If you’re craving the perfect combination of smoky flavor and tender insides wrapped in crisp or soft skins, look no further than this Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that captures the rustic charm of outdoor cooking while delivering that classic comfort food feeling. The way the grill imparts a subtle char and aroma elevates the humble baked potato into a star side or even a main course. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a family dinner or a weekend barbecue, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for effortless, crowd-pleasing potatoes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s building flavor, creating texture, or adding that irresistible visual appeal. Using just a handful of pantry staples, you can craft a dish that feels both wholesome and celebratory.
- 4 medium russet potatoes: Their starchy interior is perfect for fluffy baked potatoes that soak up toppings beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the skins develop a beautiful golden crispness on the grill.
- Kosher salt, to taste: Essential for seasoning the potatoes and enhancing their natural flavor.
- Black pepper, to taste: Brings a mild spicy kick and balances the richness of the toppings.
- Optional toppings (butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits): These are the fun finishing touches that turn grilled potatoes into a customized treat.
How to Make Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start with scrubbing your potatoes clean under running water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry thoroughly. Use a fork to pierce each potato a few times; this helps steam escape during grilling and prevents any bursting.
Step 2: Coat and Season
Rub each potato all over with olive oil. This step is crucial because it not only adds flavor but also helps the skin crisp beautifully when exposed to direct heat. After coating, sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper generously over each potato, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 3: Wrap or Not
Here’s where you can customize your texture. For a softer skin with a tender finish, wrap each potato tightly in foil. If you love that crispy, slightly smoky bite, place the potatoes directly on the grill unwrapped. Either option promises delicious results.
Step 4: Grill Your Potatoes
Preheat your grill to medium heat, aiming for about 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes on the grill grates and close the lid to hold in heat and smoke. Cook for 45 to 60 minutes, turning every 15 to 20 minutes. This regular turning helps the potatoes cook evenly and prevents any hot spots from burning the skin. You’ll know they’re done when a fork or skewer slides into the thickest part effortlessly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Carefully remove the potatoes from the grill. If you wrapped them in foil, unwrap with caution to avoid steam burns. Let the potatoes cool for a few minutes before slicing them open. Serve with your favorite toppings like creamy butter, tangy sour cream, melty cheese, fresh chives, or crunchy bacon bits for a decadent finish.
How to Serve Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
The magic of the Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe really shines when you dress them up with tasty garnishes. Butter melts into the warm potato flesh, sour cream adds a cooling contrast, and shredded cheese brings an ooey-gooey element. Sprinkle chopped chives or green onions for a pop of color and freshness, and toss on crispy bacon bits for a delightful crunch and smoky boost.
Side Dishes
These grilled baked potatoes are a versatile companion to a variety of meals. Pair them with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or sausages to keep the barbecue vibe alive. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables, turning your plate into a balanced feast bursting with textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Try slicing your grilled baked potatoes into halves and hollowing out a bit of the interior to create a boat for your toppings. Layer with cheese and bacon, then place them back on the grill briefly for a melty finish. Alternatively, dice grilled potatoes and toss them into a warm potato salad or mix with herbs and a drizzle of olive oil for a rustic side dish that’s anything but ordinary.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover grilled baked potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keeping the skin intact helps retain moisture and flavor, so avoid peeling before storing.
Freezing
While freshly grilled potatoes are best enjoyed same day, you can freeze cooked potatoes if needed. Make sure they’re completely cool, then wrap each potato individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen grilled potatoes will keep for up to three months, although texture might soften slightly after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap your potatoes if frozen or refrigerated and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps restore some of the crispness to the skin. Microwaving is an option for a quick fix, but it tends to make the skin a bit soggy.
FAQs
What type of potato is best for this recipe?
Russet potatoes work best because their high starch content creates fluffy interiors and crisp skins when grilled. They’re large enough to hold toppings and cook evenly on the grill.
Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil?
Wrapping in foil creates a softer, steamed skin, while skipping the foil gives you a crispy, smoky skin. Choose based on your preferred texture!
Can I grill baked potatoes without a gas grill?
Absolutely! Charcoal grills or even a grill pan on the stovetop can work beautifully. Just monitor the heat and turn frequently to avoid burning.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Potatoes are fully cooked when a fork or skewer pierces the center effortlessly. If you meet resistance, let them cook a bit longer and check again.
Can I add toppings before grilling?
It’s best to add toppings after grilling to keep flavors fresh and textures distinct. However, if you want melty cheese, you can slice open the potato near the end of grilling, add cheese, and close the lid briefly to melt it.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe is such a wonderfully simple way to elevate a classic side dish into something truly special. Its adaptable nature means you can tailor it to suit any meal or occasion, and the flavors you’ll get from the grill are uniquely satisfying. I can’t wait for you to give it a try—once you do, these potatoes will definitely have a regular spot on your grill.
Print
Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 to 60 minutes
- Total Time: 55 to 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Grilled Baked Potatoes offers a versatile, flavorful way to enjoy classic baked potatoes with the smoky touch of the grill. Whether you prefer softer skins wrapped in foil or crispy grilled skins directly on the grill, these potatoes are perfectly cooked to fluffy, tender perfection inside. Popular toppings like butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, and bacon bits add delicious finishing touches to this simple yet satisfying side dish.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chives
- Bacon bits
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a clean towel. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Coat and season: Rub each potato evenly with olive oil to help the skins crisp up and enhance flavor. Generously sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper all over the potatoes for seasoning.
- Wrap or not: Choose your preferred texture for the skin—wrap each potato tightly in foil if you want softer skin, or leave them unwrapped for a crispier, grilled skin.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, approximately 400°F (200°C), ensuring the grill grates are clean and ready for cooking.
- Grill the potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and grill for 45 to 60 minutes, turning the potatoes every 15 to 20 minutes to promote even cooking and prevent burning.
- Check doneness: The potatoes are fully cooked when a fork or skewer slides in easily without resistance.
- Serve: Carefully remove the potatoes from the grill. If wrapped in foil, carefully unwrap them; let cool for a few minutes. Slice open each potato and add your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, or bacon bits before serving.
Notes
- Adjust grilling time slightly based on the size of the potatoes to ensure they cook through properly.
- Using foil will retain moisture and create softer skin, while grilling without foil results in crispy, smoky-flavored skin.
- Be cautious when unwrapping hot foil to avoid steam burns.
- Leftover grilled baked potatoes can be refrigerated and reheated; crisp them in a skillet or microwave before serving.
