H1Skewered Grilled Potatoes: The Ultimate Summer BBQ Side Dish
Pssst… want to know a secret to unlocking the most amazing BBQ side dish you’ve ever tasted? It’s simpler than you think: skewered grilled potatoes! Forget boiling, baking, or even pan-frying. Grilling potatoes on skewers infuses them with a smoky char, creates perfectly crispy edges, and makes them incredibly easy to handle and serve. This recipe takes that concept to the next level, offering a versatile base recipe that you can customize with your favorite herbs, spices, and sauces. Get ready to elevate your grilling game and impress your friends and family with these irresistible skewered grilled potatoes!
Introduction: Why Skewered Grilled Potatoes are a Game Changer
We all love potatoes. They’re comforting, versatile, and readily available. But let’s be honest, sometimes potato side dishes can feel a bit…predictable. Mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, potato salad – they all have their place, but they can also feel a little tired. That’s where skewered grilled potatoes come in. They are the perfect way to transform a humble ingredient into a show-stopping dish.
Here’s why you should ditch the same-old potato routine and embrace the skewer:
* **Unbeatable Flavor:** Grilling imparts a smoky char that you just can’t achieve with other cooking methods. The direct heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the potatoes, creating a delicious sweetness that complements the savory flavors.
* **Perfect Texture:** The outside of the potatoes gets wonderfully crispy and golden brown, while the inside remains tender and fluffy. This contrast in texture is incredibly satisfying.
* **Easy to Handle:** Skewering the potatoes makes them incredibly easy to manage on the grill. No more flipping individual potato slices or worrying about them sticking to the grates.
* **Impressive Presentation:** Skewered potatoes look fantastic! They’re a fun and visually appealing way to serve a side dish.
* **Versatile:** This recipe is a blank canvas. You can customize it with your favorite herbs, spices, sauces, and even other vegetables.
* **Quick Cooking:** While it depends on the size of your potato chunks, skewered potatoes generally cook faster on the grill than larger potato preparations.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients and Equipment
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
**Ingredients:**
* **Potatoes:** 2 pounds of small to medium-sized potatoes. Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or baby potatoes work best. Avoid Russet potatoes, as they tend to be too starchy and can fall apart on the grill. Consider using a mix of different colored potatoes for a visually appealing presentation.
* **Olive Oil:** ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil. This will help the potatoes crisp up and prevent them from sticking to the grill.
* **Seasoning:** 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika (optional, but highly recommended for that smoky flavor).
* **Fresh Herbs (Optional):** 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, parsley, or chives. These add a burst of freshness and flavor.
* **Optional Add-Ins:** A splash of lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can all elevate the flavor profile.
* **Sauce for serving (Optional):** A variety of sauces can be served along side or brushed on during the last minute of grilling. Try pesto, chimichurri, garlic aioli, BBQ sauce, or even just sour cream.
**Equipment:**
* **Grill:** A gas or charcoal grill. Make sure it’s clean and preheated to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F).
* **Skewers:** Metal or wooden skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
* **Large Bowl:** For tossing the potatoes with oil and seasoning.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping the potatoes and herbs.
* **Tongs:** For flipping the skewers on the grill.
* **Basting Brush (Optional):** For applying sauce during the last minute of grilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Grilling Perfection Achieved
Now that we have everything ready, let’s get grilling! Follow these simple steps for perfectly skewered grilled potatoes:
**Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes**
1. **Wash the Potatoes:** Thoroughly wash the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. You don’t need to peel them, as the skin will add texture and flavor.
2. **Cut the Potatoes:** Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking. Smaller potatoes can be halved or quartered. The goal is to have pieces that are large enough to stay on the skewer but small enough to cook through quickly.
**Step 2: Season the Potatoes**
1. **Toss with Oil and Seasoning:** In a large bowl, combine the cut potatoes with the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Toss well to ensure that the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning. Use your hands to massage the seasoning into the potatoes for best results.
2. **Add Herbs (Optional):** If using fresh herbs, add them to the bowl and toss again to combine.
**Step 3: Skewer the Potatoes**
1. **Thread the Potatoes:** Thread the potatoes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Be careful not to overcrowd the skewers, as this can prevent the potatoes from cooking properly. Aim for about 5-6 potato pieces per skewer, depending on their size.
2. **Alternate Colors (Optional):** If using a mix of different colored potatoes, alternate them on the skewers for a visually appealing presentation.
**Step 4: Grill the Potatoes**
1. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
2. **Grill the Skewers:** Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning. The potatoes should be tender and slightly charred on all sides. Use tongs to carefully flip the skewers.
