Potato wedges are a popular side dish that can be cooked in various ways, but grilling them brings out a unique flavor and texture that’s hard to resist. Grilled potato wedges are perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or even a quick weeknight dinner. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to cook potato wedges on a grill, including preparation, grilling techniques, and tips for achieving the perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to choose the right type of potatoes for grilling. Look for potatoes that are high in starch, like Russet or Idaho potatoes. These varieties will yield a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. Avoid using waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they’ll retain too much moisture and won’t crisp up as well.
Preparing the Potatoes
To prepare the potatoes, you’ll need to wash and dry them thoroughly. Remove any eyes or blemishes, and cut the potatoes into wedges. You can either cut them into equal-sized wedges or leave them a bit rustic, depending on your preference.
| Potato Size | Wedge Size |
|---|---|
| Small | 6-8 wedges per potato |
| Medium | 4-6 wedges per potato |
| Large | 2-4 wedges per potato |
Marinating and Seasoning
Marinating and seasoning the potato wedges before grilling can add a depth of flavor and help them cook more evenly. In a large bowl, whisk together your favorite seasonings, such as olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the potato wedges to the bowl and toss them to coat them evenly with the marinade.
Marinade Options
Here are a few marinade options you can try:
- Italian-style: olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper
- Spicy: olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper
- Herby: olive oil, chopped fresh rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Grilling the Potato Wedges
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F to 425°F). Remove the potato wedges from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Place the wedges on the grill, leaving about 1 inch of space between each wedge.
Grilling Techniques
To achieve the perfect grilled potato wedges, follow these grilling techniques:
Direct Heat
Place the potato wedges directly over the heat source. This will help them cook quickly and get a nice char on the outside. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Indirect Heat
Place the potato wedges away from the heat source. This will help them cook more slowly and evenly. Cook for 10-12 minutes on each side, or until they’re cooked through and slightly browned.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Crispy Exterior and Fluffy Interior
To achieve the perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior, follow these tips:
Don’t Overcrowd the Grill
Make sure to leave enough space between each potato wedge to allow for even cooking. Overcrowding the grill can lead to steaming instead of grilling, resulting in a soft and soggy exterior.
Don’t Overcook
Cook the potato wedges until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, but still slightly tender on the inside. Overcooking can lead to a dry and brittle exterior.
Use the Right Oil
Use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil to brush the potato wedges during grilling. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to the grill.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled potato wedges are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions:
Classic Combos
- Grilled burgers and hot dogs
- Grilled steak and chicken
- Grilled vegetables and salads
International Inspirations
- Grilled chorizo and Spanish-style tapas
- Grilled halloumi and Greek salad
- Grilled satay and Southeast Asian-style street food
Conclusion
Grilled potato wedges are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a beginner, this guide will help you to cook potato wedges on the grill like a pro. So go ahead, fire up your grill, and get ready to enjoy some mouth-watering grilled potato wedges!
What are the best potatoes to use for grilled potato wedges?
The best potatoes to use for grilled potato wedges are high-starch potatoes, such as Russet or Idaho potatoes. These types of potatoes have a dry, fluffy interior that will yield a crispy outside and a fluffy inside when grilled. They also have a mild flavor that will absorb the seasonings and marinades well.
Avoid using waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they will not yield the same crispy outside and fluffy inside. They are better suited for boiling or roasting. If you only have access to waxy potatoes, you can still use them, but the results may vary.
How do I prepare the potato wedges for grilling?
To prepare the potato wedges for grilling, start by cutting the potatoes into wedges. You can either cut them into 8 wedges per potato or 6 wedges, depending on how large you want them to be. Next, place the potato wedges in a large bowl and drizzle with oil, making sure they are evenly coated. Then, sprinkle your desired seasonings and marinades over the potatoes and toss to coat.
Make sure to pat the potato wedges dry with a paper towel before grilling to remove excess moisture. This will help the potatoes grill evenly and prevent them from steaming instead of browning. You can also let the potatoes sit for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling to allow the seasonings to penetrate deeper into the potatoes.
What is the best way to grill potato wedges?
The best way to grill potato wedges is to grill them over medium-high heat. Preheat your grill to 400°F to 425°F (200°C to 220°C). Place the potato wedges on the grill and close the lid. Grill for 5-7 minutes on the first side, or until they develop a nice char and a crispy exterior.
Flip the potato wedges over and grill for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the potato. If it slides in easily, the potato is cooked through. If not, continue to grill for a few more minutes and check again.
Can I grill potato wedges at a lower heat?
Yes, you can grill potato wedges at a lower heat, but it will take longer to cook them through. Grilling at a lower heat can be beneficial if you want to prevent the potatoes from burning or if you are grilling other foods at the same time. To grill at a lower heat, preheat your grill to 350°F to 375°F (175°C to 190°C).
Grill the potato wedges for 10-15 minutes on the first side, or until they develop a nice char and a crispy exterior. Flip the potato wedges over and grill for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and tender. Keep an eye on the potatoes to prevent them from burning or overcooking.
How do I prevent potato wedges from sticking to the grill?
To prevent potato wedges from sticking to the grill, make sure to oil the grates before grilling. You can use a paper towel dipped in oil to brush the grates. You can also spray the potato wedges with cooking spray before grilling to prevent them from sticking.
Another way to prevent sticking is to make sure the potato wedges are dry before grilling. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. You can also dust the potato wedges with cornstarch or flour before grilling to create a barrier between the potatoes and the grill.
Can I grill potato wedges in foil?
Yes, you can grill potato wedges in foil, but it will yield a different result. Grilling in foil will steam the potatoes instead of browning them. To grill in foil, place the potato wedges in a foil packet and drizzle with oil and seasonings. Fold the foil over the potatoes and grill over medium heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through.
Grilling in foil can be beneficial if you want to cook the potatoes more evenly or if you are grilling other foods at the same time. However, keep in mind that the potatoes will not develop a crispy exterior like they would if grilled directly on the grates.
How do I serve grilled potato wedges?
Grilled potato wedges can be served as a side dish or as a snack. You can serve them on their own or with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or salsa. You can also top the potato wedges with cheese, sour cream, or chives for added flavor.
Grilled potato wedges pair well with grilled meats, such as burgers, steaks, and chicken. They also pair well with salads and other side dishes. You can serve them at a barbecue or picnic, or as a quick and easy snack at home.