If you’ve been on the lookout for a hearty, flavor-packed side that transforms humble spuds into a smoky, tender delight, then you’re going to love this Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe. It’s the perfect union of the comfort of baked potatoes with the irresistible char and aroma you get from the grill. Whether you wrap them up for that soft, melt-in-your-mouth bite or grill them uncovered for a satisfyingly crispy skin, these potatoes are sure to become a staple for your next cookout or cozy dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity, using just a handful of ingredients that each play a key role in bringing out the potato’s natural flavors and those irresistible grilled notes. Every item here is essential to achieving the perfect balance of texture, seasoning, and char.
- 4 medium russet potatoes: The classic choice for baking due to their fluffy interior and sturdy skin.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps crisp the skin and adds a subtle richness.
- Kosher salt, to taste: Enhances flavor and seasons the skin beautifully.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the seasoning.
- Optional toppings: Butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, and bacon bits bring the fun and personalization to the final dish.
How to Make Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep the potatoes
Start by giving each russet potato a good scrub to remove any dirt since you’ll be grilling them with their skins on. Pat them dry, then pierce the skin a few times with a fork. This small step helps steam escape during cooking, preventing any unexpected bursts on the grill.
Step 2: Coat and season
Next, rub each potato all over with olive oil. This not only aids in crisping the skin but also helps the salt and pepper stick perfectly. Generously sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over each potato so every bite has a nice seasoning to complement that natural earthiness.
Step 3: Wrap or not (your choice)
If you prefer a softer, almost baked-in-the-oven texture, wrap each potato snugly in foil. Wraps lock in moisture while allowing the heat to fully penetrate. On the other hand, if you’re craving that beautiful grilled crunch with slightly blistered skin, leave them unwrapped. Both methods deliver delicious results!
Step 4: Grill the potatoes
Heat your grill to a medium temperature, about 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the potatoes directly on the grill grates and close the lid. Cook them for 45 to 60 minutes, turning every 15 to 20 minutes. This consistent rotation ensures they cook evenly and develop those inviting grill marks and a tender interior.
Step 5: Check for doneness and serve
Test your potatoes with a fork or skewer; it should slide in with little resistance when they’re perfectly cooked. Remove the potatoes from the grill carefully, unwrap if foil was used, and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Then slice them open and pile on your favorite toppings for a personalized, comforting finish.
How to Serve Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
What makes grilled baked potatoes truly shine is the array of toppings you can add. Classic dollops of butter and sour cream bring creamy richness, while shredded cheese adds gooey indulgence. Sprinkle chives or green onions for a fresh pop of color and mild bite, and don’t forget crispy bacon bits for an irresistible crunch. Experimenting with these makes every serving feel special and tailored just for you.
Side Dishes
These potatoes are wonderfully versatile and fit into almost any meal. Serve them alongside grilled steaks, roasted chicken, or barbecued ribs for a satisfying feast. For a lighter touch, pair them with a crisp salad or grilled vegetables—the smoky flavors will tie your whole meal together effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the classic cut-open potato! Try scooping out the soft insides, mixing with cheese and herbs, and stuffing back into the skins for twice-baked style treats on the grill. You could also slice them into rounds, brush them with olive oil and seasoning, then grill for smoky potato chips with a twist. These playful ideas turn this Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe into a real crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover grilled baked potatoes, no worries! Wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it easy to enjoy the smoky goodness without starting from scratch.
Freezing
Freezing grilled baked potatoes is not ideal because they can lose their pleasing texture once thawed. However, if you want to save them, consider scooping out the flesh and freezing it separately as mashed potatoes. This helps preserve the creamy inside, which can later be thawed and reheated smoothly.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat them in the oven or on the grill at a medium temperature until warmed through. This refreshes the crispy skin, and you can add fresh toppings for a quick and delicious second round of the Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Russets are best because of their fluffy interior and sturdy skin, but Yukon Gold potatoes can work if you prefer a buttery texture. Keep in mind the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and type.
Should I always wrap the potatoes in foil?
Nope! Wrapping in foil results in softer skins, almost like traditional baked potatoes, while grilling them unwrapped creates a crispy, smoky skin. It depends on your texture preference, and both are fantastic.
How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?
When a fork or skewer slides into the thickest part of the potato easily, it’s cooked through. This usually takes about 45 to 60 minutes on a medium grill, depending on the size of your potatoes.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
You can scrub, pierce, oil, and season the potatoes a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature before grilling for the best results.
What are some fun topping combinations to try?
Beyond the classics, try sour cream mixed with chopped herbs like dill or parsley, sprinkle with smoked paprika, or add a spoonful of chili or salsa for a spicy kick. The Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe is a blank canvas for your flavor creativity!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about biting into a perfectly cooked grilled baked potato, where every forkful delivers warmth, comfort, and a hint of smoky char. This Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe is incredibly simple yet so full of potential to make your meal memorable. Give it a try next time you fire up the grill—you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed baked potatoes any other way!
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Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 55-70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This recipe for Grilled Baked Potatoes offers a delicious way to enjoy classic baked potatoes with the addition of smoky flavors from the grill. Whether you prefer soft skins wrapped in foil or crispy skins cooked directly on the grill, these potatoes make a perfect side dish for any barbecue or outdoor meal. Topped with butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, or bacon bits, they’re a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare.
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 and pat them dry with a clean towel. Using a fork, pierce each potato several times to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Coat and season: Rub each potato evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to season the skins, enhancing flavor during grilling.
- Choose skin texture: For softer, steamed-like skins, wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil. For crispier skins, leave potatoes unwrapped to grill directly on the grate.
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium heat, aiming for approximately 400°F (200°C). Allow it to reach temperature before placing the potatoes on the grill.
- Grill the potatoes: Place the potatoes evenly spaced on the grill grate. Close the grill lid and cook for 45 to 60 minutes, turning every 15 to 20 minutes to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
- Check doneness: The potatoes are done when a fork or skewer inserts easily into the center, indicating a tender interior.
- Serve: Remove potatoes from the grill carefully. If wrapped, unwrap the foil cautiously to avoid steam burns. Let them cool for a few minutes, then slice open and top with your favorite ingredients such as butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, or bacon bits.
Notes
- Wrapping potatoes in foil helps retain moisture for softer skins, while grilling unwrapped yields a crispy skin texture.
- Turning potatoes every 15-20 minutes ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and grill heat consistency.
- Use a fork or skewer to test doneness instead of relying solely on time.
- Customize toppings to your preference for added flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
