Grilling baked potatoes is a fantastic way to enjoy this classic comfort food with a smoky, charred flavor that enhances their natural richness. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply want a delicious side dish, learning how to make baked potatoes on the grill can elevate your outdoor cooking game. This method delivers tender, fluffy insides with crispy skins, all cooked to perfection over open flames. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps, tips, and tricks to achieve perfectly baked grilled potatoes every time.
Choosing the Right Potatoes for Grilling
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s important to select the proper type of potatoes. Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to grilling.
Best Potato Varieties for Grilled Baked Potatoes
- Russet Potatoes: Known for their high starch content, Russets become fluffy and soft inside when baked, making them ideal for baked potatoes on the grill.
- Idaho Potatoes: Essentially a subtype of Russets, Idaho potatoes are also excellent choices due to their texture and size.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These have a creamier texture and thinner skin, which can also work well if you prefer a slightly different flavor and texture.
Size and Preparation
- Choose potatoes that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove dirt and debris.
- Pat them dry completely before preparing for grilling.
Preparing the Potatoes for Grilling
Proper preparation is key to achieving the perfect baked potato on the grill.
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove soil.
- Prick the potatoes all over with a fork (about 6-8 times) to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Optional: Rub the potatoes with olive oil to help the skins crisp up and season with salt for extra flavor.
- If desired, wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil. This method results in softer skins but can be skipped if you prefer crispy skins.
Tip: For a balanced texture, some grillers prefer to skip the foil and cook the potatoes directly on the grill grates, which yields crisper skins.
Preparing Your Grill for Baked Potatoes
The method of grilling baked potatoes involves indirect heat to cook them evenly without burning the exterior.
Setting Up Your Grill
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C).
- If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals on one side to create a two-zone fire—hot side for searing and cooler side for baking.
- For gas grills, turn on burners to create a hot side and a cooler side.
- Clean the grates thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Using a Two-Zone Fire
- Place the prepared potatoes on the cooler side of the grill.
- Close the lid to trap heat and facilitate even cooking.
- Maintain consistent temperature throughout the process.
Cooking the Baked Potatoes on the Grill
Timing can vary depending on potato size and grill temperature, but general guidelines apply.
Grilling Process
- Place the potatoes on the indirect heat side of the grill, ensuring they’re not directly over flames or coals.
- Close the lid to maintain heat and cook for approximately 45-60 minutes.
- Flip the potatoes every 15-20 minutes to promote even cooking and prevent burning.
- Test for doneness by inserting a fork or skewer into the thickest part of the potato—it should slide in easily without resistance.
Tip: Larger potatoes may need more time, so start checking at the 45-minute mark.
Checking for Doneness and Finishing Touches
Once the potatoes are cooked through, it’s time to finish them up and serve.
How to Know When Your Potatoes Are Done
- The skin should be crispy if unwrapped, or soft if wrapped in foil.
- The fork or skewer should slide in easily without resistance.
- The internal temperature should reach at least 210°F (99°C).
Optional Toppings and Serving Suggestions
Enhance your grilled baked potatoes with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include:
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped chives or green onions
- Bacon bits
- Salsa
- Chili or pulled pork for a hearty twist
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Baked Potatoes
To ensure your grilled baked potatoes come out perfect, consider the following tips:
- Preheat your grill thoroughly before cooking.
- Choose uniform-sized potatoes for even cooking.
- Prick potatoes to prevent bursting during cooking.
- Use indirect heat to prevent burning and promote even baking.
- Wrap in foil if you prefer softer skins, or leave unwrapped for crispy skins.
- Monitor the temperature and cooking time closely, especially for larger potatoes.
- Test for doneness with a fork before removing from the grill.
Variations and Additional Tips
Experimenting with flavors and techniques can make your grilled baked potatoes even more delicious.
Adding Flavor Infusions
- Rub the potatoes with garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite herbs before grilling.
- Use flavored butters or oils for brushing onto the skins.
Wrapping in Foil vs. Direct Grilling
- Wrap in foil for softer, more evenly cooked potatoes.
- Grill unwrapped for crispy skins and smoky flavor.
Using a Potato Basket or Skewers
- For easier handling, you can place potatoes in a grill basket or thread them onto skewers.
Summary: How to Make Baked Potatoes on the Grill
In summary, making baked potatoes on the grill is a straightforward process that yields delicious, smoky-flavored results. The key steps include selecting the right potatoes, preparing them properly, setting up your grill for indirect heat, and cooking for approximately 45-60 minutes until tender. Whether you prefer crispy skin or soft, fluffy insides, adjusting foil wrapping and cooking times will help you customize the texture. Finish with your favorite toppings and enjoy the perfect grilled baked potato as a side or main dish.
Now that you know how to make baked potatoes on the grill, you can impress family and friends with this simple yet flavorful dish. Happy grilling!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of potato for grilling and baking on the grill?
Russet potatoes are ideal for grilling and baking due to their starchy texture, which becomes fluffy and tender when cooked. Yukon Golds are also a good option for a creamier texture.
Should I wrap the potatoes in foil before grilling?
Wrapping potatoes in foil helps them cook evenly and retain moisture, resulting in a softer interior. However, for crispy skin, you can skip the foil and directly place them on the grill grates.
How long does it take to cook baked potatoes on the grill?
Typically, it takes about 45 to 60 minutes to cook baked potatoes on the grill over medium heat, flipping them occasionally to ensure even cooking. Size of the potato can affect cooking time.
What temperature should the grill be set to for baking potatoes?
Set your grill to a medium heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 200°C), to ensure the potatoes cook thoroughly without burning the skin.
How can I get crispy skin on my grilled baked potatoes?
To achieve crispy skin, brush the potatoes with oil and seasonings before grilling, and cook them directly on the grill grates without foil, turning occasionally to crisp all sides.
What toppings work best for grilled baked potatoes?
Popular toppings include sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped chives, bacon bits, and butter. Feel free to add your favorite grilled vegetables or proteins for extra flavor.
