Cooking The Perfect Potatoes On The Grill : Simple Guide
Potatoes on the Grill
Potatoes on the Grill Recipe
- Mix garlic powder, salt, onion powder, pepper, rosemary, and thyme.
- Drizzle the dry mix with vegetable oil.
- Coat the potatoes with the mix of seasonings.
- Preheat the grill to medium-hot.
- Place the potatoes on the grill for about 30 minutes.
- Flip the potatoes with tongs several times to prevent them from burning.
- Grill until fork tender.
- Carefully remove the grill basket.
- Let it cool slightly. If desired, you can season a little bit more before serving.
Grilled potatoes are a classic side for any big lunch with the family. Any time someone wants to grill some steaks or chicken, it's a perfect opportunity to grill some vegetables too. While it might be an easy dish for some, it can be a difficult task for others. That’s why today we’re all going to become grill masters… of potatoes.
Keep reading this article and by the time you’re done, you will have learned different methods for grilling potatoes, diverse seasoning options, topping and side dish ideas, and some useful tips you can benefit from!
1. Ideal Tools You’ll Need
Your workspace for cutting and preparing your grilled potatoes; as well as to check the tenderness of your potatoes after they’re grilled.
This grill kit will make you feel ready to fire up the grill. It will be your essential toolkit to grill like the pros.
Our Nakiri Knives Collection is made for cutting greens and slicing any vegetable you need, perfect if you’re trying to grill other vegetables beside your potatoes.
Cooking potatoes on the grill is not a super messy process, but better safe than sorry, right?
Some chefs feel safe with a smaller knife because these are engineered for coring, mincing, and peeling fruits and vegetables. We’ll recommend some other knives later in this article.
A bowl
Where you’ll be mixing the spices and ingredients for your seasoning.
2. Recommended Ingredients You’ll Need
Despite being a simple recipe that could have many different variants, there are several techniques to cook the perfect grilled potatoes. We’ll explain some different methods later in this article, nevertheless, we’ll talk about the classic ingredients that you can use for each different method.
Keep in mind that for a recipe for 4 servings, you’ll need:
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5 medium Yukon Gold Potatoes |
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3 tablespoons vegetable oil |
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme |
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1 teaspoon fresh rosemary |
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1 teaspoon onion powder |
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1 teaspoon garlic powder |
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Salt and pepper to taste |
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Freshly chopped herbs (parsley, chives) |
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Cheese for topping |
About the potatoes: the best type of potato for this recipe is Yukon Gold, russet, sweet or red potatoes. If you decide to cut the potatoes you should do so between 1/3 inch thick slices.
About the seasoning: this type of grilled potatoes recipe is perfect for fresh herbs, nevertheless, you can use other types of spices like paprika, garlic clove, pepper, and Italian seasoning. You can also top it with onion, different types of cheese, or salsa.
3. Best Potatoes On The Grill Recipe
Before we go any further, we want to clear something up: the following grilled potatoes recipe is probably our favorite, but you can take out, add or change details at will.
Parboiling the potatoes first:
Parboiling the potatoes first is a good first step to soften the potatoes before placing them on the grill. This will allow them to be soft enough on the inside, and crispy on the outside, it’s the fastest way to grill the potatoes. And it will also give you fully cooked potatoes when finished.
- Slice the potatoes in your preferred shape or form. You can either leave your potatoes as a whole or slice them in packets, chunks, wedges, or however you like them the most!
- Place them in boiling water for 7-10 minutes. If the potato is too big, it will be better to boil them for a little longer.
- Drain them and let them cool slightly.
- Pat-dry them well before starting with your preparation.
Recipe for easy grilled potatoes:
The recipe steps to cook the perfect grilled potatoes are as easy as the steps to par-boil them. The only thing you’ll have to question after cooking your potatoes on the grill is which topping or which main dish you will choose before eating them.
- In a large bowl, mix the garlic powder, salt, onion powder, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and your favorite fresh herbs.
- Drizzle the dry mix with vegetable oil. We highly recommend using extravirgin olive oil but you could also choose avocado oil for a richer flavor.
- Coat the potatoes with the mix of seasonings. Stir well.
- Preheat grill to medium-hot (350 degrees will do it).
- Load the potatoes into the grilling basket and place them on the grill over indirect heat for about 30 minutes.
- Flip the potatoes with tongs several times or by rotating the grill basket, to keep the potatoes cooking evenly and prevent them from burning.
- Grill until fork tender.
- Carefully remove the grill basket from the grill using pot holders, or oven mitts.
