The Best Grilled Potatoes Recipe: A Summertime Must-Have

When summertime rolls around, my grill becomes my best friend. There’s something magical about the smoky aroma of food sizzling on the grill, the warm breeze in the air, and the simplicity of cooking outdoors.

One of my absolute favorite things to grill is potatoes. Why? They’re budget-friendly, versatile, and a total crowd-pleaser. Plus, grilling keeps my kitchen cool, which is essential when I’m trying to keep my energy bills under control.

If you’re looking for the best grilled potatoes recipe, you’ve come to the right place!

Why Grilled Potatoes are Perfect for Summer Gatherings

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a family picnic, or a casual weeknight dinner, grilled potatoes are the ideal side dish. They’re hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest guests and pair beautifully with all your summer favorites—think grilled burgers, chicken, or even veggie skewers.

And let’s not forget, they’re naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for dietary preferences, making them a safe choice for serving a crowd.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Grilled Potatoes Every Time

Grilled potatoes might seem straightforward, but there are a few tricks to ensure they’re absolutely perfect every time:

1. Par-Boil First for Even Cooking
   Par-boiling your potatoes before grilling ensures they’re cooked through without burning on the outside. Think of it as a head start! Boil them until they’re just fork-tender—this usually takes about 8–10 minutes.
2. Season Generously
   Potatoes are like little sponges for flavor, so don’t hold back on seasoning. Olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme work wonders. Toss your potatoes in the seasoning mix while they’re still warm to help the flavors meld.
3. Use Medium Heat
   Grilling potatoes over medium heat prevents them from burning while giving them that beautiful char. If you’re cooking over charcoal, wait until the coals are glowing white.
4. Don’t Crowd the Grill
   Spread your potato slices or halves in a single layer on the grill to ensure they cook evenly. Crowding can lead to steaming rather than grilling, which isn’t the goal here!

How to Serve Grilled Potatoes

One of the reasons I adore grilled potatoes is their versatility. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:

• As a Standalone Dish
  Drizzle your grilled potatoes with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle on some fresh herbs for a simple yet satisfying dish.
• With Dipping Sauces
  Serve them alongside ketchup, garlic aioli, or a tangy yogurt-based dip for a fun, interactive side.
• Tossed in a Salad
  Once cooled, mix your grilled potatoes with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette for a hearty salad.
• Loaded Grilled Potatoes
  Top your potatoes with sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, and green onions for a loaded potato experience that’s utterly irresistible.

Recipe Variations to Try

If you’re like me and love experimenting with flavors, grilled potatoes are a fantastic canvas for creativity. Here are a few variations to spice things up:

1. Spicy Cajun Potatoes
   Swap the smoked paprika and rosemary for Cajun seasoning and chili powder. Serve with a cooling ranch dip.
2. Cheesy Garlic Potatoes
   Sprinkle shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese and minced garlic over the potatoes during the last few minutes of grilling.
3. Herb-Lemon Potatoes
   Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley just before serving for a bright, summery twist.
4. Sweet Potato Option
   Try grilling sweet potatoes instead of traditional ones. They’re naturally sweet and pair beautifully with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a touch of smoked paprika.

Storing and Reheating Grilled Potatoes

Although grilled potatoes are best enjoyed fresh off the grill, they store surprisingly well. Here’s how to handle leftovers:

• Refrigerating: Store your grilled potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To bring back their crispy texture, reheat them on a grill pan or in the oven at 375°F until warmed through.
• Freezing: While not ideal for maintaining texture, you can freeze grilled potatoes for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Why This Recipe is a Summer Staple

Cooking on the grill is not just practical for summer; it’s a whole experience. The laughter of family and friends, the smell of food wafting through the yard, and the satisfaction of serving something so delicious make grilling my favorite way to cook.

Potatoes, in particular, are a staple in my grilling repertoire. They’re affordable, easy to prepare, and endlessly customizable.

With this recipe, you’ll get perfectly crispy, smoky potatoes that steal the spotlight at any meal. Plus, they’re so simple to prepare that you’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

Smoky Herb Grilled Potatoes: The Recipe

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds small red or yellow potatoes
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley, dill, and/or chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Par-Boil the Potatoes:
   • Place the whole potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Add a pinch of salt.
   • Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 8-15 minutes, until the potatoes are just fork-tender. Avoid overcooking.
   • Drain and let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Grill:
   • Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F to 400°F).
   • If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are white and glowing before cooking.
3. Season the Potatoes:
   • Once cooled, halve the potatoes.
   • In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and black pepper.
   • Toss the potato halves in the mixture until evenly coated.
4. Grill the Potatoes:
   • Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
   • Place the potatoes cut-side down directly on the grill grates.
   • Cover and grill for about 5-6 minutes, until grill marks form.
   • Flip the potatoes and grill for an additional 5-6 minutes, until crispy and tender.
5. Serve:
   • Remove the potatoes from the grill and transfer to a serving platter.
   • Sprinkle with additional salt if desired.
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, dill, and/or chives.
   • Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips:

• Par-Boiling: This step ensures the potatoes cook evenly on the grill without becoming too dark on the outside before the insides are tender.
• Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.
• Serving Suggestions: These potatoes pair well with grilled meats, tofu, or veggie burgers. They also make a great addition to salads.

By combining par-boiling and direct grilling, this recipe achieves a perfect balance of crispy exterior and creamy interior, enhanced by a smoky, herb-infused flavor.

Final Thoughts: The Best Grilled Potatoes Recipe for Any Occasion

From lazy Sunday cookouts to festive Fourth of July gatherings, grilled potatoes are always a hit. Their golden, crispy edges and fluffy insides make them irresistible, and the recipe can be adjusted to suit any palate. Whether you’re serving them to picky eaters or adventurous foodies, grilled potatoes always deliver.

So fire up the grill, grab some potatoes, and let the magic happen. Your next summer meal just got a whole lot better!