BBQ Bliss: Elevate Your Cookout with Scalloped Potatoes on the Grill

Scalloped potatoes are a classic comfort food, typically associated with cozy indoor gatherings. But what if you could bring that creamy, cheesy goodness to your next BBQ? Grilled scalloped potatoes are a game-changer, adding a touch of elegance and unexpected flavor to your cookout spread. The smoky char from the grill complements the richness of the potatoes and cheese, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect grilled scalloped potatoes, from choosing the right ingredients to mastering the grilling technique.

## Why Grill Scalloped Potatoes?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why grilling scalloped potatoes is such a great idea:

* **Unique Flavor:** The grill imparts a subtle smoky flavor that you simply can’t achieve in the oven. This adds a new dimension to the classic scalloped potato taste.
* **Perfect Texture:** Grilling allows the potatoes to develop a slightly crispy exterior while remaining creamy and tender inside.
* **Impress Your Guests:** Grilled scalloped potatoes are an unexpected and impressive side dish that will definitely wow your guests.
* **Outdoor Cooking Fun:** Take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy cooking outdoors. Grilling scalloped potatoes is a fun and interactive way to involve everyone in the BBQ.
* **Less Oven Heat:** During the summer, using your oven can heat up your kitchen significantly. Grilling keeps the heat outside.

## Essential Ingredients for Grilled Scalloped Potatoes

Here’s a list of the key ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

* **Potatoes:** Russet potatoes are the traditional choice for scalloped potatoes due to their high starch content, which helps create a creamy sauce. Yukon Gold potatoes are another excellent option, offering a slightly buttery flavor and smooth texture. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, as they won’t soften as well during cooking.
* **Onion:** A yellow or white onion adds a savory depth of flavor to the dish. You can also use shallots for a milder, more delicate taste.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic is essential for adding a pungent and aromatic flavor. Mince it finely to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the potatoes.
* **Butter:** Butter provides richness and helps create a smooth and creamy sauce. Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
* **Flour:** A small amount of all-purpose flour helps to thicken the sauce and prevent it from becoming too thin.
* **Milk:** Whole milk is the traditional choice for scalloped potatoes, providing a creamy texture. You can also use half-and-half or heavy cream for an even richer result.
* **Cheese:** Gruyere is a classic choice for scalloped potatoes, offering a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses can also be used. Shred the cheese fresh for the best melting and flavor.
* **Spices:** Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg are the essential spices for scalloped potatoes. You can also add other herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
* **Olive Oil:** Used to lightly coat the grill surface and prevent sticking.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Grill:** A gas or charcoal grill will work for this recipe. Make sure it’s clean and properly oiled.
* **Cast Iron Skillet or Grill-Safe Dish:** A cast iron skillet is ideal for grilling scalloped potatoes, as it distributes heat evenly and can withstand high temperatures. A disposable aluminum pan can be used, but be cautious as it may not be as sturdy.
* **Mandoline or Sharp Knife:** For slicing the potatoes thinly and evenly. A mandoline ensures consistent thickness, which is crucial for even cooking.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For preparing the sauce and mixing the ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Grater:** For shredding the cheese.
* **Tongs or Spatula:** For handling the skillet on the grill.
* **Aluminum Foil:** To cover the skillet during grilling and prevent the cheese from burning.
* **Oven Mitts:** To protect your hands from the heat.

## Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling Scalloped Potatoes

Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through the process of grilling perfect scalloped potatoes:

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 1 hour 15 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 2.5 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
* 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup unsalted butter
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups whole milk
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, for garnish)

### Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Grill:**

* Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F or 175-200°C).
* Clean the grill grates thoroughly.
* Lightly brush the cast iron skillet or grill-safe dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

**2. Prepare the Potatoes and Onions:**

* Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick. Uniform thickness is essential for even cooking.
* Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning. This will also help remove some of the excess starch.
* Thinly slice the onion and set aside.
* Mince the garlic and set aside.

**3. Make the Cream Sauce:**

* In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
* Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
* Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until it has thickened slightly. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
* Remove the saucepan from the heat.
* Stir in the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

**4. Assemble the Scalloped Potatoes:**

* Drain the sliced potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels.
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, sliced onions, and about half of the shredded Gruyere cheese.
* Pour the cream sauce over the potato mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.

**5. Layer the Potatoes in the Skillet:**

* Transfer the potato mixture to the prepared cast iron skillet or grill-safe dish. Spread the potatoes evenly in the skillet.
* Top with the remaining shredded Gruyere cheese, ensuring it covers the entire surface.

