If you are craving a simple yet irresistibly delicious side dish that’s perfect for summer cookouts or cozy dinners, this Baked Potatoes on the Grill Recipe is an absolute must-try. With crispy, smoky skins and fluffy insides, these potatoes capture the very essence of outdoor grilling magic. Whether you’re a grill master or a beginner, this recipe brings that perfect blend of ease and flavor, making your meal feel special every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a starring role in creating the perfect grilled baked potato: simple, straightforward, and essential for that authentic smoky flavor and satisfying texture.
- Russet potatoes: Four large ones work best because their starchy texture yields a fluffy interior wrapped in a crispy skin.
- Olive oil or melted butter: Helps to crisp the potato skin beautifully and adds rich flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: The classic seasoning duo that enhances every bite with just the right balance of savory.
- Optional toppings: Sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped chives, crumbled bacon, and extra butter are perfect for customizing your potatoes and elevating the experience.
How to Make Baked Potatoes on the Grill Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill
Set your grill to medium-high heat, which is around 400°F (200°C). This temperature is just right for getting the potatoes cooked through without burning the skins.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by scrubbing the potatoes clean and poking each one several times with a fork. These little holes give steam an escape route as the potatoes cook, preventing them from bursting open on the grill.
Step 3: Coat and Season
Rub each potato lovingly with olive oil or melted butter all over. Then generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step is key to a crunchy, flavorful crust that makes each bite so satisfying.
Step 4: Wrap the Potatoes
Wrap every potato tightly in aluminum foil. This wrapping traps the heat and moisture, producing tender insides while protecting them from direct flames.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place your foil-wrapped tubers directly on the grill grate. Close the lid and cook for 45 to 60 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The potatoes are done when a fork slides in effortlessly.
Step 6: Let Them Rest and Serve
Remove the potatoes with care from the grill, let them cool just a bit, then unwrap. Slice open and top with your favorites to finish this classic Baked Potatoes on the Grill Recipe.
How to Serve Baked Potatoes on the Grill Recipe
Garnishes
Classic garnishes like sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped chives never fail to delight. Adding crumbled bacon or a pat of butter takes your grilled potatoes from simple to spectacular, turning each bite into a flavor-packed moment.
Side Dishes
This grilled baked potato pairs perfectly with all your favorite mains — think grilled steaks, smoky ribs, or even hearty veggie burgers. It also complements fresh salads and grilled vegetables beautifully, rounding out a well-balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try loaded potato skins or twice-baked potatoes using this recipe as your base. You can mix in toppings like sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even spicy jalapeños. Presentation is a breeze when the potatoes come off the grill looking rustic and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, simply cool the potatoes completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating keeps them enjoyable without losing their soft interiors.
Freezing
While freezing baked potatoes isn’t ideal because it can alter texture, you can freeze the mashed potato filling after scooping it out, which works great for making future twice-baked potato dishes.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat the potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) wrapped in foil for about 15-20 minutes. This method helps maintain their moist and fluffy texture rather than microwaving, which may dry them out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Russets are ideal because of their fluffy insides and starchy texture, but you can experiment with Yukon Gold or red potatoes if you prefer a creamier or waxier finish. Just note that cooking times might vary slightly.
Do I need to wrap the potatoes in foil when grilling?
Wrapping in foil helps trap steam so the potatoes cook evenly and prevents the skins from burning. If you prefer a crispier skin, you can omit the foil for the last 10-15 minutes of grilling.
How can I speed up the cooking time?
Try par-cooking the potatoes in the microwave for 5-6 minutes before wrapping and grilling. This shortcut reduces grill time without sacrificing flavor or texture.
What toppings work best with grilled baked potatoes?
Classic choices like sour cream and cheese work perfectly, but don’t hesitate to get creative. Guacamole, salsa, or even a drizzle of hot sauce can add exciting layers of flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe and delicious option for anyone avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend the Baked Potatoes on the Grill Recipe enough for your next meal. It’s that perfect mix of simple preparation and big, comforting flavors that everyone will love. Whether you keep it classic or dress it up with fun toppings, these grilled potatoes will quickly become a favorite go-to dish you’ll want to share again and again.
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Baked Potatoes on the Grill 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 and delicious recipe for baked potatoes on the grill offers a smoky twist on a classic favorite. Wrapped in foil and cooked over medium-high heat, these potatoes develop a tender, fluffy interior and a flavorful skin. Perfect as a side dish for summer barbecues or any meal, they can be customized with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, or bacon.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped chives
- Crumbled bacon
- Butter
Instructions
- Preheat the grill. Set your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C), allowing it to reach the ideal temperature for cooking the potatoes evenly.
- Prepare the potatoes. Poke each potato several times with a fork to create steam vents, which help them cook thoroughly without bursting.
- Season the potatoes. Rub each potato with olive oil or melted butter to enhance flavor and help the skin crisp up. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Wrap in foil. Tightly wrap each potato individually in aluminum foil to retain moisture and promote even cooking on the grill.
- Grill the potatoes. Place the foil-wrapped potatoes directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for 45 to 60 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Rest and unwrap. Carefully remove the potatoes from the grill and let them cool slightly for safe handling before unwrapping.
- Serve with toppings. Slice open each potato and add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped chives, crumbled bacon, or butter for a delicious finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary on the potatoes before wrapping them in foil.
- To shorten grilling time, par-cook the potatoes in the microwave for 5 to 6 minutes before grilling.
