Cheesy Sausage and Baby Potatoes Foil Packs

Ingredients

• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
• 4 sheets aluminum foil, 12 inches each

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or get your grill heated to medium-high if you’re opting to cook outside.
2. Take a large bowl and toss the baby potatoes with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper until everything’s nicely coated.
3. Divide the seasoned potatoes, sausage, bell pepper, and onion evenly among the foil sheets. Fold the foil around the ingredients, sealing everything into individual packs.
4. Place the foil packs on a baking sheet and slide them into the oven or place them directly on the grill grate, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Carefully open the foil packs and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over each. Return to the oven or close the grill lid for another 2-3 minutes, or just until the cheese is melted to your liking.
6. Remove from the oven or grill, and let it cool for a minute or two. Then, open the packs carefully–watch for steam–and garnish with a touch of fresh parsley if you fancy.

Variations & Tips

• If you’re cooking for picky eaters or have folks with spice sensitivities, you can customize each foil pack to match their preferences, maybe skipping the onion for one or going light on the paprika for another.
• Wanna mix in some veggies? Try adding corn or diced zucchini to the packs before cooking for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
• If you’ve got leftover chicken or beef, feel free to substitute them for the sausage. This recipe is all about making do with what you’ve got and still creating a delicious meal.
• Remember, the key to a good foil pack is a tight seal, so fold those edges nicely to keep all the flavors locked in during cooking.
• And finally, a little mealtime fun: let everyone personalize their foil pack before cooking. It’s like making their own little dinner present!