Rosemary-Infused Grilled Baby Potatoes Recipe for a Delicious BBQ Side Dish

By:

Camille Hayes

Published:

May 18, 2025

Mastering grilled new potatoes

Grilled new potatoes make a wonderfully simple and delicious side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of meals. Their natural sweetness and creamy texture come alive when cooked over direct heat, accentuated by the subtle smokiness only a grill can impart. This recipe showcases baby new potatoes seasoned with fragrant dried rosemary, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, then tossed in olive oil before being grilled to tender perfection. The potatoes’ thin skins crisp up nicely on the grill, creating a delightful contrast with their soft interiors.

Using foil packets allows for even cooking and easy handling, making this an approachable recipe for home cooks of all levels. Whether you’re preparing a casual barbecue or adding a fresh twist to your weekday dinner, grilled new potatoes deliver uncomplicated, flavorful results every time. For an added touch, finish with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for vibrant color and bursts of aromatic flavor. This recipe is naturally gluten-free, vegan (if you skip the cheese), and nutritional, making it a versatile choice for diverse diets.

Jump To

1. Mastering grilled new potatoes
2. Benefits and Advantages of grilled new potatoes
3. Essential Ingredients for grilled new potatoes
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your grilled new potatoes
5. How to Prepare the Perfect grilled new potatoes: Step-by-Step Guide
6. Mastering grilled new potatoes: Advanced Tips and Variations
7. How to Store grilled new potatoes: Best Practices
8. Nutritional Value of grilled new potatoes
9. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About grilled new potatoes
10. Rosemary-Infused Grilled Baby Potatoes Recipe for a Delicious BBQ Side Dish

Benefits and Advantages of grilled new potatoes

Healthful and Nutritious

New potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential minerals like potassium, which supports heart and muscle function. Grilling them with minimal oil and seasoning allows the potatoes’ natural flavors to shine without excessive calories or unhealthy fats. The use of olive oil further adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Simplicity and Convenience

Grilled new potatoes require minimal prep time and can be cooked entirely on the grill, reducing kitchen mess and energy use. The foil packet technique helps retain moisture, ensuring the potatoes cook evenly and stay tender. This versatility makes the recipe practical for busy lifestyles while still delivering great taste.

Flavor and Texture

The grilling process adds layers of smoky aroma and creates a lightly crisp exterior while preserving the creamy interior texture. Seasonings such as rosemary and garlic powder enhance the natural earthiness of the potatoes. Adding fresh herbs and even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving introduces complexity and visual appeal to the dish.

Adaptability

This dish fits effortlessly into a wide range of meal plans and dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free diets (simply omit the Parmesan if vegan). It’s an ideal side for grilled meats, plant-based entrees, or robust salads, making it a versatile choice for any dining occasion.

Essential Ingredients for grilled new potatoes

Gather the following ingredients to make this rosemary-infused grilled new potatoes recipe:

1½ pounds baby new potatoes, red or gold
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Chopped fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or basil (optional, for serving)

Each ingredient plays a vital role: olive oil helps evenly coat and crisp the potatoes, dried rosemary and oregano infuse the dish with herbal complexity, and garlic powder adds savory depth. Kosher salt seasons the potatoes enhancing their natural flavor, while black pepper lends a mild heat. The optional Parmesan and fresh herbs give a flavorful finish and attractive presentation.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your grilled new potatoes

Oil Alternatives

Replace olive oil with avocado oil or grapeseed oil as alternatives with high smoke points and neutral flavors.
For a lower-fat option, use a light spray of oil to minimize added calories.

Herb and Spice Variations

Try substituting or adding fresh herbs such as thyme, tarragon, or chives for different aromatic profiles.
Include smoked paprika or cumin powder to introduce warm, smoky undertones.
Use fresh garlic minced finely instead of garlic powder for a more pungent garlic flavor.

Dietary Adaptations

For a vegan recipe, omit Parmesan or use dairy-free, vegan-friendly Parmesan substitutes.
Ensure kosher salt is used as standard salt may vary in mineral content and impact those on sodium-restricted diets.

Cooking Method Alternatives

If a grill is unavailable, roast the potato mixture in an oven at 425°F for about 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through to imitate the grilled texture and flavor.

These substitutions and adaptations enable you to tailor grilled new potatoes easily for taste preferences, dietary needs, and equipment availability without sacrificing flavor.

