There’s something truly magical about perfectly cooked potatoes, and this Grilled Potatoes: Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside & Infused with Smoky Flavor Recipe captures that magic in every bite. Imagine golden, crispy edges giving way to a fluffy, tender center, all kissed by the subtle smokiness of the grill. It’s the kind of dish that feels both comforting and exciting — perfect for elevating any meal or standing proudly on its own as a crowd-pleasing favorite. Whether you’re a grilling pro or a home cook looking for a fresh twist, this recipe is here to become one of your absolute go-tos.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the careful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy creaminess of Yukon golds to the smoky depth of smoked paprika, every component is essential for achieving that perfect balance in your grilled potatoes.
- 2 lbs baby potatoes or Yukon golds: Choose smaller potatoes or halved Yukon golds for even cooking and a creamy interior.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to crisp the potato skin beautifully while keeping the inside moist.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a gentle, savory punch without overpowering the potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives the smoky flavor that makes this recipe so irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary: Infuses an herbal note that complements the potatoes perfectly.
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant color and a mild oniony finish.
- Optional: grated parmesan, chili flakes, or lemon zest: For those who love to experiment with flavor boosts.
How to Make Grilled Potatoes: Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside & Infused with Smoky Flavor Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Start by heating your grill to medium-high, aiming for around 400°F. This temperature is perfect for creating that sought-after crispiness on the outside while allowing the potatoes to cook through evenly on the inside. Getting the grill ready upfront sets you up for success and helps maintain consistent heat during cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss your halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme or rosemary, salt, and freshly ground pepper. This simple coating ensures every bite bursts with flavor. The olive oil will help with browning and crispness, while the spices infuse a smoky, herby essence that dances on your palate.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Place the coated potatoes directly on the grill grates, cut side down to maximize crisping. Close the lid and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to get an even char. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn, but trust that the heat will coax the inside to become fluffy and tender. The smell alone during this step is sure to make your mouth water.
How to Serve Grilled Potatoes: Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside & Infused with Smoky Flavor Recipe
Garnishes
Once off the grill, sprinkle fresh parsley or chives over the potatoes. Their bright green color adds a refreshing touch visually and a mild, fresh bite that balances the smoky richness. For an extra zing, a dusting of grated parmesan or a pinch of chili flakes can boost both flavor and texture, taking your grilled potatoes to a new level.
Side Dishes
These grilled potatoes make an excellent side for almost anything — from juicy burgers to roasted chicken or grilled veggies. Their versatility means they can be the comforting companion to weeknight meals or the star side at your next barbecue gathering. Pair them with a crisp salad or a tangy dip for a complete, satisfying plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, arrange the grilled potatoes on a rustic wooden platter with a scattering of herbs and perhaps lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, citrusy pop. You can also skewer them for a fun, handheld snack or serve them alongside a dollop of aioli or garlic yogurt sauce for dipping. The possibilities to get creative are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare!), place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Proper storage keeps the potatoes moist inside while slowing down any staleness. Just be sure to cool them completely before storing to maintain their texture.
Freezing
Freezing grilled potatoes is possible but not ideal if you want to preserve crispness. If you choose to freeze, flash-freeze the potatoes on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. Use within one month for best results. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for easier reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that delightful crisp outside and fluffy inside after storage, reheat your potatoes in a hot oven or on the grill. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy. A quick 10 minutes at 375°F or a few minutes over medium heat on the grill will revive their texture beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes and Yukon golds work best for their texture and size, you can try red potatoes or fingerlings. The key is to cut larger potatoes into uniform pieces so they cook evenly on the grill.
Do I need to parboil the potatoes before grilling?
Not for this recipe. The direct grilling at medium-high heat cooks them through perfectly. Parboiling could make the potatoes too soft and difficult to handle on the grill, but if you’re short on time, a quick parboil can help speed up cooking.
How do I get the potatoes smoky without using a smoker?
This recipe relies on smoked paprika and the natural smoky flavor from the grill itself. Using a charcoal grill or adding wood chips can boost the smokiness, but the seasoning and grilling technique here already deliver plenty of that beloved smoky taste.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free as written. Just skip optional parmesan cheese or try vegan cheese alternatives for the extra flavor kick without dairy.
What’s the best way to keep these potatoes crispy after cooking?
Serve them immediately after grilling and keep the grill hot to maintain that crisp exterior. If you need to hold them, place them on a wire rack in a warm oven to avoid sogginess from steam.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your taste buds and add a superstar side dish to your grilling repertoire, definitely give this Grilled Potatoes: Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside & Infused with Smoky Flavor Recipe a try. It’s simple, rewarding, and full of heartwarming flavors that invite everyone back for seconds. Once you make them, I have a feeling you’ll want to make them again and again.
Print
Grilled Potatoes: Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside & Infused with Smoky Flavor Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy perfectly grilled potatoes with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, infused with savory smoky flavors. These grilled potatoes are recipe favorites for gatherings, offering a delightful balance of herbs, spices, and optional flavor boosts like parmesan or chili flakes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs baby potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Chili flakes
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, approximately 400°F, to ensure an optimal temperature for crispy, smoky potatoes.
- Prepare Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme or rosemary, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Toss thoroughly until all potato pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
- Grill Potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes cut side down directly on the grill grates. Close the grill lid and cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning. Grill until the potatoes are tender inside with a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a smoky flavor.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the potatoes from the grill and transfer to a serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives and, if desired, add optional grated parmesan, chili flakes, or lemon zest for extra flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- Choose evenly sized potatoes for consistent cooking.
- To prevent sticking, oil the grill grates lightly before cooking.
- For extra smoky flavor, use wood chips or charcoal on your grill.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more paprika or herbs as preferred.
- These potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats or as a flavorful vegetarian side.
