To smoke Little Potatoes at home, soak wood chips for 30 to 60 minutes, then wrap them in a foil pouch using this simple foil pouch smoker method. Preheat your grill to 400°F (200°C) and place the pouch over indirect heat. Grill the potatoes on indirect heat for 20 to 25 minutes with the smoke pouch nearby, until they’re tender and infused with flavor. Now you have a perfect smoked side dish for BBQ season!
Why Smoke Little Potatoes?
- Works on any grill—no fancy smoker grill needed
- Uses basic tools you already have like aluminum foil
- Adds a deep, smoky flavor to your dishes
Not everyone has a professional smoker grill to work with. Fortunately, it’s so easy to add that deliciously smoky flavor to your potatoes at home and make your own homemade smoked potatoes.
Smoking Little Potatoes adds a whole new level of flavor to this already tasty vegetable. Their small, uniform size means they cook evenly and hold up beautifully to the smoky heat.
And there’s some cool science behind it—each type of potato and cooking method has a unique timeline for developing the best flavor and texture. For a deeper dive into how different cooking methods affect various potato types, you can check out a comparative study on the topic here.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Homemade Smoke Pouch
- Soak the wood chips for 30 to 60 minutes.Before you make the pouch, make sure you soak your wood chips. This helps slow down the burning and really generates that smoky flavor. For help choosing the right wood chips, see the table below.
- Prepare the foil smoke pouchPlace wood chips direct on your foil pouch after smoking.Then fold it over as you would with a foil pouch, but don’t wrap it as tightly. You want to make sure you have space for smoke to release.
- Preheat grill to 400°F (200°C)Heat your grill, choose your Little Potatoes, and put them on the grill, cooking on indirect heat.
- Place smoke pouch over indirect heat.Place the pouch on the flame diffuser (some call it a deflector, heat shield, or burner plate), and if you don’t have one in your grill then just place it over indirect heat (not directlu over the flame).
- Grill 25 to 30 minutes until tender.
- Serve with seasonings or dipping sauces.
Seasoning and Dipping Sauce Ideas for Smoked Little Potatoes
Try some of these flavor combinations:
- olive oil and garlic
- barbecue rub
- dill and sour cream drizzle
Our Oven or Grill Ready Little Potatoes already come with perfectly portioned seasoning packs to make it even easier. Try all of them:
- A Little Garlic & Herb™
- A Little Garlic & Parmesan™
- A Little Onion & Chive™
No peeling, no prep. Just toss them on the grill and go.
Wood Chip Options for Smoked Potatoes (Flavor Chart)
| Wood Type | Smoke Strength | Flavor Profile | Best Use With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applewood | Light | Sweet, fruity | Smoked creamer potatoes (delicate flavor) |
| Cherry | Mild–Medium | Fruity, colorful smoke | Potatoes, poultry, veggies |
| Pecan | Medium | Nutty, slightly sweet | Starchier veggies, mild meats |
| Hickory | Strong | Bold, bacon-like | Potatoes with robust seasonings |
| Mesquite | Very Strong | Earthy, intense | Grill enthusiasts, use sparingly |
Frequently Asked Questions about Smoked Little Potatoes
Do I need to pierce the Little Potatoes before smoking?
It can help, yes. Piercing the potatoes with a fork will help to release steam as they cook. It keeps them from bursting and lets heat get all the way through.
Should I wrap the potatoes in foil, or leave them unwrapped?
Both work! Wrapping in foil keeps the skin soft and moist. Smoking them “naked” (unwrapped) gives you crispier skins and more of that bold smoky flavor.
What are the best wood chips to use for smoked potatoes?
Applewood, hickory, or a mix like hickory and pecan work beautifully. Apple is sweet and subtle, while hickory gives a stronger, savory edge. Check out our flavor chart above for pairing ideas.
Can I smoke potatoes on a gas or pellet grill?
Absolutely! Just use indirect heat and a smoke pouch (or tray). Pellet grills make it super easy—just set your temperature and go.
Any tips for crispy smoked potatoes?
If you like your skins crispy, move the potatoes directly onto the grill or open the foil for the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking.
What toppings go well wth smoked potatoes?
Smoked potatoes are great with classics like butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, or crispy bacon. You can even top them with some barbecued pulled pork or brisket for a next-level side dish.
Can you pre-cook potatoes before smoking?
You can! A quick microwave or boil before grilling (about five minutes) helps speed things up and ensures they cook evenly.
Pro-Tip: Monitor your temperatures. While potatoes are a low-risk food for bacteria, understanding temperature is a key part of the smoking process. Michigan State University Extension provides an excellent overview of smoking as a cooking method, emphasizing the importance of temperature monitoring for safe food preparation. Using a reliable thermometer ensures your potatoes are cooked to a perfect tender consistency every time.
Smoke Pouch Troubleshooting and Tips
Should I soak wood chips or pellets?
If you’re using pellets, there’s no need to soak. For wood chips on a gas grill, soaking helps slow the burn so you get more smoke at lower temps..
My chips caught fire!
Try soaking them longer or moving the pouch away from direct flame to keep things smoldering — not flaming..
How big should a foil pouch be?
A 6″ x 6″ (15 cm x 15 cm) foil pouch is perfect for most grills. Just make sure there’s room for smoke to build up before escaping.
Why isn’t my pouch smoking? How many holes do I need in the pouch?
Poke just 1 to 2 small holes with a skewer or toothpick. Too many holes can let heat in too fast and burn the chips instead of smoking them..
Why does my smoke taste bitter or acrid?
That usually means the wood is burning too hot or the smoke isn’t clean. Aim for thin, bluish smoke — not thick, white, or gray..
Can I reuse a foil pouch?
It’s best to use a new pouch each time to avoid off-flavors. If yours looks clean and intact, you might get a second use—but toss it after that.
Can I use the pouch on any grill?
Yes! Gas, charcoal, electric, they all work. Just place your pouch over or near the hottest part of your grill (but not directly on a flame, if possible).
Easy BBQ Recipes to Pair with Smoked Potatoes
Make your smoked Little Potatoes the perfect smoked side dish for barbecue mains like:
Smoked Beef Sirloin and Little Potatoes with Romesco Sauce
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Campfire Hot Dog and Potato Packets
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Honey Garlic Chicken Foil Packs
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Resources:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/smoking_as_a_food_cooking_method
