How to Cook Baked Potatoes on Grill: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Grilling baked potatoes is a game-changer for your outdoor cooking routine. It’s simple, flavorful, and adds a smoky twist that you won’t get from the oven. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just want a delicious side dish, mastering this technique will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

You don’t need fancy equipment or complicated steps. With just a few basics, you can achieve perfectly cooked potatoes with crispy skins and fluffy insides. Ready to elevate your grilling skills? Let’s dive into how to cook baked potatoes on the grill and make your next meal unforgettable.

Choosing the Right Potatoes for Grilling

Picking the ideal potatoes makes all the difference when grilling baked potatoes. Understanding which varieties offer the best texture and flavor enhances your grilling success.

Best Potato Varieties for Baking on the Grill

Select starchy or all-purpose potatoes. Russet potatoes, with their thick skin and fluffy interior, grill evenly and develop a crispy crust. Yukon Gold potatoes offer a buttery flavor and smooth texture that holds up well under heat. Red potatoes work if you prefer a waxy texture and firmer flesh after grilling.

Preparing Potatoes Before Grilling

Wash and scrub potatoes thoroughly to remove dirt. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape. Wrap potatoes in aluminum foil to retain moisture; exclude foil if you want a crispier skin but turn frequently to avoid charring. Optionally, rub potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle salt for enhanced flavor and texture.

Prepping the Grill for Baking Potatoes

Prepping your grill correctly ensures your baked potatoes cook evenly and develop perfect texture. Focus on temperature control and heat distribution before placing potatoes on the grill.

Setting the Ideal Temperature

Set your grill to medium heat around 350°F to 400°F. This temperature range cooks potatoes thoroughly without burning the skins. Use a grill thermometer to monitor surface heat precisely, adjusting vents or burners as necessary to maintain consistency.

Using Indirect Heat for Even Cooking

Arrange coals or burners to create an indirect heat zone on your grill. Place potatoes away from direct flames to avoid uneven charring and undercooked centers. Indirect heat surrounds the potatoes with steady warmth, allowing skins to crisp evenly while interiors become fluffy. Rotate potatoes occasionally to promote uniform cooking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Baked Potatoes on the Grill

Follow these steps to grill baked potatoes that combine crispy skins with fluffy interiors. Proper wrapping, cooking time, and turning techniques ensure consistent, delicious results.

Wrapping Potatoes for Grilling

Wrap each prepared potato tightly in aluminum foil to retain moisture and heat evenly. Use heavy-duty foil for durability and double wrap if the potato is large. For crispier skins, skip the foil and rub the potatoes with olive oil and coarse salt before placing them directly on the grill. Keep in mind that unwrapped potatoes require more frequent monitoring to prevent burning.

Cooking Time and Checking for Doneness

Grill potatoes over indirect medium heat (350°F to 400°F) for 45 to 60 minutes depending on size. Use a fork or skewer to test doneness; it should pierce the potato easily without resistance. The internal temperature reaches about 210°F when fully cooked. Larger potatoes may need extra time, while smaller ones finish sooner—check every 10 minutes after 40 minutes.

Tips for Turning and Rotating Potatoes

Turn and rotate potatoes every 15 minutes to promote even cooking and uniform browning. Use tongs to avoid puncturing the skin and losing steam. Rotate potatoes between indirect and slightly nearer heat zones if the grill surface has hot spots to balance crisping. Regular turning helps achieve consistent texture without overcooking any side.

Enhancing Flavor and Serving Suggestions

Grilled baked potatoes offer a versatile base for a range of seasonings and toppings that elevate their flavor and texture. Pairing them with complementary dishes enhances the overall meal experience.

Seasoning and Toppings Ideas

Use a variety of toppings to add flavor and texture to grilled baked potatoes.

• Butter and sour cream provide classic creaminess and richness.
• Chopped chives, green onions, or fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro introduce fresh, herbaceous notes.
• Shredded Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or crumbled Blue cheese add sharpness and depth.
• Crispy bacon bits or diced pancetta contribute savory crunch.
• Spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper intensify the smoky flavor from the grill.
• Salsa, guacamole, or pico de gallo provide a fresh, zesty contrast.
• Sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or steamed broccoli bring hearty vegetable options.
• Drizzle olive oil or flavored oils, and sprinkle coarse sea salt or flaky finishing salt for an elevated taste.

Apply seasonings and toppings after grilling to maintain the potatoes’ texture.

Pairing Grilled Baked Potatoes with Other Dishes

Match grilled baked potatoes with proteins and sides for a balanced meal.

• Grilled steaks, chicken breasts, or pork chops complement the potatoes’ smoky flavor.
• Barbecued ribs and sausages add rich, robust tastes fitting a cookout setting.
• Grilled vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers offer light, healthy accents.
• Fresh salads like mixed greens, coleslaw, or tomato cucumber salad balance richness with acidity.
• Dips and sauces like chimichurri, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce bring additional flavor dimensions.

Incorporate these pairings to create a harmonious plate centered on grilled baked potatoes.

Conclusion

Grilling baked potatoes is a straightforward way to elevate your outdoor cooking with minimal effort. Once you get the hang of controlling the heat and choosing the right potato, you’ll consistently enjoy that perfect balance of crispy skin and fluffy interior.

With a little practice and creativity in toppings, your grilled baked potatoes can become the star side dish at any barbecue or casual meal. You’ve got everything you need to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds with this simple yet flavorful technique.