Fire up the grill and keep dinner simple with a foolproof recipe for grilled potatoes in foil packets that deliver golden, tender potatoes every time. These foil packets pair beautifully with burgers, chicken, or a quick weeknight protein and they require only a handful of ingredients like ghee, garlic, and lemon. You will save time on prep and on cleanup while serving a crowd-pleasing, flavorful side. Read on for clear techniques, exact ingredient amounts, and smart swaps so you can make this easy side dish with confidence.
How do you make grilled potatoes in foil packets?
Begin by choosing small red potatoes for even cooking and a tender interior. Quarter the potatoes so each piece cooks at the same pace. Warm, rich ghee coats the potatoes and brings a buttery flavor without adding water.
Arrange four squares of heavy-duty foil on your work surface and divide the potatoes evenly. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon zest, and lemon juice to each pile, then dot with ghee and season with salt and pepper. Fold the foil into tight packets so steam circulates yet juices stay inside.
Quick ingredient table
| Ingredient | Amount (4 servings) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baby red potatoes | 2 lb | Quartered |
| Ghee | 2 ½ tbsp | High quality, grass-fed recommended |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | Or substitute herbs de Provence |
| Lemon | 1 large | Zest and juice |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Adjust after cooking |
How long should you cook foil packet potatoes on the grill?
Preheat the grill to medium heat and place the packets directly on the grates. Close the lid so the heat circulates, which steams the potatoes inside their packets. Grill for about 30 to 35 minutes until a fork slides through easily.
Turn the packets every 8 to 10 minutes for even browning and to prevent one side from overcooking. Test one packet before serving and add a few extra minutes if needed. You will know they are done when the potatoes are uniformly tender and fragrant.
Can foil packet potatoes be baked in the oven?
Baking offers a great indoor alternative when the weather does not cooperate. Preheat the oven to 400°F and arrange the sealed packets on a rimmed baking sheet so they sit flat. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, then check doneness and continue for a few minutes more if necessary.
If vous are serving a crowd, the oven method makes it easy to bake many packets at once. Keep an eye on the packets so steam builds but does not burst the foil. After cooking, carefully open each packet and finish with an extra pat of ghee or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Here are a few variations and finishing touches you might try
- Add diced onions or shallots for extra sweetness and depth.
- Include crumbled cooked bacon or shredded cheese after cooking for a richer side.
- Swap Italian seasoning for smoked paprika and chopped parsley for a smoky twist.
Elliot Raymond focuses on side dishes that balance meals without overpowering them. His recipes are flexible, light, and easy to pair with a variety of cuisines.
