Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Yukon gold and red potatoes are recommended for their waxy texture and ability to hold shape, russets will work too. Just be aware russets might break down more during cooking, creating a fluffier, less defined final result.

How do I prevent my potatoes from sticking to the foil?

Make sure your potatoes are well-coated with olive oil before wrapping them. If sticking is a persistent issue, you can spray the inside of the foil with cooking spray before adding the potatoes, or use parchment paper inside the foil for an extra non-stick layer.

My grill temperature fluctuates a lot. How do I know when the potatoes are done?

The surest test is tenderness. When you can easily pierce the potato chunks with a fork, they're ready. If your grill runs hot, check after 15 minutes; if it runs cool, you might need up to 30 minutes of cooking time.

Can I add fresh herbs instead of dried?

Fresh herbs are wonderful but behave differently in this cooking method. If using fresh herbs, increase the amounts (about 1 tablespoon each) and add them after grilling for the brightest flavor. If you prefer adding them before cooking, chop them very finely and be prepared for a more subtle flavor as they will mellow significantly during grilling.

Easy Grilled Potatoes Recipe

Name: Easy Grilled Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Potatoes; 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes; Seasoning Mix; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Toppings; 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese or cheddar

This delicious Easy Grilled Potatoes recipe transforms humble spuds into a spectacular side dish with minimal effort. Perfectly seasoned potato chunks are wrapped in foil and grilled to tender, flavorful perfection in just 20 minutes. The herb-infused potatoes develop a wonderful texture—crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside—making them the ultimate companion to any grilled main course.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: With just a few minutes of prep and some time on the grill, you’ll have an impressive side dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Versatile: These potatoes pair beautifully with everything from grilled steaks and chicken to fish and vegetarian mains.
Make-ahead Friendly: You can prep the potato packets earlier in the day, making dinnertime a breeze when you’re entertaining.
Customizable: The base recipe is fantastic, but you can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste or try one of the delicious variations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Yukon gold or red potatoes: These varieties hold their shape well during grilling and have a naturally buttery, creamy texture. Their thin skins also mean no peeling required!
Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the potatoes and promotes that beautiful golden exterior.
Lemon juice: Adds a bright note of acidity that balances the richness and enhances the herbs.
Garlic powder: Provides aromatic flavor without the risk of burning that fresh garlic might have.
Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavor of the potatoes – don’t skimp here!
Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
Dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano): This Mediterranean-inspired blend infuses the potatoes with incredible flavor as they cook.
Cheese: A finishing sprinkle of Parmesan or cheddar adds a savory, melty element that takes these potatoes to the next level.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Pesto Potatoes

Replace the herb mixture with homemade or store-bought pesto for an incredible flavor boost. The basil, pine nuts, and garlic create a vibrant, aromatic coating that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

Lemon Pepper Butter Potatoes

Swap the olive oil mixture for a homemade lemon pepper butter compound. The butter melts into the potatoes as they grill, creating pockets of incredible flavor and a more indulgent texture.

Loaded Grilled Potatoes

After grilling, top with bacon bits, sour cream, chives, and extra cheese for a grilled take on loaded baked potatoes.

Smoky Paprika Potatoes

Add a tablespoon of smoked paprika to the original seasoning mix for potatoes with a delicious smoky flavor that complements barbecued meats perfectly.

How to Make Easy Grilled Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, give your potatoes a good scrub and cut them into bite-sized chunks, about 1-inch pieces. Keeping them uniform ensures they’ll cook evenly.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

Place the potato chunks in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, making sure they’re well-coated. Add the lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly covered with the seasoning mixture.

Step 3: Create Foil Packets

Lay out four large sheets of aluminum foil. Divide the seasoned potatoes evenly among the sheets. Fold and seal the foil to create packets, making sure there’s a little room for steam to circulate. If your foil seems thin, double up to prevent tearing.

Step 4: Grill the Potatoes

Place the foil packets on the preheated grill and close the lid. Let them cook for about 20 minutes. For even cooking, rotate the packets occasionally, especially if your grill has hot spots.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Carefully remove the packets from the grill onto a baking sheet or heat-resistant surface. Open the packets carefully (watch out for hot steam!) and top with your choice of cheese while the potatoes are still hot. The residual heat will melt it perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Consistent Sizing: Cut potatoes into pieces of similar size to ensure even cooking.
Double Wrap: If you’re concerned about tears in the foil, use two layers to create sturdy packets.
Test for Doneness: After about 18 minutes, carefully open one packet to check if the potatoes are tender. If not, reseal and continue grilling.
Indirect Heat Option: For a longer, more gentle cook, place the packets on the indirect heat side of your grill and extend cooking time to 25-30 minutes.
Oven Alternative: No grill? These packets work beautifully in a 425°F oven for 25-30 minutes.

How to Serve

These grilled potatoes are remarkably versatile and can complement almost any main course:

Perfect Pairings:

Serve alongside grilled steak, chicken, or fish for a complete outdoor meal
Add to a brunch spread with eggs and bacon
Offer as part of a buffet at your next backyard gathering

Garnish Ideas:

Sprinkle with fresh herbs like chives or parsley before serving
Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
Drizzle with hot sauce for a spicy kick

Make Ahead and Storage

Prep Ahead

You can assemble the potato packets up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to grill. This makes them perfect for entertaining!

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make an excellent base for breakfast skillets or potato salad.

Freezing

While possible, freezing isn’t ideal as the texture changes. If you must freeze, store in airtight containers for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating:

Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm
Skillet: Reheat in a hot skillet with a touch of olive oil to restore some crispness
Air fryer: 3-4 minutes at 370°F for the closest texture to freshly grilled

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Yukon gold and red potatoes are recommended for their waxy texture and ability to hold shape, russets will work too. Just be aware russets might break down more during cooking, creating a fluffier, less defined final result.
How do I prevent my potatoes from sticking to the foil?

Make sure your potatoes are well-coated with olive oil before wrapping them. If sticking is a persistent issue, you can spray the inside of the foil with cooking spray before adding the potatoes, or use parchment paper inside the foil for an extra non-stick layer.
My grill temperature fluctuates a lot. How do I know when the potatoes are done?

The surest test is tenderness. When you can easily pierce the potato chunks with a fork, they’re ready. If your grill runs hot, check after 15 minutes; if it runs cool, you might need up to 30 minutes of cooking time.
Can I add fresh herbs instead of dried?

Fresh herbs are wonderful but behave differently in this cooking method. If using fresh herbs, increase the amounts (about 1 tablespoon each) and add them after grilling for the brightest flavor. If you prefer adding them before cooking, chop them very finely and be prepared for a more subtle flavor as they will mellow significantly during grilling.

Final Thoughts

These Easy Grilled Potatoes prove that spectacular flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. With just a few minutes of prep and the magic of your grill, you can transform humble potatoes into a side dish that might just steal the spotlight from your main course. Whether you stick with the classic herb blend or explore one of the tasty variations, these potatoes are bound to become a staple in your outdoor cooking repertoire. Give them a try at your next cookout – your family and friends will thank you!