Grilled Baked Potatoes: Crispy, Smoky, and Easy to Make

Why Grilled Baked Potatoes Are a Game-Changer

Grilled baked potatoes are a delicious addition to any cookout, combining the smoky aroma of grilling with the fluffy texture of a perfectly cooked potato. Unlike their oven-baked counterparts, grilled baked potatoes offer a crispy skin and a rustic flavor that’s hard to resist. They’re easy to prepare, versatile, and pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making them a must-have for your next barbecue or outdoor dinner.

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Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or simply looking to enhance your weeknight dinner, grilled baked potatoes are a versatile, satisfying option. From pairing with steaks and ribs to serving as a standalone meal loaded with toppings, these spuds can do it all.

The Perfect Cookout Companion

Potatoes and grilling go hand in hand, and there’s no better time to master this recipe than during peak barbecue season. Imagine a spread of sizzling meats, colorful salads, and golden, smoky potatoes with perfectly crisp edges.Check out this smoked turkey breast recipe for a pairing idea that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Grilled baked potatoes are the ideal canvas for your creativity—they can be savory, cheesy, or even spicy, depending on the toppings you choose.

Their simplicity also makes them a practical choice. With just a few basic ingredients and a grill, you can prepare a dish that’s both indulgent and wholesome. Whether wrapped in foil for a softer texture or grilled directly for a crunchier finish, these baked potatoes will elevate your outdoor dining experience.

Essential Ingredients and Preparation

Choosing the Right Potatoes

The secret to a perfectly grilled baked potato starts with choosing the right kind of spud. Russet potatoes are your best bet—thanks to their high starch content and thick skin, they become wonderfully fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside when grilled. If you’re feeling adventurous, pair these potatoes with this beef back ribs recipe for a hearty, smoky meal.

When selecting your potatoes, aim for medium-sized ones of uniform shape. This ensures they cook evenly on the grill, avoiding situations where some are overcooked while others remain underdone. Avoid waxy varieties like red or Yukon gold potatoes for grilling, as they tend to retain a firmer texture even when fully cooked.

Prepping for the Grill

Once you’ve picked the perfect potatoes, proper preparation is key to achieving that golden, smoky flavor. Start by thoroughly washing and scrubbing the potatoes to remove dirt. Don’t skip this step—even if you plan to peel the skin later, the dirt can impact the grilling process.

After washing, pat them dry with a towel and pierce each potato several times with a fork. This prevents them from bursting while they cook by allowing steam to escape. Coat each potato in a thin layer of olive oil—this not only helps the skin crisp up beautifully but also locks in moisture during grilling. Finish with a sprinkle of kosher salt for flavor and texture.

To Wrap or Not to Wrap?

Wrapping the potatoes in foil creates a softer texture, while grilling them directly on the grates yields a crispier, caramelized skin. For those undecided, try both methods to discover your preference. If you’re interested in versatile side dishes, explore this chicken cheesesteak recipe to expand your grilling repertoire.

For those who love a crunchier, caramelized skin, skip the foil. Place the potatoes directly on the grill grates and let the heat work its magic. If you’re undecided, you can try a hybrid approach: grill the potatoes wrapped in foil initially, then remove the foil during the final 10 minutes for a crisp finish.

Grilling baked potatoes to perfection requires attention to detail, a proper setup, and a few helpful techniques. This guide will walk you through every step to ensure your potatoes are smoky, fluffy, and delicious every time.

Step 1: Preparing the Grill

To grill baked potatoes, set up your grill for indirect cooking. The indirect heat method ensures even cooking without burning the exterior. Here’s how:

Gas Grill Setup: Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350°F (175°C). Turn on one or two burners and leave the others off to create an area for indirect heat. Use a grill thermometer to check the temperature if your grill doesn’t have a built-in gauge.
Charcoal Grill Setup: Arrange hot coals on one side of the grill to create two zones: a direct heat area for searing and an indirect zone for slow cooking. Adding a handful of wood chips to the coals can give your potatoes an extra smoky flavor.

Close the grill lid and allow it to reach the target temperature. Maintaining steady heat is key to properly cooked potatoes.

Step 2: Prepping the Potatoes

While your grill heats up, prepare the potatoes for grilling. Choose medium-sized russet or Idaho potatoes for the best results—they’re starchy, which helps achieve a fluffy interior, and their thick skins crisp up beautifully.

Wash and Dry: Scrub each potato thoroughly under running water to remove dirt. Pat them dry with a clean towel.
Pierce the Skin: Use a fork to poke holes all over the potatoes. This step is crucial—it allows steam to escape and prevents the potatoes from bursting on the grill.
Coat with Olive Oil: Rub each potato with a thin layer of olive oil. This adds flavor, encourages even cooking, and helps the skin become crispy.
Season Generously: Sprinkle kosher salt over the entire surface of the potatoes. For extra flavor, consider adding black pepper, garlic powder, or smoked paprika.

Step 3: Wrapping or Not Wrapping the Potatoes

You can grill your potatoes with or without aluminum foil, depending on your desired texture:

With Foil: Wrapping potatoes traps steam, resulting in a softer skin and quicker cooking. Wrap each potato tightly in a sheet of foil, shiny side facing in.
Without Foil: Grilling directly on the grates creates a crispier, more flavorful skin. If you prefer this method, skip the foil and proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Placing the Potatoes on the Grill

Position the potatoes in the indirect heat zone (the cooler side of the grill). This prevents them from burning while allowing them to cook slowly and evenly.

Foil-Wrapped Potatoes: Place them seam-side up to keep juices from leaking out.
Unwrapped Potatoes: Lay them directly on the grates, ensuring they’re spaced apart to allow heat to circulate around each one.

Close the grill lid to maintain the temperature and infuse the potatoes with smoky goodness.

