If you’ve ever wondered how to take a simple baked potato to the next level, this Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe is your new best friend. Combining the smoky charm of the grill with the cozy comfort of a classic baked potato, it’s an irresistible side that’s crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for any barbecue or casual dinner, grilled baked potatoes bring a fresh twist to a beloved dish, making every bite a little celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role to bring out the best textures and flavors in your grilled baked potatoes. From the earthy russet potatoes to the aromatic garlic powder, every item is essential.
- 4 large russet potatoes: Known for their starchy texture, perfect for fluffy interiors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances natural flavors and seasons evenly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle kick for depth.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a subtle, savory aroma that complements the potatoes.
- Aluminum foil: Essential for wrapping and retaining moisture during grilling.
How to Make Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your grill to a steady medium-high temperature, about 400°F or 200°C. While it’s warming up, scrub your russet potatoes thoroughly to remove any grit. Pat them dry, as a dry surface helps the oil and seasonings stick better. This initial prep is key to developing that perfect crispy yet tender texture.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
Next, poke the potatoes a few times with a fork so steam can escape during cooking – this prevents any bursting on the grill. Rub each potato generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This seasoning combination makes the crust fragrant and flavorful as it grills.
Step 3: Wrap and Grill
Wrap each seasoned potato tightly in aluminum foil. This step locks in steam and ensures even cooking. Place the foil-wrapped potatoes on the grill grates and close the lid. Let them cook for 45 to 60 minutes, turning every 15 minutes or so to promote even cooking and prevent hot spots.
Step 4: Check for Doneness and Serve
After about 45 minutes, test your potatoes for tenderness by inserting a fork through the foil. They should be soft inside when ready. For crispier skin, unwrap the foil during the last 10 minutes of grilling, allowing direct heat to create that much-loved texture.
How to Serve Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe is in its versatility. Classic toppings like butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh chives bring out the best flavors. Feel free to get creative with crispy bacon bits, green onions, or even a dollop of tangy salsa to personalize your potatoes.
Side Dishes
These potatoes pair effortlessly with a range of dishes. Whether alongside grilled meats, fresh summer salads, or smoky barbecue beans, they hold their own as a hearty, satisfying companion. Their smoky flavor elevates any picnic or backyard feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your grilled baked potatoes split open and stuffed with savory fillings like sour cream and chives, cheddar and broccoli, or even a creamy mushroom sauce. Wrapping them individually makes for a great party presentation where guests can garnish their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any of this delicious Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe left, wrap them tightly in foil or an airtight container and place in the fridge. They will stay good for up to 3 to 4 days, making perfect grab-and-go sides during the week.
Freezing
Freezing whole grilled baked potatoes is not recommended as they tend to develop a grainy texture when thawed. However, mashed or loaded potato fillings from these grilled potatoes freeze well if you want to prepare ahead in a different form.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover grilled baked potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes to revive their crispy skin and warm, fluffy interior. Microwaving is faster but may result in soggier skins, so choose the reheating method based on your texture preference.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe?
While russet potatoes work best due to their fluffy texture when cooked, you can experiment with Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a creamier or waxier bite, though the cook time might vary slightly.
How do I speed up the cooking time on the grill?
To cut down grill time, microwave each potato for 5 to 7 minutes before wrapping in foil and grilling. This jumpstarts the cooking so the grilling focuses on adding smoky flavor and crispness.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I bake these in the oven?
Absolutely! These potatoes can be baked in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about an hour, wrapped in foil to retain moisture, but you’ll miss out on the signature smoky flavor from the grill.
Should I poke holes in the potatoes before grilling?
Yes, poking holes is important. It allows steam to escape during cooking and prevents the potatoes from bursting inside their foil wraps.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
The base recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free! Just skip dairy-based toppings like butter or cheese, and load up on your favorite plant-based garnishes instead.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe is a wonderful way to elevate a classic staple with smoky, irresistible flavors and textures that everyone will love. Whether for a cozy dinner or a lively cookout, these potatoes always steal the show. Give this recipe a try and watch your simple side dish become the star of the table!
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Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
This easy recipe for Grilled Baked Potatoes combines the smoky flavor of grilling with the classic tenderness of baked potatoes. Wrapped in foil and cooked over medium-high heat, these potatoes come out perfectly tender and flavored with garlic and seasoning. Ideal as a delicious side dish for any BBQ or outdoor meal, they can be topped with your favorite condiments like butter, sour cream, cheese, or chives.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes
Seasoning & Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Other
- aluminum foil
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat around 400°F (200°C) to ensure a consistent cooking temperature for the potatoes.
- Prepare Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water to clean off any dirt, then pat them dry with a towel. Using a fork, poke each potato several times to create small holes for steam to escape during cooking.
- Season Potatoes: Rub each potato all over with olive oil. Then sprinkle evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, coating the surface well for enhanced flavor.
- Wrap in Foil: Wrap each seasoned potato tightly in aluminum foil to keep moisture inside and ensure even cooking on the grill.
- Grill Potatoes: Place the foil-wrapped potatoes directly on the grill grates. Close the grill lid and cook for 45–60 minutes, turning the potatoes occasionally to prevent burning and to promote even cooking. Check doneness by inserting a fork—it should slide in easily when tender.
- Serve: Carefully remove the potatoes from the grill and unwrap the foil. Serve hot with your choice of toppings such as butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped chives for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- For crispier skin, unwrap the potatoes during the last 10 minutes of grilling and cook uncovered.
- To speed up grilling time, microwave the potatoes for 5–7 minutes before wrapping in foil and grilling.
- Use medium-large russet potatoes for best texture and flavor.
