One of my favorite Dutch Oven Recipes, making Dutch Oven Potatoes with Cheese is a family favorite. No BBQ is complete without this side dish recipe not to mention no camping trip is complete without a pot full of Cheesy Potatoes.
For years in my neighborhood we would spontaneously decide to hold a Pot Luck BBQ and we were always asked to make a huge batch of Dutch Oven Potatoes. It was simple and easy and really a low cost recipe. We were thrilled!
You may also enjoy Cowboy Beans a Baked Bean recipe made in the Dutch Oven. This is a winning recipe and one we make for all Family Reunions and large group events because it's so popular.
This recipe is easy to make a little more or a lot more so please take the time to read through this post for all those details. Leftovers are always welcome and reheat nicely. Potatoes are inexpensive too, so you can’t go wrong except if you don’t make enough.
I plan 1 large potato per adult being served. A large potato is one that is the size of your hand including fingers. This will also feed a couple of children servings.
The recipe calls for potatoes, onions, and carrots. You can leave the carrots out but personally I love the color they add as well as the flavor. For seasonings I prefer to use a Lawry’s Season Salt or Redmond’s Season Salt which is also delicious. You will also need some butter and Sprite or any Lemon Lime Soda. And feel free to use the Zero Calorie sodas too.
Cooking Methods for Cheesy Dutch Oven Potatoes
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven over Charcoal
- Cast Iron Dutch Oven over Cache Cooker
- Enamel Dutch Oven – baked in Oven
- Slow Cooker / Crock Pot
Always organize your ingredients before starting. It will save you time in the long run. This recipe can be cooked a variety of different ways. I’m going to focus on cooking cheesy potatoes over charcoal, my favorite.
Do NOT let this recipe discourage you. Cooking over charcoal is fun and not difficult at all. I’m going to help you step-by-step so you can achieve the same results.
How to make Dutch Oven Potatoes over Charcoal
Let’s Begin! For a recipe to feed 6 adults you will need 6 large potatoes and about 1 ½ to 2 Cups of Carrots and 1 Large Onion. This recipe will also feed a few children too without adding any extra. So don't worry about the littles. There will be plenty
You will need to start charcoal in a Chimney. They are easy to use by putting newspaper crumbled underneath and starting with a match. While the charcoal is getting hot, now is the time to peel and slice a large onion. I cut slices into quarters and separate rings and place in a large bowl.
Carrots can be peeled and diced into small chunks or sliced thin using a food processor. Now is also the time to peel potatoes. Potatoes should be sliced in uniform thin slices. I prefer to use a salad shooter or food processor with a thin blade.
In a large bowl combine sliced Onion, Carrots and Potatoes and toss to combine. Sprinkle Season Salt and toss to coat. Add vegetables to a 10in or 12in Dutch Oven. Slice butter and place on top of potatoes then pour Sprite on top and close lid.
How Many Pieces of Charcoal is needed per Dutch Oven?
You will need different amounts of charcoal for different sizes of Dutch Ovens. A good rule of thumb is to place 1 ½ times the diameter of the Dutch Oven on the bottom. If you are using a 12in Dutch Oven, you will need about 18 coals on the bottom. You will also need 1 piece of charcoal for every inch in diameter on top.
| Dutch Oven Size | Coals needed on Bottom | Coals needed on top |
|---|---|---|
| 10 inch Regular | 15-16 Coals | 10-12 Coals |
| 10 inch Deep | 15-18 Coals | 10-12 Coals |
| 12 inch Regular | 18-19 Coals | 12-14 Coals |
| 12 inch Deep | 18-21 Coals | 12-14 Coals |
Charcoal Tips
Heat Temperature will vary depending on weather. The wind is the biggest factor when trying to cook using charcoal. Wind will burn through charcoal faster, and divert the heat. Try to block wind as much as possible for best result or you will need to add additional charcoal to maintain the cooking heat process.