- Let it cool slightly. If desired, you can season with a little more salt and pepper to taste.
4. Other Methods To Cooking Potatoes On The Grill
There are other methods to cook grilled potatoes and obtain results as tender and crisp as the recipe we previously explained. No matter the method you decide to follow, make sure you have the right tools for you, like the ones we previously mentioned.
Each easy method for grilling potatoes has its advantages. Here we provide a few different options that will allow you to prepare easy grilled potatoes in different presentations if following techniques that you can benefit from by being faster or simpler but always obtaining the same delicious grilled potatoes results.
Baked Potatoes on the Grill
This is a very easy method because it doesn’t require you to cut the potatoes and that saves you some time you can invest in your main dish.
- Wrap whole potatoes in foil. This will create a little oven inside the grill.
- Add seasonings inside to get the most flavor you can.
- Grab several sheets of aluminum foil to cover the length of your potatoes.
- Pour roughly 1 tablespoon of extravirgin olive oil or butter (per potato) in the center of the piece of foil.
- Season with sea salt, pepper, fresh herbs, and all your preferred seasonings.
- Place potatoes with the skin down in the middle of the foil, and wrap it.
- Place them on the grill at medium-high heat.
- Baked potatoes will be done when a fork pierces the center easily.
Grilled Potato Wedges on the Grill
You can cook grilled potatoes chopped or cut into your favorite shapes. Potato slices or wedges cook quickly and easily directly on the grill. Here's a perfect method to prepare this flavorful side dish.
- Cut the potatoes into long thin wedges. You can peel them or leave the skins on.
- Toss the potato wedges with olive oil and your preferred seasoning mixture (e.g. Italian seasoning, pepper, paprika, and salt).
- Place them straight on the grill. Grill over medium heat and cook until they get soft, for about 20 minutes.
- Remember to flip your potato wedges periodically to prevent them from burning.
Sliced Potatoes on the Grill
In this recipe, you’re going to slice the potatoes into thin slices. This is a perfect method for when you’re grilling meats that will be done quicker than your potatoes.
- Slice potatoes and place them on a large sheet of foil.
- Top with extravirgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, herbs, seasonings, bacon pieces, chopped onions, bell peppers, and fresh herbs.
- Wrap the potatoes in foil tightly, and place them on a medium-hot grill.
- These potato "packets" will cook up in about 30 minutes. Check to make sure they are done before you pull them off the grill.
5. Tips For Grilling Potatoes Like A Master
We already covered the tools and ingredients that you’ll need, and we have already learned how to cook potatoes on the grill. We also learned different methods to cook potatoes on the grill, but now we’ll take a look at some valuable tips you can keep in mind to cook potatoes on the grill like a chef.
- The potatoes that work best for this recipe are Yukon gold potatoes, russet potatoes, red potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
- When slicing potatoes for this recipe, ⅓ inch thick is the perfect measurement for it.
- If you decide to par-boil the potatoes first, it’s always a great idea to add salt to the water before boiling it.
- Always make sure to preheat the grills properly. This will ensure that the food you’re grilling –in this case, potatoes– gets in direct contact with the hot grate at the moment you start cooking them.
- Oiling your grill grates before cooking the potatoes is essential to ensure they don’t stick. Our recommendation is to use vegetable oil –like olive oil– since it has a higher smoking point and can help brown the potatoes.
- Remember to rotate the potatoes multiple times until cooked evenly on both sides.
- Coating the potato in salt or your favorite seasoning is optional but creates a crust that will be crispy on the outside and full of flavor.
- Potatoes on the grill are best served straight off the grill while they are crispy and hot.
- Wrapping the potatoes in two layers of foil prevent bare spots and flare-ups when cooking.
- The thinner the slices, the crispier the result.
- When removing the potatoes in foil or the grill basket from the grill, use great care to prevent any injury. Protecting your body by wearing an apron is recommended, and using oven gloves will help get the job done.
- Keep the grill lid closed and cook between 30 to 40 minutes total, allowing the grill to function as an oven would do. If you need to open the lid to keep adding food to the grill, expect the cooking process to take a little bit longer.
6. Topping And Side Dish Ideas
Some flavorful topping ideas can be butter, sour cream, cheese, green onions, caramelized onions, ranch dressing, dices tomatoes, bacon bits, salsa, steamed broccoli, cheese sauce, chili. Also, potatoes on the grill are a perfect side of main dishes like grilled chicken, barbecue ribs, burgers, sandwiches, lemon buttered fish.