Step 5: Grilling the Potatoes

Cooking times vary based on the size of your potatoes and the heat of your grill, but generally, you’ll need about 50–60 minutes for medium-sized spuds.

Turn Regularly: Every 15–20 minutes, use tongs to rotate the potatoes. This helps them cook evenly on all sides and prevents overcooking in certain spots.
Monitor Heat: Check your grill thermometer periodically to ensure the temperature stays around 350°F. Adjust the burners or airflow as needed to maintain consistent heat.
Test for Doneness: After about 50 minutes, test a potato by inserting a skewer, fork, or knife into the thickest part. It should slide in easily without resistance. If it feels firm, cook for another 10–15 minutes and check again.

Step 6: Adding a Smoky Finish

For those who love a crispy, golden skin with a touch of char, transfer the potatoes to the direct heat zone for the last 5–10 minutes of grilling.

Rotate Frequently: Turn the potatoes every 2–3 minutes to avoid burning.
Watch Closely: The high heat can quickly scorch the skins, so stay nearby and keep an eye on them.

This step is optional but adds a delightful texture and smoky flavor to your potatoes.

Step 7: Removing the Potatoes from the Grill

When the potatoes are done, carefully remove them from the grill using tongs or an oven mitt. Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving—this allows the heat to distribute evenly inside and makes the potatoes easier to handle.

If you used foil, carefully unwrap each potato to avoid steam burns.
For unwrapped potatoes, gently shake off any excess ash or char before serving.

Step 8: Serving Your Grilled Baked Potatoes

Slice each potato lengthwise down the middle and fluff the insides with a fork to create a soft, pillowy texture. Add a pat of butter or a dollop of sour cream to enhance the natural flavor. Sprinkle on your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, bacon bits, chives, or even a drizzle of barbecue sauce for a gourmet touch.

Pair your grilled baked potatoes with a juicy steak, grilled chicken, or a vibrant salad for a complete meal. These potatoes are a versatile side dish that complements almost any main course.

Grilling Tips for Success

Choose Uniform Potatoes: Similar-sized potatoes cook more evenly.
Use Indirect Heat: This prevents burning and ensures a fluffy interior.
Pre-Microwave for Speed: If you’re short on time, microwave the potatoes for 5–7 minutes before grilling to reduce cooking time.
Experiment with Seasonings: Try rubbing the skin with garlic butter or an herb-infused oil for extra flavor.

With these detailed instructions, you’re ready to master the art of grilled baked potatoes. Whether you wrap them in foil for softness or grill them bare for crunch, they’re guaranteed to be a hit at your next cookout.

4oite toppings, making them a hit with any crowd.

Tips to Customize and Elevate Your Grilled Baked Potatoes

Creative Topping Ideas

Grilled baked potatoes are a versatile base for endless flavor combinations. While butter and sour cream are classics, why not think outside the box and try something new? Here are a few creative topping suggestions to inspire your next cookout:

Loaded BBQ Potato: Smother the fluffy interior with pulled pork or shredded chicken, drizzle with barbecue sauce, and top with crispy onions.
Mediterranean Style: Add crumbled feta cheese, diced tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of oregano for a fresh and tangy twist.
Tex-Mex Fiesta: Fill your potato with black beans, salsa, guacamole, and a handful of shredded cheddar cheese. Finish with a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Vegan Delight: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free sour cream, and sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Toss in sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions for added depth.

These topping ideas allow you to transform a simple side dish into a hearty meal or unique crowd-pleaser.

Flavor Infusions

Take your grilled baked potatoes to the next level by infusing flavors directly into the skin or flesh before grilling.

Garlic Butter Brushed: Mix melted butter with minced garlic and brush it onto the potatoes before grilling. This adds a rich, savory layer of flavor.
Herb-Infused Oil: Combine olive oil with chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley, and coat the potatoes generously. The heat from the grill will activate the herbs’ aroma and impart a delicious taste.
Cheese-Stuffed: For a decadent surprise, make a small slit in the potato and insert a slice of your favorite cheese before wrapping and grilling. As the potato cooks, the cheese will melt into the fluffy center.

Experimenting with these simple enhancements makes each potato unique and flavorful, catering to various taste preferences.Learn more about baked potatoes on the grill on Wikipedia for extra tips and inspiration.

FAQ

Here are six common questions about grilling baked potatoes, inspired by Google’s “People Also Ask” section, along with concise answers to help readers perfect their technique:

Can you grill baked potatoes without foil?
Yes! Grilling without foil results in a crispier skin. Simply place the potatoes directly on the grates over indirect heat and rotate them regularly.
How long does it take to grill baked potatoes?
It typically takes 50–60 minutes over medium heat (350°F) to grill baked potatoes, depending on their size. Check for doneness with a skewer or fork.
Do you need to boil potatoes before grilling?
No, pre-boiling isn’t necessary. However, you can microwave the potatoes for 5–7 minutes beforehand to reduce grilling time.
What’s the best way to season grilled potatoes?
Coat them in olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt, and add optional spices like garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary for extra flavor.
Can you grill sweet potatoes the same way?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be grilled similarly. Their natural sugars caramelize beautifully, creating a deliciously sweet and smoky flavor.
Why pierce potatoes before grilling?
Piercing allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting while they’re on the grill.

Conclusion

Grilled baked potatoes are a simple yet satisfying addition to any meal. Whether you enjoy them as a crispy side dish or load them up with creative toppings for a hearty entrée, these potatoes bring smoky, rustic charm to your table. With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can master the art of grilling baked potatoes and wow your guests with every bite.

So, fire up your grill, gather your toppings, and let these potatoes steal the show at your next cookout. Don’t forget to share your creations—we’d love to see how you customize this classic dish!