Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe for Crispy Bliss

Crispy skin and fluffy interiors make grilled baked potatoes a summer favorite among backyard chefs.

Outdoor cooking brings magical textures to these classic spuds.

Charcoal and wood chips infuse smoky depth into each potato slice.

Salt, pepper, and olive oil create a simple yet irresistible seasoning blend.

Aluminum foil helps lock in moisture while protecting delicate potato flesh from direct flames.

Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can add unexpected zest to this humble side dish.

You’ll want to serve these potatoes alongside grilled meats or as a standalone star of your meal.

What to Serve Alongside Grilled Baked Potatoes

• Light, buttery white wine complements the potato's creamy texture and cuts through rich toppings perfectly.
• Malty beer's caramel notes highlight the smoky grilled flavor and balance the potato's richness.
• Serve alongside grilled steak or herb-roasted chicken to transform this side dish into a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Sprinkle fresh dill or chives on top to introduce a bright, zesty element that elevates the potato's earthy taste.

Tasty Grilled Baked Potato Twists You’ll Enjoy

• Herb-Infused Potatoes: Rub potatoes with fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic before grilling for a fragrant herbal flavor.
• Vegan Loaded Potatoes: Replace dairy toppings with nutritional yeast, vegan cheese, plant-based bacon bits, and dairy-free sour cream.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Swap potatoes with whole roasted cauliflower, using similar seasoning and grilling techniques for a lighter option.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Potatoes: Coat potatoes with chili powder, cumin, and paprika, then top with jalapeños, cilantro, and salsa after grilling.

Common Questions About Grilled Baked Potatoes

• Can I use different types of potatoes for grilling?

Russet potatoes work best due to their high starch content, but you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different texture and flavor.

• Do I really need to wrap the potatoes in foil?

Wrapping helps create steam and ensures even cooking, preventing the potato skins from burning and keeping the interior soft and fluffy.

• How do I know when the potatoes are fully cooked?

The potatoes are done when they feel tender when pierced with a knife and the internal temperature reaches about 210°F. The skin should be crispy and the inside soft.

• Can I grill potatoes without foil?

Yes, but unwrapped potatoes are more likely to burn and dry out. If you skip foil, lower the heat and turn them more frequently to prevent scorching.

Why Grilled Baked Potatoes Are a Backyard Staple

• Master perfectly grilled baked potatoes without heating up your kitchen, using simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Customize toppings for picky eaters, making this recipe adaptable for kids, adults, and different taste preferences with classic additions like cheese, bacon, and sour cream.
• Transform traditional baked potatoes into a smoky, flavorful side dish that elevates backyard barbecues, summer gatherings, and casual family meals with minimal effort.
• Achieve consistently tender, crispy-skinned potatoes every time by wrapping in foil and grilling, ensuring success for novice and experienced home cooks alike.

Ingredients for Smoky, Soft Grilled Baked Potatoes

• Russet Potatoes: Large, starchy potatoes perfect for grilling with a fluffy interior and crisp skin. Best when firm and free from bruises or green spots.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for creating a flavorful and crispy potato exterior. Sea salt and freshly ground pepper provide the best flavor.

• Butter, Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Bacon Bits, Green Onions: Classic potato toppings that add richness, flavor, and texture. Cheese works best when freshly grated, and bacon should be crispy. Green onions bring a fresh, sharp note to the dish.

Grilling Baked Potatoes to Golden Perfection

Step 1: Fire Up The Grill

Set your grill to medium-high heat, creating a perfect cooking environment for delicious potatoes.

Step 2: Prepare Potato Surface

Thoroughly wash potatoes using a vegetable brush, removing any dirt or debris. Create small puncture marks across the potato skin using a fork to allow steam escape during cooking.

