Ultimate Grilled Loaded Bacon Potato Skewers: Your Essential Summer BBQ Side

There’s something undeniably comforting and utterly delicious about a perfectly “loaded” baked potato. That fluffy, tender interior, crowned with crispy bacon, cool sour cream, fresh chives, and perhaps a sprinkle of cheese – it’s a classic for a reason. But as summer heats up, the thought of firing up the oven for a side dish can be less than appealing. What if you could capture all those beloved flavors and elevate them with the irresistible char and smoky essence of the grill? Enter the Ultimate Grilled Loaded Bacon Potato Skewers – a revolutionary take on a timeless favorite that’s destined to become your go-to grilled side dish this season.

These skewers transform the humble baked potato into a show-stopping grilled masterpiece. Imagine golden-hued, tender potatoes, perfectly grilled alongside thick-cut, smoky bacon. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, further enhanced by a luxurious roasted garlic aioli, a dollop of cool sour cream, and a scattering of vibrant chives. It’s not just a side; it’s an experience, and the perfect companion to your favorite grilled steak, especially when celebrating special occasions like Father’s Day.

This post has been sponsored by Tyson Foods, Inc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The secret to truly spectacular loaded potato skewers lies in the quality of your ingredients, especially the bacon. For this recipe, I turned to Wright® Brand Hickory Bacon, which I sourced from my local Safeway. There are several compelling reasons why this bacon is simply superior for these skewers.

Firstly, the taste is unmatched. Wright Brand Hickory Bacon boasts a wonderfully thick cut, which means each piece holds up beautifully on the grill, rendering down to crispy perfection without disappearing. Its rich, smoky hickory flavor permeates the potatoes, infusing every morsel with a deep, savory aroma that only real wood-smoked bacon can provide. This isn’t just any bacon; it’s a foundational flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Beyond the incredible flavor, I’m genuinely impressed with the commitment to quality ingredients and craftsmanship. Knowing that every single slice of Wright Brand Bacon is hand-selected and hand-trimmed assures me of consistent quality and an exceptional eating experience. This dedication means you’re not just getting bacon; you’re getting a premium ingredient that delivers unparalleled texture and flavor in every savory bite of these skewers. It’s the kind of bacon that makes a statement, turning a simple side into something truly memorable.

While the combination of grilled potatoes and crispy bacon is undeniably fantastic, it’s the addition of a homemade roasted garlic aioli that truly sets these skewers apart. Roasting garlic transforms its pungent raw flavor into something sweet, mellow, and deeply aromatic. This slow-roasted garlic forms the base of a creamy aioli that adds a sophisticated, savory counterpoint to the richness of the bacon and the earthiness of the potatoes. A hint of tang from lemon juice, a touch of parmesan, and a whisper of cayenne pepper create a complex flavor profile that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Drizzled generously over the warm skewers, it creates an explosion of flavor alongside the classic cool sour cream, the fresh, bright notes of chopped chives, and an optional kick from red pepper flakes.

One of the best aspects of these loaded bacon potato skewers is the grilling method. Forget heating up your kitchen on a scorching summer day. By taking these ingredients to the grill, you not only keep your house cool but also impart an incredible smoky flavor that just can’t be achieved in the oven. The direct heat crisps up the potato skins beautifully and renders the bacon perfectly, creating those coveted charred edges and irresistible textures. It’s outdoor cooking at its finest, making your summer BBQs even more delicious and hassle-free.

Choosing the right potato is key here. Little golden potatoes are ideal for this recipe because of their size and texture. They cook quickly and evenly, ensuring a tender interior while achieving that perfect crispy exterior on the grill. Their naturally buttery flavor also complements the smoky bacon and creamy aioli wonderfully. Of course, no “loaded” potato experience would be complete without that essential component: high-quality, flavorful bacon.

Pro Tip: To make your shopping trip easier and more economical, be sure to check the Safeway mobile app before you head to the store! You can easily load coupons and discover special offers, helping you save on premium ingredients like Wright® Brand Bacon, all conveniently on your phone.

Crafting Your Ultimate Loaded Bacon Potato Skewers

Ready to impress your family and friends with this incredible grilled side dish? Let’s walk through the simple steps to create these show-stopping loaded bacon potato skewers. With a little preparation, you’ll have a dish that tastes complex but is surprisingly easy to make.

Step 1: Prepare the Roasted Garlic Aioli

The roasted garlic aioli is a flavor powerhouse that elevates these skewers from great to extraordinary. Start by preheating your oven to 400˚F (200˚C). Take a whole head of garlic and slice off the very top, exposing the cloves within. Drizzle with a little olive oil, then wrap the bottom and sides of the garlic head in aluminum foil, leaving the cut top exposed. This method allows the garlic to roast gently without burning, resulting in beautifully softened, sweet cloves.

