These Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes are a tasty treat! Picture crispy potatoes topped with gooey cheese, crunchy bacon, and a tangy BBQ sauce—yum!
Grilling brings out the best flavor in these potatoes. I love serving them at parties, and let’s be real, who can resist that cheesy, smoky goodness? 🤤
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: Baby potatoes are perfect because they cook evenly and stay tender. You can also use larger potatoes; just cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking. Red or new potatoes can work well, too.
Bacon: Regular bacon adds great flavor, but turkey bacon is a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, try using cooked mushrooms or plant-based bacon.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is ideal for its strong taste. If you’re looking for a milder cheese, try mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Gluten-free cheese options are also widely available nowadays.
BBQ Sauce: Any BBQ sauce you love will do! For a homemade version, mix ketchup with Worcestershire sauce and a pinch of smoked paprika. Sweet BBQ sauces blend well with potatoes.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and prevents sticking, but feel free to substitute with vegetable oil or melted butter if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do You Grill Potatoes in a Foil Packet?
Grilling potatoes in a foil packet is simple and helps lock in flavors. First, make sure to preheat your grill to medium heat. Next, coat the halved potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will add flavor and texture.
- Lay the seasoned potatoes on a piece of aluminum foil.
- Top with chopped bacon, which will cook alongside the potatoes.
- Drizzle BBQ sauce for added flavor. Ensure you wrap the foil tightly to keep steam in.
- Cook on medium heat for 30-40 minutes. Check for tenderness with a fork.
- After checking, sprinkle cheese on top and let it melt for 5-10 minutes.
This technique not only makes clean-up easy but also allows the potatoes to absorb all those delicious flavors!
How to Make Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Aluminum foil (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then 30-40 minutes to cook on the grill. In total, you’ll need around 40-50 minutes to enjoy these tasty grilled potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This ensures the potatoes will cook evenly and thoroughly when you place them on the grill.
2. Season the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to toss them gently until all the potatoes are well coated.
3. Prepare the Foil Packet:
Take a large piece of aluminum foil and lay it out flat on your counter. Place the seasoned potatoes right in the center of the foil. This is where the magic happens!
4. Add Bacon and BBQ Sauce:
Sprinkle the chopped bacon pieces over the top of the potatoes. Then, drizzle the BBQ sauce evenly across the potatoes and bacon to infuse them with delicious flavor.
5. Seal the Packet:
Carefully fold the sides of the foil over the potatoes to create a sealed packet. Make sure it’s tightly closed to prevent any sauce from leaking out during grilling.
6. Grill the Potatoes:
Place the foil packet on the preheated grill. Cook the potatoes for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are tender. To check if they’re done, carefully open the packet and poke a potato with a fork—if it goes in easily, they’re ready!
7. Add the Cheese:
Once the potatoes are tender, carefully open the foil packet (watch out for the steam!) and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. Close the packet again to let the cheese melt.
8. Melt the Cheese:
Let the foil packet grill for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You’ll love that cheesy goodness!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Remove the packet from the grill and carefully open it. Garnish your cheesy, bacon-filled potatoes with the sliced green onions for a fresh touch before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes! They make a perfect side or a tasty snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are great for this recipe, you can use other types like red or Yukon gold potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using smoked paprika or liquid smoke to add flavor, or try crispy fried onions for a crunch. For a meat alternative, turkey bacon or plant-based bacon can work well, too!
Can I Make These on the Oven Instead of the Grill?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the foil packet on a baking sheet. Bake for about 40-50 minutes or until the potatoes are tender, then add the cheese and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the grill wrapped in foil to retain moisture and flavor.
