimp and broccoli means you can enjoy all your favorite stir-fry flavors, outdoors!

Get the .

11

Sausage & Peppers Foil Pack

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Pop these sausage and peppers on the grill for a quick meal with easy cleanup. These are great on their own, but even better in a bun or alongside pasta.

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12

Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets

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Packed with simple, everyday ingredients, this dish brings together chili-spiced rice, black beans, corn, peppers, and a salsa- and cheese-topped chicken for a complete meal, all neatly wrapped up and grilled.

Get the Santa Fe Chicken Foil Packets recipe.

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13

Grilled Pizza Bread

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Grilled pizza is one of our favorite summer foods, but if we're being honest, it's a little annoying to make. (Who actually likes stretching dough?) Pizza bread, on the other hand, is gloriously easy—just top a loaf of bread with all your favorite pizza toppings and toss on the grill!

Get the Grilled Pizza Bread recipe.

14

Cheesy Asparagus Foil Packs

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This a fresher, summertime take on our famous cheesy baked asparagus. Feel free to sub in any melty cheese for the mozzarella—fontina or Gruyère would be delicious too.

Get the Cheesy Asparagus Foil Packs recipe.

15

Grilled Honey-Chipotle Salmon Foil Packets

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Grilling fish can be intimidating, but with foil packs, there's no need to stress. Rather than worry about the fish sticking to the grates or flipping the flaky flesh, you'll fold the salmon up in tin foil instead. It's not just fish inside, either—there's a medley of zucchini and yellow summer squash with a smoky honey-chipotle sauce. 😍

Get the Grilled Honey-Chipotle Salmon Foil Packets recipe.

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16

Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Foil Packs

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This super simple foil pack recipe was MADE for summer. Sweet corn, zucchini, and shrimp come together in a flavorful sauce that would be great served alongside pasta or a summer salad.

Get the Cilantro-Lime Shrimp Foil Packs recipe.

17

Chicken, Tomatoes, & Corn Foil Pack

35 Foil Pack Recipes Perfect For When You Want To Eat Outside (& Skip The Dishes!) (19)

Wrap up chicken and veggies like sweet corn and juicy tomatoes for a fast and super-fresh meal that is the perfect celebration of summer.

Get the .

18

Tex-Mex Chicken Fajita Foil Packets

35 Foil Pack Recipes Perfect For When You Want To Eat Outside (& Skip The Dishes!) (20)

In these foil packs, a heap of veggies (there are potatoes, onions, and bell peppers) and tender nuggets of boneless, skinless chicken thighs are all flavored with delicious fajita spices. Though potatoes aren't traditionally served with fajitas, here they're a welcome addition (they help soak up ALL the flavor).

Get the Tex-Mex Chicken Fajita Foil Packets recipe.

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19

Chicken Bacon Ranch Foil Packets

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There's not a lot better than the flavor combo of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing (see our chicken bacon ranch poppers, burritos, spaghetti squash boats...). Now you can enjoy it on your grill too! We snuck a little broccoli in there for some greens, but feel free to skip if you're a purist. 😈

Get the Chicken Bacon Ranch Foil Packets recipe.

20

Melty Loaded Potato Foil Packs

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The only prep needed for these creamy, savory foil-packet potatoes is slicing the potatoes themselves. Then just pile them into a square of foil with spices, ranch dressing, and a heap of shredded cheese. These get amazingly melty as they grill, making them the perfect cheesy side dish.

Get the Melty Loaded Potato Foil Packs recipe.

35 Foil Pack Recipes Perfect For When You Want To Eat Outside (& Skip The Dishes!) (2024)

FAQs

35 Foil Pack Recipes Perfect For When You Want To Eat Outside (& Skip The Dishes!)? ›

To cook some food on the grill to a moist, succulent finish, many recipes call for foil packets. In a technique called drugstore wrap, heavy-duty foil encloses food with tight double folds. To make a foil packet, place food in the centre of a piece of foil large enough to enclose the food one and a half times.

What is foil packet cooking? ›

To cook some food on the grill to a moist, succulent finish, many recipes call for foil packets. In a technique called drugstore wrap, heavy-duty foil encloses food with tight double folds. To make a foil packet, place food in the centre of a piece of foil large enough to enclose the food one and a half times.

How do you make a good foil packet? ›

Pull out an extra-long length of aluminum foil and fold it in half so you've got a double layer. Place your ingredients in the center, then pull over one side, folding the edges to seal. Then fold the remaining two edges. Don't seal the packet too tightly: you want to leave some room for the steam to expand.

How do you cook in foil on a fire? ›

In the centre of the fire, push away some of the coals and place the foil on the fire. Cover the foil with coals and let cook for about 15 minutes. Carefully remove from fire and enjoy! This hearty meal option is delicious and often enjoyed during a cooler evening at the start or end of the cottage season.

