These Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes are a tasty side dish! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, each bite is packed with cheesy goodness and smoky bacon flavor.
I can’t resist them at the BBQ! The best part? They’re super easy to make and disappear quickly at any gathering. Just throw them on the grill and watch the magic happen! 🌟
Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These are the stars of the dish! Their small size ensures they cook evenly. If you don’t have baby potatoes, try using fingerling or regular potatoes cut into chunks for similar results.
Bacon: I love the flavor of crispy bacon. For a healthier option, turkey bacon or plant-based bacon works great too. You can even skip it entirely for a vegetarian version.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a delicious tang. If you’re looking for variety, Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses can give a nice twist. Vegan cheese is a good alternative for dairy-free diets.
BBQ Sauce: Your choice of BBQ sauce is key! Go sweet, smoky, or spicy based on your taste. If you don’t have BBQ sauce, you can use a mix of ketchup and some spices to get that sweet/tangy flavor.
Olive Oil: A bit of olive oil helps with cooking and flavor. If you want, feel free to use canola or avocado oil instead.
How Do I Make Sure My Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked on the Grill?
Cooking baby potatoes on the grill can be easy, but you want them tender and flavorful. Here are some tips:
- Start with evenly-sized potato halves to ensure consistent cooking.
- Toss them in the olive oil and seasonings well; it helps in getting that lovely flavor.
- Seal the foil packet tightly so steam builds up, cooking them evenly.
- Turn the packet every so often to avoid hot spots, which helps the potatoes cook through.
Don’t forget to be cautious when opening the packet because steam can escape rapidly!
How to Make Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes for preparation and around 40 minutes for grilling. So, you can expect to spend about 50 minutes total. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy some smoky, cheesy potatoes right off the grill!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will make sure your potatoes cook evenly and get that nice grilled flavor.
2. Seasoning the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, add the halved baby potatoes. Drizzle in the olive oil and sprinkle the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are nicely coated in the seasoning. You want to make sure every potato gets that tasty flavor!
3. Making the Foil Packet:
Lay a large piece of aluminum foil on a flat surface. Fold up the edges to create a bowl shape. This is where your potatoes will go, so make sure it’s deep enough to hold everything.
4. Combining Ingredients:
Pour the seasoned potatoes into the foil bowl. Now, add the crumbled bacon and BBQ sauce on top of the potatoes. Gently toss the mixture so everything is mixed well. It’s going to smell amazing!
5. Sealing Up the Packet:
Fold the foil securely to create a sealed packet. Make sure there are no openings so the steam can work its magic inside.
6. Cooking on the Grill:
Place the foil packet directly on the preheated grill. Let it cook for about 30-35 minutes, turning it occasionally. You want the potatoes to become tender. You can check them by gently squeezing the packet with tongs.
7. Melting the Cheese:
After the potatoes are cooked, carefully open the foil packet. Be cautious of the steam! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the potatoes. Close the packet again and let it sit on the grill for an additional 5 minutes. This will melt the cheese perfectly!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the packet from the grill, open it up, and garnish with the sliced green onions. Serve warm and enjoy your Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes. They’re a hit every time!
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Baby Potatoes?
Absolutely! If you don’t have baby potatoes, you can use regular potatoes. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces (about 1-2 inches) to ensure even cooking. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so check for tenderness after 30 minutes.
What Type of BBQ Sauce Works Best?
You can use any BBQ sauce you prefer! Sweet, tangy, or smoky options all work well, depending on your taste. If you want to make it spicy, consider a spicy BBQ sauce or adding some hot sauce to the mix!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toss them back on the grill or warm them in the microwave until heated through. You might want to add a little extra BBQ sauce for moisture and flavor!
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the foil packet on a baking sheet. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Add the cheese in the same way and bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt it!
