Crispy Grilled Layered Potatoes: Simple, Herb-Infused & Addictive
If you’re looking for a side dish that’s simple, crispy, and packed with natural flavor, this Grilled Layered Potato Recipe is an excellent choice. Made with just butter, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme, these potatoes are grilled directly on a cast iron surface for maximum browning and texture — no cheese, no foil, and no fuss.
Why You’ll Love These Grilled Layered Potatoes
- Crispy edges, tender centers
- Just a handful of ingredients
- Grilled directly on cast iron for charred, golden perfection
- Perfect for BBQs, camping, or simple weeknight dinners
Equipment You’ll Need
- A hot grill (gas or charcoal)
- A flat cast iron griddle, skillet, or plancha
- Metal spatula or grill press (optional for extra crisping)
How to Make Grilled Layered Potatoes on Cast Iron
Step 1: Preheat the Grill & Cast Iron
Place your cast iron surface on the grill and preheat over medium-high heat for 10–15 minutes. You want it hot enough to sear — think sizzling contact.
Step 2: Slice, Season and Layer
Thinly slice potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife. We want 1/8 inch thick slices. Layer the potatoes on a cutting board or baking dish like shingles on a roof. Season with salt, white pepper, and thyme.
Step 3: Butter Makes it Better
Place a large chunk of butter on the hot cast iron and using a spatula transfer the potatoes onto the cast iron. Top with a few small slabs of butter. The butter will melt and infuse the potatoes with silky richness. Add butter 2-3 more times on the cast iron and on the potatoes during the cooking process.
Step 4: Grill Until Crispy
Grill uncovered for ~20 minutes per side, or until deep golden brown and crispy on the bottom. Flip carefully using a metal spatula and cook the second side. The starch in the potatoes should help keep the layers together as you turn the potatoes.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Remove from the grill and serve immediately. Garnish with extra thyme or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use starchy potatoes like Yukon golds for creaminess.
- Don’t overcrowd the cast iron — give potatoes space to brown.
- Flip only once to avoid breaking layers apart.
- If needed, cook in batches to keep each layer crisp.
Serving Ideas for Grilled Layered Potatoes
These grilled crispy potatoes are perfect alongside:
- Grilled meats such as
- Grilled seafood such as
- Grilled vegetables or portobello mushrooms
- Fried eggs for a rustic brunch twist
Variations to Try
- Add sliced garlic or shallots for aromatic depth
- Swap thyme for rosemary, oregano, or chili flakes
- Finish with a drizzle of lemon juice or vinegar for brightness
Crispy Grilled Layered Potatoes: Simple, Herb-Infused & Addictive
Ingredients
- 3 large yellow potatoes, cut into 1/8 inch slices or thinner
- 8 oz butter
- 1 tbsp thyme leaves
- salt, to taste
Equipment
- 1 grill
- 1 cast iron pan or plancha
- 1 cutting board or baking dish to carry the potatoes
- 1 mandolin slicer optional, can use a knife as we did
- spatula
- tongs
Instructions
- Cut the potatoes into thin slices.
Layer the potatoes on a dish or platter that you can use to transfer to the grill.- Get your grill heated up. Once hot, heat a cast iron pan or plancha on the grill. Aiming for a medium high heat. We want the butter to melt, but not burn.
Add 2-3 tablespoons of butter to the cast iron. Once melted place the layered potatoes on the cast iron, using a spatula to help if needed.
Season with a few pinches of salt and half of the thyme and top each layered potato group with additional butter.
Grill for 20 minutes, then flip the potatoes over. The potatoes should be browned and crispy. If the come apart use a spatula and tongs to push back together.- Season the potatoes with a few pinches of salt and the remaining thyme leaves. Top with a few thin slices of butter. Also a dd 2-3 tablespoons of butter to the cast iron.
- Grill for 20 minutes.
- If the pan dries up add more butter periodically to keep a layer of melted butter in the pan.
After a total cooking time of 40 minutes the potatoes should be cooked to perfection, with a crispy outside and buttery interior.
Serve with your favorite main dish.
