If you’re craving a dish that captures the smoky charm of the grill with the comforting heartiness of a classic baked potato, look no further than this Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe. It’s an easy, flavorful way to elevate humble spuds into a crowd-pleasing side or even a satisfying main, with that crisp-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside magic you only get from balancing the flames just right. Whether you like them wrapped in foil for a soft skin or grilled directly for a crispier bite, these potatoes offer endless possibilities to customize and enjoy.

Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but chosen to bring out the best textures and flavors possible. From the starchy russet potatoes that cook up fluffy and creamy inside, to the olive oil that crisps the skin to perfection, and the seasoning that highlights every smoky note, each element plays a crucial role.

Russet potatoes: Four medium-sized, the ideal potato for baking because of their starchy interior and sturdy skin.
Olive oil: Two tablespoons to coat the potatoes, helping the skin get that beautiful golden crunch.
Kosher salt: To taste, liberally sprinkled for seasoning and enhancing the natural potato flavor.
Black pepper: To taste, adding a little piquant warmth that complements the grill’s smokiness.
Optional toppings: Butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits—these add richness, texture, and color to personalize your baked potatoes.

How to Make Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Start by scrubbing your russet potatoes clean and patting them dry. Piercing each potato several times with a fork not only helps steam escape during grilling but also ensures the heat penetrates evenly, so you get that fluffy interior instead of uneven cooking.

Step 2: Coat and Season

Rub each potato generously with olive oil—this step is a game changer because it makes the skin crisp up beautifully on the grill. Once oiled, season with kosher salt and black pepper, which work together to deepen the flavor and add a little savory kick.

Step 3: Wrap or Not – Your Choice

If you prefer a softer skin, wrap each potato in foil to trap moisture and soften the exterior as it grills. Alternatively, if you’re after that perfect crispy crust, place the potatoes directly on the grill grates without foil. Both methods yield delicious results, it just depends on your textural preference.

Step 4: Grill Until Perfect

Preheat your grill to medium heat, aiming for about 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 45 to 60 minutes. Be sure to turn them every 15 to 20 minutes so they brown evenly on all sides. You’ll know they’re done when a fork or skewer slides into the potato with no resistance, signaling that fluffy interior you’re after.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once off the grill, carefully unwrap any foil if used and let your potatoes cool for a couple of minutes. Then slice open and pile on your favorite toppings for a mouthwatering finish—think creamy sour cream, sharp cheese, fresh chives, or crispy bacon bits. This final touch makes the Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe your own personal masterpiece.

How to Serve Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes is where you can really make the Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe shine and suit your taste perfectly. Classic butter mixes into the warm potato flesh to add richness, while a dollop of sour cream provides a tangy creaminess. Fresh chives add color and a mild onion flavor, and crispy bacon bits introduce a smoky crunch that pairs beautifully with the potato’s grilled character.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like steak or chicken, making it an excellent choice for backyard barbecues. Alternatively, serve alongside a vibrant green salad or charred veggies to keep the meal fresh and balanced. The versatility is fantastic, and the potatoes act as a hearty anchor no matter the accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests? Try scooping out some of the cooked potato’s fluffy interior and mixing it with cheese, herbs, or bacon before spooning it back into the skins for stuffed grilled potatoes. You can also slice them into rounds and skewer them for a fun appetizer or serve with an array of dipping sauces to transform this classic into a party favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover grilled baked potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, making for a convenient ready-to-eat side for later meals or even a quick snack.

Freezing

While potatoes can be frozen, their texture changes after thawing and reheating. For best results, freeze the scooped-out and mixed potato filling rather than the whole grilled potato with skin. This way you can reheat it in a casserole or stuffed potato dish, keeping the taste enjoyable.

Reheating

To bring your leftover grilled baked potatoes back to life, reheat them in the oven or on the grill at medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as this can make the skin rubbery and the texture less appealing.

FAQs

Can I use a potato other than russet for this recipe?

While russets are ideal for their fluffy interiors and sturdy skins, you can use other varieties like Yukon Gold. Just keep in mind that waxier potatoes may have a creamier texture and the skin won’t crisp up quite as much on the grill.

Do I have to wrap the potatoes in foil?

Wrapping in foil is optional and depends on whether you prefer a softer or crispier skin. Foil traps moisture for a tender skin, while grilling without foil allows the skin to become deliciously crisp. Both methods work great so try both to see which you like best.

How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The best sign is when a fork or skewer slides into the potato easily without resistance. This shows the inside is soft and fluffy. Make sure to turn the potatoes regularly to ensure even cooking.

Can I cook these potatoes on a gas grill as well as charcoal?

Absolutely! The Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe works perfectly on either gas or charcoal grills. Just monitor the heat to maintain a medium temperature around 400°F and turn the potatoes regularly to prevent burning.

What are some good alternatives to the traditional toppings?

Beyond butter and sour cream, try toppings like guacamole, salsa, sautéed mushrooms, or even a drizzle of spicy aioli. Experimenting with flavors can turn your grilled baked potatoes into a unique and exciting dish every time.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe is truly one of those simple yet irresistible dishes that transform your usual side into something memorable. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and packed with smoky, crispy, and fluffy textures that everyone will love. So fire up your grill, grab some potatoes, and get ready to enjoy this delicious treat that feels downright special every single time.

Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 239 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55-70 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Grilled Baked Potatoes recipe offers a delightful way to enjoy perfectly cooked potatoes with a crispy or soft skin according to your preference. By grilling the potatoes wrapped in foil or directly on the grill, you get flavors infused with a subtle smoky touch. Easy to prepare, these potatoes make a fantastic side dish that pairs perfectly with various toppings like butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, and bacon bits.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prep the potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean under running water and pat them dry with a towel. Pierce each potato a few times using a fork 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 enhance flavor.
Wrap or not (your choice): If you prefer softer skins, wrap each potato tightly in foil. For crispier skins, leave the potatoes unwrapped to cook directly on the grill.
Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, approximately 400°F (200°C), to prepare for grilling.
Grill the potatoes: Place the potatoes directly on the grill grates. Close the grill lid and cook for 45 to 60 minutes, turning the potatoes every 15 to 20 minutes to ensure even cooking on all sides.
Check for doneness: The potatoes are done when a fork or skewer slips in easily without resistance, indicating a soft interior.
Serve: Carefully remove the potatoes from the grill. If wrapped in foil, unwrap them cautiously as steam will escape. Let them cool for a few minutes before slicing open. Add your favorite toppings like butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, or bacon bits to enhance flavor and enjoy.

Notes

Wrapping potatoes in foil results in a softer skin, while grilling directly produces a crispier skin.
Russet potatoes are preferred for their fluffy texture after cooking.
If you don’t have a grill, you can bake these potatoes in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for about the same amount of time.
Turn potatoes regularly to avoid burning and to cook them evenly on all sides.
Use a fork or skewer to test doneness; it should slide in easily when fully cooked.
Customize your toppings to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American