Grilled Mushrooms and Onions in Foil: A Flavor-Packed Camping and Backyard Delight

Imagine the smoky aroma of a grill, mingling with the earthy scent of mushrooms and the sweet tang of onions. Now picture them all cooked together in a foil packet, creating a tender, flavorful side dish or even a vegetarian main course. Grilled mushrooms and onions in foil are incredibly easy to make, require minimal cleanup, and are perfect for both camping trips and backyard barbecues. This recipe is adaptable to your preferences, allowing you to experiment with different seasonings and additions to create a dish that’s uniquely yours. Let’s dive into the details and explore how to make this delicious treat.

Why Grill Mushrooms and Onions in Foil?

Before we get to the recipe, let’s talk about why cooking mushrooms and onions in foil on the grill is such a great idea:

* **Easy Cleanup:** The foil packet keeps all the mess contained, meaning no scrubbing the grill grates afterward. Simply discard the foil (once cooled, of course!).
* **Even Cooking:** The foil traps steam, helping the mushrooms and onions cook evenly and become tender without drying out.
* **Flavor Infusion:** The enclosed environment allows the flavors of the mushrooms, onions, and seasonings to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and savory dish.
* **Versatility:** This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. You can add different herbs, spices, vegetables, and even a splash of wine or broth to customize the flavor profile.
* **Portability:** Foil packets are easy to transport, making them ideal for camping, picnics, and potlucks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own grilled mushrooms and onions in foil:

* **Mushrooms:** 1 pound, sliced. Use your favorite type of mushrooms, such as cremini (baby bella), button, portobello (sliced), or a combination.
* **Onions:** 1-2 medium, sliced. Yellow or white onions work well, but you can also use red onions for a slightly sweeter flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** 2-3 tablespoons. This helps to prevent sticking and adds richness.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor.
* **Fresh Herbs (Optional):** 1-2 tablespoons, chopped. Thyme, rosemary, oregano, or parsley are all great choices.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors.
* **Butter (Optional):** 1-2 tablespoons, cut into small pieces. Butter adds richness and flavor.
* **Soy Sauce or Worcestershire Sauce (Optional):** 1-2 teaspoons. Adds umami and depth of flavor.
* **Lemon Juice or Balsamic Vinegar (Optional):** 1-2 teaspoons. Adds acidity and brightness.
* **Red Pepper Flakes (Optional):** A pinch, for a touch of heat.
* **Heavy-duty Aluminum Foil:** Enough to create packets for the mushrooms and onions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create delicious grilled mushrooms and onions in foil:

**1. Prepare the Ingredients:**

* Wash and slice the mushrooms. If using portobello mushrooms, remove the stems and gills before slicing.
* Peel and slice the onions. You can slice them into rings or half-moons, depending on your preference.
* Mince the garlic.
* Chop any fresh herbs you’re using.

**2. Assemble the Foil Packets:**

* Tear off a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12-18 inches long). If you’re concerned about the foil tearing, you can use two sheets layered on top of each other.
* Place the sliced mushrooms and onions in the center of the foil sheet.

**3. Add the Seasonings and Flavorings:**

* Drizzle the olive oil over the mushrooms and onions.
* Sprinkle the minced garlic, fresh herbs (if using), salt, and pepper over the mixture.
* If using, add the butter pieces, soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes.

**4. Seal the Foil Packet:**

* Bring the long sides of the foil together over the mushrooms and onions.
* Fold the edges over several times, creating a tight seal to prevent steam from escaping.
* Fold in the short ends of the foil to create a completely sealed packet.

**5. Grill the Foil Packet:**

* Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C).
* Place the foil packet directly on the grill grates.
* Grill for 20-30 minutes, or until the mushrooms and onions are tender and cooked through. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the temperature of your grill. Check occasionally to avoid burning; carefully open one packet slightly to test for doneness.