3. **Check for Doneness:** To check for doneness, insert a fork or knife into one of the potato pieces. It should slide in easily with little resistance. If the potatoes are still firm, continue grilling for a few more minutes.
4. **Sauce it Up (Optional):** During the last minute of grilling, brush the skewers with your favorite sauce, such as BBQ sauce, pesto, or chimichurri. This will add an extra layer of flavor and create a beautiful glaze.
**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**
1. **Remove from Grill:** Once the potatoes are cooked through and nicely charred, remove the skewers from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added flavor and visual appeal.
3. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the skewered grilled potatoes immediately while they’re still hot and crispy. They’re delicious on their own or as a side dish to grilled meats, chicken, or fish.
Tips and Tricks for Grilling Success
* **Soak Wooden Skewers:** If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. This will also help them stay intact and prevent the potatoes from sticking.
* **Use the Right Potatoes:** Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or baby potatoes work best for grilling. Avoid Russet potatoes, as they tend to be too starchy and can fall apart on the grill.
* **Cut Potatoes Evenly:** Cut the potatoes into uniform size pieces to ensure even cooking. This will prevent some pieces from being overcooked while others are still undercooked.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers:** Leave a small space between each potato piece on the skewer to allow for even cooking and browning.
* **Preheat the Grill:** Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat before adding the skewers. This will help the potatoes crisp up and prevent them from sticking.
* **Oil the Grates:** Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the potatoes from sticking. You can use a grill brush or a paper towel dipped in oil.
* **Turn Frequently:** Turn the skewers every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.
* **Use a Thermometer:** If you’re unsure about the doneness of the potatoes, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. They should reach an internal temperature of around 200-210°F.
* **Let Rest (Optional):** After grilling, let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the potatoes even more flavorful.
Variations: Customize Your Skewered Potatoes
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Spicy Skewered Potatoes:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mixture or brush the skewers with a spicy BBQ sauce during the last minute of grilling.
* **Garlic Parmesan Skewered Potatoes:** Add a tablespoon of minced garlic to the seasoning mixture and sprinkle the skewers with grated Parmesan cheese after grilling.
* **Herb-Infused Skewered Potatoes:** Use a combination of your favorite fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, parsley, and chives. Add them to the seasoning mixture or sprinkle them on the skewers after grilling.
* **Balsamic Glazed Skewered Potatoes:** Drizzle the skewers with balsamic glaze after grilling for a sweet and tangy flavor.
* **Skewered Potato and Vegetable Kabobs:** Add other vegetables to the skewers, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. This will create a colorful and flavorful kabob.
* **Mediterranean Skewered Potatoes:** Season the potatoes with oregano, lemon zest, and a pinch of cumin. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce.
* **Mexican-Inspired Skewered Potatoes:** Season the potatoes with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro.
* **Sweet Potato Skewers:** Replace the regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a naturally sweeter flavor. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to complement the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions: Completing the Meal
Skewered grilled potatoes are a fantastic side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Grilled Meats:** Serve with grilled steak, chicken, pork chops, or sausages. The smoky flavor of the potatoes complements the grilled flavor of the meat.
* **Grilled Fish:** Pair with grilled salmon, tuna, or swordfish. The potatoes provide a hearty and satisfying contrast to the light and flaky fish.
* **BBQ Favorites:** Serve alongside classic BBQ dishes like ribs, pulled pork, or brisket.
* **Vegetarian Options:** Serve with grilled halloumi cheese, veggie burgers, or stuffed bell peppers.
* **Salads:** Add to a green salad or serve alongside a caprese salad for a complete and balanced meal.
* **Dips and Sauces:** Offer a variety of dips and sauces for dipping, such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, sour cream, chimichurri, or pesto.
Beyond the Recipe: Storage and Reheating
If you have any leftover skewered grilled potatoes, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the following methods:
* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Skillet:** Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through, stirring occasionally.
* **Microwave:** Microwave the potatoes for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. However, be aware that microwaving can make the potatoes a bit soggy.
* **Air Fryer:** Reheat them in an air fryer at 350F for 5-7 minutes for extra crispiness.
Conclusion: Grill Your Way to Potato Perfection
Skewered grilled potatoes are a delicious, easy, and versatile side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their smoky flavor, crispy texture, and customizable seasoning options, they’re sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So fire up the grill, grab some potatoes, and get ready to experience potato perfection! This recipe is a guaranteed way to elevate your BBQ game and impress everyone with your grilling skills. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and sauces to create your own unique and flavorful variations. Happy grilling!