The art of grilling is a staple of summer cooking, and what’s a barbecue without some deliciously charred potatoes on the side? While large potatoes can be a bit tricky to cook evenly on the grill, small potatoes are a game-changer. They’re quick to cook, easy to handle, and can be seasoned in a variety of ways to complement your favorite grilled meats. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of grilled small potatoes and explore the best ways to cook them to perfection.
Choosing the Right Small Potatoes for Grilling
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to choose the right type of small potatoes for grilling. You’ll want to look for potatoes that are high in moisture and have a thin skin, as these will yield the best results. Some popular varieties of small potatoes include:
- New Potatoes: These young potatoes are harvested before they reach full maturity and have a thin, tender skin. They’re perfect for grilling and can be cooked in as little as 10-15 minutes.
- Fingerling Potatoes: These small, slender potatoes are great for grilling and can be cooked in about 20-25 minutes. They have a slightly sweet flavor and a firm texture.
- Red Bliss Potatoes: These small, waxy potatoes have a sweet, nutty flavor and a firm texture. They’re perfect for grilling and can be cooked in about 20-25 minutes.
Preparing Small Potatoes for Grilling
Once you’ve chosen your small potatoes, it’s time to prepare them for grilling. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. You’ll want to remove any dirt or debris from the potatoes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Poke some holes in the potatoes. Use a fork to poke a few holes in each potato to allow steam to escape while they cook.
- Brush the potatoes with oil. Use a neutral-tasting oil like canola or grapeseed to brush the potatoes. This will help prevent them from sticking to the grill.
Cooking Small Potatoes on the Grill
Now that your small potatoes are prepared, it’s time to cook them on the grill. Here are a few methods you can use:
Direct Grilling
Direct grilling is a great way to cook small potatoes quickly and evenly. To direct grill your potatoes, follow these steps:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Place the potatoes directly on the grill grates.
- Close the lid and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and lightly charred.
- Flip the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.
Indirect Grilling
Indirect grilling is a great way to cook small potatoes if you’re looking for a more low-and-slow approach. To indirect grill your potatoes, follow these steps:
- Preheat your grill to medium-low heat (about 300°F).
- Place the potatoes in a foil packet or a grill basket.
- Close the lid and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and lightly charred.
Grill Roasting
Grill roasting is a great way to cook small potatoes if you’re looking for a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior. To grill roast your potatoes, follow these steps:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
- Place the potatoes in a foil packet or a grill basket.
- Close the lid and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and lightly charred.
- Remove the potatoes from the foil packet or grill basket and place them directly on the grill grates.
- Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.
Seasoning Small Potatoes for Grilling
One of the best things about grilling small potatoes is the ability to season them in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Garlic and herbs: Mix minced garlic with chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley. Brush the mixture onto the potatoes before grilling.
- Spicy: Mix chili powder or paprika with a bit of olive oil and brush the mixture onto the potatoes before grilling.
- Lemon and pepper: Mix lemon zest with coarse black pepper and brush the mixture onto the potatoes before grilling.
Additional Tips and Variations
Here are a few additional tips and variations to keep in mind when grilling small potatoes:
- Use a grill mat: A grill mat can help prevent the potatoes from sticking to the grill grates and make cleanup easier.
- Try different cooking times: Depending on the size and type of potatoes you’re using, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Keep an eye on the potatoes and adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Add some smoky flavor: If you have a smoker or a charcoal grill, you can add some smoky flavor to your potatoes by cooking them over low heat for a longer period of time.
Conclusion
Grilling small potatoes is a great way to add some delicious flavor and texture to your summer barbecues. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a grill master. Remember to choose the right type of potatoes, prepare them properly, and season them with a variety of herbs and spices. Happy grilling!
| Potato Variety | Cooking Time | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|
| New Potatoes | 10-15 minutes | Light, fluffy, and slightly sweet |
| Fingerling Potatoes | 20-25 minutes | Firm, waxy, and slightly sweet |
| Red Bliss Potatoes | 20-25 minutes | Sweet, nutty, and firm |
Note: The cooking times listed in the table are approximate and may vary depending on the size and type of potatoes you’re using.
What are the best types of small potatoes to grill?
The best types of small potatoes to grill are those that are high in moisture and have a thin skin. Some popular varieties include red bliss, new potatoes, and fingerling potatoes. These types of potatoes will yield a tender and flavorful result when grilled.
When selecting small potatoes for grilling, look for those that are firm and have no signs of bruising or blemishes. You can also choose potatoes that are specifically labeled as “grilling potatoes” or “small potatoes” at your local grocery store. Avoid using large potatoes, as they may not cook evenly on the grill.
How do I prepare small potatoes for grilling?
To prepare small potatoes for grilling, start by washing them thoroughly in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Next, pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. You can also poke some holes in each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape while they cook.
You can also slice or halve the potatoes if you prefer a crisper exterior. If you choose to slice or halve the potatoes, be sure to brush them with oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling. This will help prevent the potatoes from sticking to the grill and add flavor.
What is the best way to oil small potatoes for grilling?
The best way to oil small potatoes for grilling is to brush them with a neutral-tasting oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil. You can also use olive oil, but be aware that it has a lower smoke point than other oils, which means it may burn or smoke when heated.
To oil the potatoes, simply brush them with a small amount of oil using a pastry brush or a paper towel dipped in oil. Be sure to coat the potatoes evenly, but avoid using too much oil, as this can cause the potatoes to steam instead of sear.
How long does it take to grill small potatoes?
The grilling time for small potatoes will depend on the heat of your grill and the size of the potatoes. As a general rule, small potatoes will take about 10-15 minutes to cook on the grill, turning occasionally. You can check 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 keep an eye on the potatoes while they’re grilling, as they can go from perfectly cooked to burnt quickly. If you’re unsure whether the potatoes are cooked, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and cook them for a few more minutes.
Can I grill small potatoes at high heat?
While it’s possible to grill small potatoes at high heat, it’s not always the best approach. High heat can cause the outside of the potato to burn before the inside is fully cooked. Instead, try grilling the potatoes at medium-low heat, which will help them cook more evenly.
If you do choose to grill the potatoes at high heat, be sure to keep a close eye on them and turn them frequently to prevent burning. You can also try wrapping the potatoes in foil to protect them from the high heat.
How do I know when small potatoes are done grilling?
There are several ways to check if small potatoes are done grilling. One way is to insert a fork or knife into the potato – if it slides in easily, the potato is cooked. You can also check for doneness by cutting into one of the potatoes – if it’s tender and fluffy, it’s done.
Another way to check for doneness is to look for visual cues. A cooked potato will be slightly softened and may have some grill marks on the outside. If the potatoes are still firm or hard, they may need a few more minutes on the grill.
Can I grill small potatoes ahead of time?
While it’s possible to grill small potatoes ahead of time, it’s not always the best approach. Grilled potatoes are best served immediately, as they can become soggy or cold if they sit for too long. If you do need to grill the potatoes ahead of time, try to keep them warm by wrapping them in foil or placing them in a warm oven.
If you’re looking for a way to prepare the potatoes ahead of time, you can try par-cooking them in the oven or microwave before grilling. This will help reduce the grilling time and ensure that the potatoes are cooked evenly.