When it comes to outdoor grilling, side dishes are just as important as the main event. One side dish that consistently wins over everyone at the table is Grilled Cheesy Garlic Potatoes. This recipe combines the earthy goodness of potatoes, the savory aroma of garlic, and the irresistible allure of melted cheese, all wrapped up in a neat foil packet that’s easy to prepare and cook on the grill.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a tailgate party, or just a casual outdoor dinner, these Grilled Cheesy Garlic Potatoes are the perfect addition. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this delectable dish from scratch.
Ingredients for Grilled Cheesy Garlic Potatoes
To make this dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 6 baking potatoes, cubed: Russet potatoes are ideal due to their starchy texture, which allows them to absorb flavors and become tender when cooked.
- 1 white onion, diced: The onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- 3 tablespoons butter, sliced: Butter gives the potatoes a rich, creamy flavor and helps them crisp up on the grill.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil helps prevent the potatoes from sticking to the foil and adds a slight fruity note.
- 6 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the potatoes with a robust, aromatic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon parsley (dried or fresh): Parsley adds a hint of freshness and color to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is crucial to bring out the flavors of the potatoes and other ingredients.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Cheddar melts beautifully and provides a sharp, tangy flavor.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded: Parmesan adds a nutty, salty taste that complements the cheddar.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Grilled Cheesy Garlic Potatoes
Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
- Preheat Your Grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375°F to 400°F. This ensures the potatoes will cook evenly and develop a nice, crispy exterior.
- Cube the Potatoes: Wash and dry your baking potatoes, then cut them into uniform cubes. Consistent sizing ensures that the potatoes cook evenly. Place the cubed potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Dice the Onion: Dice a white onion and add it to the bowl with the potatoes.
Step 2: Assembling the Foil Packet
- Prepare the Foil: Tear off a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil, about 18 to 24 inches long. Place it on a flat surface, shiny side up. Drizzle the foil with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cubed potatoes and diced onion onto the center of the foil. Add the minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Toss the ingredients gently to ensure everything is well-coated with the seasonings.
- Add the Butter: Distribute the slices of butter evenly over the potatoes. The butter will melt during grilling, infusing the potatoes with flavor and moisture.
- Seal the Packet: Bring the edges of the foil together to create a packet. Fold the edges over several times to seal, ensuring no steam escapes during cooking.
Step 3: Grilling the Potatoes
- Place the Packet on the Grill: Carefully place the foil packet on the preheated grill. Close the grill lid and cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping the packet halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: After 20 minutes, carefully open the foil packet to check if the potatoes are tender. Use a fork to pierce the potatoes; they should be soft and easily pierced.
Step 4: Adding the Cheese
- Add the Cheese: Once the potatoes are cooked, open the foil packet and sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Melt the Cheese: Close the foil packet loosely and allow the cheese to melt over the hot potatoes. This should take about 5 minutes. The result will be a gooey, cheesy topping that perfectly complements the savory potatoes.
Step 5: Serving the Potatoes
- Remove from the Grill: Once the cheese is fully melted, remove the foil packet from the grill using oven mitts or tongs.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully open the foil packet, being cautious of the hot steam. Transfer the cheesy garlic potatoes to a serving dish or serve them directly from the foil packet. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Cheesy Garlic Potatoes
- Use Heavy-Duty Foil: Regular aluminum foil may tear or puncture easily on the grill, so opt for heavy-duty foil to avoid any accidents.
- Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar and Parmesan are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Add Extra Ingredients: For a heartier dish, consider adding cooked bacon bits, sliced jalapeños, or even chopped bell peppers to the potato mixture before grilling.
Variations of Grilled Cheesy Garlic Potatoes
- Bacon and Chive Potatoes: Add crispy bacon bits and chopped chives for a loaded baked potato flavor.
- Spicy Potatoes: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to give the potatoes a spicy kick.
- Herb-Roasted Potatoes: Replace the parsley with a mix of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a fragrant, herbaceous version of this dish.
Grilled Cheesy Garlic Potatoes are a versatile and crowd-pleasing side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender, flavorful potatoes, rich garlic, and gooey cheese is simply irresistible. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or a large gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit. Pair it with your favorite grilled meats or serve it as a standalone dish for a comforting, satisfying meal. Enjoy the deliciousness of these cheesy garlic potatoes hot off the grill!
