Grilled Potatoes Recipe

Quick & Zesty Grilled Potatoes Recipe: Golden Summer Delight

Crispy, golden grilled potatoes have become my ultimate summer side dish obsession.

Summer barbecues always feel incomplete without these delectable bites.

My friends constantly ask for the secret behind their incredible flavor.

Charcoal and fresh herbs work magic on humble potato slices.

Simple techniques can turn ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Salt, pepper, and olive oil create a surprisingly perfect combination.

Each bite promises a delightful crunch that will make you the star of any outdoor gathering.

Grilled Potatoes with Smoky Char and Seasoning Delight

  • Craft Flavor Layers: Bacon and onion create a deep, rich base that infuses every potato slice with mouthwatering taste sensations.
  • Flexible Meal Prep: This versatile side dish works beautifully for backyard barbecues, potlucks, picnics, and casual family dinners with minimal preparation required.
  • Simple Technique Mastery: Boiling and grilling potatoes transforms basic ingredients into a gourmet-style dish that looks impressive but requires beginner-level cooking skills.
  • Quick Customization: Optional garnishes like capers, chives, and hard-boiled eggs let home cooks personalize the recipe to match their preferences or pantry ingredients.

What You Need for Grilled Potatoes

Starch Base:
  • Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable that forms the foundation of the grilled potato salad.
Meat and Bacon:
  • Bacon: Crispy pork product that adds smoky flavor and crunchy texture to the dish.
Aromatics and Herbs:
  • Yellow Onion, Parsley: Flavorful ingredients that provide depth and freshness to the potato salad.
  • Chives, Green Onions: Optional herbs that enhance the overall taste and provide a mild onion flavor.
Liquid and Seasoning Components:
  • Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Provides moisture and adds subtle savory undertones to the dressing.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Tangy ingredient that balances the richness of the bacon and adds brightness.
  • Dijon Mustard, Whole Grain Mustard: Pungent condiments that contribute a sharp and complex flavor profile.
  • Sugar: Helps to balance the acidity and round out the dressing's taste.
Optional Garnish Ingredients:
  • Capers: Briny and salty additions that provide a unique flavor punch.
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs: Protein-rich topping that adds creamy texture and nutritional value.
  • Garlic Powder: Aromatic seasoning that intensifies the overall flavor of the dish.

How to Achieve Perfectly Grilled Potatoes

Step 1: Boil Potatoes

Cook potatoes in salted water until they become tender and soft.

This process takes about 15-20 minutes.

Once done, drain the water and let the potatoes cool down slightly.

Step 2: Slice Potatoes

Carefully peel the cooled potatoes and slice them into even pieces.

Transfer the sliced potatoes into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Crisp Up Bacon

Heat a skillet over medium temperature.

Cook diced bacon until it turns golden and crispy.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, keeping the delicious fat in the pan.

Step 4: Sauté Onions

Add finely chopped yellow onion to the bacon fat.

Cook until the onions become translucent and soft, which takes around 5 minutes.

Step 5: Create Tangy Dressing

Add to the skillet:
  • Chicken or vegetable broth
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Dijon mustard
  • Sugar

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.

Step 6: Combine Potatoes and Dressing

Pour the warm dressing over the sliced potatoes.

Gently toss to ensure every potato piece is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

Sprinkle in:
  • Cooked bacon pieces
  • Finely chopped parsley

Mix the ingredients gently to distribute evenly.

Step 8: Optional Flavor Boosters

For extra excitement, consider adding:
  • Chives
  • Capers
  • Green onions
  • Chopped hard-boiled eggs
  • Whole grain mustard
  • Garlic powder

Step 9: Let Flavors Marry

Allow the potato salad to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.

This waiting period lets all the delicious flavors blend and develop a more complex taste.

