These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (2024)

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (1)

Sure, ideally, you'd always have an hour or more to cook a well-balanced dinner for your family—served on the back porch, in perfect weather, and everyone would clean their plates. But more often than we'd like there are a million things going on, and it's hard to find time even to toss a sheet pan dinner into the oven.

Those nights are when you want to lean on something super easy but hopefully, still well-balanced. That's where foil packet dinners come into play! There’s absolutely no other cooking method out there that’s as fast, fun, mess-free, and downright delicious as foil packets. You can wrap up individually portioned meals ahead of time, keep them marinating in the fridge, and when you're ready, you only need to fire up the oven or grill and let it cook. The meal is that much more enjoyable knowing there are no dirty dishes to clean up. And if everyone in the family needs to eat at different times, no problem! Each packet can be cooked separately.

Since foil packet recipes make dinner so much easier (we're talking sometimes just 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time), we rounded up some of the best appetizers, sides, and entrees that you can make on repeat all summer long. Think everything from barbecue chicken foil packets to savory shrimp foil packets. And for the ultimate childhood camping nostalgia, cook foil packet hamburgers in the backyard with your little ones (it’s a fun summer activity). Stock up on aluminum foil, stat, because you’re going to want to taste test every single one of these easy foil packet dinner recipes for yourself.

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1

Cauliflower Curry Foil Packet

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (3)

This vegetable-loaded meal hardly compromises taste thanks to its light curry and yogurt sauce additions. It's so good, your family will have no idea how healthy it actually is.

Get the recipe at Veggies Save the Day.

SHOP ALUMINUM FOIL

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2

Chicken Cordon Bleu Foil Packets

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (5)

Busy night ahead? Make getting dinner on the table the least of your concerns with these ham, chicken, and potato-infused packets, which only require 10 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cooking.

Get the recipe at The Recipe Rebel.

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3

Philly Cheesesteak Foil Pack

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (7)

Take the mess out of eating this classic meal by nixing the sandwich rolls and digging in the classy way—with a fork.

Get the recipe at Chelsea's Messy Apron.

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4

Garlic Shrimp and Veggie Foil Packet

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Zucchini and a handful of other veggies put a summery spin on this low-carb seafood foil packet recipe. Pair with a summer salad for even more festive fare.

Get the recipe at Gimme Delicious.

SHOP ALUMINUM FOIL

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5

Teriyaki Beef Foil Packs

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (11)

Good luck sticking to just one of these juicy beef packets, loaded with broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, and potatoes.

Get the recipe at Life Made Sweeter.

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6

Zucchini Parmesan Foil Packs

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (13)

There's no shortage of light, yummy meals to serve with cheesy grilled zucchinis, meaning you can bust out this easy recipe all summer long.

Get the recipe at Damn Delicious.

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7

Bacon Ranch Chicken Foil Packets

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (15)

Satisfy picky little eaters with this savory foil packet dinner, which you can make in just an hour.

Get the recipe at Dinner at the Zoo.

SHOP ALUMINUM FOIL

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8

Steak Fajita Foil Packet

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (17)

Ditch the tortillas and chow down on marinated steak, peppers, and onions straight from the oven-friendly packet.

Get the recipe at Diethood.

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9

Cheesy Potatoes Foil Packet

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (19)

A cheese and potato combo alone is a major dinner side dish win-win, but the mess-free foil cooking method makes this recipe even more of a must.

Get the recipe at Crunchy Creamy Sweet.

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10

Italian Sausage and Veggies Foil Packet

Fire up the grill and set your outdoor table, because this nutritious foil packet meal makes for the ideal al fresco family dinner.

Get the recipe at Chelsea's Messy Apron.

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11

Grilled Pineapple Chicken Foil Packet

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (23)

Teriyaki sauce and Asian toasted sesame dressing pack a flavorful punch with this simple and satisfying five-ingredient weeknight dinner.

Get the recipe at Creme de la Crumb.

SHOP ALUMINUM FOIL

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12

Nachos Foil Packet

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (25)

You don't even need to bust out a bowl or serving platter—just wait for this mouthwatering appetizer to cool down from the oven and dive straight in.

Get the recipe at The Cookie Rookie.

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13

Cajun Shrimp Foil Packets

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (27)

Enjoy grilled corn like you've never tasted it before—with shrimp, red potatoes, and a fiery Cajun kick.

Get the recipe at Favorite Family Recipes.

