Grilled potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that pairs well with many different meals. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a tasty way to prepare potatoes, grilling them with foil is a popular and easy method that yields flavorful results. The foil helps to trap moisture and heat, allowing the potatoes to cook evenly and become tender on the inside while developing a crisp exterior.

Step 1: Prep the potatoes

Start by selecting your potatoes. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are great options, as they hold their shape well when grilled. Wash and scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt, then pat them dry. If desired, peel the potatoes for a smoother texture, or leave the skins on for extra flavor and texture.

Step 2: Season and wrap in foil

Next, season the potatoes to your preference. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with your favorite herbs and spices. Consider adding garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, or paprika for extra flavor. Once seasoned, wrap each potato tightly in foil, making sure to seal the edges to prevent any steam from escaping.

Step 3: Preheat the grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat. The temperature should be around 350 to 400°F (175 to 200°C). This will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and don’t burn on the outside before they become tender on the inside. If using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are white and glowing.

Step 4: Grill the potatoes

Place the foil-wrapped potatoes directly on the grill grates and close the lid. Let them cook for about 40 to 50 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes and the heat of your grill. Avoid opening the foil packets too often, as this will allow steam to escape and extend the cooking time.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully remove them from the grill using tongs or a heat-resistant mitt. Allow them to cool slightly before unwrapping the foil. The potatoes should be soft and easily pierced with a fork. Serve them as a side dish with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, grated cheese, bacon bits, or chives. Enjoy the smoky, flavorful taste of grilled potatoes!

In conclusion, grilling potatoes with foil is a simple and delicious way to cook this versatile vegetable. By following these steps, you can create perfectly tender and flavorful grilled potatoes that are sure to be a hit at your next cookout or family meal. So fire up the grill, grab some foil, and get ready to enjoy the crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside goodness of grilled potatoes!

Tips for Grilling Potatoes in Foil

Grilling potatoes in foil is a popular and delicious way to cook them. The foil helps to lock in the flavor and moisture, resulting in a perfectly tender and flavorful potato. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results when grilling potatoes in foil:

  • Choose the right potatoes: Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent choices for grilling. Their high starch content makes them fluffy and tender when cooked.
  • Prep the potatoes: Start by washing and scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel.
  • Slice or dice the potatoes: Depending on your preferences, you can either slice the potatoes into rounds or dice them into cubes. Just make sure the pieces are relatively uniform in size.
  • Season the potatoes: Drizzle some olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle them with your favorite seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or dried herbs. Toss them gently to coat the potatoes evenly.
  • Wrap the potatoes in foil: Place the seasoned potatoes in the center of a large piece of aluminum foil. Fold the foil over the potatoes, sealing the edges tightly to create a packet.
  • Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before adding the foil-wrapped potatoes. This will ensure even cooking and help to prevent sticking.
  • Grill the potatoes: Place the foil packet directly on the grill grates and close the lid. Cook the potatoes for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
  • Rotate the packet: To ensure even cooking, rotate the foil packet halfway through the grilling time. This will help to prevent any hot spots on the grill from overcooking or burning the potatoes.
  • Serve and enjoy: Carefully open the foil packet, as it will release hot steam. Transfer the grilled potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve them hot and enjoy!
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Grilling potatoes in foil is a convenient and tasty way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Follow these tips for grilling potatoes in foil, and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly cooked, flavorful potatoes that are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.

Preparing the Potatoes

Before you start cooking the potatoes on the grill, you need to prepare them properly. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Choose the right potatoes: Look for potatoes that are suitable for grilling. Russet potatoes or sweet potatoes work best because they are starchy and hold their shape well.

2. Wash the potatoes: Thoroughly wash the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt and debris. Use a scrub brush to clean the skin if needed.

3. Dry the potatoes: Pat the potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This will help the oil and seasonings stick to the potatoes better.

4. Prick the potatoes: Use a fork or a sharp knife to make small holes in the potatoes. This will allow steam to escape during the grilling process and prevent the potatoes from exploding.

5. Season the potatoes: Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs for extra flavor.

6. Wrap the potatoes in foil: Individually wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil. Make sure the seams are sealed to prevent any juices from leaking out during cooking.

