Balsamic Grilled Baby Potatoes Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Simple Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples are all you need to create this delicious dish.
• Smoky and Tangy: The combination of balsamic vinegar and the smokiness from grilling creates a perfect flavor balance.
• Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside: Grilling gives these baby potatoes a crispy exterior while keeping them soft and fluffy on the inside.
• Versatile: Perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, vegetables, or even as a snack.

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Key Ingredients

• Baby Potatoes: Baby potatoes or new potatoes are best for this recipe as they are small, cook quickly, and have a tender texture.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
• Olive Oil: Helps the potatoes get crispy on the grill while adding a smooth flavor.
• Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the flavor of the potatoes, providing a subtle, aromatic depth.
• Fresh Herbs (optional): Rosemary or thyme adds a burst of freshness and pairs well with the balsamic flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the potatoes.

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How to Make Balsamic Grilled Baby Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
• Wash 1 1/2 pounds of baby potatoes and cut them in half if they are larger. If they are small enough, you can leave them whole.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are well coated.

Step 2: Grill the Potatoes

• Place the potatoes in a grill basket or thread them onto skewers to prevent them from falling through the grill grates.
• Grill the potatoes for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are crispy and golden on the outside and tender on the inside. If using a grill basket, shake the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Finish with Balsamic Glaze

• During the last 5 minutes of grilling, brush the potatoes with an additional tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
• Once done, remove the potatoes from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

• Garnish the grilled potatoes with freshly chopped herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley, for a burst of flavor and color.
• Serve immediately, while warm, alongside your favorite grilled meats, fish, or vegetables.

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Tips for Perfect Balsamic Grilled Baby Potatoes

1. Use a Grill Basket or Skewers: This prevents the potatoes from falling through the grill grates and ensures even cooking.
2. Parboil the Potatoes (Optional): If you’re in a hurry, you can parboil the potatoes for 5-7 minutes before grilling. This speeds up the cooking time and ensures tender potatoes.
3. Add Herbs for Extra Flavor: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano complement the balsamic vinegar and add an earthy, aromatic flavor.
4. Shake or Turn Frequently: Be sure to shake the grill basket or turn the skewers frequently to get an even char on all sides of the potatoes.

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Recipe Variations

• Honey Balsamic Potatoes: Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Spicy Grilled Potatoes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the olive oil and balsamic mixture for a bit of heat.
• Lemon Herb Potatoes: Swap out the balsamic vinegar for lemon juice and zest for a bright, zesty flavor, and toss with fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
• Cheesy Grilled Potatoes: After grilling, sprinkle the hot potatoes with freshly grated Parmesan or feta cheese for a cheesy finish.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use larger potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, you can use larger potatoes. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Baby potatoes are preferred for their tender texture and quick cooking time.

2. Do I need to peel the potatoes?

No, the skin of baby potatoes is thin and tender, so there’s no need to peel them. The skin also helps the potatoes crisp up on the grill.

3. How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the grill?

Make sure the potatoes are well-coated in olive oil before grilling, and use a well-oiled grill basket or skewers. This helps prevent sticking and ensures they develop a crispy exterior.

4. Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can roast the potatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.

5. Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

Grilled potatoes are best served fresh, but you can parboil the potatoes ahead of time and then grill them when you’re ready to serve.