How to fold a tin foil dinner is key to a successful camping meal! This easy step by step guide is easy to follow and ensures quick and easy campfire or grilling recipes!

Tin foil recipes are a staple for us. Whether we are camping, grilling, or enjoying at home in the oven, these dinner are always welcome.

One specific gathering that pops into my mind… We were getting together with some of our friends and decided to have dinner. I walked into our hosts kitchen and her table was covered in random toppings and fillings. We all had a blast building our own unique dinners. It was such a great hands on activity and still talked about today as one of our favorite parties.

We also make these regularly when camping. They are so easy and delicious! The secret is really folding the ingredients into a sturdy packet so it stays together while cooking.

How to Fold a Foil Packet

Items you need for a successful tin foil dinner:

This list is not long. Really, two items are going to be what you need to start. The rest is there for the recipe!
Heavy Duty Foil- If you do not have heavy duty foil, you can use regular. Just make sure you double or triple up.
Cooking spray- We like to use avocado oil, coconut oil, or even Pam. Anything works, just make sure to give a good mist to the foil before you start to build your meal.
A quality recipe- Did you know that dinners are not the only thing you can make in tin foil? Breakfast, snacks, desserts… All of these can be made in a tin foil packet!

Tin foil dinner tips and tricks:

Use cooking spray! The last thing you want is precious pieces of your meal sticking to the foil.
Make sure you use a large enough piece of foil.
Slice your vegetables thin. Especially veggies that take a little longer to cook. This helps cut down the cooking time.
Place the items that need to cook the longest down first. You want them to be closest to the heat source.
Use thin meat to help with cooking. We like to slice the chicken in half lengthwise or spread hamburger a little thinner.
Season the meat before you add it to the pack. We sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper and stir seasonings right into ground beef.
Precook pasta or rice, unless you are using instant rice.
Start with your packet meat side down. You also want to turn the packet at least two to three times.

How to fold hobo dinners:

Start by cutting a piece of heavy-duty tin foil big enough to fit your meal. I recommend 12-18 inches long.
Generously mist with non-stick cooking spray. I always use coconut oil spray but even regular ol’ Pam will work.
Layer your food directly in the center of your food. Remember to put the items that take longer to cook on the outside so they are exposed directly to the heat.
Bring the two longer edges together above the food. Fold the edges together down twice, creating the top seal.
Press the shorter side edges together and fold, creating a secure packet. Cook according to your recipe in the oven, on the grill, or over hot coals.

How to cook tin foil dinner recipes:

On a fire: The secret here is to place the dinners on hot coals, not directly on the fire. You also need to make sure the coals have been heated fully. I suggest using white mature coals and avoid the coals that are bright red. Make sure there are enough coals to cover the entire bottom of your packet.
On the grill: Preheat your grill to around 400 degrees. Cook the foil packets on the grill grate until the vegetables are soft and the meat is cooked through.
In the oven: When cooking the tin foil meal in the oven, use one layer of foil. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and cook the foil meal for 30-45 minutes or until the vegetables are soft and the meat is cooked through.

Easy Tin Foil Dinner Recipes to Try:

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