Campfire Cheese Hash Brown Packets

Name: Campfire Cheese Hash Brown Packets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 package (28 ounces) frozen O'Brien potatoes, thawed; 1-1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 8 bacon strips, cooked and chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; hard-boiled large eggs and pico de gallo, optional

Jump to ingredients

Campfire Cheese Hash Brown Packets are a one-foil-packet camping breakfast made with thawed O'Brien potatoes, bacon, and cheddar cheese, cooked over medium-high heat for 12–18 minutes total. They require no campsite cleanup and pair easily with eggs and pico de gallo.

Total

30 min

Servings

4

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Tasteofhome

Ingredients

Check what you already have. We'll leave it off your shopping list.

1 package (28 ounces) frozen O'Brien potatoes, thawed
1-1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
8 bacon strips, cooked and chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
hard-boiled large eggs and pico de gallooptional

6 Ingredients

CookOS may earn a commission from Instacart orders.

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
Prepare campfire or grill for medium-high heat. Toss potatoes with 3/4 cup cheese, bacon, salt and pepper.
2
Divide mixture among four 18x12-in. pieces of heavy-duty nonstick foil, placing food on dull side of foil. Fold foil around potato mixture, sealing tightly.
3
Place packets over campfire or grill; cook 6-9 minutes on each side or until potatoes are tender. Open packets carefully to allow steam to escape; sprinkle with remaining cheese. If desired, serve with eggs and pico de gallo.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use the dull side of foil for the food; fold and seal edges tightly to trap steam and cook potatoes evenly.
Thaw the potatoes completely before assembly and squeeze out excess moisture with a paper towel to avoid soggy packets.
Cook 6–9 minutes per side over medium-high heat; open carefully to release steam before adding the remaining cheese.
Make all four packets the same size and thickness so they cook evenly over the campfire without hot spots.

Substitutions

Cheddar cheese → Monterey Jack or pepper jack (for mild heat)
Bacon → diced ham or cooked sausage (same amount)
O'Brien potatoes → fresh diced potatoes (increase cooking time to 12–15 minutes per side)

Storage & make-ahead

Cooked packets can be wrapped in foil and kept warm for up to 2 hours in a cooler; reheat by placing over warm coals for 2–3 minutes or wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

Equipment

heavy-duty nonstick foil · campfire or grill grate

Common Questions

Can I prep these packets at home before camping?

Yes. Assemble the packets with thawed potatoes, bacon, cheese, salt and pepper at home, wrap tightly in heavy-duty nonstick foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Cook directly from cold over the campfire, adding 2–3 minutes per side.

What if I don't have frozen O'Brien potatoes?

Use fresh diced potatoes (about 4 cups), but increase cooking time to 12–15 minutes per side until tender. Alternatively, use frozen shredded hash browns, thawed and drained.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

Carefully open one packet after 6 minutes on the second side. Potatoes should be fork-tender with no hard centers. If still firm, reseal and cook another 1–2 minutes per side.