Grilled Cheesy Garlic Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich flavors of garlic, melted cheese, and perfectly grilled potatoes. This easy-to-make side dish is perfect for BBQs, family gatherings, or any meal where you want to impress with minimal effort. The potatoes are cubed and mixed with onions, garlic, and a blend of cheeses, then wrapped in foil and grilled to perfection. The result is a deliciously tender and cheesy dish that's sure to become a favorite. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this dish so irresistible.
INGREDIENTS
- Baking Potatoes: 6, cubed. The main ingredient, providing a hearty base for the dish.
- White Onion: 1, diced. Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the potatoes.
- Butter: 3 tablespoons, sliced. Enhances the richness of the dish and helps the potatoes brown and caramelize.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon. Adds moisture and helps in the grilling process.
- Garlic Cloves: 6, minced. Infuses the potatoes with a robust garlic flavor.
- Parsley: 1 teaspoon. Adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the richness of the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of the dish.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded. Melts over the potatoes to create a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, shredded. Adds a sharp, salty flavor that complements the cheddar and potatoes.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1: Preheat the Grill
- Begin by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the potatoes will cook evenly and develop a nice, crispy exterior while staying tender on the inside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Foil Packets
- Tear off two large pieces of aluminum foil and lay them flat on a work surface. These will be used to create packets that will hold the potato mixture, making grilling easy and mess-free.
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed potatoes, diced onion, sliced butter, olive oil, minced garlic, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with the butter, oil, and seasonings.
- Step 4: Assemble the Foil Packets
- Divide the seasoned potato mixture evenly between the two pieces of foil. Fold the foil over the potato mixture and seal the edges tightly to create packets. This will trap the steam and flavors inside, ensuring the potatoes cook perfectly.
- Step 5: Grill the Potatoes
- Place the foil packets on the preheated grill. Cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Shake the packets occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- Step 6: Add the Cheese
- Carefully open the foil packets and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the potatoes. Close the packets loosely to allow the cheese to melt while the residual heat from the grill does its job.
- Step 7: Melt the Cheese
- Grill for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The combination of melted cheddar and Parmesan creates a rich, flavorful topping that pairs perfectly with the garlic and potatoes.
- Step 8: Serve
- Carefully remove the foil packets from the grill. Open the packets and transfer the cheesy garlic potatoes to a serving dish. Garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Grilled Cheesy Garlic Potatoes are best served hot, straight from the grill, to enjoy the full flavor and texture of the melted cheese and tender potatoes. They make an excellent side dish for grilled meats, burgers, or as a hearty snack on their own.
- If you’re preparing these for a BBQ or gathering, you can assemble the foil packets ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until ready to grill. This makes them a convenient option for entertaining.
- Leftover potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals until hot.
- For an extra touch of flavor, try adding crumbled bacon or sliced green onions on top of the potatoes just before serving. These additions pair beautifully with the cheesy, garlicky goodness of the dish.
Helpful Notes
- For a crispier texture, consider using a grill basket instead of foil packets. This allows the potatoes to cook more directly over the heat, resulting in a golden-brown exterior.
- If you prefer a smokier flavor, add a small handful of wood chips to your grill just before cooking. The smoke will infuse the potatoes with an extra layer of depth and complexity.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses—Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack can bring new flavors to this dish.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Bobby Flay suggests finishing the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity.
- Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends using high-quality butter and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Chef Ina Garten advises seasoning the potatoes generously with salt and pepper before grilling to ensure every bite is well-flavored.