These grilled potatoes in foil are a fun side dish! You get soft, tasty potatoes seasoned with butter and herbs, all wrapped up and cooked to perfection.
I love how easy these packets are to make. Just toss in some veggies or cheese if you like. Perfect for those summer barbecues when you want something tasty without much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using medium-sized russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. They hold their shape well when cooked. If you’re looking for a healthier option, sweet potatoes can be a great substitute, adding a bit of sweetness!
Onion: A medium onion adds flavor and sweetness. If you want something milder, choose a green onion or shallot instead. Both bring a lighter touch to the dish!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my first choice for its rich flavor. If you’re out, canola or vegetable oil work too, but they’ll be a bit less flavorful.
Garlic Powder: This brings a warm, savory note. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to use fresh minced garlic instead—just adjust quantities since fresh is stronger!
Paprika: It adds a wonderful color and mild flavor. Smoked paprika can give it an extra layer of taste if you prefer a bit of smokiness, especially perfect for grilling.
How Do You Make Sure Your Potatoes Are Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking potatoes in foil packets on the grill is super easy, but it’s key to slice them thinly for even cooking. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick slices.
- Mix the potatoes and onions well with seasonings so every bite has flavor.
- Seal the foil tightly—this keeps all that steam in, making the potatoes tender.
- Remember to turn the packets halfway through grilling for even cooking.
- After 25-30 minutes, check for tenderness by squeezing the packet; it should feel soft.
- Let them cool a bit before opening, as steam can escape quickly and be hot.
How to Make Grilled Potatoes in Foil (Potato Packets)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Packets:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving, optional)
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled potato recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and around 25-30 minutes for cooking on the grill. That’s an easy recipe you can enjoy in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will ensure your potatoes cook evenly and get that lovely grilled flavor.
2. Prepare the Foil:
Cut four pieces of aluminum foil, each about 12 inches long. This will be used to make packets for the potatoes and onions.
3. Mix the Potatoes and Onions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced potatoes and onions. Drizzle in the olive oil, and then sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or your hands to toss everything together until the potatoes and onions are well-coated with the seasonings.
4. Assemble the Packets:
Take an equal amount of the potato mixture and place it in the center of each piece of foil. Make sure to leave enough room to fold the foil over securely.
5. Seal the Packets:
Fold the foil over the potatoes and seal the edges tightly to create packets. This will help trap steam and cook the potatoes nicely.
6. Grill the Packets:
Place the potato packets on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. You’ll know they are done when the potatoes are tender.
7. Remove and Cool:
Carefully take the packets off the grill using tongs. Let them cool for a few minutes before opening, as there will be hot steam inside.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the grilled potatoes hot, garnished with chopped chives or green onions. If you like, add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess. Enjoy your tasty potato packets!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While medium-sized potatoes work well, you can use any type of potato, like red or Yukon gold. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the potato variety, so check for tenderness before removing them from the grill.
What If I Don’t Have Aluminum Foil?
No problem! If you have a grill basket or a cast-iron skillet, you can use those instead. Just make sure to coat the basket or skillet with oil to prevent sticking. You might also want to cover the basket with a lid or aluminum foil to help retain moisture while cooking.
How Can I Store Leftover Grilled Potatoes?
Leftover grilled potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave or on the grill briefly until warmed through. You can also add a bit of olive oil or butter for extra flavor!
Can I Add Other Veggies to the Packets?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. Just cut them into similar sizes as the potatoes so they cook evenly. Keep an eye on cooking times, as softer vegetables might cook faster than the potatoes.