And if you happen to be hosting a gathering, you can also prepare other sides to provide different options to your guests, like butter garlic mushrooms, grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, onion rings, salads, oven-roasted vegetables, and even béarnaise sauce.
7. Best Knives For Cutting Potatoes
1. Chef's Knife 7" | Gladiator Series
This mid-length chef knife offers ultimate control as you slice, dice, chop, and mince your way through. The perfect compliment for your cooking style, from professional restaurant kitchens to a simple meal for one, this knife will make you feel like a chef.
PROS:
- Tall blade height gives knuckle clearance to assist with food preparation and chopping activity.
- Ergonomic handle shape for maximum comfort, grip, and maneuverability.
- Added chromium for stain resistance.
- Cleans easily for low maintenance.
CONS:
- Many would prefer a more innovative design.
- It can be uncomfortable for some meat cuts.
2. Santoku Knife 5" | Gladiator Series
This knife is a master of precision work and medium-sized cutting tasks. The Japanese word, “Santoku” means “three uses” and refers to the knife’s multifunction ability, as a slicer, dicer, and mincer. Perfect for cutting potatoes in any shape or size!
PROS:
- It features a shorter blade and smaller handle than other larger than 7” counterparts.
- Perfectly weighted to handle both thicker, heavy-duty cuts and more delicate detail work.
- Cleans easily for low maintenance.
CONS:
- You may also prefer a classic 5" utility knife.
- Some chefs would like to use a paring knife as well.
3. Chef's Knife 10" | Gladiator Series
This versatile knife brings strength, agility, and durability to undertake a variety of culinary adventures: from cutting, chopping, mincing and slicing any vegetable, meat, or fish. The longer blade length ensures no task is too large, no food too formidable.
PROS:
- Precisely tempered for added durability.
- Full tang for incredible robustness & quality.
- Triple-riveted for even more durability.
CONS:
- Some chefs like a more modern design.
- You may also prefer a classic 8" chef's knife.
4. Santoku Knife 7" | Gladiator Series
This knife features an exceptional grip, screamingly sharp cutting edge, and is engineered for optimal maneuverability. Its midnight black titanium coating creates unforgettable styling, sophistication, and functionality, sure to turn heads in any kitchen.
PROS:
- Tall blade height gives knuckle clearance to assist with food preparation and chopping activity.
- The slight texture of the G10 provides anti-slip capability.
- Full tang for incredible robustness & quality.
CONS:
- Some chefs like a more classic design.
- Some might prefer a less angular or wooden handle.
5. Chef's Knife 8" | Army Green Handle | Shogun Series X
A premium high-quality knife with an exquisite finish that is not only a beautiful statement in craftsmanship, but also serves the purpose of reducing drag and minimizing stuck-on food. Perfect for cutting vegetables and delivering the best results when preparing your food.
PROS:
- Japanese super steel core. The ultimate steel for the ultimate performance.
- Rust and corrosion-resistant cladding mean your knife will stay cleaner and last longer.
- Precise cryogenic tempering increases the steel’s crystalline structure, enhancing, strength, flexibility, and hardness.
CONS:
- The price may go beyond many home cooks’ budgets.
- If you're not a fan of green, this handle is also available in Blue, Red, White, and Black.
8. Frequently Asked Questions About Potatoes on the Grill
How long does it take for potatoes to be done on the grill?
The perfect timing would be between 30 and 40 minutes. You just need to rotate them now and then, until the potatoes are tender, to make sure they cook evenly.
Can you grill potatoes without boiling them first?
Boiling is a great way to evenly cook potatoes before grilling them; when you grill potatoes that have been previously boiled you just need to finish cooking for a little bit of time. That way you prevent them from drying out.
Nevertheless, you don’t need to boil the potatoes or pre-cook them before grilling them. If you slice them thin and choose the best oils and temperatures, your potatoes on the grill will be perfect to eat.
Do you soak potatoes before grilling?
Not really, there’s no need to soak potatoes before grilling. If you’re looking for a more tender texture, you could par-boil the potatoes before grilling them. But this is not mandatory –as we explained before–, it all depends on how you’d prefer the final preparation. As we recommended before in this article, you only need to cut them, toss them in your favorite seasoning and arrange them in your grill pan.
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Written by Camila Feijoo
Camila is a foodie by nature. She believes that the best way to get to know a culture is through its food. She always cries while chopping onions; and just like Julia Child, Camila agrees that “with enough butter, anything is good.”
