We are most definitely a meat and potatoes kind of family. I grew up on meat and potatoes and so did my husband. We have passed along this love to our children who are now sharing it with their new families and friends. One recipe that we never get tired of is Hobo Potatoes!
Potatoes are just a go-to staple. They go with almost everything. We love experimenting in the kitchen with all different types of potatoes and creating different types of recipes.
One of our very favorite potatoes to create with are the little red and yellow creamers. They are so flavorful and cook up perfectly!
How to Make Hobo Potatoes
I created this Hobo Potatoes recipe when Sydney and Mason were fairly small. It is one that we just keep going back to. This recipe is cooked on the grill (or in the oven if you prefer). Throw your meat on the grill, along with these potatoes, and dinner is ready.

They have that grilled smoky flavor and taste. So amazing! We have yet to meet anyone who isn’t a huge fan of these grilled Hobo Potatoes.
Want Your Hobo Potatoes Tender?
The key to getting the potatoes done is boiling them ahead of putting them on the grill. This allows them to cook completely through so they are soft and tender, and then the grilling adds an amazing flavor that you will love. I know that boiling the potatoes ahead of time sounds like a lot of extra work, but it is so worth it!
You can try just cooking them on the grill if you don’t mind a little tougher of a potato. We just happen to prefer ours really tender. One thing that we love to add to these potatoes, that you might not have on hand, is Colgin Liquid Smoke. We love the Natural Mesquite flavor. This adds a touch of smokiness to the potatoes. So yummy! A little goes a long way, so you may want to start a little lighter, then add a few extra drops as you continue to make these potatoes.
Once they are done boiling you place them on aluminum foil and wrap them up. This keeps the butter and liquid smoke covering the potatoes instead of dripping off. It also keeps your grill much cleaner.



Hobo Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds little red or yellow creamer potatoes washed, cut in half, leave the skins on
- 8 tablespoons salted butter sliced into 1 inch pieces
- 6 drops Colgin Liquid Smoke Natural Mesquite flavor
- coarse sea salt to taste
- ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and cut the potatoes in half (or quarters if they are large). Boil for 75 minutes. This will allow the potatoes to get very tender.
- Lay a large piece of aluminum foil on the counter. Lay another piece of large aluminum foil over the other one in the opposite direction (make a cross). Spray the top one generously with cooking spray.
- Place 4 tablespoons of the sliced butter on the top sheet of aluminum foil. Drop 3 drops of liquid smoke on the top sheet of aluminum foil. Add some salt and pepper.
- When the potatoes are done cooking, drain them. Once they are drained, add them to the top sheet of aluminum foil. Add on top of the potatoes the remaining butter slices and drops of liquid smoke. Salt and pepper a little more to the tops of the potatoes.
- Wrap the top sheet of aluminum foil around the potatoes pretty tightly. Then wrap the bottom sheet around the top sheet.
- Place on a heated grill (medium to high heat) and cook for 20 minutes. Remove from grill (with a potholder). When you open the aluminum foil be VERY CAREFUL! Very hot steam will come out as you are opening the foil. Place the potatoes in a bowl and serve.
Notes
You can always change up the seasonings. We have tried that in the past, but keep coming back to this exact recipe. We love it just the way it is!
Make This Recipe in the Winter Too!
During the winter we will make these in the oven. Everything is the same except for the last 20 minutes. You cook them in a 350 degree oven instead of on the grill. You will still want to boil them upfront to get them tender.
Once you have tried these you can always adjust more or less of the butter and liquid smoke. This is just the amount that we like. Adjust for what your family prefers.

You will really want to give these delicious Hobo Potatoes a try. I promise you will be making them again and again!
Need meal inspiration? This recipe pairs really well with Cilantro Lime Kabobs!
Have a great day and do some grilling soon!