There’s nothing quite like the smell of a perfectly grilled baked potato. Its crispy skin wraps around a fluffy, steaming inside. My family loved potatoes, and grilling them was our go-to when it was warm outside.
The smoky flavor in each bite made our cookouts unforgettable. If you want to impress your guests, I’ve got a simple way to make the best grilled baked potato.
Why Grill Your Potatoes?
Grilling potatoes has many benefits over baking. It saves oven space and keeps your kitchen cool. Plus, it adds a smoky flavor and makes the skin crispy.
Benefits of Grilling vs. Baking
The grill cooks potatoes evenly without burning them. For gas grills, place potatoes over unlit burners. On charcoal grills, use the side without coals. This method cooks potatoes perfectly.
Flavor Enhancements from the Grill
Wood chunks or chips can make potatoes taste like they were cooked over a campfire. This adds a smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making campfire baked potato, foil packet potatoes, or baking potatoes on the grill, the smoky taste is a game-changer.
| Grilling vs. Baking Potatoes | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Grilling |
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| Baking |
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Choosing between grilling and baking potatoes depends on what you like. Both ways have their own advantages. Trying different methods can help you find your favorite way to enjoy potatoes.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Choosing the right potatoes is key for great grilled potato recipes. Russet potatoes are top picks for grilling. They have a sturdy texture and a fluffy inside.
These potatoes soak up flavors well, making them perfect for grilling.
Best Types for Grilling
- Russet Potatoes: The ideal grilling potato, Russets have a thick, crispy skin and a light, fluffy interior that becomes even more delectable when cooked over an open flame.
- Baby Potatoes: Smaller potatoes like Yukon Golds or red potatoes also work well for grilling. Their tender skin cooks up quickly, making them a great option for easy grilled potato dishes.
- Sweet Potatoes: These naturally sweet spuds can be a delicious grilled side. For best results, cook them on the upper rack of the grill to prevent the outside from burning before the inside is fully cooked.
Size and Appearance Considerations
For grilling, choose medium-sized Russets, about 8- to 10-ounces. This size cooks evenly. Larger potatoes take longer to cook.
Look for potatoes with smooth, blemish-free skin. Avoid those with green spots or sprouts, as they’re past their prime.
By picking the right potatoes and considering their size and appearance, you’ll make amazing grilled potatoes. They’ll impress your family and friends.
Preparing Your Potatoes
Before you can enjoy a grilled baked potato, you need to prepare your potatoes. Start by washing and scrubbing them to remove dirt. This makes sure they’re clean and safe to cook.
Washing and Scrubbing
Rinse the potatoes under cool water, using a brush to scrub them. This removes dirt and debris. Dry them well with a towel or paper towels before you start.
Pricking for Perfect Cooking
Use a fork to prick the potatoes all over. This lets steam out while grilling. Without these marks, the potatoes might burst or feel bad. You can also microwave them for 4-5 minutes before grilling.
By following these steps, you’ll make a great baked potato on grill. You’ll get a fluffy inside and a crispy outside. Enjoy the tasty results of your potato grilling!
Seasoning Options
Turning a simple grilled potato into a flavor hit is all about the seasoning. Begin with olive oil, coarse salt, and black pepper. Rub the grilled potato skins with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
For deeper flavors, make a homemade seasoning mix. Combine 2 tablespoons of coarse salt, 2 tablespoons of garlic powder, and 1/2 tablespoon of black pepper. Brush the easy grilled potato skins with melted butter before adding the seasoning for a rich taste.
Creative Toppings to Elevate Your Grilled Baked Potato
After your grilled potato recipes are done, it’s time for toppings. Make your grilled potatoes special with these tasty options:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or a blend)
- Crispy bacon bits
- Diced chives or green onions
- Chili con carne or vegetarian chili
- Fried onion strings or crispy shallots
- Pickled jalapeños or other spicy peppers
There are countless ways to top your grilled baked potato. Let your guests pick their favorites. Serve toppings in small bowls for a fun and pretty presentation.
The secret to great grilled potatoes is the right mix of seasonings and toppings. Don’t be afraid to try new things and have fun with it!
Preheating Your Grill
Getting your grill ready is key to a great baked potato. The best temperature for grilling potatoes is between 400-450°F. A hot grill ensures a crispy skin and a fluffy inside.
