Quick & Easy Grilled Potatoes: The Perfect Summer Side Dish
Summer is the season for grilling! And while burgers and steaks often take center stage, let’s not forget the unsung hero of the backyard barbecue: potatoes. Grilled potatoes are a simple, delicious, and versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with just about anything. They’re incredibly easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver maximum flavor. Forget boiling or baking – grilling gives potatoes a wonderful smoky char and a creamy, tender interior that’s simply irresistible. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make perfect grilled potatoes every time, from choosing the right potatoes to mastering the grill. Get ready to elevate your summer meals with this quick and easy recipe!
## Why Grill Potatoes?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why grilling potatoes is such a fantastic idea:
* **Flavor:** Grilling imparts a smoky, slightly charred flavor that you just can’t get from other cooking methods. The direct heat caramelizes the natural sugars in the potatoes, enhancing their sweetness and creating a depth of flavor that’s truly exceptional.
* **Texture:** The high heat of the grill creates a crispy exterior and a fluffy, tender interior. This contrast in textures is incredibly satisfying.
* **Ease:** Grilling potatoes is surprisingly easy. With a little preparation, you can have perfectly grilled potatoes in under 30 minutes.
* **Versatility:** Grilled potatoes can be seasoned in countless ways, making them a perfect complement to any meal. From simple salt and pepper to herbs, spices, and even cheese, the possibilities are endless.
* **Convenience:** Grilling keeps your kitchen cool during the hot summer months. No need to turn on the oven – just fire up the grill and enjoy!
## Choosing the Right Potatoes
Not all potatoes are created equal, especially when it comes to grilling. Here’s a breakdown of the best types of potatoes for grilling:
* **Yukon Gold Potatoes:** These are our top pick for grilling. Yukon Golds have a naturally buttery flavor and a creamy texture that holds up well on the grill. They also have a relatively thin skin, which means they don’t need to be peeled (although you certainly can if you prefer).
* **Red Potatoes:** Red potatoes are another great choice for grilling. They have a slightly waxy texture and a subtle sweetness that pairs well with grilled meats and vegetables. Like Yukon Golds, they have a thin skin that doesn’t need to be peeled.
* **New Potatoes:** These small, immature potatoes are perfect for grilling whole or halved. They have a delicate flavor and a creamy texture. Their small size also means they cook relatively quickly.
* **Fingerling Potatoes:** These elongated, finger-shaped potatoes have a unique flavor and a firm texture that holds up well on the grill. They can be grilled whole or halved.
* **Russet Potatoes:** While technically you *can* grill russet potatoes, we don’t recommend them as your first choice. Their high starch content can make them dry and crumbly on the grill. If you do choose to grill russets, be sure to soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to remove excess starch.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is incredibly simple and requires just a few basic ingredients:
* **Potatoes:** About 2 pounds of your favorite type (we recommend Yukon Golds or red potatoes).
* **Olive Oil:** A good quality olive oil is essential for preventing the potatoes from sticking to the grill and for adding flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Don’t be shy with the salt – it really brings out the flavor of the potatoes.
* **Optional Seasonings:** This is where you can get creative! Some of our favorite seasonings for grilled potatoes include:
* Garlic powder
* Onion powder
* Paprika (smoked or sweet)
* Dried herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
* Chili powder
* Lemon pepper
* Parmesan cheese (grated)
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Grill:** Gas or charcoal, it doesn’t matter! Just make sure it’s clean and preheated.
* **Large Bowl:** For tossing the potatoes with oil and seasonings.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For prepping the potatoes.
* **Tongs:** For flipping the potatoes on the grill.
* **Grill Basket or Skewers (Optional):** These can be helpful for grilling smaller pieces of potato or preventing them from falling through the grates.
## Step-by-Step Instructions: Grilled Potatoes Perfection
Now, let’s get to the fun part – grilling those potatoes! Follow these simple steps for perfect results:
**Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes**
1. **Wash the Potatoes:** Thoroughly wash the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. If you’re using Yukon Golds or red potatoes, there’s no need to peel them unless you prefer. For russet potatoes, peeling is recommended.
2. **Cut the Potatoes:** The size and shape of your potato pieces will affect the cooking time. Aim for uniform pieces that are about 1-inch in size. This will ensure that they cook evenly. Here are a few options:
* **Cubed:** Cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
* **Halved or Quartered:** If you’re using smaller potatoes like new potatoes or fingerling potatoes, you can simply halve or quarter them.
* **Wedges:** Cut the potatoes into wedges for a rustic presentation.
**Step 2: Season the Potatoes**
1. **Toss with Oil:** Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Use enough oil to coat the potatoes evenly, but not so much that they’re swimming in it. About 2-3 tablespoons should be sufficient for 2 pounds of potatoes.
2. **Add Seasonings:** Sprinkle the potatoes with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you’d like to use. Toss to coat evenly, making sure every piece is well-seasoned. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations!
