This post was written in partnership with Idaho® Potato. All opinions are mine alone.
Grilled Cheesy Garlic Potato Packets: Your New Favorite BBQ Side
As grilling season hits its peak and we look forward to long weekends like Labor Day, finding the perfect side dish that is both effortless and irresistibly delicious can feel like a quest. Look no further! These individual potato packets, bursting with the aromatic sweetness of roasted garlic and the comforting richness of melted cheese, are designed to elevate any outdoor meal. They are not just convenient and easy to prepare, but absolutely packed with flavor, thanks to a unique secret ingredient that transforms them from good to truly extraordinary.
Imagine perfectly tender potato slices, infused with savory seasonings and a hint of smokiness, all wrapped up in a neat foil packet that minimizes cleanup. This recipe offers the ultimate solution for stress-free entertaining, allowing you more time to enjoy your guests and the festive atmosphere.
Why Foil Packets are a Grilling Game Changer
Foil packet cooking is a true revelation for anyone who loves grilling but dreads the cleanup. It’s an incredibly versatile and convenient method that traps moisture and flavor, ensuring your food comes out tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked every time. For these potato packets, the foil acts as a mini oven, steaming the potato slices until they are fork-tender while allowing the garlic and seasonings to deeply permeate each bite. Plus, the individual portioning means no messy serving dishes and makes them ideal for customizability – everyone gets their own personalized packet of deliciousness.
These grilled cheesy garlic potato packets are the perfect finale to our week of grilling recipes, just in time for your Labor Day celebrations. We’ve enjoyed savory grilled chicken and succulent grilled ribeye, and now we complete the meal with a side that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Say hello to your new favorite grilling companion: cheesy garlic potato packets!
The Star Ingredient: Perfecting Potatoes for the Grill
At the heart of this irresistible side dish are high-quality potatoes. For grilling, especially in foil packets, Idaho® potatoes are an excellent choice. Their firm texture holds up beautifully to the heat, ensuring that each slice cooks evenly without becoming mushy. When sliced thinly, they cook quickly and absorb all the incredible flavors of the garlic, olive oil, and seasonings. This fine slicing is key to achieving that desirable tender interior in a short amount of time on the grill.
Preparing the potatoes correctly is crucial. After washing them thoroughly (peeling is optional, depending on your preference and the potato skin condition), slice them uniformly thin. Aim for about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thickness. This consistency ensures that all potato slices in the packet will cook at the same rate, resulting in a perfectly tender bite every time. The large surface area of the thin slices also allows for maximum flavor absorption, making every piece a little parcel of garlicky, cheesy goodness.
Unlocking Depth: The Secret to Smoky Flavor
While grilling directly over open flames imparts a wonderful char and smoky essence, cooking potatoes in foil packets means they miss out on that direct smoke contact. This is where our secret ingredient comes to the rescue: liquid smoke! It’s a powerful flavor enhancer that, when used correctly, imbues the potatoes with a deep, authentic smoky flavor that tastes like they’ve been slow-smoked on the grill for hours.
However, liquid smoke is potent, and a little goes a very long way. Think of it as a concentrated essence of campfire and wood smoke. Using too much can quickly overpower the delicate flavors of the potatoes and garlic, leading to an unpleasantly harsh taste. The key is precise measurement and judicious application. Just a half teaspoon for four servings is usually sufficient to achieve that desirable, subtle smokiness without overwhelming the dish. It’s a culinary magician that breathes life into these packets, giving them a dimension of flavor you wouldn’t expect from a foil-cooked side.
Beyond the smoky depth, sliced garlic plays a pivotal role. As the potatoes roast in their packets, the garlic softens and mellows, transforming into a sweet, caramelized delight that infuses every single potato slice. The combination of savory seasonings, rich olive oil, sweet roasted garlic, and that intriguing hint of liquid smoke creates a truly unforgettable flavor profile.
Crafting Your Cheesy Garlic Potato Packets: A Step-by-Step Grilling Guide
Preparing these packets is straightforward, making them ideal for busy grilling days. Let’s walk through the process:
Ingredients
Grilled Cheesy Garlic Potato Packets
A convenient, easy, and absolutely tasty side dish featuring roasted garlic and ooey-gooey cheese. One secret ingredient elevates these Idaho® potatoes from good to great.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 medium Idaho® potatoes, washed and peeled (if desired)
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- 8 garlic cloves, sliced
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese*, grated
- 1-2 scallions, sliced for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Begin by heating your grill to a medium temperature. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- Prepare the Potatoes: Thinly slice the Idaho® potatoes. Aim for slices that are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, garlic powder, and ground black pepper. This blend will create a savory foundation for your potatoes.
