If you’re in the mood for a comforting, smoky, and crispy treat, this Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Imagine the natural earthiness of russet potatoes enhanced by the distinct char and flavor from the grill, combined with golden, perfectly crispy skins or the tender softness from foil-wrapped versions. It’s such a comforting staple that comes alive when cooked outdoors and topped with your favorite garnishes. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a family dinner or a weekend cookout, these potatoes bring simple ingredients and straightforward steps together into a truly satisfying side dish or even a meal on their own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe, you’ll see that the ingredients list is simple yet crucial for achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each item serves a purpose, whether it’s adding a savory touch or creating a crispy skin that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Russet potatoes: These are your best bet due to their starchy interior, which turns wonderfully fluffy when cooked.
- Olive oil: Helps crisp up the skin and adds a rich, subtle flavor.
- Kosher salt: Enhances every bite by seasoning the potatoes perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that complements the earthiness.
- Optional toppings (butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits): Customize the potatoes with your favorite toppings to make every serving uniquely delicious.
How to Make Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes
Start by scrubbing your russet potatoes clean to remove any dirt since you’re likely enjoying the skin. Once clean and dry, pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow heat to penetrate as they cook, preventing any steam build-up.
Step 2: Coat and Season
Rub each potato generously with olive oil. This not only helps the skin crisp during grilling but also locks in moisture. Then sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper all over; this simple seasoning makes a huge difference in flavor.
Step 3: Wrap or Not
Decide how you want your potato skins. If you prefer them soft and tender, wrap each potato tightly in foil to lock in moisture. For those who crave a crispy, charred skin, place the potatoes directly on the grill without foil. Both methods are delicious and depend on your personal texture preference.
Step 4: Grill Your Potatoes
Preheat your grill to a steady medium heat—about 400°F or 200°C is perfect. Place the potatoes on the grill grates, close the lid, and cook for 45 to 60 minutes. Remember to turn them every 15 to 20 minutes so they cook evenly on all sides. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork or skewer slides easily through the potato without resistance.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once grilled to perfection, remove the potatoes from the grill carefully. If you used foil, unwrap them gently to avoid steam burns. Let them cool just a little, then slice open and pile on your favorite toppings for a personalized flavor explosion!
How to Serve Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
This recipe becomes a canvas for your favorite toppings. Classic choices like butter and sour cream bring creamy indulgence, while shredded cheese melts beautifully into the fluffy insides. A sprinkle of fresh chives adds a bright, herbal note, and nothing beats crispy bacon bits for that irresistible crunch and smoky punch.
Side Dishes
Grilled baked potatoes make a fantastic companion to a variety of main dishes. Pair them with grilled meats like steak, chicken, or salmon to keep the smoky theme. They also work well alongside a crisp salad or grilled vegetables, balancing hearty and fresh flavors on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow your guests? Try splitting the potatoes and scooping out some of the insides to mix with cheese and herbs, then stuff the mixture back for twice the fun. Or create a flight of different toppings, letting everyone assemble their own perfect grilled baked potato. Presentation can be simple yet inviting, highlighting those golden, rustic skins.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply place the cooled potatoes in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in foil and keep them in the refrigerator. They should stay delicious and safe to eat for 3 to 4 days, making them easy to enjoy as leftovers.
Freezing
While freezing whole grilled baked potatoes isn’t ideal due to texture changes, you can scoop out the cooked potato flesh, mash it with your preferred add-ins, and freeze that portion. Reheat gently and use as a quick side or base for other dishes.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the potatoes and place them in a 350°F oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and the skin crisps back up a bit. Avoid microwaving as that can make the skin soggy—using an oven or grill is best to maintain that delicious texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe?
Russets are ideal because of their high starch content, which gives you a fluffy interior and crispy skin. However, you can experiment with Yukon gold or red potatoes, though the texture will be slightly different.
Should I keep the potatoes wrapped in foil the entire grilling time?
It depends on the texture you want. Foil wrapping keeps the skin soft and steamy, while grilling without foil crisps the skin. You can even start wrapped and finish unwrapped for a crispier finish.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?
Use a fork or skewer to poke the potatoes; they should slide in easily without resistance, indicating the potato is tender all the way through.
Can I prepare this recipe indoors if I don’t have a grill?
While grilling imparts unique smoky flavors, you can bake these potatoes in your oven and then finish them briefly under the broiler for some crispness if you prefer an indoor option.
What are some fun topping combinations beyond the classics?
Try mixing it up with toppings like roasted garlic, caramelized onions, smoked paprika, or even a dollop of guacamole or salsa for a flavorful twist on this classic.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe is such a joy to make and eat – it’s straightforward, flexible, and satisfying. Whether you like it with crisp skin or soft, it’s one of those dishes that feel like the perfect companion to any gathering or a cozy night in. Give it a try the next time you fire up your grill, and you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 55-70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This recipe features perfectly grilled baked potatoes with options for softer or crispier skins. Russet potatoes are seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grilled to tender perfection. Choose to wrap them in foil for a soft skin or grill directly for a crispy exterior. Served with optional toppings like butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, and bacon bits, these grilled baked potatoes make a delicious and versatile side dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chives
- Bacon bits
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes: Scrub the potatoes thoroughly under running water and pat them dry with a towel. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Coat and season: Rub each potato evenly with olive oil, then sprinkle generously with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Wrap or not: For softer skins, wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil. For crispier skins, leave the potatoes unwrapped.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium, approximately 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s ready for cooking.
- Grill the potatoes: Place the prepared potatoes on the grill rack. Close the lid and cook for 45 to 60 minutes, turning the potatoes every 15 to 20 minutes to promote even cooking and prevent burning.
- Check doneness: Test the potatoes by inserting a fork or skewer; they are done when it slides in easily without resistance.
- Serve: Carefully remove the potatoes from the grill. If wrapped in foil, unwrap them cautiously to avoid steam burns. Let cool a couple of minutes, then slice open and add your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, or bacon bits before serving.
Notes
- Wrapping the potatoes in foil helps retain moisture for a softer skin texture.
- Grilling without foil yields a deliciously crispy skin perfect for those who enjoy texture contrast.
- Adjust cooking time based on potato size; larger potatoes may need extra time.
- Use a grill thermometer to maintain consistent medium heat for even cooking.
- Optional toppings can be varied to suit dietary preferences or flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
