We all have those comfort foods that bring back cherished memories. Baked potatoes often hold a special place in our hearts, evoking feelings of warmth and satisfaction. But grilling these humble spuds elevates them to a whole new level, creating a perfect blend of smoky char, crispy skin, and fluffy insides. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a simple weeknight dinner, grilled baked potatoes are the ultimate side dish.
What You Need: Ingredients and Tools
Creating culinary magic doesn’t have to be complicated. Grilled baked potatoes require simple ingredients with a big flavor payoff. Russet potatoes are the classic choice for their fluffy interior, but Yukon Golds offer a buttery sweetness. You’ll also need some aluminum foil, tongs, a seasoning brush, and your favorite seasonings.
Baked potatoes on the grill in foil recipe
Wrapping potatoes in foil on the grill creates a steaming effect, resulting in soft, fluffy insides. Simply scrub your potatoes, poke holes, rub with oil and seasonings, wrap tightly in foil, and grill over medium heat for about an hour.
Baked potatoes on the grill microwave first
For faster grilling, give your potatoes a head start in the microwave. Nuke them for 5-10 minutes before grilling to significantly reduce cooking time on the grill. This pre-cooking helps ensure they’re cooked through faster.
Baked potatoes on the grill without foil
Grilling potatoes directly on the grates gives them a wonderfully crispy skin and smoky flavor. Make sure to rub them with oil and seasonings before placing them on the grill over medium heat. Turning them occasionally helps them cook evenly.
Baked potatoes on the grill microwave first without foil
Combining microwaving and grilling without foil gives you the best of both worlds – faster cooking and crispy skin. Microwave first, then grill directly on the grates for a smoky, crispy finish.
Baked potatoes on the grill internal temp
Baked potatoes are done when their internal temperature reaches 210°F (99°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness without guessing. This ensures a perfectly cooked, fluffy potato every time.
Baked potatoes on charcoal grill
Charcoal grilling imparts a unique smoky flavor to baked potatoes. Arrange hot coals around the edges of your grill, creating indirect heat, and cook the potatoes in the center, covered, until tender.
Roasted potatoes on the BBQ in foil
Roasting potatoes in foil on the BBQ is a simple and delicious way to cook them. Toss your potato wedges with oil, herbs, and spices, wrap them in foil, and roast on the grill until tender and slightly caramelized.
Grilled potatoes and onions in foil
Potatoes and onions are a classic pairing. Grill them together in foil packets with a little butter, herbs, and spices for a flavorful and easy side dish. The foil helps them steam and meld their flavors beautifully.
How to grill potatoes in foil on gas grill
Preheat your gas grill to medium heat. Prepare your potatoes as usual, wrap them in foil, and place them on the grill grates. Cook for about an hour, or until tender.
How to grill baked potatoes fast
Microwaving your potatoes before grilling is the quickest way to cook them on the grill. This pre-cooking step significantly cuts down on grilling time.
Russet potatoes on the grill in foil
Russet potatoes are ideal for grilling in foil due to their fluffy interior. Their thick skin also holds up well to the heat of the grill. Wrap them in foil with your favorite seasonings and grill until tender.
Prepping Your Potatoes for the Grill
The journey to perfectly grilled baked potatoes starts with proper preparation. Thoroughly clean and scrub your potatoes, then poke them all over with a fork. This crucial step allows steam to escape and prevents them from exploding on the grill. Coat them with oil and your favorite seasonings for a crispy, flavorful finish. Parboiling the potatoes beforehand can shorten grilling time and ensure even cooking.
Grilling Techniques: Foil vs No Foil
The great debate: foil or no foil? Wrapping your potatoes in foil creates softer skin and steam-cooked insides. Skipping the foil yields a crispier, charred skin with intense smoky notes. The choice depends on your taste preference and grill setup. We’ll guide you through both methods so you can achieve your desired potato perfection.
Grill Settings and Timing
For optimal results, set your grill to indirect heat—ideally between 375°F and 400°F. A baked potato on pellet grill takes about 45–60 minutes to cook to fluffy perfection. We’ll also walk you through simple, foolproof ways to check for doneness without damaging your delicious spuds, so you get that soft, steamy center every single time.
Flavor Boosters, Butter, Garlic, Cheese, and More
Let your creativity shine with endless flavor combinations! Compound butters infused with herbs and garlic add a gourmet touch. Classic toppings like cheese, sour cream, chives, and bacon are always a hit. We’ll share some flavor layering tips that will wow your guests and turn your grilled baked potatoes into a culinary masterpiece.
Grilled Baked Potato Bar for Gatherings
Looking for a crowd-pleasing side dish? A grilled baked potato bar is a guaranteed winner. It’s customizable, fun, and perfect for BBQ parties or family dinners. Set up a toppings buffet with sweet, savory, and spicy options, allowing everyone to create their own personalized potato delight.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
We understand the frustration of culinary mishaps. We’ll address common mistakes like undercooked centers, burned skin, and over-seasoning, offering solutions to help you achieve grilling success every time.
