Foil Packet Grilled Potatoes

These Foil Packet Grilled Potatoes have been my go-to for years. They’re easy to make, turn out perfectly every time and are always a crowd pleaser.

My Go-To Summer Potato Recipe

Delicious potatoes are the perfect side dish at those summer barbecues and get-togethers. Everything from Classic Potato Salad to French Fries to baked potatoes. They are an awesome and easy side dish for so many meals.

For me, these really are my go-to easy grilled potatoes in the summer. There’s very little prep time (15 minutes), everything is done on the grill and clean up is so easy. It’s my favorite way to make my summer potatoes and prepare a super simple summer side dish.

Along with this being a pretty easy grilling recipe, there is a lot of flexibility in terms of making these foil potatoes for any size group. You are in complete control as to how many packets you make. And, the grill time does not vary based on the number of potato foil packets.

Flexible Ingredients

First of all, this recipe uses simple ingredients found in your local grocery store. It’s basically potatoes, onion and herbs (oh, and some garlic!). And, you do have options with these basics.

​In terms of potatoes, this recipe is easy to make with many types. I personally think the best potatoes for this recipe are either Russet, Yukon Gold, or those fun, small red potatoes.

For the onion, I do prefer red onions for their beautiful color and mild taste. They are my go-to onion. However, a white or yellow onion is a great substitute.

Finally, the herbs. It’s kind of a blank canvas for your favorites! 

For this recipe, I used parsley and rosemary (a couple of my favorites). But, you could use thyme or cilantro and it would be equally delicious.  

How Many Potatoes Should I Use?

When I make these foil pack potatoes, I usually figure about 1 to 1-1/2 potatoes per person. This does depend on the size of the potatoes. 

For this potato recipe, my estimates are based on medium sized potatoes. And, the amounts I listed are for approximately 8 servings. 

If you have large potatoes, you may only need 1 potato or a little less person. For small potatoes, figure 1-1/2 to 2 potatoes per person.

Grilling the Potatoes

I have made this recipe countless times, in all kinds of weather, on a gas grill and a charcoal grill. The cooking time does not vary and the results are always the same.

Once you have the packets assembled, you are ready to grill. First, make sure you have a preheated grill (350-400 degrees). I’ve found that you don’t have to have an exact temperature for these, just a good medium-high heat.

One question I get is do I use direct or indirect heat? I find direct heat works really well. The simple foil packets protect the potatoes from burning.

Simply place packets directly on the grill grate (no need to put on a baking sheet), close the grill top and let cook for 15 minutes. At the 15 minute mark, flip the foil packets over and leave for another 15 minutes. Take off the grill after 30 minutes (15 minutes each side).

One final note: If you have limited grill space and are grilling other items as well, you can cook the potatoes first. Just leave them in the foil potato packets and put them in a 200 degree oven to keep them warm until the rest of your meal is finished.

So, if you’re looking for an easy summer side dish and a great addition to your grilling menu, look no further than these Foil Packet Grilled Potatoes. I find they’re great served with Oven to Grill Baby Back Ribs, Grilled Boneless Turkey Breast or good ol’ burgers and hot dogs.

Tips and Tricks

• If there are leftovers, I love to sauté them in a skillet with some olive oil or vegetable oil until they’re crispy.
• To prevent the potatoes from sticking, make sure that the aluminum foil is well coated with cooking spray before adding the potatoes.
• I always double wrap the potatoes in foil to create leak-proof foil packets to ensure they don’t spill out when you turn them over.
• I highly recommend fresh garlic, but if you don’t have any or don’t want to take the time to mince it, garlic powder can be substituted.
• You can’t beat fresh herbs for these potatoes and just about any combination will be delicious.
• If you don’t need as many servings as this recipe makes, you can easily cut the recipe in half and fill just one foil packet. They will still have the same cook time.

Ingredients Needed to Make Grilled Potatoes

Full  instructions can be found below in the printable recipe card

• Potatoes – Russet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes or red potatoes all work really well in this recipe.
• Onion – I prefer red onion for both its color and milder flavor, but yellow or white onion will work just as well.
• Fresh garlic – Fresh will give you the best flavor, but in a pinch you can substitute granulated garlic or garlic powder.
• Fresh herbs – My preference is usually fresh rosemary and parsley, but thyme or sage are also tasty.
• Salt 
• Black pepper
• Olive oil – I like the flavor that olive oil brings to the potatoes. But, if you don’t have any on hand, vegetable or avocado oil are good choices.
• Cooking spray – This is used to spray the aluminum foil so that the potatoes don’t stick.

How to Make Foil Packet Grilled Potatoes

• Scrub potatoes and cut into a small dice.
• In a large bowl, combine potatoes with sliced onions, minced garlic, finely chopped herbs, salt and pepper.
• Drizzle potato mixture with olive oil.
• Stir until well-coated with oil, adding another tbsp, if necessary.
• Tear off 4 sheets of foil, about 18 inches each.
• Spray 2 of the sheets with cooking spray.
• Divide potato mixture between those two sheets of foil, trying to keep the potatoes in a relatively thin layer, so they cook evenly.
• Fold foil over and seal all of the edges.
• Wrap each packet of potatoes with remaining sheets of foil so that they are each double wrapped.
• Cook on a grill preheated to 350-400 degrees, with the cover down for 30 minutes. Turn once after 15 minutes. Remove potatoes from foil packets to a serving bowl.

ENJOY!