- Season the Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the sliced potatoes with the olive oil, liquid smoke, and the prepared seasoning mix. Ensure every potato slice is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor. Remember the warning about liquid smoke — measure precisely!
- Prepare Foil Packets: Lay out 4 large sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil. If you only have regular foil, it’s best to double up each sheet to prevent tearing and leakage on the grill.
- Divide and Layer: Divide the seasoned potatoes evenly among the four prepared foil sheets. Spread them out in a single layer as much as possible to promote even cooking.
- Add Garlic: Distribute the sliced fresh garlic cloves over the potatoes in each packet. As they cook, these garlic slices will become wonderfully tender and sweet.
- Seal and Grill: Carefully close each foil packet tightly, crimping the edges to create a secure seal. Place the sealed packets on the preheated grill over medium heat. Grill for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely fork-tender. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your grill and potato thickness.
- Add Cheese: Once the potatoes are tender, carefully open the foil packets. Be cautious of the steam that will escape. Immediately top the hot potatoes with the grated mozzarella cheese.
- Melt and Serve: Close the packets loosely again or let them sit on the warm grill (off the direct heat) for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, irresistible layer. Serve these delightful packets immediately. For an optional fresh touch, sprinkle some sliced scallions over the melted cheese before serving.
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Tips & Notes
You can substitute any good melting cheese for mozzarella cheese. For example, fontina and gruyere work great for this recipe, offering a richer, nuttier flavor profile. Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite!
Nutrition
Calories: 555kcal
Carbohydrates: 79g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 21g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 1952mg
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
These cheesy garlic potato packets are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with almost any grilled main course. Serve them alongside classic BBQ ribs, a juicy steak, grilled chicken, or even grilled fish for a complete and satisfying meal. For a vibrant contrast, consider adding a fresh green salad or some grilled asparagus to your plate. The rich, savory flavors of the potatoes complement lighter fare beautifully, while standing up to heartier meats.
Beyond the main meal, these packets can also be a fantastic addition to a brunch spread or a casual picnic. Their individual packaging makes them ideal for grab-and-go convenience. Don’t forget that optional sprinkle of fresh scallions or chives for a pop of color and a mild oniony zest that brightens the entire dish.
Customizing Your Potato Packets: Endless Possibilities
One of the best things about foil packet cooking is how easily you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Cheese Varieties: While mozzarella is a classic for its meltiness, try sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, Gruyere for nutty complexity, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
- Herbs and Spices: Add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs to the packets for an earthy aroma. A pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the smoky flavor without relying solely on liquid smoke. Onion powder, cayenne pepper, or a dash of chili flakes can also add interesting dimensions.
- Add-ins: For extra indulgence, consider adding cooked bacon bits, finely diced onions or bell peppers, or even a few thin slices of jalapeño for heat. A small pat of butter in each packet can also contribute to richness.
- Vegetable Medley: Turn it into a complete vegetable side by adding thin slices of zucchini, bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes alongside the potatoes.
The beauty of these packets lies in their adaptability. You can create a different flavor profile every time you make them!
Making Ahead and Storage Tips
To make your grilling day even easier, you can prepare the potatoes in advance. Slice the potatoes and toss them with the olive oil, liquid smoke, and seasonings, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the fresh garlic and assemble the packets just before grilling to keep the garlic fresh and fragrant.
If you have any leftover potato packets, allow them to cool completely before storing them in their foil packets or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can place the foil packets back on a low grill, in an oven, or even in a microwave until warmed through. Be mindful that reheating might slightly alter the texture, but the flavors will still be delicious.
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Final Thoughts on These Flavorful Grilling Packets
These Grilled Cheesy Garlic Potato Packets are more than just a side dish; they’re a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with smart cooking techniques, can yield truly spectacular results. The convenience of foil packets, the unmistakable quality of Idaho® potatoes, the savory depth of garlic, the creamy indulgence of melted cheese, and that intriguing whisper of liquid smoke all come together to create a side dish that is sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a large Labor Day BBQ or enjoying a quiet backyard dinner, these potatoes promise minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
We hope you have a fantastic Labor Day weekend filled with good food, great company, and plenty of relaxation. Happy grilling, and thank you for reading!