These Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes are cheesy, crispy, and packed with flavor. Just imagine tender potatoes grilled to perfection, topped with melted cheddar and crispy bacon!
Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds! I love serving these with burgers at a backyard BBQ—they always steal the spotlight. Get ready to munch away! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These are perfect for this dish because of their small size and creamy texture. If baby potatoes aren’t available, you can use regular potatoes—just cut them into smaller chunks to achieve the same cooking time.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a fantastic flavor and gooey texture. If you’re looking for a different cheese vibe, Monterey Jack or even a smoky cheese like Gouda can work well too.
Bacon: I love using crispy, crumbled bacon for that salty crunch. If you want a healthier option or a meatless version, try using turkey bacon or crumbled tempeh instead.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite flavor of BBQ sauce—sweet, smoky, or tangy. You can also make your own by mixing ketchup with a little vinegar, brown sugar, and spices if you’d like a homemade touch.
Green Onions: These add a fresh bite that brightens up the dish. If you don’t have green onions, you can use diced regular onions or chives for a similar flavor.
How Do I Ensure the Potatoes Are Cooked Perfectly on the Grill?
Cooking potatoes in a foil packet on the grill can be tricky, so it’s essential to follow a few pointers to get them just right.
- Size Matters: Make sure to cut the potatoes into equal halves or quarters. This ensures even cooking.
- Season Well: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper. They enhance the natural flavors of the potatoes.
- Sealing the Packet: Fold the foil tightly to trap all the steam inside. This steaming process is key to cooking the potatoes properly.
- Check for Tenderness: After 25 minutes, carefully open a corner of the foil to check if they’re fork-tender. If they need more time, reseal and put them back on the grill.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly tender and flavorful grilled potatoes every time!
How to Make Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Grilled Potatoes:
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 3 green onions, sliced (plus more for garnish)
Supplies:
- Aluminum foil for grilling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for grilling. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes in about 40 minutes. Let’s get grilling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This will help cook the potatoes evenly and make them nice and tender.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, add the halved baby potatoes. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are well coated and seasoned.
3. Create the Foil Packet:
Lay out a large piece of aluminum foil on a flat surface. Place the seasoned potatoes in the center of the foil, spreading them out a bit. This is where the magic happens!
4. Add Toppings:
Now, it’s time to add the delicious toppings! Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the potatoes, dollop on the BBQ sauce, and finish it off with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Yum!
5. Seal the Packet:
Fold the aluminum foil tightly over the potatoes to create a sealed packet. Make sure it’s closed well so the steam stays inside, helping to cook everything perfectly.
6. Grill the Potatoes:
Place the foil packet carefully on the preheated grill. Let it cook for about 25-30 minutes, checking for tenderness by gently opening a corner of the foil. Be careful of the steam!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Once the potatoes are tender, use tongs to carefully remove the foil packet from the grill. Open it up cautiously and sprinkle with additional sliced green onions for a fresh touch.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes hot and enjoy the cheesy, smoky, and savory flavors. They are sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes work great for this recipe due to their size and texture, you can also use fingerling or red potatoes. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking time.
What Substitutes Can I Use for Bacon?
If you want a vegetarian option or don’t have bacon on hand, you can substitute the bacon with cooked and crumbled tempeh or smoky-flavored vegan bacon. Alternatively, smoked paprika can add a nice smoky flavor as well.
Can I Prepare These Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the potatoes in advance! Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling. This makes grilling a breeze on a busy day!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through. Enjoy them as a side dish or incorporate them into a salad!