Tips to Enhance Flavor in Grilled Potatoes

  • Parboil potatoes just until fork-tender to prevent mushiness while ensuring a perfect grilling surface.
  • Reserve some bacon fat for brushing potatoes during grilling to infuse extra smokiness and richness.
  • Warm the vinaigrette before pouring over potatoes to help them absorb flavors more effectively and evenly.
  • Taste and adjust vinegar and sugar levels to create a harmonious sweet-tangy profile that complements the potatoes.
  • Allow salad to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to let ingredients meld and develop complex taste dimensions.

Flavorful Variations of Grilled Potatoes

  • Vegan Potato Salad: Replace bacon with smoky tempeh strips, use vegetable broth, and swap eggs with chopped roasted nuts for protein and crunch.
  • Herb-Infused Version: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, and dill to the dressing for an aromatic herb-packed potato salad that elevates the classic recipe.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate jalapeños, cilantro, and replace Dijon mustard with chipotle mustard for a zesty, bold flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute potatoes with roasted cauliflower florets while keeping the original dressing and bacon components for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Potatoes

  • Picnic Perfect Plating: Serve this warm potato salad alongside grilled meats like juicy burgers or tender chicken for a delightful summer meal.
  • Brunch Brilliance: Pair with soft scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh toast for a hearty weekend breakfast that will impress your guests.
  • Potluck Powerhouse: Transport in a sealed container and bring to outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or family reunions where this zesty side dish will steal the show.
  • Vegetarian Variation: Replace bacon with smoked tofu or roasted mushrooms to create a meat-free version that's equally delicious and satisfying.

Best Storage Practices for Grilled Potatoes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them cold and fresh in the refrigerator.
  • Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
  • Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying and restore moisture.
  • Enjoy the potato salad chilled directly from the refrigerator, which can be delicious and maintain the original flavor profile.

FAQs

  • Why boil potatoes before grilling?

Boiling helps potatoes cook evenly, ensures tenderness, and reduces overall grilling time. It also helps the potatoes absorb flavors more effectively from the bacon and dressing.

  • Can I use different types of potatoes?

Yes, waxy potatoes like red or Yukon gold work best for this recipe. They hold their shape well and have a creamy texture that absorbs the dressing nicely.

  • Is the bacon essential to the recipe?

While bacon adds rich flavor, you can omit it for a vegetarian version or substitute with smoked paprika to maintain a smoky taste profile. The dish will still be delicious.

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Grilled Potatoes Recipe

Grilled Potatoes Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy grilled potato wedges showcase savory Mediterranean herbs and olive oil’s rich flavor. Grilled to golden perfection, these potatoes offer a simple yet delectable side dish for you to enjoy with any main course.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds waxy potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes)
  • 1/2 pound bacon, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Immerse whole potatoes in salted water, simmering for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender, then thoroughly drain and allow brief cooling.
  2. Carefully slice cooled potatoes into uniform pieces, transferring to a spacious mixing vessel.
  3. Render bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, extracting pieces with a perforated utensil while preserving rendered fat.
  4. Sauté finely diced onions in remaining bacon drippings until translucent and softened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  5. Whisk broth, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and sugar into skillet, creating a vibrant warm dressing that simmers and emulsifies.
  6. Gently cascade warm dressing over potato slices, ensuring delicate and thorough coating without breaking potato pieces.
  7. Fold crispy bacon fragments and freshly chopped parsley into dressed potatoes with minimal disruption.
  8. Optional embellishments include sprinkled chives, briny capers, sliced green onions, crumbled hard-boiled eggs, whole grain mustard, and subtle garlic powder.
  9. Allow salad to rest at ambient temperature for 30 minutes, permitting flavors to harmonize and intensify before serving.

Notes

  • Boil potatoes with salt to enhance their natural flavor and ensure even cooking throughout.
  • Use waxy potato varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes for better texture and holding shape during grilling.
  • Allow potatoes to cool slightly before slicing to prevent burning hands and achieve cleaner, more precise cuts.
  • Crisp bacon provides a smoky crunch that elevates the entire dish’s flavor profile and adds delightful textural contrast.
  • Let the potato salad rest at room temperature to allow dressing to penetrate and intensify the overall taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 323 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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