Grilled potatoes in foil are like little flavor packets ready for your barbecue! With tender slices of potato, tasty herbs, and a bit of butter, they’re sure to please everyone.
These potato packets are so easy to make! Just chop, toss in some spices, wrap in foil, and grill. It’s a great way to enjoy a side dish without the fuss. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Any medium-sized potatoes work well, but I love using Yukon Gold for their buttery texture. Russets can also be great, particularly if you want a fluffier inside.
Onion: A sweet onion like Vidalia can add a nice sweetness. If you prefer no onion, you can omit it or use shallots for a milder flavor.
Olive Oil: While olive oil gives a lovely flavor, feel free to substitute with melted butter for a richer taste. Another option is avocado oil if you’re looking for a higher smoke point.
Spices: If you’re missing garlic powder or onion powder, fresh minced garlic or finely chopped onion can work. For a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Chives: Don’t have fresh chives? Try parsley or green onions as an alternative. They add color and a mild onion flavor.
How Do You Make the Best Foil Packets Without Them Leaking?
Creating sealed foil packets is key to ensuring your potatoes cook perfectly. Here’s how to do it without any leaks:
- Use heavy-duty aluminum foil. It holds up better against the heat and is less likely to rip.
- Cut the squares large enough to fold securely. Aim for at least 12 inches, so you have room to fold.
- After adding the potato mixture, gently fold the edges together, making several tight folds to trap steam inside. This helps with even cooking!
- Finally, double-check the seals before placing them on the grill—no gaps should be visible.
How to Make Grilled Potatoes in Foil (Potato Packets)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potato Packets:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving, optional)
- Aluminum foil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to grill. Just a bit of chopping and mixing, and you’ll have these tasty potato packets ready to cook and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat, which is around 350°F (175°C). This will make sure the potatoes cook evenly and become nice and tender.
2. Cut the Foil:
Next, cut four large squares of aluminum foil—each about 12 inches. These pieces will hold your potato mixture, so make sure they’re big enough to fold over easily.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced potatoes and onions. Drizzle the olive oil over them, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, as well as salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes and onions are well coated in the seasonings and oil.
4. Assemble the Packets:
Divide the potato mixture evenly among the four squares of foil. Now, fold the foil tightly over the potatoes, making sure there are no gaps for steam to escape. You want these to steam nicely inside!
5. Grill the Packets:
Place the foil packets on the preheated grill. Cook for about 30-35 minutes. To check if they’re done, carefully open one packet (watch out for hot steam!) and see if the potatoes are soft when you pierce them with a fork.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully remove the packets from the grill. Open them slowly to avoid steam burns and sprinkle fresh chives on top. Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream, if you’d like. Dig into your delicious grilled potato packets and enjoy the great flavors!
Can I Use Other Variations of Potatoes?
Absolutely! You can use red potatoes, yellow potatoes, or even sweet potatoes for a twist. Just be aware that cooking times might vary slightly, especially with sweet potatoes, so check for doneness sooner.
What Other Seasonings Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add herbs like rosemary or thyme, or try spices like chili powder or Italian seasoning to customize the flavor to your liking.
How Should I Store Leftover Potato Packets?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the packet in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave for quicker results.
Can I Make These Potato Packets in the Oven?
Yes! Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the sealed foil packets on a baking sheet. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Enjoy the convenience of oven-cooked potato packets!