Step 3: Season And Wrap Potatoes

• Olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Massage each potato with olive oil, then generously sprinkle salt and pepper. Tightly wrap each potato in aluminum foil, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Grill The Potatoes

Place foil-wrapped potatoes directly on grill grates. Cook for 45-60 minutes, rotating every 15 minutes to ensure even heat distribution. Check potato tenderness by inserting a knife – it should slide in smoothly.

Step 5: Unveil And Enhance

Carefully remove potatoes from grill using tongs. Unwrap foil with caution to prevent steam burns. Split potato lengthwise and gently fluff interior with a fork.

Step 6: Add Mouthwatering Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped green onions

Sprinkle desired toppings over warm potatoes and serve immediately.

Tips to Get That Just-Right Grilled Potato Texture

• Potato Piercing Perfection: Always poke several holes in the potato before grilling to prevent steam buildup and potential potato explosions.
• Oil Massage Technique: Generously coat potatoes with olive oil for a crispy exterior and enhanced flavor absorption during grilling.
• Foil Wrap Strategy: Tightly wrapping potatoes in aluminum foil helps them cook evenly and traps moisture for a tender interior.
• Temperature Control Trick: Maintain medium-high grill heat and rotate potatoes occasionally to ensure uniform cooking and prevent burning.
• Customization Options: Experiment with different toppings like blue cheese, chopped herbs, or caramelized onions to personalize your grilled potatoes.

Best Way to Keep Grilled Baked Potatoes Warm

• Store leftover grilled potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. They'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Unwrap potatoes from foil, place on baking sheet, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Crisp the skin by brushing with olive oil.
• Cut potatoes in half, place on microwave-safe plate, and heat in 30-second intervals. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Sprinkle fresh cheese, crumble crisp bacon, or add chopped green onions after reheating to restore the original delicious flavor and texture.

Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy “grilled baked potatoes” promise a delightful culinary adventure that blends rustic charm with simple elegance. Potato lovers will savor the perfect balance of golden-brown exterior and fluffy interior, making this dish a true comfort classic.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream

Toppings and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped cooked bacon
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse potatoes under cool running water, using a stiff brush to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Create small punctures across the potato surface using a fork to allow steam to escape during grilling.
3. Massage each potato with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage, then generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Encase each potato securely in aluminum foil, creating a tight seal to lock in moisture and promote even cooking.
5. Position the foil-wrapped potatoes on the preheated grill’s indirect heat zone, maintaining a medium-high temperature.
6. Rotate potatoes every 15 minutes to guarantee uniform heat distribution and prevent potential burning.
7. Check potato tenderness after approximately 45-50 minutes by inserting a sharp knife – it should glide through smoothly with minimal resistance.
8. Remove potatoes from grill using heat-resistant tongs, allowing them to rest for 2-3 minutes to cool slightly.
9. Carefully unwrap the foil, then slice each potato lengthwise using a sharp knife.
10. Gently fluff the interior with a fork, creating a light and fluffy texture.
11. Add a pat of creamy butter to enhance richness and flavor.
12. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, crispy bacon bits, dollops of tangy sour cream, and finely chopped green onions.
13. Serve immediately while potatoes are piping hot and toppings are melting deliciously.

Notes

• Choose medium-sized potatoes with similar shapes for even cooking and consistent texture.
• Wrap potatoes tightly in aluminum foil to lock in moisture and prevent burning during grilling.
• Pierce potatoes multiple times with a fork to allow steam to escape and prevent potential potato explosions.
• Experiment with seasoning blends like garlic powder, paprika, or herbs for added flavor profiles beyond basic salt and pepper.
• Check potato doneness by inserting a knife or skewer through the thickest part – it should slide in smoothly without resistance.
• For vegetarian options, replace bacon with crispy roasted mushrooms or tempeh bits as a protein-rich topping.
• Let potatoes rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow internal temperature to stabilize and prevent burning your mouth.
• Use extra-virgin olive oil for a richer taste, ensuring even coating and helping salt and pepper adhere to potato skin.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg