These Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes are the perfect side dish for summer! Imagine crispy potatoes loaded with melted cheese and crunchy bacon, grilled to perfection.
Seriously, who can resist that cheesy, smoky goodness? I love serving these at barbecues—they’re always a hit! Plus, they’re super easy to make, just toss and grill!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: I recommend using baby potatoes for their creamy texture. If you’re out, any small potatoes like fingerlings or new potatoes work well too. Just cut them into uniform sizes for even cooking.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is best for a gooey texture. However, you can try Monterey Jack or Colby Jack if you want a different flavor profile. Either way, choose cheese that melts well!
Bacon: For a lighter option, turkey bacon is a great substitute. I’ve used both before, and while turkey bacon has less fat, it still adds that smoky taste we love.
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite BBQ sauce, but if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can go for a reduced-sugar variety or even homemade sauce if you have the time. Honey or maple syrup can add sweetness in a pinch!
How Do I Grill Potatoes in Foil Without Them Getting Soggy?
Grilling potatoes in foil can be tricky, but it’s all about how you prepare them. Follow these steps to avoid sogginess and get those perfect, tender potatoes:
- Coat potatoes lightly in olive oil to help them crisp up on the grill.
- Ensure the foil pouch is sealed tightly to keep the steam in but not so tight that it restricts airflow—this helps in achieving that nice grilled flavor.
- Stir the potatoes halfway through cooking to avoid steamy spots and promote even cooking.
Remember, a little patience goes a long way—you want those potatoes to be fork-tender, with crispy edges if possible!
How to Make Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Other:
- Aluminum foil for grilling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and 30 minutes of grilling time. So, in total, you’ll need around 40 minutes to enjoy these tasty Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill and Potatoes:
First, fire up your grill to medium heat, aiming for a temperature of about 350°F to 400°F. While the grill heats up, grab a large bowl and toss in the halved baby potatoes. Drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the potatoes are nicely coated.
2. Making the Foil Pouch:
Take a large piece of aluminum foil and place the seasoned potatoes in the center. Fold the foil over the potatoes to create a pouch, making sure to seal the edges tightly so none of those delicious juices escape during grilling.
3. Grilling Time:
Place your foil pouch directly on the grill and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure to stir the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly. They’re ready when they’re tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork.
4. Adding the BBQ and Cheese:
Once the potatoes are cooked, carefully take the foil pouch off the grill and unseal it—watch out for hot steam! Drizzle some BBQ sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle the chopped bacon on top, followed by an even layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
5. Melting the Cheese:
Now, return the open foil pouch back to the grill and close the lid. Grill for an additional 5-7 minutes, just enough time for the cheese to melt and become bubbly and delicious.
6. Garnishing and Serving:
Remove the pouch from the grill again, being cautious of the steam when you open it up. Finish by garnishing the potatoes with chopped green onions to add a fresh touch. Now you’re ready to serve and enjoy these scrumptious Cheddar Bacon BBQ Grilled Potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are great for this recipe, you can substitute them with regular potatoes. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. You can also try Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different flavor and texture.
What If I Don’t Have BBQ Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand, you can use a mixture of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of honey or brown sugar for a similar flavor. Alternatively, try using a spicy sauce like sriracha for a kick!
How Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can definitely prep the potatoes in advance! Toss them with the olive oil and spices, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to grill, just follow the cooking instructions as usual.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or microwave until heated through. You can also add a little extra cheese on top while reheating for a melty finish!
