Grilled Potatoes Recipe
If you crave something both crispy and tender to round out your summer meal, Grilled Potatoes are the answer. This backyard classic captures the essence of summer grilling—with golden, smoky potato halves that are irresistibly flavorful, thanks to a mouthwatering blend of olive oil, garlic, and smoked paprika. Whether skewered or nestled in a grill basket, each bite is tender inside and charred just right on the outside, making it the perfect crowd-pleasing side dish for any barbecue, picnic, or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Grilled Potatoes are proof that even the simplest ingredients can transform into something magical. Every component here plays its part in making the final dish taste incredible, from the creamy potatoes to the smoky spices. There’s nothing fancy, but each ingredient brings essential flavor or texture, so don’t skip anything!
- Baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes (1.5 lbs, halved): These have a natural creaminess and hold up beautifully on the grill. Halving them lets the flavor soak in and gives more caramelized edges.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds moisture so the potatoes don’t dry out and helps the spices stick for even flavor and the perfect char.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers a deep savory kick without burning on the grill, infusing every bite with robust warmth.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Essential for that gently smoky flavor and gorgeous golden-red color, giving these Grilled Potatoes their signature flair.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the natural sweetness in the potatoes—you’ll taste the difference!
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild heat that perfectly rounds out the seasoning blend.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Sprinkling fresh parsley over the top not only adds brightness and color, but also a herby pop that keeps things tasting fresh.
How to Make Grilled Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the Grill
The first key to achieving perfectly cooked Grilled Potatoes is preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures an even, smoky char right from the start and sets you up for quick, thorough cooking. Don’t rush this step—let your grill get fully hot so your potatoes don’t stick and you get those irresistible grill marks!
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
Toss your halved potatoes in a big mixing bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a big spoon to mix until each piece is coated evenly. This is where the magic begins! The oil helps the spices stick and promotes caramelization, while the seasonings seep right into the cuts for bold flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Skewer or Prepare for the Grill
You have two foolproof options here: either thread the seasoned potatoes onto skewers (perfect for easy flipping) or pile them into a grill basket for simplicity. Both ways ensure that every potato half gets a chance to char and crisp up. Just make sure not to overcrowd—giving your Grilled Potatoes a little space helps them cook evenly.
Step 4: Grill the Potatoes
Lay your skewers or grill basket on the preheated grill and close the lid. Cook the potatoes for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning them occasionally so every side gets nicely charred. They’re done when they’re fork-tender on the inside and beautifully golden and crispy on the edges. Take a peek and give them a gentle squeeze with the tongs to check for doneness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the hot potatoes from the grill and let them cool for a minute, then transfer to a serving platter. Shower them with fresh chopped parsley for a splash of color and fresh flavor. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a quick squeeze of lemon juice takes them over the top. Serve your Grilled Potatoes warm and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Grilled Potatoes
Garnishes
There’s nothing like a pretty plate of Grilled Potatoes topped off with something fresh! Classic chopped parsley adds a clean, herby note, but you can experiment with a flurry of thinly sliced green onions, crisp fried shallots, or a dollop of herbed sour cream. Don’t underestimate the power of a quick citrus zest or a dusting of feta, which both add an extra dimension of flavor.
Side Dishes
These potatoes are total team players, pairing well with just about everything. Try them next to grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a hearty and satisfying combo, or serve with veggie skewers and corn on the cob for a plant-based feast. A fresh summer salad, creamy coleslaw, or a tangy cucumber yogurt dip makes the perfect refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Spice up your spread by serving Grilled Potatoes on wooden skewers for easy hand-held bites at parties or picnics. You can also set up a mini topping bar—think crumbled bacon, shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or sauces—so guests can build their own masterpiece. For fun family-style dining, arrange the potatoes over a bed of leafy greens and let everyone dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Grilled Potatoes, let them cool completely, then pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making them a fantastic meal-prep option for weekday lunches or quick reheats alongside dinner.
Freezing
Want to save your Grilled Potatoes for another day? Spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. This prevents them from sticking together. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months—perfect for tossing into last-minute meals.
Reheating
To restore their crispy edges, spread the potatoes out on a baking sheet and heat in a 400°F oven for about 10 minutes. You can also pop them back on the grill for a few minutes or reheat in a skillet. The microwave works in a pinch but won’t quite recapture that irresistible grilled texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for Grilled Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes or Yukon golds offer a rich, creamy texture, red potatoes or fingerlings are great choices too. Just keep potato chunks similar in size to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Do I need to parboil the potatoes before grilling?
Parboiling isn’t essential, but it can shave off a few minutes of grill time and help achieve extra-tender centers. Simply simmer the halved potatoes for about 5 minutes, drain them well, then proceed with the recipe as usual.
What if I don’t have a grill basket or skewers?
No worries! You can place the seasoned potatoes directly on the grill grates—just be careful to arrange them cut-side down to prevent sticking. Flip with tongs as needed. Or, improvise with heavy-duty foil folded into a packet with a few holes poked in for smoke flavor.
How do I know when the Grilled Potatoes are done?
They’re perfectly cooked when the skins are crisp and golden from the grill, and the insides are fork-tender. Try piercing a piece with a fork; if it slides in easily, you’re good to go!
Can I make this recipe ahead for parties?
Definitely! You can season the potatoes a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge, covered. When it’s time to grill, just bring them to room temperature and proceed. Leftovers also reheat beautifully for easy entertaining.
Final Thoughts
You just can’t beat the flavor and fun factor of homemade Grilled Potatoes. They’re guaranteed to win over your friends and family, and you’ll love how easy they are to prepare. Give these Grilled Potatoes a try this season—you might just find they become a staple on your menu!
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Grilled Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Grilled Potatoes are a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s perfect for summer BBQs. Tender baby potatoes are seasoned with garlic powder and smoked paprika, grilled to perfection, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, halved
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Toss Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Grill Potatoes: Thread the potatoes onto skewers or place them in a grill basket. Grill for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and lightly charred.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from the grill, let cool slightly, transfer to a serving platter, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle with grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- You can also parboil the potatoes for 5 minutes before grilling for faster cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
