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You probably already know that aluminum foil can be used for lining sheet pans and wrapping food for storage, but did you know it can be used to make your entire dinner? By making a packet with aluminum foil you can cook all kinds of things on the grill, in the oven, or over an open campfire. The packets create a sealed, steamy environment for gently cooking meat, fish, and vegetables. Best of all, many packets can be made into individual meals that can be customized. Whether you’re eating inside or out, foil packet cooking is a fun project for the whole family to enjoy.
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Oven-Baked Baby Back Ribs
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This recipe has a foolproof method. Rub ribs with a spice rub, slowly cook them in a sealed foil packet, then open the packet and coat the ribs in barbecue sauce and continue cooking them. Recipe creator Chef John says, “This works with literally any dry rub and barbecue sauce combo.”
Grilled Chicken in Foil Packets
Photographer: Stacy K. Allen / Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer / Prop Styling: Julia Bayless
“This is a great recipe. The marinade/sauce is really what makes it. With this type of recipe you can mix in just about any kind of veggies you like or have on hand… I made this last week and I have already been asked to make it again.” – Tabascorules
Mediterranean Salmon Foil Packets
France C
Recipe creator Paola Albanesi says “These salmon foil parcels are quick and easy to make on the grill, perfect for a nice summer evening meal.” The packets may be prepared hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator and can be cooked in the oven or the grill.
Best Foil Potatoes
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“Was the best and easiest baked potato I’ve ever made! It’s definitely become the starch for the last min weeknight meal!” – Bessongirl18
Fish in Foil
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Cooking fish in a foil packet in the oven is not only simple and easy to clean, it also minimizes cooking odors. Recipe creator Denyse says, “The ‘no smell’ fish recipe that is the ONLY one I make for my family.”
Baked Salmon in a Foil Packet
This elegant recipe is an unusual mixture of marjoram- and star anise-flavored salmon cooked in foil on a bed of onions. Recipe creator NT Bella says “Baking salmon in a foil packet it a very healthy way of preparing fish, because you don’t need to use any fat for the baking process.”
Grilled Sausage with Potatoes and Green Beans
Smoked sausage, red potatoes, fresh green beans, and onions all cook together in one big foil packet for the ultimate summer barbecue dinner. It’s an easy grilled supper that is not only simple to prepare, but also makes clean up a breeze.
Tin Foil Stew
Chunks of beef, potato, carrots, and onion all come together in a foil packet and are seasoned with garlic, salt, and pepper. All you need is a tablespoon each of butter and water, to help the food to cook and keep everything juicy and moist.
Pot Roast in Foil
A tightly sealed foil packet ensures that the pot roast stays moist. Recipe creator L Beech says, “You can add cubed potatoes and sliced carrots to the roast before sealing it in foil, but I like to serve it over mashed potatoes and gravy.”
Baked Cod in Foil
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“One of the best meals I have ever cooked. I used canned chopped tomatoes & both red & yellow peppers. Served with a green salad & good bread with evoo & Italian spices for dipping. Yum!” — LGBREWNBAKE