Healthy Variations and Dietary Tips
Health-conscious foodies, we’ve got you covered! Explore healthy topping options like olive oil, Greek yogurt, and fresh herbs. We’ll also share vegan and gluten-free alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious side dish.
Baked Potatoes on the Grill vs Oven-Baked
While oven-baked potatoes are a classic comfort food, grilling adds an emotional and sensory depth. The smoky aroma, the crispy skin, the feeling of gathering around the grill – it’s an experience that elevates the humble potato to something truly special.
Baked Potatoes On The Grill
Equipment
- 1 Grill (Gas or Charcoal) Preheated to medium or indirect heat (375°F–400°F)
- 1 Grill-safe Tongs For safely turning potatoes without piercing or damaging them
- 1 Aluminum Foil Roll Optional – use for softer skins or to prevent charring
- 1 Basting brush Ideal for spreading oil, butter, or seasoning evenly
- 1 Sharp Knife or Fork For poking potatoes before grilling and checking for doneness
- 1 Heat-Resistant Gloves Helps handle hot foil-wrapped or unwrapped potatoes from the grill
- 1 Cutting board For prepping and slicing toppings or post-grill cutting
- Optional Instant-read Thermometer Helps confirm internal temperature (aim for 210°F for fluffy insides)
Ingredients
- 4 whole Russet Potatoes Medium to large size; scrubbed clean and dried thoroughly
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil For coating potatoes to get crispy skin and lock in moisture
- 1 tsp Sea Salt Enhances flavor and texture; kosher salt also works
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground for best flavor
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder Optional; adds rich flavor without overpowering
- 2 tbsp Butter Optional; for post-grill topping or stuffing
- Optional Toppings Sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill Set your gas or charcoal grill to medium or indirect heat (around 375°F–400°F). Give it time to fully heat up—it’s worth the wait for that perfect smoky flavor.
- Clean and Prep the Potatoes Wash each potato thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean towel. Use a fork to poke several holes all around each potato—this allows steam to escape as they cook.
- Season with Love Drizzle olive oil over each potato and rub it in with your hands or a brush. Sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure they’re coated evenly for that crispy, flavorful skin.
- Wrap or Go Naked (Your Choice)For softer skin: Wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil.For crispier skin: Grill directly on the grates without foil. Both options are delicious—choose what speaks to your soul!
- Grill to Perfection Place the potatoes on the grill grates over indirect heat. Close the lid and cook for 45–60 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking. Use a fork or skewer to check doneness—the inside should feel soft and fluffy.
- Add Toppings and Serve Warm Remove from the grill carefully (use gloves if needed). Slice each potato open, fluff the inside with a fork, and add your favorite toppings—melting butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, or whatever brings joy to your taste buds.
- Enjoy and Share the Moment Serve hot as a side dish or even as a hearty main. These grilled baked potatoes bring comfort, warmth, and a smoky charm to any meal. Perfect for backyard BBQs or cozy dinners with loved ones.
FAQs
How long does it take for baked potatoes to get done on the grill?
Grilling time depends on the size of your potatoes and the grill’s temperature. Generally, it takes about 45-60 minutes for medium-sized baked potatoes to cook thoroughly on a medium-heat grill. Larger potatoes might take a bit longer, up to 75 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 210°F (99°C).
Should I boil potatoes before grilling?
Boiling potatoes before grilling, also known as parboiling, is optional but recommended, especially for larger potatoes. Parboiling helps ensure the potatoes cook evenly and reduces the overall grilling time. It also creates a creamier texture inside. Just boil them for about 10-15 minutes before putting them on the grill.
Can I grill potatoes without foil?
Absolutely! Grilling potatoes without foil yields a crispy skin and a smoky char. Just be sure to rub them with oil and seasonings before placing them directly on the grill grates. Turn them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
How to cook potatoes on the barbecue?
There are several ways to cook potatoes on a barbecue: You can wrap them in foil for a soft, steamed texture, grill them directly on the grates for crispy skin, or even slice them into wedges and roast them in a grill basket. No matter the method, always make sure the potatoes are cooked through to a soft, fluffy interior.
Why do you soak potatoes before grilling?
Soaking potatoes before grilling, especially when making fries or wedges, helps remove excess starch. This results in crispier potatoes when grilled or fried. Soaking also helps prevent the potatoes from browning too quickly during cooking. It’s not necessary for whole baked potatoes.
Conclusion
Grilling baked potatoes transforms a simple side dish into a star attraction. Embrace the smoky flavor, the crispy texture, and the joy of outdoor cooking. With our expert tips and techniques, you’ll create grilled baked potatoes that are truly unforgettable.
