Baked Potatoes on the Grill

Article by: Krissy Downey

Baked potatoes might be their best when they’re not baked at all but cooked to perfection right on the grill. Making them on the grill has a few benefits, namely one less dish to wash and a bonus smokey flavor. Whether you’re using a charcoal grill or a gas grill, it couldn’t be easier or more delicious to cook baked potatoes right alongside the rest of your meal. We’re sharing all our tips and tricks for how to cook baked potatoes on the grill, including everything from how long to cook baked potatoes on the grill and how to serve them at your summer cookout.

Ingredients for Grilled Baked Potatoes

The ingredients for baked potatoes on the grill are no different than if you were making them in the oven:

• Potatoes

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper

• All your favorite fixin’s; we like to keep it simple with butter, sour cream and chopped chives

The Best Potatoes for Grilling

Russet potatoes are best for baked potatoes, whether you are cooking them in the oven or on the grill. They have a high starch content which gives them that signature fluffiness everyone loves in a baked potato, they have thick skins that can hold up on direct heat and they’re big enough to hold all your favorite toppings. Yukon gold potatoes are a bit more delicate and won’t hold up as well on the direct, high heat of a grill. Sweet potatoes are also tasty and thick-skinned, making them a wonderful healthier alternative.

How to Prep Potatoes for Grilling

Getting the potatoes grill-ready is quite simple. First, we pierce the potatoes a few times with a paring knife to create little holes for steam to escape while the potatoes cook. Then, we rub them with olive oil to prevent them from sticking on the grill and to help create a crispy skin. Finally, we give them a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper and they’re ready to roll.

How to Tell When Your Potatoes Are Done

To really be sure the potatoes are done, give them a gentle squeeze with a pair of tongs. A finished potato should feel quite soft when squeezed. For good measure, slide a skewer, fork or paring knife into the thickest part of the potato to make sure it slides in easily with no resistance.

How Long to Bake a Potato on the Grill

Potatoes on the grill take some time, but they require very little maintenance during cooking time. They should cook up in about 50 or 60 minutes on the hottest part of the grill, with the lid closed for the entirety of the cooking time.

How to Serve Grilled Baked Potatoes

Grilled baked potatoes are the perfect addition to your summer cookout buffet. We go for classic toppings like butter, sour cream and chopped chives, making them an ideal side dish for grilled burgers, BBQ chicken or a juicy steak. You can also make the potatoes more of a main dish by offering a loaded baked potato bar with additions like bacon or shredded cheddar. To really take things to the next level, the baked potatoes can be the base for a super-hearty baked potato bar with toppings like pulled pork, chili or taco seasoned ground beef and taco toppings. Whichever way you serve these grilled baked potatoes, we know you’ll be enjoying them all summer long at festive cookouts and casual barbecues.