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Grilled New Potato Packet: A Taste of Summer on the Grill

There’s something magical about the smell of a grill on a warm summer evening. It instantly transports me back to my childhood, to backyard barbecues filled with laughter, fireflies, and the simple, comforting taste of perfectly cooked vegetables. My grandmother, a true queen of the grill, always had a knack for making even the humblest of ingredients sing with flavor. And this recipe for Grilled New Potato Packets? It reminds me so much of her simple, yet brilliant, approach to cooking. The earthy sweetness of the potatoes, the tangy dressing, and the smoky char from the grill – it’s a symphony of flavors that captures the essence of summer.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Total Time: 28-30 minutes
Servings: 4
Yield: 1 packet
Dietary Type: Vegetarian (easily adaptable to vegan)

Ingredients

1/2 lb baby new potatoes, red and white
2 tablespoons water
2 teaspoons oil
3 tablespoons Kraft Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (basil is also fantastic)

Equipment Needed

Heavy-duty aluminum foil (18-inch length) or regular foil (double layer)
Grill

Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Ensure the grates are clean to prevent sticking.
Place the baby new potatoes in the center of an 18-inch-long piece of heavy-duty foil. If you’re using regular foil, use a double layer to prevent tearing.
Drizzle the potatoes with water and oil. The water will help steam the potatoes, ensuring they cook evenly and become tender.
Bring up the foil sides and double fold the top and ends to completely seal the packet. Make sure to leave some room for heat circulation inside. This creates a little steam oven right on your grill!
Grill the foil packet for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork through the foil. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes and the heat of your grill.
Carefully cut slits in the foil to release the steam. Be cautious, as the steam will be hot.
Open the foil packet and drizzle the potatoes with the Kraft Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing.
Sprinkle the potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Expert Tips & Tricks

Even Cooking: For more even cooking, select baby potatoes that are relatively uniform in size.
Foil Quality: Using heavy-duty foil is highly recommended. If using regular foil, the double layer is crucial to prevent tearing and losing all those precious juices that contribute to the flavor.
Flavor Boost: Add a clove or two of minced garlic to the packet before sealing. The garlic will infuse the potatoes with a wonderful savory aroma.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added to the packet will provide a subtle kick.
Herb Infusion: Toss a sprig of rosemary or thyme into the packet for an earthy, aromatic flavor. Remove before serving.
Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure the potatoes are in a single layer inside the foil packet. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
Test for Doneness: If you’re unsure if the potatoes are done, carefully open a corner of the foil packet and pierce a potato with a fork. It should be tender and easily pierced. If not, reseal the packet and grill for a few more minutes.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Grilled New Potato Packets immediately after grilling for the best flavor and texture. These make a fantastic side dish to grilled chicken, steak, fish, or vegetarian burgers.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave them, but they will be slightly softer. For a crispier texture, reheat them in a skillet with a little oil or under the broiler, keeping a close eye so they don’t burn.

While not ideal, you can freeze leftover potatoes, though the texture may change slightly. Thaw completely before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	74.7 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	27 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	3 g	4%
Saturated Fat	0.7 g	3%
Cholesterol	2.2 mg	0%
Sodium	42.4 mg	1%
Total Carbohydrate	10.1 g	3%
Dietary Fiber	1.3 g	5%
Sugars	0.5 g	1%
Protein	2.1 g	4%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegan Option: Omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan Parmesan alternative.
Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like dill, chives, or oregano.
Cheese Variations: Try using crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese instead of Parmesan for a tangy twist.
Dressing Substitutions: If you don’t have Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing, you can use Italian dressing or a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
Sweet Potatoes: Substitute some of the baby new potatoes with cubed sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness.
Other Vegetables: Add other vegetables to the packet, such as sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or onions.
Spicy Potatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make these potato packets ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the potato packets several hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.

Q: Can I cook these potato packets in the oven instead of on the grill?

A: Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the packets for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Q: My foil packet keeps tearing. What am I doing wrong?

A: Make sure you are using heavy-duty foil or a double layer of regular foil. Also, avoid overfilling the packet, as this can put stress on the foil.

Q: The potatoes are burning on the bottom of the packet. How can I prevent this?

A: Make sure your grill is set to medium heat and that you are not placing the packet directly over the hottest part of the grill. You can also use indirect heat by placing the packet on a cooler part of the grill.

Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

A: Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this recipe for Grilled New Potato Packets a try. It’s a simple, versatile, and delicious way to enjoy the bounty of summer. Experiment with different herbs, cheeses, and dressings to create your own signature version. Share your creations with family and friends, and don’t be afraid to get creative. I promise, the smoky flavor and tender texture of these grilled potatoes will have everyone coming back for more. Happy grilling!

Grilled New Potato Packet Recipe