Can you make foil packets ahead of time? ›

Precook the foil packets for less hassle when camping: The easiest way to make foil packets for your camping meals is to fully cook your food in the oven a day before you leave, cool them properly, then store them in the fridge or freezer for your trip.

Are foil pans healthy? ›

According to the Alzheimer's Association, people thought that using aluminum in pots and pans could lead to Alzheimer's disease. “However, studies have failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimer's.” In addition, according to the CDC, aluminum pots and pans aren't considered to be harmful.

What not to mix with aluminum foil? ›

Avoid mixing aluminum foil and acidic foods: Avoid exposing aluminum foil or cookware to acidic food, such as tomato sauce or rhubarb ( 23 ).

Which foil is used to pack food? ›

Aluminium is used for making foils used in packing of food materials.As aluminium foil acts as a complete barrier to light and oxygen (which cause fats to oxidise or become rancid), odours and flavours, moisture, and bacteria, it is used extensively in food and pharmaceutical packaging.

Should we pack food in aluminum foil? ›

One of the other reasons why we shouldn't store leftover food in aluminium foil is that it doesn't do a good enough job to keep oxygen from getting into the food. This allows bacteria to grow inside the food, which may spoil the food the next day and it'll go bad just as quickly as if you hadn't wrapped it up at all.

How to make a tinfoil bag? ›

Making a Foil Bag

Start by folding the foil in half, giving it a little crease. This crease is the base of the bag. Next, fold the sides, creasing along the edge with each fold. Each side should be folded at least three times to make sure you to get a seal inside the bag.

What is a foil pouch? ›

Foil pouches are essentially stand up pouches. Like stand up bags, they are made from laminating together several layers of different materials. The materials used in foil pouches make them different from other stand up pouches.

Can foil packet dinners be frozen? ›

Freeze the packets: Stack the packets on top of each other and slide them into a gallon-sized zip-top freezer bag. Press out as much air as possible and seal the bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

What happens when you burn aluminum foil? ›

When aluminum foil burns it creates vapor. This vapor will actually take solid form again once it reaches a certain temperature. If you breathe in these vapors there you can actually get these tiny aluminum particles into your lungs and cause very harmful health issues. There is no real danger if one is careful.

How flammable is foil? ›

Aluminum foil is not flammable, but it can melt at very high temperatures (around 1220°F or 660°C). However, most fires are not hot enough to melt aluminum foil, so that's not the main problem. The main problem is that aluminum foil is very thin and weak, and it can't stop the heat from reaching the wrapped material.

Can you burn aluminum foil in stove? ›

Foil can trap heat or melt, resulting in damage to the product and a shock or fire hazard. Electric radiant cooktops: Do not use aluminum foil on or near a radiant cooktop burner. The heat from the burner will fuse the aluminum foil to the glass surface. Once this happens the foil cannot be removed.

How long to cook foil packets on fire? ›

Over a campfire— (my favorite way) Wait until the fire has turned to coals and spread logs out slightly to make a flat surface, or place logs in a circle around a flat space in the center. Place foil dinners in the fire and cook for about 20 minutes, flipping and rotating packets at least once so they cook evenly.

How to fold foil packets for campfire? ›

Fold two opposite sides of the foil in towards the middle so the edges meet. Roll these edges down to create a seal. On the two remaining sides, roll down each edge, sealing the packet. Some recipes recommend creating more air-flow by puncturing the foil with a fork.

Which side of the aluminum foil should touch the food? ›

The answer is that it doesn't matter which side faces up or down when you're cooking with traditional aluminum foil—but if you're working with a specific nonstick variety, which has a protective coating, be sure to use the side recommended by the manufacturer.

Why should you not put tin foil in the fridge? ›

For most people, covering a plate with foil and tossing it in the fridge is a quick, easy way to store food. However, wrapping your food in a sheet of aluminum foil is also an easy way to put yourself at risk for health hazards. Much like we need air to breathe, bacteria need air to thrive.

Can you do foil packets in the oven? ›

They can be cooked on the grill, in the oven, or even on a campfire recipe with minimal cleanup and even less prep. Plus, you can serve them as a side or as dinner themselves. And they call for only five ingredients! Feels like magic, right?

Do you flip foil packets on a grill? ›

There's usually no need to even flip the foil packets during grilling. Once your meal is cooked through, you can serve straight from the packet (less dishes!) or slide each serving onto a plate or bowl. Want more summertime grilling inspiration?

What are foil pouches made of? ›

Foil pouches are usually made of aluminium, as it protects the products inside from extreme temperatures that may cause damage. Additionally, foil pouches are puncture-resistant, providing protection against moisture and gas, ensuring that products do not get contaminated during transit or on the shelves.

Can you do foil packets in air fryer? ›

It is absolutely safe to use aluminum foil in your air fryer. In fact, it can make cooking with the air fryer easier.

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