7. Let the potatoes marinate: Allow the wrapped potatoes to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This will help the flavors penetrate the potatoes and make them even more delicious.

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Following these preparation steps will ensure that your potatoes are ready for grilling and turn out perfectly cooked and flavorful.

Seasoning and Marinating

Seasoning and marinating the potatoes before grilling can add an extra level of flavor to your dish. Here are a few ideas for how to season and marinate your potatoes:

  1. Simple Seasoning: Sprinkle the potatoes with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for a basic yet delicious flavor.
  2. Herb-infused Oil: Mix together olive oil, dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano, and minced garlic. Brush this mixture onto the potatoes before wrapping them in foil.
  3. Lemon and Dill Marinade: Create a marinade by combining lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Let the potatoes sit in this marinade for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
  4. Spicy Cajun Rub: If you prefer a kick of heat, make a Cajun rub with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Massage this rub onto the potatoes and let them marinate for an hour before grilling.

By seasoning and marinating your potatoes, you can infuse them with different flavors that will complement the smokiness from the grill. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite seasoning and marinade for grilled potatoes.

Wrapping the Potatoes in Foil

Before placing the potatoes on the grill, it’s important to properly wrap them in foil. The foil will help to seal in the heat and cook the potatoes evenly. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Foil

Start by tearing off a sheet of aluminum foil that is large enough to wrap around each potato. Make sure the sheet is big enough to completely enclose the potato.

Step 2: Brush the Foil with Oil

Before placing the potatoes on the foil, lightly brush the inside with oil. This will help prevent the potatoes from sticking to the foil as they cook.

Step 3: Place the Potato in the Center

Take one potato and place it in the center of the foil sheet. Make sure it is positioned in a way that allows you to fold the foil over and seal it completely.

Step 4: Fold the Foil

Bring the sides of the foil up over the potato and fold them together, creating a sealed packet. Ensure that the seams are tightly pressed together to prevent any steam from escaping during cooking.

Step 5: Repeat for the Remaining Potatoes

Repeat the process for each potato, wrapping them individually in their own foil packets.

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Now that your potatoes are wrapped in foil, they are ready to be placed on the grill and cooked to perfection!

Grilling the Potatoes

After preparing the potatoes by washing and drying them, it’s time to start grilling. Begin by preheating the grill to medium heat.

Next, wrap each potato in aluminum foil. Make sure to create a tightly sealed packet to prevent any steam from escaping.

Place the foil-wrapped potatoes directly on the grill grates. Close the grill lid and let the potatoes cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remember to flip them occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Keep an eye on the grill temperature and adjust it if necessary to maintain a steady medium heat. The potatoes are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully remove them from the grill using tongs. Be cautious as the foil packets will be hot.

Allow the potatoes to cool for a few minutes before unwrapping them. Then, carefully open the foil packets and transfer the grilled potatoes to a serving plate.

Finally, garnish the potatoes with your favorite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, chives, or cheese. Serve them hot and enjoy the delicious smoky flavor!

Q&A

What is the best way to cook a potato on the grill?

The best way to cook a potato on the grill is to wrap it in foil before placing it on the grates. This helps to trap steam and heat, resulting in a perfectly cooked potato with a soft and fluffy interior.

Can I cook a potato on the grill without wrapping it in foil?

While it is possible to cook a potato on the grill without wrapping it in foil, it is not recommended. Wrapping the potato in foil helps to create a steamy environment, which ensures even cooking and prevents the potato from drying out.

How long does it take to cook a potato on the grill?

The cooking time for a potato on the grill can vary depending on its size and the temperature of the grill. Generally, it takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook a potato on the grill with foil. It is important to turn the potato occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Can I add seasonings or toppings to the potato before grilling?

Yes, you can definitely add seasonings and toppings to the potato before grilling. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and melted butter. You can also add cheese, bacon, chives, or sour cream as additional toppings after the potato is cooked.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the potato before grilling?

No, it is not necessary to pre-cook the potato before grilling. The potato will cook perfectly on the grill when wrapped in foil. However, if you prefer a softer and less starchy texture, you can parboil the potato for a few minutes before grilling.