Balsamic Grilled Baby Potatoes: A Flavorful Summer Side Dish

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy delicious, easy-to-make recipes. These Balsamic Grilled Baby Potatoes are a fantastic side dish that pairs well with almost anything, from grilled chicken and steak to fish and vegetables. The combination of the smoky grill flavor, the tangy balsamic glaze, and the tender baby potatoes creates a truly irresistible dish. This recipe is simple, requires minimal ingredients, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at your next barbecue or summer gathering.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Simple and Quick:** This recipe requires only a few ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu cookouts.
* **Flavorful:** The balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the smoky grilled potatoes.
* **Versatile:** These potatoes can be served as a side dish with a variety of main courses or even as a delicious appetizer.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves potatoes, and the balsamic glaze adds a sophisticated twist that will impress your guests.
* **Easy to Customize:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by adding different herbs, spices, or even vegetables.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Baby Potatoes:** 2 pounds, preferably small and uniform in size.
* **Olive Oil:** 3 tablespoons, extra virgin olive oil preferred.
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** 1/4 cup, good quality balsamic vinegar.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Dried Rosemary:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Salt:** To taste.
* **Black Pepper:** To taste.
* **Fresh Parsley:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish).

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large Pot:** For boiling the potatoes.
* **Colander:** For draining the potatoes.
* **Large Bowl:** For tossing the potatoes with the marinade.
* **Grill:** Gas or charcoal grill.
* **Grill Basket or Skewers:** To prevent the potatoes from falling through the grill grates. A grill basket is highly recommended.
* **Tongs:** For turning the potatoes on the grill.
* **Small Saucepan:** For making the balsamic glaze (optional, but recommended).

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. **Wash the Potatoes:** Thoroughly wash the baby potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. You don’t need to peel them, as the skin adds flavor and texture.
2. **Boil the Potatoes:** Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
3. **Cook Until Tender:** Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer the potatoes for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork, but they shouldn’t be mushy.
4. **Drain the Potatoes:** Drain the potatoes in a colander and let them cool slightly. While they are still warm, gently pat them dry with paper towels.

### Step 2: Prepare the Balsamic Marinade

1. **Mince the Garlic:** Peel and mince the garlic cloves. Mincing the garlic ensures that it evenly distributes its flavor throughout the marinade.
2. **Combine the Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Adjust the seasonings to your liking.

### Step 3: Marinate the Potatoes

1. **Toss the Potatoes:** Add the slightly cooled potatoes to the bowl with the balsamic marinade. Gently toss them to ensure that they are evenly coated.
2. **Marinate:** Let the potatoes marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they will be. You can marinate them in the refrigerator if you’re preparing them ahead of time.

### Step 4: Preheat the Grill

1. **Preheat the Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed.
2. **Grease the Grill Grates:** Lightly grease the grill grates with cooking oil or spray to prevent the potatoes from sticking. This is especially important if you’re not using a grill basket.

### Step 5: Grill the Potatoes

1. **Arrange the Potatoes:** Place the marinated potatoes in a grill basket or on skewers. If using skewers, thread the potatoes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each potato to allow for even cooking.
2. **Grill the Potatoes:** Place the grill basket or skewers on the preheated grill. Grill the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are slightly charred and tender. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes and the heat of your grill.
3. **Check for Doneness:** To check if the potatoes are done, pierce them with a fork. They should be easily pierced and slightly softened.

### Step 6: Make the Balsamic Glaze (Optional)

1. **Pour Balsamic Vinegar into a Saucepan:** If you want to make a balsamic glaze, pour the remaining balsamic marinade (or fresh balsamic vinegar if you prefer) into a small saucepan.
2. **Simmer:** Bring the balsamic vinegar to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vinegar has reduced and thickened into a glaze-like consistency. Be careful not to burn the glaze.
3. **Cool Slightly:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the balsamic glaze cool slightly. It will thicken further as it cools.

### Step 7: Serve

1. **Transfer to a Serving Dish:** Transfer the grilled potatoes to a serving dish.
2. **Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze (Optional):** If you made the balsamic glaze, drizzle it over the grilled potatoes.
3. **Garnish:** Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the balsamic grilled baby potatoes immediately as a side dish with your favorite grilled meats, fish, or vegetables.

## Tips for the Best Balsamic Grilled Baby Potatoes

* **Choose the Right Potatoes:** Use baby potatoes that are similar in size to ensure even cooking. Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well.
* **Don’t Overcook the Potatoes:** Be careful not to overcook the potatoes when boiling them. They should be fork-tender but not mushy.
* **Marinate for Flavor:** Marinating the potatoes for at least 15-20 minutes will allow them to absorb the flavors of the balsamic marinade.
* **Use a Grill Basket:** Using a grill basket will prevent the potatoes from falling through the grill grates and make it easier to turn them.
* **Control the Heat:** Maintain a medium heat on the grill to prevent the potatoes from burning.
* **Make Ahead:** You can boil and marinate the potatoes ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill them.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** You can add other vegetables to the grill basket along with the potatoes, such as onions, bell peppers, or zucchini.
* **Experiment with Herbs and Spices:** Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the potatoes. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning would all be great additions.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Different Herbs:** Substitute the dried thyme and rosemary with other herbs such as oregano, basil, or sage.
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic marinade for a spicy kick.
* **Lemon:** Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the balsamic marinade for a brighter flavor.
* **Honey or Maple Syrup:** Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the balsamic glaze for extra sweetness.
* **Vegan:** This recipe is naturally vegan.
* **Different Vinegar:** While balsamic vinegar is the key ingredient, you can experiment with other vinegars like red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in a pinch, but the flavor profile will change.
* **Roasted Potatoes:** If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the potatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly browned.

## Serving Suggestions

These Balsamic Grilled Baby Potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Grilled Chicken:** Serve them alongside grilled chicken breasts or thighs.
* **Grilled Steak:** They are a perfect complement to grilled steak, such as ribeye or sirloin.
* **Grilled Fish:** Serve them with grilled salmon, tuna, or swordfish.
* **Vegetarian Dishes:** They are a great addition to vegetarian meals, such as grilled halloumi or vegetable skewers.
* **Salads:** Add them to salads for a heartier meal.
* **Appetizers:** Serve them as appetizers with a dipping sauce, such as aioli or ranch dressing.

## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: 200
* Fat: 10g
* Saturated Fat: 1.5g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 150mg
* Carbohydrates: 25g
* Fiber: 3g
* Sugar: 5g
* Protein: 3g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover Balsamic Grilled Baby Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.

## Conclusion

These Balsamic Grilled Baby Potatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for summer barbecues and gatherings. The combination of the smoky grill flavor, the tangy balsamic glaze, and the tender baby potatoes creates a truly irresistible dish that everyone will love. With minimal ingredients and prep time, this recipe is a winner for busy weeknights or impromptu cookouts. So fire up the grill and give these Balsamic Grilled Baby Potatoes a try – you won’t be disappointed!