It’s likely that you will need to add a charcoal in the middle of the cooking process for potatoes and that is normal because of the longer cooking time. It’s easiest to start fresh charcoal once you have the potatoes cooking as it takes 15+ minutes for them to be ready to place.
Potatoes will cook for about 40-50 minutes. But remember, weather plays a role in cooking time as does the thickness of the potatoes. I prefer a nice thin slice using a food processor with a slicing blade for best results.
Add wind barriers around the Dutch Oven to block wind and keep the heat if needed.
Additional coals can be added on both the bottom and top as charcoal burns down. Do not over stack charcoal as it will raise the temperature and burn the potatoes.
To check potatoes, open lid being careful to not spill any charcoal ash into potatoes and test with a fork or knife. I also like a sneak a bite and taste test. If potatoes need additional time, place lid back on and allow them to cook.
Once potatoes have cooked open lid and sprinkle top with grated cheddar cheese. Replace lid and allow cheese to melt before serving.
You did it! You just make your first batch of Cheesy Dutch Oven Potatoes. This is a recipe you will always make and everyone loves.
Cheesy Potatoes using a Cache Cooker
Cooking Dutch Oven Potatoes with a Cache Cooker is a great option. It allows you to control the heat from the bottom and is much quicker to reach a hot temperature. Heat oven over Cache Cooker on a Medium/High heat. Once potatoes get hot, turn heat to medium and allow to cook for 35-40 minutes.
Again, remember it’s important to block the wind so the heat source stays under the Dutch Oven.
Check Potatoes with a knife or fork and when fully cooked sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top. Place lid back on top to melt cheese before serving.
Oven Baking Method
Don’t let bad weather days stop you from making this favorite recipe! Preheat oven to 350 degrees and place Dutch Oven in oven to preheat.
Mix ingredients together in a bowl and add to hot Dutch Oven. Cover with lid and bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes or until potatoes are fully cooked. Potatoes will need additional time for thicker slices.
When potatoes are fully cooked remove Dutch Oven from Oven and sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top. Place back in oven to melt cheese.
Dutch Oven Cheesy Potatoes are a favorite recipe with our friends, family and neighbors. It’s pretty standard to find them at most if not all BBQ Holiday events and always on Camping Trips.
They are easy to make and everyone loves them. Make sure to take a photo of your Cheesy Potatoes and share with me! I love to see what you created.
How to Clean
Cleaning your oven is very easy. Remove everything that was cooked. Add 2-3 cups of hot water. Heat oven over coals, cache cooker, or even stovetop. The heat will boil the water and lift any stuck bits from the oven. Use a scraping tool or wooden spoon to remove stuck bits. Pour off water and rinse. DO NOT USE SOAP. Allow the oven to dry. Wipe with a light coating of vegetable oil. Your oven is perfect for your next use.
Favorite Supplies Used
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- Charcoal Chimney
- 10 inch Lodge Dutch Oven
- 12 inch Lodge Dutch Oven
- 12 inch Aluminium Foil Liners
- Dutch Oven Lid Lifter
- Trivet for Dutch Oven
Dutch Oven Cooking fun Facts
- Some Dutch Ovens have 3 legs and some have 4
- Some have flat lids to hold charcoal
- In 2001 Dutch Oven was named the cooking vessel of Arkansas
- Utah’s state cooking Pot 1997
Which brand of Dutch Oven is Best?
We have been Cooking Dutch for 30+ years. We love Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Ovens and own many. The 10in and 12in are our most used.
What is the difference between a 10in Deep and a 12in Regular Dutch Oven?
A 10in Deep will be narrower in diameter than a 12in regular. The number is in reference to the inches in diameter. The 10in Deep will be taller and will hold the same amount as a 12in because of the depth. A deep Dutch Oven is useful when cooking Dutch Oven Potatoes, or even a whole chicken. There are many great uses for a deep Dutch Oven.
