Imagine this: a warm summer evening, the sizzle of the grill, and the incredible aroma of perfectly spiced baby potatoes charring to a golden crisp. These BBQ baby potatoes on skewers are not just an easy side dish; they are a flavorful experience. Each bite offers a delightful contrast—crispy on the outside, wonderfully soft on the inside, and bursting with a harmonious blend of spices. What makes them even better? Serving them on skewers, which adds a fun, interactive touch to your meal and makes them incredibly easy to enjoy for everyone.

Whether you’re hosting a lively backyard BBQ party for friends, preparing a simple yet delicious meal for your family, or just looking to elevate your weeknight grilling routine, these grilled potatoes are an absolute game-changer. Light up that grill and get ready to discover your new favorite summer side dish!

Why These Spiced Grilled Potatoes Are a Summer BBQ Must-Have

This summer, these spiced baby potatoes have effortlessly become my ultimate go-to side dish. On those long, warm evenings, I find myself drawn to the simplicity and joy of cooking on the BBQ. However, I often don’t want to commit to a heavy, full BBQ menu. What I craved was a quick, easy, and universally loved side dish that would complement any grilled main course without overpowering it. While pasta salad or traditional potato salad can be delicious, let’s be honest, they can get a bit predictable after a while, right?

After experimenting with various spice blends and cooking techniques, I finally perfected the ideal balance of flavors and textures. The result? These grilled baby potatoes, which are now a celebrated favorite at our family table and with every guest who tries them. They consistently deliver that irresistible crispy exterior and a wonderfully soft, fluffy interior, infused with an incredible taste that keeps everyone coming back for more. The best part, beyond their fantastic flavor, is the presentation: each guest gets their very own skewer. It’s a delightful, fun, and easy way to serve, making every meal feel a little more special.

These potatoes offer incredible versatility too. They pair perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, fish, or even a simple veggie burger. Their vibrant flavors and satisfying texture make them a standout addition to any summer spread. Forget boring sides; these spiced potato skewers are here to steal the show!

Achieving Perfection: My Top Tips for Crispy BBQ Baby Potatoes

Every recipe I develop goes through rigorous testing, and these grilled baby potatoes were no exception. My focus was on honing the subtle details that elevate them from good to absolutely phenomenal. Here are my tried-and-true tips to ensure you achieve perfectly crispy, flavorful BBQ baby potatoes every single time:

• Choosing and Pre-Cooking the Potatoes: The Foundation of Flavor and Texture
  • Baby Potatoes are Key: For this recipe, opt for small, uniform baby potatoes, ideally around 1 to 1.5 inches (2 to 4 cm) in diameter. Their size ensures even cooking and quick grilling. Many varieties are sold with the skin on, which adds texture and nutrients; simply give them a good wash and scrub. You can also find pre-cooked baby potatoes at most grocery stores, which can be a real time-saver.
  • The Essential Pre-Cooking Step: This is arguably the most critical tip! Always boil the potatoes for about 10 minutes *before* you even think about grilling them. This par-cooking step is crucial for two main reasons: it ensures the potatoes are tender and fluffy on the inside, preventing a raw or hard core, and it drastically reduces the time needed on the grill, which helps achieve that coveted crispy, charred exterior without burning them to a crisp. If you’re using pre-cooked potatoes, you can conveniently skip this boiling step.
• Crafting the Perfect Spice Mix: Your Flavor Secret Weapon
  • Elevate with Smoked Paprika: While regular paprika adds color and a mild flavor, swapping it for smoked paprika takes these potatoes to another level. The rich, deep, and slightly smoky notes of smoked paprika enhance the BBQ experience, making the potatoes taste like they’ve spent hours infusing over an open flame. Don’t be shy with your spice blend; a generous coating is what creates that incredible flavor crust.
  • Beyond the Basics: Feel free to customize your spice mix! Consider adding a pinch of garlic powder for a pungent kick, onion powder for savory depth, or a touch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat. Freshly chopped rosemary or thyme can also be added to the marinade for an aromatic twist.
• The Magic of Marination: Let the Flavors Soak In
  • Hot Potatoes, Better Absorption: Once your baby potatoes are par-cooked and drained, immediately pour the flavorful marinade over them while they are still hot. The warmth of the potatoes helps them absorb the oil and spices more effectively, allowing the flavors to penetrate deep into their flesh. Mix thoroughly to ensure every potato is well coated.
  • Rest for the Best: After coating, let the potatoes rest in the marinade for at least one hour at room temperature, or even better, refrigerate them for several hours or overnight. This resting period is where the true magic happens; the longer they marinate, the more intense and delicious the flavors will be. It’s a simple step that makes a significant difference in the final taste profile.
• Skewers or Foil Trays? Your Grilling Style Choice
  • Skewers for Fun and Presentation: Threading three potatoes onto each skewer is not only visually appealing but also incredibly practical. It makes serving a breeze and allows for even cooking on all sides as you turn them on the grill. Metal skewers are reusable and conduct heat well, while wooden skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
  • Foil Tray for Versatility: If skewers aren’t your preference, or if you’re grilling for a crowd, a sturdy foil tray is an excellent alternative. Simply spread the marinated potatoes in a single layer in the tray and place it directly on the grill. This method is fantastic for adding other ingredients: consider tossing in olives, sliced mushrooms, or colorful cherry tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor and a more comprehensive grilled vegetable medley. Just be sure to stir them occasionally to ensure even cooking and browning.

Can I put the baby potatoes on the BBQ without pre-cooking them?

While technically possible, I strongly advise against putting raw baby potatoes directly on the grill, especially on skewers. Without pre-cooking, the exterior of the potatoes will almost certainly burn before the inside has a chance to cook through and become tender. If you must skip pre-cooking, your best bet is to use a sturdy aluminum foil container or a cast-iron skillet on the grill. In this scenario, they would need to bake for at least 25-35 minutes (depending on size) until fully tender, and you’d need to turn them frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. For crispiness and optimal flavor, pre-cooking is always the recommended method for skewers.

What kind of skewers work best for baby potatoes?

Both metal and wooden skewers work well. Metal skewers are durable, reusable, and conduct heat, which can help cook the potatoes slightly from the inside. Wooden skewers are convenient for disposable serving, but remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the potatoes and grilling to prevent them from catching fire or charring too quickly.

Can I prepare these grilled baby potatoes in advance?

Absolutely! These potatoes are excellent for make-ahead preparation. You can par-cook them and let them marinate in the spice mixture for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The longer they marinate, the more intense the flavor will be. If you’re using skewers, you can even thread them in the morning of your BBQ day and keep them chilled until you’re ready to grill. This saves time and reduces stress when guests arrive.

Did you try this mouthwatering recipe for BBQ Baby Potatoes on Skewers? I’d absolutely love to see your creations! Don’t forget to tag #byandreajanssen on Instagram! I regularly share the most beautiful photos from my followers, and I can’t wait to see your take on these delicious potatoes. If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a rating on the recipe card below! Your valuable feedback not only helps other home cooks discover and enjoy this dish but also supports me immensely.

Need even more inspiration for your next meal or gathering?

• You can find a treasure trove of video recipes and culinary tips on my YouTube channel.
• And to ensure you can easily find your favorite recipes again, make sure to save them on Pinterest! It’s the perfect way to build your personal collection of culinary delights.

Andréa

Explore More Delicious BBQ Recipes

If you loved these crispy BBQ baby potatoes, you’re in for a treat! Discover more fantastic grilling recipes to make your outdoor cooking adventures unforgettable. From savory roasts to juicy skewers, we’ve got your BBQ menu covered.