How to Prepare the Perfect grilled new potatoes: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating perfectly grilled new potatoes requires a balance of seasoning, preparation, and grilling technique. Follow these detailed steps for a delicious and memorable side dish:

First Step: Rinse and thoroughly dry 1½ pounds of baby new potatoes (red or gold). Trim but do not peel. If potatoes are larger than a golf ball, slice them into ½-inch pieces; smaller potatoes can be halved or quartered.
Second Step: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon dried oregano to create a savory seasoning blend.
Third Step: Place the cut potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and the seasoning mixture. Toss well until potatoes are evenly coated.
Fourth Step: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ranging between 375°F and 400°F.
Fifth Step: Arrange two large overlapping sheets of heavy-duty foil on a baking sheet. Lightly coat the foil with non-stick spray. Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the foil.
Sixth Step: Cover the potatoes with two additional overlapping sheets of foil, sealing the edges carefully but allowing some space for air circulation inside the packet.
Seventh Step: Transfer the foil packet to the preheated grill using the baking sheet. Cover the grill and cook for 15 minutes.
Eighth Step: Carefully open the foil, flip the potatoes with tongs, and check if they are golden. If not, cook an additional 3 to 5 minutes on the first side before flipping again.
Ninth Step: Cover loosely with foil and continue grilling for another 5 to 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Tenth Step: Remove the potatoes to a serving bowl and top with optional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, rosemary, or basil. Serve warm as a flavorful grilled side.

For more on grilling techniques, check out how to grill potatoes perfectly.

Mastering grilled new potatoes: Advanced Tips and Variations

Enhance your grilled new potatoes experience by applying these useful tips and experimenting with interesting variations:

Tips for Perfect Grilled Potatoes

Parboil before grilling: Boiling potatoes briefly before grilling can soften them and allow seasoning to penetrate deeply, producing a tender inside and crisp outside.
Use small, thin-skinned potatoes: Baby new potatoes with delicate skins cook faster and develop a deliciously crisp texture on the grill.
Maintain medium heat: Grilling at medium heat avoids burning while promoting even cooking.
Season liberally: Don’t skip kosher salt during preparation and sprinkle a little more before serving to boost flavor.
Handle foil packets carefully: Open gently to avoid steam burns; this also helps keep the potatoes moist during cooking.

Flavor and Presentation Variations

Variation	Description
Herb Variety	Add fresh thyme, tarragon, or rosemary sprigs inside the foil packet to deepen aroma.
Spicy Twist	Include smoked paprika or chili flakes in the seasoning mix for a mild heat kick.
Lemon Zest	Sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest over potatoes before serving for brightness.

If you don’t have access to a grill, baking these potatoes at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping once, and then roasting for 10-15 more minutes is a great alternative.

How to Store grilled new potatoes: Best Practices

Proper storage extends the enjoyment of grilled new potatoes without compromising quality.

Refrigeration

Place cooled grilled potatoes in airtight containers or resealable bags and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Freezing

Grilled potatoes can be frozen but texture might change slightly. Spread potatoes on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.

Reheating Tips

Reheat in the oven for best texture restoration.
Microwaving is possible but may lead to softer, less crispy potatoes.

Nutritional Value of grilled new potatoes

Grilled new potatoes are not only tasty but also offer nutritional benefits. Below is an approximate breakdown per serving (¼ of the recipe):

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	196 kcal	Moderate calorie content suitable for balanced meals.
Carbohydrates	31 g	Main source of energy and fiber.
Protein	4 g	Small amount of plant protein.
Fat	7 g	Primarily from olive oil with mostly healthy fats.
Fiber	4 g	Supports digestive health.
Potassium	730 mg	Essential mineral for heart and muscle function.
Vitamin C	34 mg	Antioxidant supporting immune function.

To learn more about the nutritional benefits of new potatoes, visit this detailed guide.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About grilled new potatoes

What type of potatoes are best for grilling?

Small baby potatoes with thin skins, such as red or gold new potatoes, are best as they cook quickly and their skins crisp nicely without needing peeling.

Do I need to boil potatoes before grilling?

Boiling is optional but recommended for deeper flavor and even cooking. Parboiling softens potatoes and allows seasonings to penetrate before grilling.

Can I use a grill basket or foil for grilled potatoes?

Yes, using a grill basket or foil packet helps prevent potatoes from falling through grates and keeps them moist. However, you can also grill directly on grates if careful to turn frequently.

Can I roast potatoes in the oven instead of grilling?

Absolutely. Roast at 425°F for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway. This yields a crispy outside and tender inside, a great alternative if no grill is available.

Rosemary-Infused Grilled Baby Potatoes Recipe for a Delicious BBQ Side Dish

Mastering grilled new potatoes