The art of barbecuing is a timeless tradition that brings people together, and what’s a BBQ without some delicious sides to complement the main course? While many of us are familiar with grilling meats and vegetables, the question remains: can you cook potatoes on a BBQ? The answer is a resounding yes, and in this article, we’ll explore the various ways to achieve perfectly cooked potatoes on your grill.
The Benefits of Grilling Potatoes
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of cooking potatoes on a BBQ, let’s discuss the benefits of grilling these starchy tubers. Grilling potatoes adds a smoky flavor and a crispy texture that’s hard to achieve with traditional cooking methods. Additionally, grilling potatoes is a great way to add some excitement to your BBQ menu, especially for vegetarians and vegans.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to grilling. You’ll want to choose potatoes that are high in starch, as they’ll yield a crisper exterior and a fluffier interior. Some popular varieties for grilling include:
- Russet potatoes
- Idaho potatoes
- Yukon Gold potatoes
Avoid using waxy potatoes like Red Bliss or New Potatoes, as they’ll retain too much moisture and won’t yield the desired texture.
Preparation is Key
Before you throw your potatoes on the grill, it’s essential to prepare them properly. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris.
- Scrub the potatoes with a vegetable brush to remove any eyes or blemishes.
- Cut the potatoes into your desired shape, whether it’s wedges, slices, or chunks.
- Soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch and help them cook more evenly.
Grilling Methods
Now that your potatoes are prepared, it’s time to fire up the grill. Here are a few grilling methods to achieve perfectly cooked potatoes:
- Direct Grilling: Place the potatoes directly on the grill grates and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re tender and slightly charred.
- Indirect Grilling: Place the potatoes away from the direct heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re tender and cooked through.
- Grill Basket: Place the potatoes in a grill basket and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re tender and cooked through.
Tips for Achieving Perfectly Cooked Potatoes
- Use a thermometer to ensure the potatoes are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 205°F (96°C).
- Don’t overcrowd the grill, as this can cause the potatoes to steam instead of sear.
- Rotate the potatoes frequently to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.
Delicious BBQ Potato Recipes
Now that you know the basics of grilling potatoes, it’s time to get creative with some delicious BBQ potato recipes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Garlic and Herb Potatoes: Toss diced potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Grill the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re tender and fragrant.
- BBQ Potato Wedges: Cut potatoes into wedges and toss with olive oil, BBQ sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Grill the potatoes for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they’re tender and slightly charred.
- Grilled Potato Salad: Grill diced potatoes for 10-15 minutes, or until they’re tender and cooked through. Toss the potatoes with chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced red onion, and a vinaigrette dressing.
Conclusion
Grilling potatoes is a game-changer for any BBQ enthusiast. With the right preparation and grilling techniques, you can achieve perfectly cooked potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a beginner, we hope this article has inspired you to try something new and delicious at your next BBQ.
| Potato Variety | Grilling Time | Grilling Method |
|---|---|---|
| Russet Potatoes | 10-15 minutes | Indirect Grilling |
| Idaho Potatoes | 10-15 minutes | Grill Basket |
| Yukon Gold Potatoes | 5-7 minutes per side | Direct Grilling |
By following these tips and recipes, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a BBQ potato master. So go ahead, fire up the grill, and get ready to impress your friends and family with your perfectly cooked potatoes.
Can you cook potatoes on a BBQ?
Cooking potatoes on a BBQ is a great way to add some variety to your grilled meals. Potatoes can be cooked directly on the grill grates or in foil packets, and they can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices to enhance their flavor. Whether you’re looking for a side dish or a main course, potatoes are a great option for BBQ cooking.
When cooking potatoes on a BBQ, it’s essential to choose the right type of potato. Look for potatoes that are high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho potatoes, as they will yield a crispy outside and a fluffy inside. You can also use sweet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes for a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
How do you prepare potatoes for BBQ cooking?
To prepare potatoes for BBQ cooking, start by washing and peeling them. You can leave the skin on if you prefer, but peeling will help the potatoes cook more evenly. Next, slice or chop the potatoes into your desired shape and size. If you’re cooking them directly on the grill, you can brush them with oil and season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like.
If you’re cooking the potatoes in foil packets, you can add some aromatics like garlic, onions, and bell peppers to the packet for extra flavor. Simply place the potatoes and aromatics in the center of a piece of foil, drizzle with oil, and fold the foil over the potatoes to create a packet. You can also add some cheese, bacon, or sour cream to the packet for extra flavor.
What is the best way to cook potatoes on a BBQ?
The best way to cook potatoes on a BBQ is to cook them over medium-low heat. This will help the potatoes cook slowly and evenly, without burning the outside. If you’re cooking them directly on the grill, you can place them on the cooler side of the grill and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re tender and lightly browned.
If you’re cooking the potatoes in foil packets, you can place them on the grill and cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the packet is hot and steamy. You can also cook the potatoes in a grill basket or on a grill mat for added convenience.
Can you cook potatoes in foil on a BBQ?
Yes, you can cook potatoes in foil on a BBQ. In fact, this is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to cook potatoes on a grill. Simply place the potatoes and any desired aromatics in the center of a piece of foil, drizzle with oil, and fold the foil over the potatoes to create a packet. You can then place the packet on the grill and cook for about 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the packet is hot and steamy.
Cooking potatoes in foil on a BBQ is a great way to add some flavor and moisture to the potatoes. You can add some cheese, bacon, or sour cream to the packet for extra flavor, and you can also use different types of potatoes, such as sweet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes, for a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
How long does it take to cook potatoes on a BBQ?
The cooking time for potatoes on a BBQ will depend on the type of potato, the heat of the grill, and the desired level of doneness. Generally, it takes about 20-25 minutes to cook potatoes directly on the grill, or about 30-40 minutes to cook them in foil packets. You can check the potatoes for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the potato. If it slides in easily, the potato is cooked.
It’s also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and shape of the potatoes. If you’re cooking small, thin slices of potato, they may cook more quickly than larger, thicker slices. You can also use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the potatoes, which should be at least 190°F (88°C) for cooked potatoes.
Can you cook potatoes and other vegetables on a BBQ at the same time?
Yes, you can cook potatoes and other vegetables on a BBQ at the same time. In fact, this is a great way to add some variety to your grilled meals. Simply place the potatoes and other vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, on the grill and cook until they’re tender and lightly browned.
When cooking multiple vegetables on a BBQ, it’s essential to choose vegetables that have similar cooking times. For example, you can cook potatoes and bell peppers together, as they both take about 20-25 minutes to cook. You can also use a grill basket or grill mat to cook multiple vegetables at once, which can help to prevent them from falling through the grill grates.
What are some popular potato recipes for BBQ cooking?
There are many popular potato recipes for BBQ cooking, including grilled potato wedges, potato salad, and twice-baked potatoes. You can also try making potato packets with cheese, bacon, and sour cream, or grilled potato slices with rosemary and garlic. Another popular recipe is BBQ potato chips, which are made by slicing potatoes thinly and cooking them in a grill basket until crispy.
When making potato recipes for BBQ cooking, it’s essential to choose the right type of potato. Look for potatoes that are high in starch, such as Russet or Idaho potatoes, as they will yield a crispy outside and a fluffy inside. You can also use sweet potatoes or Yukon gold potatoes for a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.