**6. Grill the Scalloped Potatoes:**

* Carefully place the skillet on the preheated grill.
* Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning and to help the potatoes cook evenly.
* Close the grill lid and cook for about 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Check the potatoes periodically to ensure they are not burning. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, lower the grill temperature or add another layer of aluminum foil.
* Remove the aluminum foil and continue grilling for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.

**7. Rest and Serve:**

* Carefully remove the skillet from the grill using oven mitts.
* Let the scalloped potatoes rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
* Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, if desired.
* Serve hot and enjoy!

## Tips for Grilling Perfect Scalloped Potatoes

Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results when grilling scalloped potatoes:

* **Slice the Potatoes Evenly:** Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly. This ensures that they cook uniformly and become tender at the same time.
* **Don’t Skip the Soaking:** Soaking the potatoes in cold water helps remove excess starch, which prevents them from becoming gummy during cooking. It also helps prevent browning.
* **Make a Smooth Cream Sauce:** Whisk the flour into the melted butter and garlic to create a smooth roux. This will help thicken the sauce and prevent lumps from forming.
* **Use High-Quality Cheese:** Gruyere cheese is a classic choice for scalloped potatoes, but you can also use other cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses. Choose cheeses that melt well and have a good flavor.
* **Control the Grill Temperature:** Maintain a consistent medium heat on the grill to ensure the potatoes cook evenly without burning. Use a grill thermometer to monitor the temperature.
* **Cover the Skillet:** Covering the skillet with aluminum foil helps trap heat and steam, which helps the potatoes cook more quickly and evenly. It also prevents the cheese from burning.
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a fork to check the potatoes for doneness. They should be tender and easily pierced with the fork.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the scalloped potatoes to rest for a few minutes before serving allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. This will result in a better overall taste and texture.
* **Pre-cook the Potatoes:** If you’re short on time, you can pre-cook the potatoes slightly before grilling. Boil the sliced potatoes for about 5-7 minutes, until they are partially cooked. Drain and pat them dry before assembling the scalloped potatoes.
* **Add Some Heat:** For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream sauce or sprinkle some diced jalapeños over the potatoes before grilling.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Get creative with the flavors by adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables to the scalloped potatoes. Some popular additions include thyme, rosemary, bacon, ham, or mushrooms.

## Variations on Grilled Scalloped Potatoes

Here are a few variations on the classic grilled scalloped potatoes recipe:

* **Scalloped Potatoes with Ham:** Add diced ham to the potato mixture for a heartier and more flavorful dish. Use about 1-2 cups of cooked ham per batch of scalloped potatoes.
* **Scalloped Potatoes with Bacon:** Cook some bacon until crispy, crumble it, and add it to the potato mixture. The smoky flavor of the bacon complements the creamy potatoes perfectly.
* **Scalloped Potatoes with Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms in butter and garlic until they are tender. Add them to the potato mixture for a savory and earthy flavor.
* **Scalloped Potatoes with Jalapeños:** Add diced jalapeños to the potato mixture for a spicy kick. Use about 1-2 jalapeños, depending on your spice preference.
* **Vegan Scalloped Potatoes:** Use plant-based milk, butter, and cheese to make a vegan version of scalloped potatoes. Nutritional yeast can be added to the sauce for a cheesy flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

Grilled scalloped potatoes make an excellent side dish for a variety of BBQ mains:

* **Grilled Steak:** The creamy and cheesy potatoes pair perfectly with a juicy grilled steak.
* **Grilled Chicken:** Scalloped potatoes are a great accompaniment to grilled chicken, whether it’s grilled chicken breasts, thighs, or a whole chicken.
* **Grilled Pork Chops:** The richness of the potatoes complements the flavor of grilled pork chops.
* **Grilled Sausages:** Scalloped potatoes are a hearty and satisfying side dish for grilled sausages.
* **Vegetarian BBQ:** Serve grilled scalloped potatoes alongside grilled vegetables like corn on the cob, bell peppers, and zucchini for a complete vegetarian BBQ meal.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

If you want to get a head start on your BBQ, you can prepare the scalloped potatoes ahead of time:

* **Assemble the Potatoes:** Assemble the scalloped potatoes in the skillet according to the recipe instructions.
* **Refrigerate:** Cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* **Grill:** When you’re ready to grill, remove the skillet from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Preheat the grill and follow the grilling instructions in the recipe.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover grilled scalloped potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

## Conclusion

Grilling scalloped potatoes is a fantastic way to elevate your BBQ and impress your guests. The smoky flavor from the grill adds a unique twist to this classic comfort food, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exciting. With the step-by-step guide and helpful tips in this article, you’ll be able to create perfect grilled scalloped potatoes every time. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy a delicious and unforgettable BBQ experience!