Favorites Camping Meals
- Dutch Oven Potatoes
- Sausage and Peppers
- Chili Cheese Fries
- Fruit Waffle Cone
- S'mores Dip
- Cowboy Caviar
- Frito Pie
Thursday #BBQWeek Recipes
Appetizers and Drinks
- Berry Basil Moscow Mules by Daily Dish Recipes
- Virgin Strawberry Daiquiris by House of Nash Eats
- Watermelon Raspberry Lemonade by Kate's Recipe Box
Side Dishes
- Antipasto Chickpea Salad by Making Miracles
- Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad by Sweet Beginnings
- Dutch Oven Potatoes by Devour Dinner
- Summer Pasta Salad by SueBee Homemaker
Main Dishes
- Grilled Ham Steak with Honey Mustard Glaze by Blogghetti
Desserts
- Strawberry Margarita Ice Cream Sandwiches by That Recipe
Be sure to follow our Pinterest board for more summer BBQ ideas. Thank you to Christie from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures and Ellen from Family Around the Table for hosting the event.
Dutch Oven Cheesy Potatoes
Ingredients
- 6 Potatoes Large - about size of hand
- 1 Onion Large
- 1 ½ - 2 Cups Carrots Peeled and diced or sliced
- 2 tbl Season Salt
- ¼ Cup Butter
- 10 oz Sprite or Lemon Lime Soda
- 2 Cups Cheddar Cheese grated
Instructions
Cooking with Charcoal
- You will need to start charcoal in a Chimney. They are easy to use by putting newspaper crumbled underneath and starting with a match. While the charcoal is getting hot, now is the time to peel and slice a large onion. I cut slices into quarters and separate rings and place in a large bowl.
- Carrots can be peeled and diced into small chunks or sliced thin using a food processor.
- Potatoes should be sliced in uniform thin slices. I prefer to use a salad shooter or food processor with a thin blade.
- In a large bowl combine sliced Onion, Carrots and Potatoes and toss to combine. Sprinkle Season Salt and toss to coat.
- Add vegetables to a 10in or 12in Dutch Oven. Slice butter and place on top of potatoes then pour Sprite on top and close lid.
- Potatoes will cook for about 40-50 minutes. But remember, weather plays a role in cooking time as does the thickness of the potatoes. I prefer a nice thin slice using a food processor with a slicing blade for best results.
- Additional coals can be added on both the bottom and top as charcoal burns down. Do not over stack charcoal as it will raise the temperature and burn the potatoes.
- To check potatoes, open lid being careful to not spill any charcoal ash into potatoes and test with a fork or knife. I also like a sneak a bite and taste test. If potatoes need additional time, place lid back on and allow them to cook.
- Once potatoes have cooked open lid and sprinkle top with grated cheddar cheese. Replace lid and allow cheese to melt before serving.
Oven Baking Directions
- Mix ingredients together in a bowl and add to hot Dutch Oven. Cover with lid and bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes or until potatoes are fully cooked. Potatoes will need additional time for thicker slices.
- When potatoes are fully cooked remove Dutch Oven from Oven and sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top. Place back in oven to melt cheese.
Cooking using a Cache Cooker
- Heat oven over Cache Cooker on a Medium/High heat. Once potatoes get hot, turn heat to medium and allow to cook for 35-40 minutes.
- Check Potatoes with a knife or fork and when fully cooked sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top. Place lid back on top to melt cheese before serving.
Notes
| Dutch Oven Size | Coals needed on Bottom | Coals needed on top |
|---|---|---|
| 10 inch Regular | 15-16 Coals | 10-12 Coals |
| 10 inch Deep | 15-18 Coals | 10-12 Coals |
| 12 inch Regular | 18-19 Coals | 12-14 Coals |
| 12 inch Deep | 18-21 Coals | 12-14 Coals |
Emily
I tried these in the oven and they turned out perfect! So cheesy and delicious! The onions and carrots gave it the extra flavor that made it a perfect side dish or main course!
Lisa Kerhin
How interesting, I learned quite a bit about Dutch ovens and I love the use of Sprite in the potatoes.