Description
This recipe for Grilled Baked Potatoes offers a delicious way to enjoy a classic side dish with the smoky flavor of the grill. Russet potatoes are seasoned, optionally wrapped in foil for soft skins or grilled directly for crispier skins, then cooked to tender perfection. Perfect for summer barbecues or as a hearty accompaniment to any grilled entree, these potatoes can be topped with butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, or bacon bits for added flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes
Seasoning
- 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: Thoroughly scrub the russet potatoes under running water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a clean towel. Use a fork to pierce each potato several times, allowing steam to escape during cooking.
- Coat and season: Rub each potato evenly with olive oil to help the skin crisp up and to add flavor. Generously sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper all over each potato.
- Wrap or not: Decide whether you want softer skins or crispier skins. For softer skins, wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil. For crispier skins, leave potatoes unwrapped to grill directly on the grate.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to a medium temperature, approximately 400°F (200°C), ensuring it is ready for consistent indirect heat cooking.
- Grill the potatoes: Place the potatoes on the grill grate, close the lid to retain heat, and cook for 45 to 60 minutes. Turn the potatoes every 15 to 20 minutes to promote even cooking and prevent burning.
- Check doneness: Potatoes are ready when a fork or skewer slides easily into the center, indicating they are soft and cooked through.
- Serve: Carefully remove the potatoes from the grill. If foil-wrapped, unwrap gently to avoid steam burns. Let the potatoes cool for a couple of minutes before slicing them open. Add your favorite toppings such as butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, or bacon bits, and serve warm.
Notes
- Wrapping potatoes in foil steams them and yields softer skins, while grilling unwrapped results in crispier skins.
- Turning the potatoes regularly helps cook them evenly and prevents charring.
- Adjust grilling time based on potato size; larger potatoes may require slightly longer cooking.
- Use a fork or skewer to check doneness to ensure potatoes are fully cooked.
- Optional toppings can be customized to your taste preference.
