Potato skewers are fun and tasty bites made with chunks of soft potatoes, seasoned to perfection, and grilled to a crispy finish. Perfect for a party or a cozy night in!
I love how easy they are to make! Just thread the potatoes onto skewers, sprinkle some spices, and grill away. They always disappear fast—everyone loves them! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are creamy and flavorful, perfect for skewers. If you don’t have them, try using red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a twist!
Olive Oil: A staple for grilling, olive oil adds flavor and helps with browning. If you need a substitute, avocado oil or canola oil works well too.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky flavor. You can swap it out for regular paprika or even chili powder if you like it spicy. Garlic and onion powders are essential for extra flavor, but fresh garlic can be used instead (just adjust the amount).
Fresh Herbs: I love sprinkling parsley for color and freshness. You could use cilantro or chives as alternatives. Rosemary adds a lovely aroma; feel free to leave it out if you don’t have any.
How Do I Get My Potatoes to Cook Evenly on the Skewers?
To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, blanching is key. This quick boiling step softens them slightly so they won’t take forever on the grill, plus it helps them cook through without burning on the outside.
- Start by cutting your potatoes to uniform sizes, ensuring even cooking.
- Blanch in boiling salted water for about 5 minutes. This helps kick start the cooking process!
- Drain and layout the potatoes to cool and dry; this prevents sogginess and helps them get crispy on the grill.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; give each piece space for even heat distribution.
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked, crispy potato skewers every time!
How to Make Crispy Grilled Potato Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (or baby potatoes)
For the Seasoning:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 20 minutes of preparation time and around 15 minutes of cooking time on the grill. So, in about 35 minutes, you’ll have flavorful potato skewers ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by washing and scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. If you’re using larger Yukon Gold potatoes, cut them into thick slices—around 1/3 inch thick. If you’re using baby potatoes, you can keep them whole or slice them thickly, depending on your preference.
2. Blanch the Potatoes:
Next, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add your potato slices and blanch them for about 5 minutes. This will soften them just enough to ensure a perfect cook later. Once done, drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
Now it’s time to create your skewers! Thread the prepared potato slices onto the wooden or metal skewers. Be sure to stack them snugly but without packing them too tightly; this way, they can cook evenly on the grill.
4. Make the Seasoning Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined.
5. Coat the Skewers:
Take each potato skewer and brush or toss it in the seasoned oil mixture until they’re well coated. This will bring out the delicious flavors when grilled!
6. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill or grill pan ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. Before placing the skewers on the grill, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
7. Grill the Skewers:
Lay the potato skewers on the grill and cook them for about 10-15 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally to ensure all sides get crispy and slightly charred. You’ll know they’re done when the potatoes are tender inside and golden brown outside!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once grilled to perfection, remove the skewers from the grill. Sprinkle them with fresh parsley for a bright touch and add rosemary sprigs if you like. Serve these tasty potato skewers hot, either as a delightful side or a tasty appetizer.
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful potato skewers with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside your favorite grilled meats! Happy grilling! 🌟
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold potatoes are great for their creamy texture, you can also use red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of potato used.
What If I Don’t Have Skewers?
No worries! If you don’t have skewers, you can lay the potato pieces directly on the grill or use a grill basket to hold them. Just make sure to cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover potato skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or on a grill pan to get them crispy again. You can also microwave them for a quick option but may lose some of the crispiness.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
You can prep the potato skewers ahead of time! Assemble them, coat them with the seasoning, and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before placing them on the grill to ensure even cooking.