**6. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Carefully remove the foil packet from the grill using tongs or oven mitts. Be cautious, as the packet will be hot and steamy.
* Let the packet rest for a few minutes before opening it to allow the steam to escape safely.
* Open the foil packet and serve the grilled mushrooms and onions immediately. They can be served as a side dish with grilled meats, poultry, or fish, or as a vegetarian main course over rice, pasta, or quinoa. They are also delicious in sandwiches or wraps.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

* **Mushroom Variety:** Experiment with different types of mushrooms. Shiitake, oyster, and maitake mushrooms add unique flavors and textures.
* **Vegetable Additions:** Add other vegetables to the foil packet, such as bell peppers, zucchini, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes. Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
* **Cheese:** Add crumbled feta cheese, goat cheese, or grated Parmesan cheese to the foil packet during the last few minutes of grilling for a cheesy and flavorful dish.
* **Wine or Broth:** Add a splash of white wine, red wine, or vegetable broth to the foil packet to add moisture and flavor. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as it can make the mushrooms and onions soggy.
* **Bacon or Sausage:** Add cooked bacon or sausage to the foil packet for a heartier and more flavorful dish. Cut the bacon or sausage into small pieces before adding it.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chili powder, or smoked paprika to the foil packet for a spicier flavor.
* **Sweetness:** Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the foil packet for a touch of sweetness.
* **Camping Variation:** When camping, you can cook the foil packets directly in the embers of a campfire. Be sure to rotate the packets occasionally to ensure even cooking. You can also place the foil packets on a grill grate over the campfire.
* **Oven Baking:** If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the foil packets in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the mushrooms and onions are tender.
* **Deglaze the pan:** If you are using a cast iron skillet on the grill, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine after the mushrooms and onions are cooked. This will create a delicious sauce to serve with the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Grilled mushrooms and onions in foil are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Side Dish:** Serve as a side dish with grilled steak, chicken, pork, or fish.
* **Vegetarian Main Course:** Serve over rice, pasta, quinoa, or polenta for a vegetarian main course.
* **Sandwich or Wrap Filling:** Use as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or tacos.
* **Pizza Topping:** Add to homemade pizza for a delicious and flavorful topping.
* **Omelet or Frittata Ingredient:** Add to omelets or frittatas for a savory and earthy flavor.
* **Salad Topping:** Top a salad with grilled mushrooms and onions for a warm and flavorful addition.
* **Appetizer:** Serve on toasted bread or crackers with a dollop of goat cheese or ricotta cheese for a simple and elegant appetizer.

Make-Ahead Tips

To save time, you can prepare the mushrooms and onions ahead of time. Slice the mushrooms and onions, mince the garlic, and chop the herbs. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the foil packets. You can also assemble the foil packets ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to add any liquid ingredients (such as olive oil, soy sauce, or lemon juice) just before grilling to prevent the mushrooms and onions from becoming soggy.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftover grilled mushrooms and onions, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Recipe Card

Here’s a printable recipe card for easy reference:

**Grilled Mushrooms and Onions in Foil**

**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 20-30 minutes
**Serves:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
* 1-2 medium onions, sliced
* 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1-2 tablespoons fresh herbs, chopped (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1-2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces (optional)
* 1-2 teaspoons soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional)
* 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice or balsamic vinegar (optional)
* Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
* Heavy-duty aluminum foil

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat grill to medium heat (350-400°F or 175-200°C).
2. Tear off a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
3. Place sliced mushrooms and onions in the center of the foil sheet.
4. Drizzle with olive oil, garlic, herbs (if using), salt, and pepper.
5. Add butter, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Bring long sides of foil together and fold over several times to seal.
7. Fold in short ends to create a completely sealed packet.
8. Place foil packet on the grill grates.
9. Grill for 20-30 minutes, or until mushrooms and onions are tender.
10. Carefully remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before opening.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy!

**Notes:**

* Experiment with different types of mushrooms and vegetables.
* Add cheese, wine, broth, bacon, or sausage for added flavor.
* Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-40 minutes if you don’t have a grill.

Conclusion

Grilled mushrooms and onions in foil are a simple, delicious, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re camping in the great outdoors or hosting a backyard barbecue, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With endless possibilities for customization, you can create a dish that perfectly suits your taste. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy the savory flavors of grilled mushrooms and onions!