These Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes are a fun and tasty side dish! We coat chunky potato pieces with bacon, cheese, and smoky BBQ sauce. Just grill them until they’re crispy and golden!
Honestly, who can resist the smell of grilled potatoes loaded with cheese and bacon? I could eat these every day, especially with a dollop of sour cream on top. Yum! 🥔🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes are perfect for grilling because they cook evenly. If you can’t find baby potatoes, you can use regular potatoes, just cut them into smaller pieces to mimic the size of baby potatoes.
Bacon: The bacon adds a smoky, crispy texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon works well too. For a vegetarian version, try using smoked tempeh or just skip it altogether!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is my top pick because it melts beautifully. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick. Vegan cheese can be used for a dairy-free option.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce to bring in flavor. For a healthier twist, try a homemade sauce with ketchup, vinegar, and spices, or substitute with a tangy chimichurri for a different taste altogether.
Olive Oil: This helps the spices stick to the potatoes. You could also use avocado oil or even melted butter for a richer flavor.
How Do You Create a Perfect Foil Packet for Grilling?
Making a foil packet may sound simple, but it’s crucial for ensuring tender potatoes. The key is to create a sealed pocket that allows steam to circulate and cook the potatoes evenly. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a large piece of aluminum foil, about 2 feet long.
- Place the seasoned baby potatoes in the center, leaving enough space around the edges.
- Fold the foil over the potatoes and crimp the edges together tightly, ensuring that no steam escapes. This will cook the potatoes without drying them out.
- Shake the packet gently before placing it on the grill to mix ingredients evenly.
Remember, when you take the packet off the grill, open it away from you to avoid getting hit by steam. Happy grilling!
How to Make Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Aluminum foil for grilling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook. So, you’ll be enjoying your Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes in about 40 minutes total. Perfect for a quick and tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, which is around 375°F to 400°F. This will get it nice and hot for grilling your potatoes.
2. Seasoning the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated and flavorful.
3. Making the Foil Packet:
Take a large piece of aluminum foil and place the seasoned potatoes in the center. Fold up the edges of the foil to create a pocket that can hold the potatoes while they grill.
4. Adding the Flavor:
Drizzle the BBQ sauce over the top of the potatoes and sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly. This will add a delicious smoky flavor to the dish!
5. Sealing the Packet:
Fold the foil tightly to create a sealed packet. Make sure it’s closed well so that steam can circulate while cooking, which helps cook the potatoes evenly.
6. Grilling the Potatoes:
Place the foil packet on the grill and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to shake the packet gently halfway through to ensure even cooking of the potatoes.
7. Adding the Cheese:
After the cooking time, carefully remove the foil packet from the grill. Open it up and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the hot potatoes.
8. Melting the Cheese:
Close the foil packet again and return it to the grill for an additional 5 minutes to let the cheese melt beautifully.
9. Final Touches:
Once the cheese has melted, carefully remove the packet from the grill again. Open it gently (watch out for hot steam!) and garnish with the chopped green onions. Your Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes are now ready to enjoy!
Enjoy your delicious Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are perfect for this recipe, you can use other types such as red or Yukon Gold potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. If using larger potatoes, increase the grilling time accordingly.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven Instead?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F. Prepare the potatoes as directed and place them in a baking dish covered with foil. Bake for about 30-35 minutes until tender, then add the cheese and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until melted.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little olive oil to help retain moisture and flavor.
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works great as a substitute! It will give you that smoky flavor with fewer calories. Just ensure it’s cooked until crispy before crumbling and mixing with the potatoes. Enjoy the same delicious taste with a lighter touch!