Importance of Proper Temperature
It’s vital to preheat your grill correctly for even cooking. If it’s not hot enough, potatoes cook slowly and get soggy. But if it’s too hot, the outside burns before the inside is done.
How to Preheat Both Gas and Charcoal Grills
- For gas grills, set one side’s burners to high and leave the other off. This setup allows for indirect heat.
- Charcoal grills need coals lit on one side only. This creates a direct and indirect heat zone for even cooking.
Preheat your grill for about 15 minutes with the lid closed. This ensures the surface reaches 400-450°F. It’s a crucial step for the perfect baked potato.
“Taking the time to properly preheat your grill is the secret to restaurant-quality baked potatoes at home.”
Wrapping Your Potatoes
Wrapping potatoes in foil has many benefits when grilling. It keeps seasonings on the skin and stops flare-ups. The foil also ensures the potato cooks evenly, making it fluffy inside.
Advantages of Foil Wrapping
- Keeps seasonings and butter or oil in place, enhancing the overall flavor
- Prevents the potato skins from drying out or burning on the grill
- Distributes heat evenly for consistent cooking throughout
- Allows you to easily check doneness and add any extra toppings
Alternative Wrapping Methods
There are other ways to wrap your foil packet potatoes for grilling:
- Parchment Paper: Use parchment paper for a greener option. It’s compostable and works like foil.
- Grilling Basket: Put potatoes in a perforated basket. It keeps them in without wrapping each one.
- Potato Jackets: Prick potatoes with a fork and grill them directly. Turn them often for even cooking.
Choosing the right wrapping method is crucial for a great easy grilled potato. With some prep, you’ll have a tasty baked potato on grill for your next BBQ.
Grilling Techniques
Grilling baked potatoes is different from baking. You need indirect heat for a fluffy inside and crispy outside. Learning about direct and indirect heat helps you grill grilled baked potatoes perfectly.
Direct vs. Indirect Heat
Use indirect heat for the best potatoes. Place them on the unlit side of the grill or away from the flame. This gentle heat cooks the potatoes without burning the skin.
Optimal Cooking Time
Patience is key for potato grilling. It takes about 60 minutes for them to be perfect. Grill the wrapped potatoes for 45 minutes with the lid closed.
Then, unwrap them and grill for 15 more minutes. This crisps the skin and adds a nice char. For a smoky flavor, add hickory wood chunks or chips in the last 15 minutes.
Checking for Doneness
Getting the perfect baked potato on the grill means knowing when it’s done. There are signs and tools to help you. This ensures your potatoes are cooked just right.
Signs Your Potato is Ready
When you can easily poke a fork into the potato, it’s a sign. The skin should also wrinkle. This means the inside is tender and fluffy.
For exactness, use an instant-read thermometer. The ideal temperature is 215 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tools to Use for Testing
- Fork: A simple fork poke is a traditional method for checking doneness. If the potato yields easily, it’s ready to serve.
- Instant-Read Thermometer: For consistent and accurate results, use an instant-read thermometer to measure the internal temperature of your potatoes.
Cooking time can change based on potato size and grill temperature. Larger potatoes need more time, while smaller ones cook faster. Always check your potatoes and adjust cooking time for the best results.
Serving Your Grilled Potatoes
When your grilled baked potatoes are ready, it’s time to serve them. Serve them warm, straight off the grill, for the best taste and texture. Create a grilled baked potato bar where guests can add their favorite toppings.
Presentation Tips
For a great look, arrange the grilled potatoes on a platter or in a basket. Add fresh herbs like chives or parsley for color. Drizzle melted butter or olive oil on top for shine and flavor.
Suggested Pairings with Main Dishes
- Pair your grilled baked potatoes with juicy grilled steaks or chicken for a classic meal.
- For a vegetarian option, serve the potatoes with grilled vegetables or a grilled veggie kebab.
- Try outdoor baked potato recipes with chili, cheese, bacon, or other toppings for a hearty meal.
The versatility of grilled potato recipes makes them perfect for any meal. They’re great as a side or the main dish.
“Grilled potatoes are the perfect companion to any outdoor gathering or barbecue. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.”
Storage and Reheating
After enjoying your grilled baked potatoes, you might have leftovers. It’s important to store and reheat them right to keep the taste and texture good.
Keeping Leftover Potatoes Fresh
Let leftover grilled baked potatoes cool down before storing. Wrap them in foil or an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Baked potatoes don’t freeze well, so eat leftovers within a few days.