Roast the garlic for about 45 minutes, or until the exposed tops are lightly browned and the cloves are incredibly soft when squeezed. The aroma filling your kitchen will be a delicious preview of what’s to come! Once roasted, let it cool slightly. Squeeze the soft garlic cloves into a small bowl and mash them thoroughly with the back of a fork. This ensures a smooth, flavorful aioli.

To this mashed garlic, add mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice for brightness, grated Parmesan cheese for a savory depth, a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle warmth, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce for umami. Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The aioli can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, allowing its flavors to meld beautifully. This is a fantastic time-saver for entertaining!

Step 2: Parboil the Potatoes

This is a crucial step that ensures your potatoes cook perfectly on the grill without drying out or leaving your bacon overcooked. You’ll need about 1 pound of mini golden potatoes for this recipe. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. The salt not only seasons the potatoes from the inside out but also helps prevent them from becoming mushy.

Add the mini golden potatoes to the boiling water and cook them until they are just tender when pierced with a fork, typically 10 to 13 minutes. You don’t want them fully cooked through, as they will finish cooking on the grill, but they should be soft enough to easily cut. Drain the potatoes and spread them on a cutting board to cool slightly. Once they are cool enough to handle comfortably, cut each potato in half. This increases their surface area for grilling and makes them easier to skewer and eat.

Step 3: Assemble and Grill the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 15 minutes before assembling. This prevents them from burning on the grill. Metal skewers, of course, don’t require this step. Now for the fun part: assembly! Thread the halved potatoes and the Wright® Brand Hickory Bacon onto your skewers, alternating between potato halves and folded or crumpled bacon slices. Aim for a balanced distribution of ingredients on each skewer, ensuring the bacon is nestled next to the potatoes for maximum flavor transfer and even cooking.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the assembled skewers directly on the grates. Grill for approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the bacon is beautifully crispy and cooked through, and the potatoes have developed a golden-brown char and are fork-tender. The sizzle and aroma from the grill will be incredible!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once your loaded bacon potato skewers are perfectly grilled, transfer them to a serving platter. Now comes the moment to “load” them up! Generously drizzle the skewers with your prepared roasted garlic aioli. Then, add small dollops of cool sour cream over the potatoes. Finish with a liberal sprinkling of freshly chopped chives, which add a bright, oniony freshness, and for those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve these magnificent skewers immediately alongside your favorite grilled protein for an unforgettable meal.

Common Questions About Loaded Bacon Potato Skewers

Why do I need to parboil the potatoes?

Parboiling is an essential step for these grilled skewers. Without it, the potatoes would take a much longer time to cook through on the grill, leading to a couple of undesirable outcomes. Firstly, the bacon would inevitably burn before the potatoes are tender. Secondly, even if the bacon didn’t burn, the long grilling time for raw potatoes can result in dry or unevenly cooked interiors. By pre-cooking the potatoes in boiling water for a short period, you ensure they reach a tender consistency efficiently, allowing them to finish cooking and crisping up alongside the bacon in perfect harmony on the grill. This pre-treatment guarantees that both components of your skewer are cooked to perfection simultaneously.

Can I use a different type of potato?

While mini golden potatoes are highly recommended for their ideal size, quick cooking time, and superior texture and flavor when grilled, you do have some alternatives. Small red potatoes would be the next best choice, as they possess a similar size and density, meaning they will also cook in a comparable amount of time after parboiling. However, avoid larger or starchier potatoes like Russets, as they would require significantly longer parboiling and grilling times, and might not hold up as well on the skewer or achieve the same desirable crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture. For the absolute best results and a truly authentic “loaded” potato experience on a skewer, stick with those delightful mini golden potatoes.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Skewers

These loaded bacon potato skewers are incredibly versatile and make an outstanding side dish for almost any grilled main course. They shine particularly bright when paired with a hearty steak. Here are some fantastic suggestions to complete your ultimate BBQ feast:

• Chipotle Lime Flank Steak with Creamy Avocado Salsa: The zesty, spicy notes of this flank steak would beautifully complement the savory richness of the skewers.
• Chili Coffee Rubbed Steak: The deep, robust flavors of a chili coffee rub would create a magnificent pairing with the smoky bacon and creamy aioli.
• The Perfect Ribeye Steak: A classic, juicy ribeye needs a side that can stand up to its flavor, and these loaded skewers are more than up to the task.
• Grilled Chicken: For a lighter but equally flavorful option, serve these skewers with grilled chicken breasts or thighs marinated in your favorite herbs.
• Smoked Brisket or Pulled Pork: Embrace the BBQ theme fully by pairing these potato skewers with slow-smoked meats.