If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and bursting with gooey cheesy goodness, this Cheesy Campfire Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender baby potatoes cooked to perfection over a crackling campfire, infused with the rich flavors of butter, garlic, and onion, then topped with a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar and fresh parsley. It’s that perfect blend of earthiness and creaminess that will keep everyone coming back for seconds whether you’re out camping or enjoying a cozy night at home. This dish is a total crowd-pleaser with a simple ingredient list that comes together effortlessly, making it an essential addition to your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheesy Campfire Potatoes Recipe plays a vital role—each one enhances the texture, flavor, and visual appeal in ways that make the final dish truly irresistible. Simple, fresh components come together to create a harmonious balance that’s both rustic and refined.
- 1 pound baby potatoes: The star of the dish, these small potatoes cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully.
- 1 onion (thinly sliced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic.
- 1 clove garlic (minced): Brings a fragrant warmth that pairs perfectly with the potatoes and cheese.
- 2 tablespoons butter (diced): Provides richness and helps create that irresistible creamy mouthfeel.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps in browning the ingredients beautifully and adds nuanced flavor.
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the potatoes for that signature cheesy layer everyone loves.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): A fresh, vibrant touch that lightens the dish and adds color.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- ¼ cup chicken broth: Keeps the potatoes moist and infuses them with a subtle savory note.
How to Make Cheesy Campfire Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Sauté Aromatics
Start by washing your baby potatoes and cutting them into halves or quarters, about half an inch each. This ensures they cook evenly and are tender on the inside while developing a slightly crisp outside. In a large skillet, warm your olive oil over medium heat, then add the diced butter. Once melted, throw in the thinly sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, filling your kitchen with that inviting aroma that promises deliciousness.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes with Broth
Add the cut potatoes to the skillet, giving them a good stir so they’re coated in that buttery onion-garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth to help steam and tenderize the potatoes as they cook. Cover the pan and let everything simmer, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender—usually about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is key to achieving that perfect balance of softness and flavor.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Finish Cooking
Once your potatoes are cooked through and the liquid has mostly evaporated, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the pan again, allowing the cheese to melt fully and create a luscious blanket that melds perfectly with the potatoes. A quick sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley at the end will brighten the dish and add that lovely pop of green.
How to Serve Cheesy Campfire Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the go-to garnish, offering a fresh, herbal note and a vibrant contrast to the rich cheese. For a little extra zing, try a dash of smoked paprika or a handful of chopped chives—it adds a smoky or oniony twist that elevates the flavor profile wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Campfire Potatoes Recipe is incredibly versatile when it comes to pairing. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats like burgers, sausages, or chicken. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. The creamy potatoes add just the right amount of indulgence to any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve these potatoes in a cast-iron skillet right at the table—hot and bubbling. Alternatively, for a rustic outdoor experience, wrap the potato and cheese mixture in foil packets and cook directly on the campfire coals, then unwrap and serve straight from the foil. Both methods create charm and make the meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover cheesy campfire potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making your next meal just as scrumptious. Just be sure to cool them to room temperature before storing.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish by transferring cooled potatoes into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep things moist and stir occasionally for even heating. Avoid high heat as it can dry out the potatoes and make the cheese tough.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this Cheesy Campfire Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Cheddar is classic for its melt and sharp flavor, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella for extra gooeyness, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even a smoked gouda to add a smoky depth.
What if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?
No worries at all! You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option or even just water, although broth does add a richer savory dimension.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, by swapping out the butter for a vegan margarine, using olive oil generously, and choosing a plant-based cheese alternative, you can make this dish fully vegan while still maintaining great flavor and creaminess.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Potatoes are perfectly cooked when you can easily pierce them with a fork without resistance. They should be tender but not falling apart, ensuring a nice bite and ideal texture for mixing with the cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for cooking directly over a campfire?
Definitely! Wrapping the potato mixture in foil packets and placing them on hot coals works beautifully to infuse smoky flavors and cook everything evenly. Just make sure to use gloves and handle carefully when removing from the fire.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Campfire Potatoes Recipe is honestly one of those dishes I reach for whenever I want comfort food that’s simple, flavorful, and downright satisfying. Whether you’re gathered around an actual campfire or just making dinner at home, it delivers that cozy vibe with every bite. Give it a try—you may just find a new favorite to impress friends and family alike!
Print
Cheesy Campfire Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cheesy Campfire Potatoes are a deliciously comforting side dish, perfect for outdoor cooking or cozy dinners. Tender baby potatoes are sautéed with onions and garlic in butter and olive oil, simmered with chicken broth, then topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley for a flavorful finish.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Veggies
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Flavorings and Toppings
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash and halve or quarter the baby potatoes into approximately 1/2 inch pieces to ensure even cooking and tender texture.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In a skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the potatoes: Add the cut potatoes to the skillet. Stir to coat them with the butter and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add chicken broth and simmer: Pour in ¼ cup of chicken broth to introduce moisture and help cook the potatoes through. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add cheese and parsley: Once the potatoes are cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet briefly to allow the cheese to melt. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve warm: Transfer the cheesy campfire potatoes to a serving dish and enjoy immediately as a comforting side dish to your favorite main courses.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
- For extra smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or using smoked cheddar cheese.
- Adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your potato pieces to ensure tenderness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
