Hobo Potatoes
Hobo Potatoes are a hearty, flavorful dish featuring tender potatoes, onions, and green peppers baked with butter and garlic. Perfect for outdoor grilling or oven baking, this easy-to-make foil pack meal suits family dinners and casual gatherings, offering smoky, savory flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice potatoes, onion, and green pepper into strips.
- Layer half of the sliced potatoes, onions, and green pepper on a sheet of foil.
- Add half of the butter and garlic powder on top of the layered vegetables.
- Repeat with the remaining vegetables, butter, and garlic powder.
- Wrap the foil securely to form a sealed packet.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 1 hour or until the vegetables are tender.
- Alternatively, grill the foil packet until cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider tossing in some diced carrots or zucchini along with the potatoes and peppers. If you prefer a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You can also substitute olive oil for butter for a lighter option. If you're short on time, parboil the potatoes for 10 minutes before layering them in the foil to ensure they cook through evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hobo Potatoes as a hearty side dish to grilled meats or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal. They pair beautifully with Hot Pizza Dip for a fun gathering. For a vegetarian option, consider serving them with a side of grilled corn or sautéed greens. They also make a great addition to any outdoor barbecue.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the foil packet on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave-safe dish, covering it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hobo Potatoes contains roughly 743 calories, with 13g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1300mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Hobo Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the foil packets in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes them a convenient option for busy evenings or outdoor gatherings.
What if I don’t have foil?
If you don't have aluminum foil, you can use parchment paper, though it may not create as tight of a seal. Alternatively, you can use a covered baking dish or Dutch oven, though cooking times may vary.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While red or white potatoes are recommended, you can use Yukon gold, fingerling, or even sweet potatoes for a twist. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of potato used.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).