Nothing says summer like the irresistible aroma of perfectly charred potatoes infused with garlic and herbs, and that is exactly what you get with this Grilled Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe. Imagine tender baby potatoes soaked in a fragrant olive oil and garlic mixture, kissed by smoky grill marks, and finished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan if you like. It’s a simple yet spectacular side dish that brings comfort and elegance to any meal, making it a go-to recipe you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Grilled Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of carefully chosen ingredients, each one adding its own burst of flavor and texture, you’ll find this recipe easy to prepare yet bursting with character and satisfying depth.
- Baby potatoes (1 ½ pounds): Yukon gold or red potatoes work wonderfully for their creamy texture and vibrant color.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): This coats the potatoes, helping them crisp up beautifully on the grill while adding rich flavor.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses a punch of savory aroma that elevates the dish.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the potatoes and herbs.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle spiciness that balances the garlic and herbs.
- Dried Italian herbs (1 teaspoon): A blend of rosemary, thyme, and oregano that brings fragrant earthiness.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): For a bright, fresh finish that lifts the dish.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a savory, nutty touch if you want to take your potatoes over the top.
How to Make Grilled Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Parboil the Potatoes
Start by placing your baby potatoes in a large pot and covering them with water. Bring it all to a boil, then simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until they’re just fork-tender but still hold their shape. This step ensures that the potatoes will cook evenly and remain buttery soft inside once grilled. Drain and let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.
Step 2: Toss with Garlic Herb Oil
Next, grab a big bowl and combine the warm potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and your dried Italian herbs. Toss everything gently so the potatoes are evenly coated. This is where your dish starts to develop layers of flavor that will become even more fragrant and complex after grilling.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, the perfect temperature to get those sought-after grill marks without burning the herbs or garlic. Place the potatoes cut side down right on the grill or use a grill basket if you prefer easier handling. Grill them for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally to get an even golden-brown crisp all over. The slight charring adds that smoky, irresistible flavor.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
When your potatoes look perfectly crispy and grilled, take them off the heat and toss immediately with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Sprinkle with Parmesan if you’d like to add a slightly cheesy, savory finish. Serve these warm to enjoy the best texture and taste.
How to Serve Grilled Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic garnish that brightens the dish, but don’t hesitate to add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or even some finely chopped chives for an extra pop of color and flavor. A drizzle of lemon juice right before serving can also add a wonderful zesty brightness that complements the garlic and herbs.
Side Dishes
Grilled Garlic Herb Potatoes shine as a versatile side dish for everything from grilled meats like steak or chicken to lighter fare such as fish or even a fresh summer salad. They’re also perfect alongside vegetarian main courses like grilled portobello mushrooms or vegetable skewers, turning any meal into a celebratory feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these potatoes in a rustic wooden bowl to match their homemade charm, or for a fun twist, stuff them into hollowed-out mini bell peppers or grill foil packets for easy picnic or camping serving. You can even layer them on a platter with a dollop of herbed sour cream or garlic aioli for an extra special presentation that invites guests to dive right in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though that’s rare!), let the grilled potatoes cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator where they’ll keep well for up to three days, ready to be reheated for another delicious serving.
Freezing
Freezing grilled potatoes is possible but not always recommended, as the texture may become softer upon thawing. If you choose to freeze them, make sure to cool the potatoes completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Use within one month for best quality.
Reheating
The best way to bring leftover grilled potatoes back to life is by reheating them in a skillet over medium heat to regain crispiness. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven set to 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make potatoes mushy.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just cut larger potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure they cook through evenly during boiling and grilling. Yukon gold or red potatoes still work best for their texture and flavor.
Is this Grilled Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe vegan?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan if you skip the optional Parmesan cheese. The combination of olive oil, garlic, and herbs provides plenty of flavor without needing any animal products.
Can I prepare the garlic herb mixture in advance?
Definitely! You can make the olive oil, garlic, and herb mixture ahead of time and toss the cooked potatoes in it just before grilling. This can even help intensify the flavors as the potatoes marinate.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning on the grill?
Since the garlic is mixed with olive oil and coats the potatoes, it’s less likely to burn quickly. Just be sure to grill at a medium-high temperature and turn the potatoes regularly to avoid charring the garlic too much.
Can I cook these potatoes on a stovetop instead of a grill?
Yes, you can achieve similar delicious results by sautéing the potatoes in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden and crisp. While you’ll miss the smoky grill flavor, the garlic and herbs will still shine beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for any occasion, I can’t recommend this Grilled Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe enough. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress, whether you’re hosting a BBQ or just craving a cozy comfort food moment. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and prepare for happy taste buds all around!
Print
Grilled Garlic Herb Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
Grilled Garlic Herb Potatoes are a flavorful summer side dish featuring tender baby potatoes tossed in a garlic herb olive oil, then grilled to a crispy, golden perfection. Enhanced with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese, this recipe combines simple ingredients and easy grilling for a delicious complement to any BBQ or meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes (Yukon gold or red), halved if large
Seasoning & Herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of rosemary, thyme, and oregano)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Place the baby potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for 8–10 minutes until just fork-tender but not falling apart. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Toss with Seasonings: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs until they are well coated and evenly seasoned.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a hot surface for grilling the potatoes.
- Grill Potatoes: Place the potatoes cut side down on the grill, using a grill basket if needed to prevent them from falling through the grates. Grill for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the potatoes develop crispy, golden brown exteriors with nice grill marks.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Remove the grilled potatoes from the grill and immediately toss them with the chopped fresh parsley. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve warm for a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the cooked potatoes in the garlic herb oil for 15 minutes before grilling.
- These potatoes also work well cooked in foil packs if you don’t have a grill basket.
- Choose Yukon gold for a creamy texture or red potatoes for a slightly firmer bite.
