These grilled potatoes in foil, or potato packets, are a fun and easy way to enjoy a tasty side dish! Just slice your potatoes, add some seasoning, and wrap them up nice and tight.
They’re perfect for summer cookouts! I love tossing these on the grill while flipping burgers. The smell of herbs and butter makes everyone gather around—who can resist that? 🌞
Making these potato packets is quick and simple, plus clean-up is a breeze! You can even add veggies or cheese for a little twist; it’s hard to mess them up.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: I recommend using medium-sized Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. They hold their shape well and have a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a quick option, baby potatoes are a fantastic substitute as they cook faster.
Onion: A medium onion adds flavor, but if you prefer a milder taste, opt for sweet onions like Vidalia or even green onions for a fresh twist. You could skip the onion entirely if you’re not a fan!
Olive Oil: This helps everything cook nicely and adds richness. You could replace it with avocado oil or even melted butter for a different flavor. Just note that butter may burn faster at high temperatures.
Garlic Powder: I love garlic powder for convenience, but fresh minced garlic works even better for a more intense flavor. If you want a touch of spice, a pinch of cayenne pepper could also be nice!
Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a nice savory element, but if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy taste without the dairy. Cheddar also works well for a creamier experience.
How Do You Grill Potatoes to Get Them Just Right?
Grilling potatoes in foil is a great way to make them tender without drying them out. The key here is even slicing and proper seasoning.
- First, slice the potatoes and onions very thin—about 1/8 inch—so they cook through evenly.
- Make sure to coat the potatoes and onions well with olive oil and seasonings. This helps enhance their flavor while grilling.
- When sealing the foil packet, ensure it’s tightly closed to trap steam inside, which helps cook the potatoes thoroughly.
- Check the potatoes after 25 minutes. If they’re not quite tender, close the packet and put them back on the grill for a few more minutes.
How to Make Grilled Potatoes in Foil (Potato Packets)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Potato Packets:
- 4 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus 25-30 minutes to grill. So, you can have delicious grilled potato packets ready in about 40 minutes. Perfect for a tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Turn your grill on to medium-high heat to get it nice and hot while you prepare the potatoes.
2. Prepare the Foil Pack:
Take a large piece of aluminum foil (enough to wrap the potatoes completely) and place it on a flat surface. In the middle, add the sliced potatoes and onions.
3. Season the Vegetables:
Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes and onions. Then, sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on top. Gently toss everything together to make sure the potatoes are evenly coated with all the seasoning.
4. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you love cheese, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the potatoes for extra flavor.
5. Seal the Packet:
Fold the aluminum foil over the potatoes to create a secure packet. Make sure it’s tightly closed so steam doesn’t escape while cooking.
6. Grill the Packets:
Place the foil packet directly on the grill grates. Let it cook for about 25-30 minutes. Check it halfway through—just be careful of the hot steam! When the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, they’re done!
7. Carefully Remove and Open:
Using tongs or oven mitts, carefully take the hot foil packet off the grill. Open it slowly to avoid any steam burns. It will smell amazing!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the grilled potatoes to a serving dish. Top them with fresh chives or parsley, and serve with a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy your delicious grilled potato packets!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While russet potatoes are a popular choice for grilling, you can also use red or yellow potatoes. Just make sure they are sliced thinly for even cooking. Each type will give a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment!
How Can I Make These Potatoes Vegetarian or Vegan?
To keep the recipe vegetarian, just skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a vegetarian cheese. For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also add more herbs or spices to enhance the dish!
Can I Prepare These Potato Packets Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the potato and onion mixture ahead of time. Simply assemble the packets and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before grilling. Just remember to bring them to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before placing them on the grill for even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, cover to steam for a few minutes, and stir occasionally until heated through. Enjoy your leftovers!