**Step 3: Preheat the Grill**
1. **Preheat to Medium Heat:** Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-450°F or 175-230°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals so that there’s both direct and indirect heat. This will allow you to move the potatoes to a cooler area of the grill if they start to brown too quickly.
2. **Clean the Grates:** Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
**Step 4: Grill the Potatoes**
1. **Arrange the Potatoes:** Place the seasoned potatoes on the preheated grill grates in a single layer. If you’re using a grill basket or skewers, arrange the potatoes in the basket or on the skewers.
2. **Grill, Flipping Occasionally:** Grill the potatoes for about 20-30 minutes, flipping them occasionally, until they’re tender and slightly charred. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your potato pieces and the heat of your grill. A fork should easily pierce the potatoes when they’re done.
3. **Check for Doneness:** To check for doneness, insert a fork or knife into a potato. If it slides in easily with little to no resistance, the potatoes are cooked through. If they’re still firm, continue grilling for a few more minutes.
**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**
1. **Remove from Grill:** Once the potatoes are cooked through, remove them from the grill and place them in a serving bowl.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
3. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the grilled potatoes immediately while they’re still hot and delicious.
## Tips for Grilling Perfect Potatoes
* **Soak Russet Potatoes:** If using russet potatoes, soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to remove excess starch.
* **Parboil for Faster Cooking:** If you’re short on time, you can parboil the potatoes for a few minutes before grilling. This will help them cook faster and more evenly on the grill.
* **Use a Grill Basket or Skewers:** These are helpful for grilling smaller pieces of potato or preventing them from falling through the grates.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:** Make sure to leave enough space between the potatoes on the grill grates to allow for even cooking.
* **Control the Heat:** If the potatoes start to brown too quickly, move them to a cooler area of the grill or reduce the heat.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** While not essential, using a meat thermometer can help you ensure that the potatoes are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach about 200-210°F (93-99°C).
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and toppings to find your favorite combination.
## Seasoning Ideas for Grilled Potatoes
The beauty of grilled potatoes is their versatility. You can customize the flavor to suit your preferences and complement any meal. Here are a few seasoning ideas to get you started:
* **Classic:** Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder
* **Herbaceous:** Olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, oregano
* **Spicy:** Olive oil, salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper
* **Cheesy:** Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese
* **Lemon Pepper:** Olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon pepper seasoning
* **BBQ:** Olive oil, salt, pepper, BBQ seasoning
* **Italian:** Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese
## Serving Suggestions
Grilled potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Grilled Meats:** Serve them alongside grilled steak, chicken, pork chops, or hamburgers.
* **Grilled Fish:** They’re also a great accompaniment to grilled salmon, tuna, or shrimp.
* **Vegetarian Dishes:** Pair them with grilled vegetables, veggie burgers, or tofu skewers.
* **Salads:** Add them to a salad for a hearty and flavorful meal.
* **Dips and Sauces:** Serve them with your favorite dips and sauces, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or aioli.
## Variations on Grilled Potatoes
* **Grilled Potato Salad:** Grill the potatoes as directed, then toss them with your favorite potato salad dressing and other ingredients like celery, onion, and hard-boiled eggs.
* **Grilled Potatoes with Bacon:** Wrap the potatoes in bacon before grilling for a smoky and savory treat.
* **Grilled Potatoes with Cheese:** Top the grilled potatoes with cheese during the last few minutes of grilling for a cheesy and melty side dish.
* **Grilled Potatoes with Herbs and Garlic:** Toss the potatoes with fresh herbs and minced garlic before grilling for an aromatic and flavorful dish.
* **Grilled Sweet Potatoes:** Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter and more nutritious side dish. Grilling sweet potatoes caramelizes their natural sugars, making them even more delicious.
## Make-Ahead Tips
* **Prepare the Potatoes:** You can wash and cut the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in a bowl of cold water in the refrigerator to prevent them from browning. Drain them thoroughly before seasoning and grilling.
* **Season the Potatoes:** You can season the potatoes up to a few hours in advance. Store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
## Storing Leftovers
* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover grilled potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the potatoes in the oven, on the grill, or in a skillet until heated through. You can also microwave them, but they may become a bit soggy.
## Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
* Calories: 200-250
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 2-3g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: Varies depending on seasoning
* Carbohydrates: 25-30g
* Fiber: 2-3g
* Sugar: 2-3g
* Protein: 3-4g
*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
## Conclusion
Grilled potatoes are a quick, easy, and delicious side dish that’s perfect for any summer occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of know-how, you can create perfectly grilled potatoes that will impress your family and friends. So fire up the grill and get ready to enjoy the smoky, charred, and utterly irresistible flavor of grilled potatoes! Experiment with different seasonings and toppings to create your own signature version of this classic side dish. Happy grilling!