BBQ Potato Recipe 2025: Top 3 Versions

Last updated: June 27, 2026 · Originally published: November 18, 2025

Quick Answer

The most popular way to make BBQ potatoes is grilled foil-pack potatoes: halve about 2½ pounds of baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes, toss them with olive oil (or melted butter), minced garlic, kosher salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and fresh rosemary and thyme, then seal them in a foil packet and grill at around 425°F until fork-tender — roughly 30–40 minutes, turning once. Finish with grated Parmesan if you like. The same seasoned potatoes also work smoked on a Traeger for deeper flavor or crisped on a Blackstone griddle for crunchy edges.

BBQ potatoes: key questions

How long do potatoes take on the grill?

Foil-pack potatoes cut into halves or chunks take about 30–40 minutes over medium-high heat (around 425°F), turning the packet once. Smaller pieces cook faster; test with a fork for tenderness.

What temperature should you grill BBQ potatoes?

Around 425°F works well for foil-pack grilled potatoes — hot enough to soften the insides and lightly caramelize the edges without burning the seasoning.

What are the best potatoes for BBQ?

Waxy potatoes like baby Yukon Golds or red potatoes hold their shape best on the grill. Russets work too but are starchier and better suited to smoked baked potatoes.

Do you have to wrap BBQ potatoes in foil?

No — foil packets steam-roast them evenly and are the easiest method, but you can also smoke whole potatoes on a Traeger or crisp sliced potatoes directly on a griddle for different textures.

The single BBQ potato recipe that dominates Google every summer is grilled potatoes in foil — but the Traeger smoked and Blackstone crispy versions are right behind it. Here are all three, perfected with step-by-step instructions you can actually follow.

1. Grilled Potatoes in Foil – The #1 BBQ Potato Recipe

Grilled potatoes in foil with herbs and perfect grill marks

The undisputed #1 BBQ potato recipe every summer: grilled potatoes in foil.

Active: 15 mins | Total: 40 mins | Serves: 6

Ingredients

2½ lbs baby Yukon Gold or red potatoes
¼ cup olive oil or melted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1½ tsp kosher salt & ½ tsp pepper
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp fresh rosemary + 2 tsp thyme (or 1 tsp each dried)
¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)

Step-by-Step

Wash & halve potatoes
Preheat grill to 425°F
Toss potatoes with everything except Parmesan
Make 3–4 foil packets, seal well
Grill 28–35 min, flip once
Open packets, add Parmesan, optional final 3-min direct grill for crisp

Shopping List: 2½ lbs baby potatoes · olive oil/butter · garlic · rosemary · thyme · smoked paprika · kosher salt · pepper · Parmesan (opt)

Get Creative:

Loaded: shredded cheddar + bacon + sour cream
Mexican street style: lime + cotija + tajín + cilantro
Mediterranean: feta + olives + red onion + oregano
Breakfast style: top with fried eggs + hot sauce

2. Traeger Smoked Baked Potatoes – Best Smoked BBQ Potato Recipe

Ultra-fluffy Traeger smoked baked potatoes with crispy skin and toppings.

Active: 10 mins | Total: 3–3.5 hrs | Serves: 6

Ingredients

6 large russet potatoes (8–10 oz each)
2 Tbsp olive oil or bacon grease
3 Tbsp kosher salt or your favorite BBQ rub

Step-by-Step

Preheat Traeger or pellet smoker to 250°F
Scrub, dry thoroughly, poke 10 times with fork
Rub with oil → coat heavily in salt/rub
Smoke 3–3.5 hrs until internal temp hits 208–210°F
Optional crisp skin: crank to 400°F for final 12 min

Shopping List: 6 large russet potatoes · olive oil or bacon grease · coarse kosher salt or BBQ rub

Get Creative:

Brisket-stuffed + BBQ sauce + cheddar
Chili-cheese + jalapeños
Broccoli cheddar
Truffle oil + parmesan

Love this style? Official Traeger Loaded Smoked Baked Potatoes →

3. Crispy Blackstone Griddle Potatoes – Viral BBQ Potato Recipe

Internet-famous crispy Blackstone griddle potatoes with golden edges.

Active: 25 mins | Total: 35 mins | Serves: 6–8

Ingredients

3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
1 large onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
5 Tbsp high-smoke-point oil
2 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp pepper, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp onion powder

Step-by-Step

Cut into ½-inch cubes → parboil 6–8 min → cool & dry completely
Preheat griddle to 400–425°F
Oil griddle → single layer → 8–10 min untouched
Flip → add onion/pepper → season → cook 10–15 more min

Shopping List: 3 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes · onion · bell pepper (opt) · high-smoke-point oil · garlic powder · paprika · onion powder · salt & pepper

Get Creative:

Loaded breakfast: cheese + bacon + fried eggs
Philly style: thin ribeye + provolone
Southwest: black beans + corn + chipotle mayo
Garlic Parmesan finish

Want the original viral recipe? Blackstone Twice-Cooked Griddle Potatoes →

Quick Health Notes for Every BBQ Potato Recipe

Potatoes with skin = excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, B6, and fiber
Grilled & smoked versions are naturally lower-fat than deep-fried
Let cooked potatoes cool 10+ min → forms resistant starch (better blood-sugar control)
Swap butter → olive oil, sour cream → Greek yogurt to cut calories

Still want more potato ideas? → How to Make Mini Stuffed Baked Potatoes: BBQGuys Coastal Twist