There's something irresistibly cozy about a simple, smoky treat like Grilled Baby Potatoes with Turkey Bacon Recipe. It's a perfect dish to pull out for weekend barbecues, casual dinners, or whenever you want a golden, toasty side that's both satisfying and a bit indulgent. You'll love how the crisp turkey bacon wraps around tender baby potatoes, delivering flavor and texture in every bite.
Jump to:
Why You'll Make This on Repeat
I keep coming back to this grilled classic because it hits all the right notes for easy, delicious comfort food. The blend of textures and flavors makes it a standout side that's surprisingly simple to prepare.
- Reliable Texture: The potatoes come out tender on the inside with a nicely crisped turkey bacon exterior that's just the right balance of chewy and crunchy.
- Balanced, Cozy Flavor: Garlic and onion powders add gentle warmth without overpowering the natural earthiness of the baby potatoes and the smokiness from the bacon.
- Pantry-Friendly: It uses simple staples you likely have on hand, so you can whip this up last-minute without an extra grocery run.
- Weeknight Simple: With just a few steps and basic grill timing, it's fuss-free enough for a casual weeknight but special enough to impress guests.
Ingredient Highlights
Choosing the right ingredients makes all the difference in this Grilled Baby Potatoes with Turkey Bacon Recipe. I like to use fresh, small baby potatoes for that creamy inside, and turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner charred flavor.
- Baby Potatoes: Select firm, glossy potatoes without sprouts or green spots for the best texture and sweetness.
- Turkey Bacon: Look for slices that are thick enough to hold together but thin enough to get crisp on the grill without drying out.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin adds a bright, fruity aroma that complements the smoky notes wonderfully.
- Seasonings: Simple garlic and onion powders bring subtle depth without masking the key flavors.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
Step-by-Step for Grilled Baby Potatoes with Turkey Bacon Recipe
Step 1 - Prep & Season
Start by rinsing your baby potatoes under cold water. Cut them in halves or quarters to ensure they cook through evenly on the grill. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure every potato piece is evenly coated in that glossy, fragrant oil and seasoning blend - this step takes just a few minutes but lays the foundation for great flavor.
Step 2 - Build Flavor
Wrap each seasoned potato chunk tightly with a strip of turkey bacon. If you notice any slipping, securing them with a toothpick works wonders. The bacon adds a smoky richness, while sealing in moisture so the potatoes don't dry out on the grill. You'll appreciate how the flavors marry during cooking, making every bite both hearty and savory without feeling heavy.
Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture
Preheat your grill to medium heat, then arrange the wrapped potatoes directly on the grates. Give them about 20-25 minutes of cook time, turning every 5 minutes so each side gets toasty and the turkey bacon crisps evenly. You'll know it's done when the bacon is beautifully browned and the potatoes feel tender if you pierce them with a skewer. Avoid rushing this step - better to slow and steady cook to get that perfect balance of soft inside and crisp outside.
Kitchen Notes I Rely On
I've found that patience on the grill really makes this recipe shine. Don't rush the cooking or you'll get tough bacon or underdone potatoes. Here are a few tips I always keep in mind.
- Doneness Cue: Use a skewer or fork to check tenderness inside the potato; it should slide in with gentle resistance.
- Temperature Trick: Medium heat is your friend here-it crisps bacon slowly without burning and cooks potatoes evenly.
- Make-Ahead Move: You can prep and season the potatoes and wrap them ahead of time, then just grill before serving.
- Skip This Pitfall: Avoid overcrowding the grill-give each potato enough space to brown nicely.
Serving & Sides
Finishing Touches
I like to finish my Grilled Baby Potatoes with Turkey Bacon Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh herbs-parsley or chives work beautifully to add a pop of green and a fresh aroma. A little drizzle of lemon juice or a dash of smoked paprika can also elevate the dish, brightening that smoky richness with just a hint of zing.
Pairs Nicely With
These potatoes shine served alongside grilled chicken, salmon, or a crisp green salad for balance. I often pair them with roasted vegetables or a tangy coleslaw; the contrast of textures and flavors really complements the smoky bacon and soft potato center.
Simple Plating Upgrades
For casual dinners, pile them on a rustic wooden board with toothpicks for easy snacking. For something a bit more special, plate the potatoes neatly with a bright herb garnish and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Simple white plates enhance the golden tones and make the colors pop.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover grilled baby potatoes wrapped with turkey bacon in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days. You may notice the bacon softens a bit in storage, but the flavors deepen - just reheat properly to regain some crispness.
Freezer Tips
This recipe freezes okay, but I find the texture isn't quite the same after thawing-potatoes can get a bit watery and bacon less crisp. If you want to freeze, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to reduce sogginess.
Reheating Grilled Baby Potatoes with Turkey Bacon Recipe Without Drying Out
To reheat without drying out, I prefer an air fryer or oven set to 350°F. Spread the potatoes on a wire rack or baking sheet to keep the bacon crispy, heating for about 8-10 minutes. Microwaving is faster but risks softening the bacon-if you go that route, cover loosely and add a splash of water to keep potatoes moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can roast the wrapped potatoes in a 400°F oven for about 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through to crisp the bacon evenly.
Small, waxy baby potatoes work best because they hold their shape well and stay creamy inside after grilling.
Yes, regular bacon works but will be fattier and more indulgent. Cook time may be slightly shorter as regular bacon crisps faster.
Grill over medium heat and turn frequently. Wrapping the bacon snugly around smaller potato pieces helps it cook gradually without burning.
Final Thoughts
I've made the Grilled Baby Potatoes with Turkey Bacon Recipe countless times for everything from backyard cookouts to cozy weeknight dinners. Its ease and impressive flavor always surprise guests. Once you get that rhythm of prepping, wrapping, and grilling down, you'll see why it's such a trusty go-to side. Trust me, the combination of tender potato and crispy turkey bacon is comfort food done right-give it a try, and I think you'll agree.
PrintPrintable Recipe
Grilled Baby Potatoes with Turkey Bacon Recipe
This recipe features tender baby potatoes wrapped in crispy turkey bacon, seasoned with garlic and onion powders, and grilled to perfection. It's a delightful and savory side dish that combines smoky flavors with a satisfying texture, perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds baby potatoes
- 4 strips turkey bacon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium heat to ensure an even cooking temperature perfect for slowly cooking the potatoes and crisping the bacon without burning.
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly, then cut them into halves or quarters depending on their size to ensure they cook evenly and fit well when wrapped with bacon.
- Season the potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cut potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Make sure all pieces are evenly coated to infuse the flavors.
- Wrap potatoes with turkey bacon: Take each potato piece and wrap it tightly with a strip or part of a strip of turkey bacon. Secure with a toothpick if needed to keep the bacon in place during grilling.
- Grill the wrapped potatoes: Place the bacon-wrapped potatoes on the preheated grill. Cook for 20-25 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure the bacon crisps evenly and the potatoes become tender inside.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove from the grill and let the potatoes rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and prevents burns.
Notes
- Using baby potatoes ensures quicker cooking and a tender interior.
- Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative to traditional bacon, reducing fat content.
- Turning the potatoes occasionally on the grill helps avoid burning and promotes even cooking.
- To make handling easier, soak toothpicks in water before using.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on the saltiness of the turkey bacon used.
Leave a Reply