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14

Tater Tot Meatball Foil Packets

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (29)

Tater tots and meatballs and cheese, oh my! No, it's not the healthiest meal on the market, but it does the trick for those easygoing Friday nights when your kids deserve to munch on something fun.

Get the recipe at Gimme Some Grilling.

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15

Southwestern Chicken Foil Packets

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (31)

Douse chicken breasts in salsa and cheese for a delicious spin on chicken Parm. Layer the foil pack with corn to start, then top the the meat with sour cream and avocado once the packet's finished grilling.

Get the recipe at Dessert Now Dinner Later.

SHOP ALUMINUM FOIL

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16

Baked Tilapia Foil Packets

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (33)

Itching to minimize indoor cooking time now that the weather's warm? Meet your healthy seafood saving grace, which takes just 15 minutes.

Get the recipe at The Wicked Noodle.

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17

Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken Foil Packets

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (35)

There's no better time than summer to bring an island-inspired vibe to your meals. Save this for your next Hawaiian-themed party, or wow your family with the tangy foil packets for dinner.

Get the recipe at The Recipe Critic.

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18

Hamburger and Potato Foil Packets

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (37)

Relive your camping glory days with the original foil packet meal—hamburger patties. Keep it old school and cook them by the campfire or let them bake in the oven.

Get the recipe at Spend with Pennies.

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19

Creamy Salsa Verde, Chicken, Rice, and Veggies Foil Packets

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (39)

Your family will love a tasty Mexican dinner—and you'll love that it only takes 10 minutes to put together.

Get the recipe at Chelsea's Messy Apron.

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20

Garlic Steak and Potato Foil Packs

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (41)

A classic steak-and-potatoes dinner is even easier when you can just cook it in foil.

Get the recipe at Creme de la Crumb.

These Fast Foil Packet Recipes Make Dinner a Breeze (2024)

FAQs

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 far in advance can you make foil packets? ›

Foil packets can be assembled at home! If you want to cut down on at-camp prep time, simply assemble your packets at home and pack them in the cooler. At camp, all you have to do is cook. If you do choose to make them at home, I recommend that you cook them within 1 day after assembly.

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 ).

Can foil packet dinners be frozen? ›

Fold the sides of the foil over the chicken, then fold the top and bottom of the foil over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is completely covered in foil. Freeze the packets: Stack the packets on top of each other and slide them into a gallon-sized zip-top freezer bag.

Can you make tinfoil dinners 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.

What temperature do you cook foil packets? ›

If the recipe calls for grilling over medium heat, bake the foil packs in the oven at 375˚F for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 times as long as called for in the grilled versions (e.g., if a recipe calls for grilling the foil packs for 20 minutes, bake them in the oven for at least 30-40 minutes).

Why not cover food with aluminum foil? ›

Don't use aluminum foil to store leftovers.

This allows bacteria to grow faster. Instead, store leftovers in airtight storage containers or food storage bags.

What does covering a dish with foil do? ›

Cover dishes

Covering dishes with aluminum foil during a bake helps lock in moisture. Loosely placing or tenting a sheet of foil over a dish can prevent the top from browning while the rest of your dish continues to bake.

Does it matter which side of aluminum foil touches food? ›

Which Side Is Best To Use? Reynolds, a popular brand of foil, states on its website that "it's perfectly fine to place your food on either side so you can decide if you prefer to have the shiny or dull side facing out." Chemist and former food writer for the Washington Post, Robert L.

Can you make foil packets ahead of time for camping? ›

The beauty of foil-pack meals for camping is that they can usually be assembled at home before your trip. At the very least, you can wash and chop your veggies and meat, and mix up the marinade ahead of time. Keep acidic ingredients separate.

Can you bake foil packs in the oven instead of grilling? ›

Foil packets can be cooked on the grill and in the oven, depending on your preference. Most recipes will give you instructions for both methods, but not always. If grilling, preheat your grill to 400 to 425°F, which is medium or medium-high, depending on your grill. If baking, preheat your oven to 425°F.

Can you do foil packets in air fryer? ›

Absolutely! You can use foil in the air fryer, just be sure to roll up the sides so that the air can still circulate.

What makes a good foil? ›

A foil character should serve as a counterpart to your protagonist or other important character, and highlighting the differences between them is key to making this relationship work. Think about your protagonist's strengths and weaknesses, and then create a foil character that contrasts with those traits.

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