These Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes are a tasty treat for any backyard party! Tender potatoes are packed with yummy flavors like smoky bacon and melted cheddar cheese.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with bacon and cheese! I love serving these potatoes as a side dish, and they always steal the spotlight on the grill. Yum! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These little gems are perfect for grilling since they cook evenly and have a creamy texture. If you can’t find baby potatoes, use any small potatoes, like new potatoes or fingerlings. You can even cut larger potatoes into chunks.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice tang and creaminess. I love using sharp or extra sharp for more flavor. If you’re looking for a milder taste, go for mild cheddar or even Monterey Jack as a substitute.
Bacon: Bacon provides a crunchy, salty element that’s hard to resist. For a healthier option, turkey bacon works well too. If you’re vegetarian, try using smoked tempeh or vegan bacon for a similar taste.
BBQ Sauce: The BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy kick. I prefer a homemade sauce for freshness, but any store-bought variety will do. If you’re avoiding sugar, consider a low-sugar BBQ sauce or a vinegar-based marinade instead.
Green Onions: These fresh herbs add a nice pop of color and flavor. If you’re out of green onions, try using chives or even a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for a different twist!
How Do I Grill Potatoes in Foil for the Best Results?
Grilling potatoes in foil is a fantastic way to lock in flavor and keep them moist. Here’s how to nail it:
- Cut Evenly: Halve or quarter the baby potatoes so they cook uniformly. This prevents some from being undercooked while others are mushy.
- Season Well: Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper thoroughly. This enhances the flavor and helps achieve browning.
- Seal Tightly: When making the foil packet, ensure it’s sealed well to trap steam. Otherwise, you’ll end up with dry potatoes.
- Check for Tenderness: Grill for about 25-30 minutes; check with a fork to ensure they’re tender. Flipping helps them cook evenly.
- Melt Cheese Properly: After adding BBQ sauce, bacon, and cheese, close the packet again to melt the cheese evenly without burning.
Enjoy your grilled potatoes—it’s a simple and rewarding technique that’s perfect for gatherings!
How to Make Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 3-4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Other:
- Aluminum foil (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 35-40 minutes for cooking on the grill. In total, you’re looking at around 45-50 minutes to enjoy these tasty grilled potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This step ensures that your potatoes will cook evenly and come out perfectly tender.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure the potatoes are nicely coated with the oil and seasoning for great flavor.
3. Create a Foil Packet:
Tear off a large piece of aluminum foil and place the seasoned potatoes in the center. Fold the edges of the foil upwards and seal it tightly to create a packet. This will keep the moisture in while the potatoes cook on the grill.
4. Grill the Potatoes:
Place your potato packet on the grill. Let them cook for about 25-30 minutes, flipping the packet occasionally. The goal here is to cook the potatoes until they are tender.
5. Add Toppings:
Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully open the foil packet. Drizzle the BBQ sauce over the top and sprinkle the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. This will make your potatoes cheesy and flavorful!
6. Melt the Cheese:
Close the foil packet again and return it to the grill for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt beautifully.
7. Finish and Serve:
When the cheese is melted and gooey, carefully remove the packet from the grill. Let it cool slightly before opening the packet to avoid any steam burns.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch. Now, dig in and enjoy your cheesy, savory, and smoky grilled potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are great for this recipe, you can use any small potatoes like red or yellow potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute BBQ sauce with any flavorful sauce like honey mustard, teriyaki, or even a homemade mixture of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Just adjust the quantity based on your taste preference.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Potatoes?
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a skillet on low heat, adding a little olive oil to keep them from drying out.
Can I Make These Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the potato packets and keep them in the refrigerator for up to a day before grilling. Just remember to take them out to reach room temperature before placing them on the grill for even cooking.