If you’re craving a side that’s simple but feels special, you have to try my Unbelievably Crispy Grilled Potatoes Recipe. These potatoes come out with a perfect crunch on the outside and soft, creamy insides that will make you wonder why you’ve never grilled potatoes this way before. I love this recipe because it uses just a few ingredients but delivers so much flavor and texture. Let me walk you through exactly how to nail it every time—you’re gonna love it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispier Than You’d Expect: The secret to getting a golden, crispy crust without foil is a total game-changer.
- Simple Ingredients: Only a handful of pantry staples make this both easy and budget-friendly.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These potatoes reheat perfectly, so you can make them ahead for busy weekdays.
- Family Approved: My kids and friends always ask me to make these again—they’re just that good.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Unbelievably Crispy Grilled Potatoes Recipe shines because it relies on just a few fresh ingredients that work beautifully together to create that irresistible texture and flavor. Using baby potatoes makes prepping a breeze, and the olive oil helps them crisp up just right.
- Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes cook quickly and evenly, perfect for grilling with crispy edges.
- Olive Oil: Helps achieve that crispy, golden crust and keeps the potatoes from sticking to the grill.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors and brings out the potato’s sweetness.
- Fresh Pepper: Adds just the right touch of spice and depth.
Variations
I’m all about making this recipe your own—there’s room to play with flavors and even switch up ingredients. Here’s how you can customize your Unbelievably Crispy Grilled Potatoes Recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Add Fresh Herbs: I love tossing the potatoes with chopped rosemary or thyme before grilling for an herby twist that’s just irresistible.
- Spicy Kick: Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a smoky or spicy edge—my husband swears by this variation!
- Garlic Lovers: Mince a clove or two of garlic and mix it in with the olive oil for extra depth—it makes a huge difference.
- Swap Potatoes: Yukon gold or fingerling potatoes work great too, just adjust cooking time so they cook through but stay crispy.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free Friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, so it fits perfectly into lots of diets without any changes.
How to Make Unbelievably Crispy Grilled Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Potatoes Just Right
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, then add your baby potatoes. Simmer them for about 12 to 15 minutes—poke one with a fork to check; it should slide in easily but still hold its shape. This step is key because you want the insides soft but not falling apart. Once done, drain and rinse the potatoes under cold water to cool them quickly. Let them rest a few minutes until you can handle them without burning your fingers. This little pre-cook helps speed up the grilling and ensures tenderness inside.
Step 2: Prep and Season for Maximum Flavor
Preheat your grill to high heat—around 500°F is perfect. While it’s warming up, slice each potato in half. Toss those halves in olive oil, salt, and fresh pepper until each piece is beautifully coated. This step sets the stage for that crispy, golden surface we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Grill to Crispy Perfection
Place each potato half cut side down directly on your grill or on a grill plate. Immediately turn your grill heat down to medium-high—that’s about 375°F to 400°F. Close the lid and let them cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes. Peek underneath; once you see a beautiful golden crust, it’s time to flip. Then cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until every side is crispy and browned to your liking. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning—grills vary, so adjust as needed.
Pro Tips for Making Unbelievably Crispy Grilled Potatoes Recipe
- Use Baby Potatoes for Even Cooking: They cook faster and give you more crisp surface area for each piece.
- Don’t Skip the Boil Step: Parboiling softens the potatoes just right, so grilling adds crisp without drying them out.
- Oil and Season Generously: Don’t be shy with olive oil and seasoning—you want a good coating for maximum flavor and browning.
- Watch Your Grill Temperature: Too high and the potatoes burn; too low and they won’t crisp. Medium-high works best for me every time.
How to Serve Unbelievably Crispy Grilled Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes
I love sprinkling fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright tang that’s irresistible. For the garlic lovers, a dusting of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil after grilling takes it to the next level.
Side Dishes
These crispy grilled potatoes pair beautifully with grilled meats like steak or chicken, but they’re just as lovely alongside a fresh summer salad or grilled veggies. If you want to keep things vegetarian, try serving them with a hearty bean salad or roasted asparagus.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to arrange these potatoes in a pretty spiral or stack them like little towers on a platter. Another fun idea is to serve them with a trio of dipping sauces—think garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, and herbed yogurt—to make the presentation interactive and fun for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled potatoes store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually line a container with paper towels to catch any extra moisture, which keeps them crispier when reheated.
Freezing
I’ve found these potatoes freeze best after a quick reheat, cooled completely, then wrapped tightly. When frozen, just thaw overnight in the fridge and re-crisp on the grill or in a hot oven. Freezing straight from raw or boiled potatoes usually makes them lose their crunch, so I don’t recommend that.
Reheating
Reheating on the grill or under the broiler is my favorite since it restores crispness. I avoid microwaving because it tends to make them soggy. A quick 5-7 minutes on a hot grill or in a 400°F oven brings back that irresistible crunch perfectly.
FAQs
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Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that larger potatoes will need to be cut into smaller pieces and may require a bit more boiling time to get tender. The grilling time might also be longer to ensure they get crispy all around without burning.
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Do I need to use oil if I want them extra crispy?
Yes, oil is key here. It helps conduct heat evenly, promotes browning, and prevents sticking. Olive oil is perfect, but you can also use avocado oil or another high smoke point oil if you prefer.
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Can I make these potatoes in an oven instead of on the grill?
You sure can! Preheat your oven to 425°F and roast the halved potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flip halfway through until crispy and golden, which usually takes 25-30 minutes.
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How do I keep potatoes from falling apart when grilling?
Parboiling correctly is the trick. You want to cook potatoes until just tender, not mushy. Overcooked potatoes break easily on the grill. Also, let them cool a bit before handling to keep them intact.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t recommend this Unbelievably Crispy Grilled Potatoes Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is so easy to throw together. Every time I make it, people ask for the secret to that perfect crunch, and now you’ve got it! Whether it’s a casual cookout or a cozy weeknight dinner, these potatoes bring that punch of texture and flavor that just makes the meal feel complete. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll find it quickly becomes one of your go-to sides, too.
Print
Unbelievably Crispy Grilled Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 40 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy the ultimate crispy grilled potatoes with this simple and effective recipe. Baby potatoes are boiled to tender perfection, then grilled to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without the need for foil. This dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan dish is perfect as a flavorful side or meal prep option.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 lb baby potatoes
Seasoning & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- fresh pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the baby potatoes and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until a fork can be easily inserted, indicating they are tender. Drain the potatoes, rinse them under cold water to cool, and let them sit a few minutes until they are manageable to handle.
- Prepare: Preheat your grill to high heat (around 500°F). Slice each potato in half. Toss the halved potatoes in olive oil, ensuring each piece is well-coated, then season with salt and fresh pepper to taste.
- Grill: Place the cut side of the potatoes down directly onto the grill grates or a grilling plate. Reduce the grill heat to medium-high. Cover with the grill lid and cook for 2-3 minutes until the potatoes develop a golden, crispy texture on the cut side. Flip the potatoes and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, turning as needed, until all sides are crispy and golden brown.
Notes
- This recipe creates incredibly crispy grilled potatoes without using foil, maximizing the smoky flavor and crispiness.
- Perfect for meal prep because the potatoes hold their texture and flavor when reheated.
- This dish is dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan, and suitable for a wide variety of diets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 batch
- Calories: 149 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 152 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg


