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How Long to Grill Potatoes: The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Cooked Spuds

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Potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients you can throw on the grill. Whether you’re making steakhouse-style baked potatoes, crispy wedges, or foil-packed spuds bursting with flavor, grilling adds a delicious smoky char that enhances their natural taste. But the key question remains: How long do potatoes take on the grill?

The grilling time for potatoes depends on several factors, including the size, type, preparation method, and whether they’re cooked whole, sliced, or wrapped in foil. In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to grill potatoes and provide a breakdown of cooking times so you can achieve perfect results every time.

Choosing the Right Potatoes for Grilling

Not all potatoes grill the same way. Some hold their shape better, while others soften too much and become mushy. Here are the best types of potatoes for grilling:

  • Russet Potatoes – Ideal for baking and grilling whole because of their fluffy interior.
  • Yukon Gold Potatoes – A great choice for grilling sliced or in foil packs due to their creamy texture.
  • Red Potatoes – Perfect for grilling as wedges or in foil packets since they hold their shape well.

When selecting potatoes, choose medium to large-sized ones for whole grilling, or smaller ones if you plan to cut them into slices or wedges.

How Long to Grill Potatoes (By Preparation Method)

1. Whole Potatoes on the Grill

  • Grill Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Best Method: Wrapped in foil or cooked over indirect heat

Grilling whole potatoes is similar to baking them in an oven, except you get that delicious smoky flavor. Since they take longer to cook, it’s best to wrap them in foil to trap moisture and help them cook evenly.

Steps to Grill Whole Potatoes:

  1. Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly.
  2. Pierce each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape.
  3. Rub them with olive oil, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
  4. Wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil.
  5. Place them on a medium-high heat grill using indirect heat.
  6. Grill for 45-60 minutes, turning every 15 minutes.
  7. Check for doneness by inserting a fork – it should slide in easily.

💡 Pro Tip: If you want a crispier skin, remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of grilling and place the potatoes directly on the grates.

2. Grilled Potato Slices or Wedge

  • Grill Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Best Method: Direct heat or grill basket

If you’re looking for crispy, golden-brown potatoes with a soft interior, grilling sliced or wedged potatoes is the way to go.

Steps to Grill Potato Slices or Wedges:

  1. Wash and slice potatoes into ½-inch thick rounds or wedges.
  2. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, or rosemary work great).
  3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (400-450°F).
  4. Place potatoes directly on the grates or use a grill basket.
  5. Grill for 10-15 minutes per side, flipping once.
  6. Remove when golden brown and fork-tender.

💡 Pro Tip: Soaking potato slices in cold water for 30 minutes before grilling helps remove excess starch, making them crispier.

3. Potatoes in Foil Packets

  • Grill Time: 30-40 minutes
  • Best Method: Indirect heat

Foil packets are perfect for grilling potatoes because they retain moisture, preventing them from drying out. This method is great when cooking other foods on the grill since you can place the packets on the upper rack or edges of the grill.

Steps to Grill Potatoes in Foil Packets:

  1. Wash and cut potatoes into cubes or slices.
  2. Toss with olive oil, butter, garlic, onions, and herbs.
  3. Place potatoes in a large piece of aluminum foil and fold the edges to create a sealed packet.
  4. Preheat the grill to medium heat (375-400°F).
  5. Place the foil packets on the grill and cook for 30-40 minutes, shaking occasionally.
  6. Carefully open the packets and check if potatoes are tender.

💡 Pro Tip: Add cheese or bacon bits in the last 5 minutes for extra flavor!

4. Parboiled Potatoes on the Grill (For Faster Cooking)

  • Grill Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Best Method: Direct heat

Parboiling (partially boiling) potatoes before grilling significantly reduces cook time and ensures a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft inside.

Steps to Parboil and Grill Potatoes:

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add whole or sliced potatoes and boil for 5-7 minutes (they should be slightly tender but not fully cooked).
  3. Drain and let them cool for a few minutes.
  4. Toss with olive oil and seasoning.
  5. Grill over medium-high heat (400°F) for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

💡 Pro Tip: This method is great when grilling potatoes with steak or burgers since they cook quickly!

Grilling Techniques for Perfect Potatoes

  • Direct vs. Indirect Heat: Use direct heat for crispier slices and indirect heat for whole potatoes or foil packets.
  • Flipping: Flip wedges and slices once halfway to ensure even cooking.
  • Preheating the Grill: Always preheat your grill for at least 10 minutes before adding potatoes.
  • Using a Grill Basket: If grilling small or cubed potatoes, a grill basket prevents them from falling through the grates.

Seasoning & Flavor Enhancements

Basic seasoning goes a long way, but if you want to elevate your grilled potatoes, try these options:

  • Classic: Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder
  • Smoky: Paprika, cumin, chili powder
  • Herb-infused: Rosemary, thyme, oregano
  • Cheesy: Parmesan or cheddar cheese (sprinkle during the last few minutes)
  • Spicy: Cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for heat

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Cooking on too high heat: This burns the outside while leaving the inside raw. Stick to medium-high heat.
  2. Not pre-cooking thick potatoes: If grilling whole or thick wedges, parboiling saves time.
  3. Using too much oil: Too much oil makes them greasy instead of crispy.
  4. Not flipping: Forgetting to flip results in uneven cooking.
  5. Skipping seasoning: Unseasoned potatoes can taste bland, so add spices and herbs.

Conclusion

Grilling potatoes is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Whether you choose to grill them whole, as slices, in foil packets, or after parboiling, knowing the right cooking time ensures perfect results every time.

Try different seasoning blends, experiment with toppings, and enjoy crispy, flavorful grilled potatoes at your next cookout.