Best Methods for Reheating
Here are some ways to reheat your leftover grilled baked potatoes:
- Microwave: Unwrap the potato and heat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Unwrap the potato and bake it on the oven rack for 10-15 minutes.
- Grill: Unwrap the potato and grill it for 5-10 minutes, flipping it now and then, to crisp the skin.
Always unwrap the potato before reheating. This helps the skin crisp up again and prevents it from getting soggy.
Follow these easy tips to enjoy your baked potato on grill leftovers for days. You’ll love the easy grilled potato taste all over again.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Grilling baked potatoes outdoors can be fun and tasty. But, it comes with its own set of problems. If your potatoes are undercooked or the skin is too charred, there are fixes for these issues.
What to Do if Potatoes are Undercooked
If your potatoes are not cooked right, they might be dense or gummy inside. This usually means they didn’t get hot enough. To fix this, just put them back on the grill and cook until they reach 205°F to 212°F. Being patient and keeping an eye on them is crucial for perfectly cooked potatoes.
Preventing Burnt Skin
A perfectly grilled baked potato has crispy, golden skin. But, you don’t want it to get too charred. To avoid this, place the potatoes on the top rack, away from direct heat. Turn them every 15 minutes for even cooking and browning.
If the skin is still getting too dark, try wrapping the potatoes in foil. This will slow down the cooking and prevent burning.
FAQ
What is the total cooking time for grilled baked potatoes?
Grilling baked potatoes takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes. This includes 5 minutes of prep work.
How many servings does this grilled baked potato recipe yield?
This recipe makes 2 servings. You’ll get 2 potatoes.
What are the nutrition facts for a grilled baked potato?
Each grilled baked potato has 229 calories. It contains 1g fat, 51g carbs, and 6g protein.
What are the benefits of grilling potatoes instead of baking them?
Grilling potatoes adds a unique flavor. It also keeps your kitchen cool and saves oven space.
What type of potatoes are best for grilling?
Russet potatoes are great for grilling because they’re sturdy. Choose potatoes that weigh 8 to 10 ounces for best results.
How should the potatoes be prepared before grilling?
Wash and dry the potatoes well before grilling. Poke them all over with a fork to let steam out.
What are some seasoning options for grilled baked potatoes?
Rub potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt for basic seasoning. For more flavor, mix coarse salt, garlic powder, and ground pepper.
How should the grill be preheated for grilling potatoes?
Heat your grill to 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. For gas grills, set one side high and leave the other off. For charcoal, light coals on one side only.
How should the potatoes be wrapped for grilling?
Wrap potatoes in two layers of aluminum foil. This helps seasonings stick and prevents flare-ups. Use 12×12 inch foil squares and wrap the potatoes twice.
How should the potatoes be cooked on the grill?
Grill potatoes using indirect heat. Place them on the unlit side of the grill or away from coals. Grill for 45 minutes with the lid closed, then unwrap and grill for 15 more minutes to crisp the skin.
How can you tell when the grilled baked potatoes are done?
Potatoes are done when a fork easily pierces them. They should also reach 210 degrees Fahrenheit. The skin should start to wrinkle when fully cooked.
How should leftover grilled baked potatoes be stored and reheated?
Cool leftover potatoes completely, then wrap in foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, unwrap the potato and microwave or reheat in the oven until warm. You can also reheat on the grill for a few minutes to crisp the skin.
What can be done if the grilled baked potatoes are undercooked?
If potatoes are undercooked, grill them some more until tender. To avoid burnt skin, don’t place them directly over high heat. Rotate them every 15 minutes for even cooking.
How long does it take for baked potatoes to get done on the grill?
Baked potatoes typically take 45-60 minutes to cook on the grill over medium-high heat (around 400-450°F), depending on their size.
Should I bake potatoes with foil or without?
Wrapping potatoes in foil helps retain moisture and speeds up cooking, resulting in softer skin. Baking without foil allows the skin to crisp up, which is great if you prefer a more textured potato.
Do you poke holes in potatoes when grilling?
Yes, poking holes in potatoes before grilling allows steam to escape, preventing them from bursting during cooking.
How long to grill potatoes in foil at 450 degrees?
Grill potatoes wrapped in foil at 450°F for about 30-45 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking. Check doneness by inserting a fork or skewer into the potato—it should slide in easily.