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These grilled potatoes in foil are an easy and flavorful 5-ingredient side dish made with basil pesto and baby potatoes. They can be cooked on the grill, in the oven, or over an open fire! They’re perfect for BBQs, camping, or weeknight dinners.
An Easy Grilled Potatoes in Foil Recipe
There are a million ways to make potatoes, but these grilled potato foil packets are one of the easiest and most delicious. Tossed with basil pesto and fresh garlic, these pesto potatoes are packed with herby goodness and come out perfectly tender every time. Plus, there’s almost no cleanup since everything cooks right in the foil.
This is one of my go-to summer side dishes for camping, tailgating, and backyard BBQs. You can even skip the grill and bake them in the oven, and I’ll walk you through both options!
Recipe Ingredients
- Baby Yukon Gold Potatoes: You can use another potato variety if you’d like, as long as they’re baby potatoes.
- Basil Pesto: Use your favorite brand of basil pesto or try my simple spinach pesto instead.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic adds flavor that pairs perfectly with the pesto.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring everything together. Add to taste.
- Parsley or Basil: Garnish your side dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.
How to Grill Potatoes in Foil
Grill Method
- Prep: Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high. Cut out four 12 x 12 pieces of aluminum foil and set aside.
- Mix the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine prepared potatoes, basil pesto, garlic, salt and pepper; mix well.
- Assemble the foil packets: Evenly divide the potatoes between foil sheets. Fold all sides of the foil over the potatoes and seal closed.
- Grill: Transfer your foils to the grill and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until potatoes are tender, turning over once. To check for doneness, pierce the foil packets with a fork to check if your potatoes need longer to cook.
- Remove from heat and enjoy: Remove the foil packets from the grill and open them up, carefully, away from your face. Sprinkle your pesto potatoes with parsley or basil, if you like, and serve!
Oven Method
- Prep the oven: Preheat your oven to 425˚F.
- Prepare the foil packets: Assemble your potatoes inside the foil packets and place the foils on a large baking sheet.
- Bake: Cook for 17 to 20 minutes, or until tender.
- Serve: Remove your potato packets from the oven and serve.
Open Fire Method
- Prepare the foil packs: Assemble your pesto potato foil packets.
- Place onto coals: Cook the packets right on top of the coals – not in the flames. Cook them for 20-25 minutes or until they reach your desired tenderness. Be sure to turn the packets over as your potatoes cook. We use this portable charcoal grill.
- Remove from heat: Using tongs, carefully remove your foil packets from the coals and serve.
How Long to Cook Grilled Potatoes
The grilling time for these potatoes will vary depending on your grill, and the same goes for your oven. Generally, they shouldn’t need more than 25 minutes to cook.
If you make this recipe using the open fire method, be especially careful not to burn your potatoes as they’ll be resting directly on top of burning coals. You can always throw a small ice cube into the foil packets if you want to make sure they steam well while they cook.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add More Vegetables: Don’t hesitate to add more veggies if you’d like. Just cut your foil pieces slightly larger or increase the number of packets. Bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and onions all work beautifully in these pesto potato foil packs.
- Try Different Seasonings: You can switch up the flavors easily. Make them spicy with a sprinkle of chili pepper or cayenne, or go smoky with paprika. You can also try taco seasoning, ranch, fajita seasoning, or whatever you love pairing with grilled baby potatoes.
- Topping Ideas: I love adding sour cream or Greek yogurt to mellow out the spice, or a big handful of shredded cheese right after cooking. It melts into the hot potatoes and makes everything extra cozy.
- Meal Prep Option: These grilled potato foil packets hold up great in the fridge, making them perfect for prepping ahead. Just reheat them in the oven or skillet and pair with your favorite protein, like salmon kabobs or pan seared steak, for a quick lunch or dinner.
What to Serve with Foil Packet Potatoes
Whether you’re cooking in the oven or on the grill, this easy filet mignon is the perfect main dish to serve with your pesto potato foil packs. They also taste just as amazing with my juicy stove top chicken breasts. I almost always make this chicken recipe when I cook my potato packets in the oven. Try pairing your grilled potatoes with this tasty grilled pork tenderloin. It’s packed with flavor and only uses 6 ingredients!
Tools I Used
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- Foil Sheets – You’ll need sturdy foil to build your packets and keep everything sealed for cooking.
- Tongs – Helpful for flipping and removing foil packets from the grill or coals.
- Baking Sheet – Use it if you cook the potatoes in the oven. It keeps the foil packets stable while baking.
- Grill – Use an outdoor grill or portable fire-safe grate to cook the packets over open coals.
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Grilled Potatoes in Foil
Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby Yukon potatoes, rinsed, dried and halved
- 2½ tablespoons basil pesto
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Grill Method
- Prep. Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high. Cut out four 12 x 12 pieces of foil and set aside.
- Combine the ingredients and assemble. In a mixing bowl, combine prepared potatoes, basil pesto, garlic, salt, and pepper; mix well. Evenly divide the potatoes between the foil sheets. Fold all sides of the foil over the potatoes and seal closed.
- Grill. Transfer your foil packets to the grill and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, turning over once. To check for doneness, pierce the foil packets with a fork to check if your potatoes need longer to cook.
- Serve. Remove the potato foil packets from the grill and open them up, carefully, away from your face. Garnish with basil or parsley, and serve.
Oven Method
- Prep. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Assemble your potato packets and place them on a large baking sheet.
- Bake. Cook for 17 to 20 minutes, or until tender.
- Serve. Remove from the oven, garnish, and serve.
Open Fire Method
- Prep. Assemble the potato foil packets.
- Grill. Place them on top of the coals – not in the flames. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until tender, turning over once.
- Serve. Using tongs, carefully remove your foil packs from the coals, garnish, and serve.
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
How To Store Leftovers
Let the potatoes cool completely, then seal them up in the foil or transfer to an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, pop the foil packets back on the grill or in a 400°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, until warmed through. You can also warm them in a skillet over medium heat if you prefer a little crisp on the edges.
Getting ready to harvest my first batch of basil from the garden this summer – I’ve just added THIS to the menu! 🙂
That’s great! I hope you enjoy it! Thank YOU! 🙂
I am always a fan of easy recipes, and this is no exception! Delivered on flavor and was a snap to clean up!
Thank YOU! I am very glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Potato and basil are so goof together. I should try your recipe.
I hope you enjoy it! Thank YOU! 🙂
This side dish is amazingly delicious! We enjoyed it with our BBQ, I will definitely save this recipe in our favorites! Thank you.
I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
Oh my goodness… my new favorite side!!
I’m very glad you enjoyed it!! Thank YOU! 🙂
These Basil Pesto Grilled Potatoes would disappear in our house!
I hope you enjoy it! Thank YOU! 🙂
These grilled potatoes are awesome. I made them with some ribeyes last night and my dinner was delicious!
I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
This is my favorite way to make potatoes all summer long! They turn out perfect and it’s so easy!
I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
Yummy! This was so easy to make and tasted delicious. The whole family loved it. Will definitely make again.
That’s great! I am very glad you and your family enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