These grilled potatoes in foil, also known as potato packets, are a fun and easy side dish! With tender potatoes mixed with savory spices, they turn out buttery and soft every time.
I love tossing in some herbs and cheese for extra yum! Plus, clean-up is a breeze—just toss the foil when you’re done. Perfect for a backyard BBQ! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Medium-sized potatoes work best for this dish. I love using Yukon Gold for their creamy texture. If you prefer, you can swap for red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a twist.
Onion: A regular onion gives a nice flavor, but you can use sweet onions or shallots for a milder taste. If you’re short on time, onion powder is a quick substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds great depth to the dish. If you don’t have any, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about half a teaspoon.
Paprika: This ingredient adds a smoky flavor. If you want to spice things up, try using smoked paprika or even chili powder for a kick.
Fresh Herbs: Chives or parsley add a bright touch, but you can use any fresh herbs you like. Basil or dill can change the dish with different flavors.
How Can I Ensure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked?
A key challenge with foil packets is making sure your potatoes are cooked through. Here are some tips to nail this step:
- Slice the potatoes thinly, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and quicker.
- Make sure to seal the foil packets tightly. This traps steam and helps cook the potatoes thoroughly.
- Check one packet mid-way through cooking. If the potatoes need more time, slide them back on the grill.
- If you’re grilling at a high temperature, flip the packets halfway through for even cooking on both sides.
How to Make Grilled Potatoes in Foil (Potato Packets)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Packets:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh chives or parsley, chopped
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to grill. In total, you can have these delicious grilled potato packets ready in about 40 minutes—perfect for a quick and satisfying side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This means getting it to around 350-400°F (175-200°C). It’s important to have it the right temperature so the potatoes cook evenly!
2. Prepare the Foil:
Cut out large squares of aluminum foil. You’ll need one square for each serving. Make sure they’re big enough to hold all the delicious ingredients without spilling.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, onion, minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together well, so all the potato slices get coated with the oil and spices. This will add so much flavor!
4. Assemble the Packets:
Take a portion of the potato mixture and place it in the center of each foil square. Don’t be shy! Load them up with those tasty layers.
5. Fold and Seal:
Now, fold the sides of the foil over the potatoes to create a sealed packet. Make sure it’s tight and there are no openings for steam to escape. We want the potatoes to cook in their own steam!
6. Grill the Packets:
Carefully place the foil packets directly on the grill grates. Cook them for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. You can peek inside one packet to check if the potatoes are cooked through—just be careful of the hot steam!
7. Cool and Serve:
After cooking, carefully remove the packets from the grill—they will be hot! Let them cool for a few minutes before opening. When you’re ready, watch out for steam and carefully open each packet.
8. Add Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle your grilled potatoes with the freshly chopped chives or parsley for a bright finish. If you like, add a dollop of sour cream on top. It’s optional but adds a creamy touch!
9. Enjoy!
Serve the potato packets hot and enjoy the delicious flavors. Perfectly grilled and packed with goodness!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in These Potato Packets?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they cook at the same rate as the potatoes.
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No problem! You can substitute with other oils like avocado or vegetable oil. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, melted butter or garlic-infused oil can also work wonderfully!
How Can I Store Leftover Potato Packets?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back on the grill for a few minutes or microwave until heated through.
How Do I Know When the Potatoes Are Done?
The best way to check for doneness is to carefully open one of the packets and pierce the potatoes with a fork. They should be tender and easily pierced. If they’re still firm, seal the packet back up and continue grilling for a few more minutes.
