Buttery Grilled Yukon Gold Potatoes In Foil

by Laney Schwartz on May 8, 2024 (updated Aug 6, 2024) 0 comments

This simple recipe for Buttery Grilled Yukon Gold Potatoes In Foil transforms sliced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers into a flavorful side dish perfect for any BBQ or weeknight meal! Just wrap the ingredients in foil, let them cook on the grill, and enjoy the char-grilled taste of tender potatoes with crispy edges.

sliced grilled potatoes with bell peppers and onion

As a seasoned home chef, I know my family LOVES potatoes, and so do I! I’m always finding new ways to make them from Crispy Smashed Potatoes, Butter Garlic Stacked Potatoes, Parmesan Roasted Potatoes or Lemon Mustard Roasted Potatoes. This grilled potatoes recipe was inspired by my brother-in-law who makes them every summer when we go over!

Oven vs Grill

These grilled Yukon Gold potatoes are cooked in a foil packet. This means that all of the ingredients and seasonings are placed in foiled and sealed airtight so the steam cooks the veggies faster and makes the texture rich and buttery. While this could be cooked in the oven, the grill adds a smoky, chargrilled flavor to the potatoes that you simply can’t achieve with an oven. Grilling also gives the potatoes caramelized, crispy edges that make them extra delicious. During the warmer months it allows you to cook potatoes without turning on a hot oven in the house. A win-win!

Just lay out foil sheets, spray them with cooking spray, and arrange your sliced potatoes, onions, and bell peppers. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, add butter cubes and wrap everything into a tight foil packet. Grill it covered for 25 minutes, flip, and continue for another 20-25 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender, buttery, and delicious!

grilled potatoes, onions and bell peppers wrapped in foil

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled flavor: While they can be baked in the oven, a gas grill offers that comforting charred flavor that gives them an extra special taste.
Simple ingredients: No special ingredients here! Just potatoes, veggies, and simple seasonings is all you need.
Easy cleanup: Cooking in foil means easy cleanup. No pots or pans are needed!

Ingredients And Equipment

Ingredients in bowls on a grey background

Aluminum Foil – You’ll need five sheets of heavy-duty aluminum foil to make this recipe. This will be about five 2 ½ feet sheets in order to make sure there is room for steaming and sealing.
Grill Tongs or Spatula – The foil packet needs to be flipped halfway, so make sure you have a grill-safe spatula or tongs when cooking.
Yukon Gold Potatoes – These potatoes make for the creamiest, melty taste.
Bell Pepper & Onion – Adds a fresh taste as the flavor infuses into the potatoes while also adding color and texture.
Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder) – This simple blend of seasonings balances and enhances the flavor of the potatoes.
Unsalted Butter – Cubed up and spread on top, it enhances the naturally buttery taste of the potatoes while helping them steam and crisp up in the foil.

Step By Step Instructions

sheet pan covered with foil — Place the first sheet of foil across the length of the sheet pan in the center.

sheet pan covered with foil with extra foil hanging over — Add the remaining sheets according to directions below. There should lots of overhang to created a sealed package.

Sliced yukon gold potatoes on a foil lined sheet pan — Layer the potato slices in rows.

potatoes, onion, bell peppers and butter on a foil lined sheet pan — Add sliced bell peppers, onion, butter and seasonings.

foil packet on a sheet pan — Wrap potatoes tightly in foil.

grilled buttery potatoes with onions and potatoes — Grill until cooked through, flipping halfway.

Prepare the foil packets: Line a baking sheet with the foil strips. Place the first sheet across the length of the sheet pan in the center. Add the second sheet across the length of the top half of the sheet pan and the third sheet across the length of the bottom half of the sheet pan. There should be lots of overhangs in order to eventually wrap the potatoes in the foil. Add the fourth sheet of foil along the width/left side of the sheet pan (perpendicular to the other sheets) and the fifth sheet along the width/right side of the sheet pan (also perpendicular to the other sheets). **See photos above.

Season the potatoes: Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-375). Spray the foil on the baking sheet with cooking spray. Layer the potato slices in rows. It’s ok if they overlap. Evenly distribute the bell peppers and onions on top of the potatoes, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the cubed butter on top evenly.

Grill the potatoes: Using the overhang of the foil, wrap the potatoes in a tight packet until it is sealed and no air holes are present to escape. Place the packet on the preheated grill. Close the lid and cook for 25 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender with crispy edges.

Open and serve: Be VERY careful when opening the packet, as hot steam will escape. Serve immediately with your favorite main course or side dishes!

grilled potatoes with bell peppers and onions

Expert Tips

Use heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent tearing and to keep all the ingredients contained.
Cut the potatoes into even slices to make sure they cook evenly and finish at the same time.
Arrange the potato slices in a single, overlapping layer on the foil for the best texture.
Seal the foil packet well by folding the edges multiple times; this traps the steam and flavors.
Flip the packet carefully using a pair of tongs and a spatula to make sure it doesn’t puncture or open.
Monitor the grill temperature and make adjustments to maintain a steady medium heat.
Open the foil packet slowly and away from your face to avoid steam burns when checking doneness or serving.

grilled potatoes, onions, bell peppers in foil

Customize It

Sprinkle some rosemary or thyme over the potatoes for a herb taste that complements the smoky grill flavor.
Add diced jalapeños or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
For a zesty flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the potatoes before serving, or add lemon slices in the packet while grilling.
Top the cooked potatoes with grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese for a cheesy finish.
Change up the seasoning blend and use cajun spices, lemon pepper, Italian seasoning or poultry seasoning for different kinds of flavor.

Serve Grilled Potatoes In Foil With

Grilled potatoes are an incredibly versatile side dish that can be paired with many different types of main courses and side dishes. While you’re cooking on the grill, try some of my favorites!

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Keep leftover grilled potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to three days.

Freezing: To freeze, place the cooled potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll keep well for up to two months, but keep in mind that the texture will change a bit after thawing and reheating.

Reheating: Spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350F oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. For a crispier texture, lightly drizzle with oil before reheating.