How to Make Baked Potatoes on the Grill

Baked potatoes are a staple side dish that pairs well with almost any meal. While most people are familiar with baking potatoes in the oven, grilling them adds an extra depth of flavor with a crispy, smoky finish. Grilling baked potatoes is easy, requires minimal ingredients, and can be done using different methods depending on your preference.

Whether you’re preparing a backyard BBQ, camping outdoors, or simply trying something new, this guide will walk you through how to make perfect baked potatoes on the grill using foil-wrapped, direct heat, or halved methods. Let’s dive in.

Ingredients & Tools Needed

Main Ingredients:

• Russet potatoes – The best choice for baking due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy interior.
• Olive oil or butter – Helps crisp up the skin while adding flavor.
• Salt and pepper – Basic seasonings to enhance the taste.

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella)
• Bacon bits
• Chopped chives or green onions
• Garlic butter
• Smoked paprika or other seasonings

Tools Required:

• Grill (gas or charcoal)
• Aluminum foil (optional, depending on the cooking method)
• Fork (for piercing potatoes and checking doneness)
• Tongs (for turning potatoes safely)

Preparing the Potatoes

1. Wash and Scrub: Since potatoes are cooked with the skin on, wash them thoroughly under running water. Scrub off any dirt.
2. Dry the Potatoes: Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to dry the potatoes completely.
3. Pierce with a Fork: To prevent them from bursting while cooking, use a fork to poke several holes around each potato.
4. Coat with Oil or Butter: Rub each potato with a light coating of olive oil or melted butter. This helps to crisp the skin and enhances flavor.
5. Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the potatoes. You can also add garlic powder, smoked paprika, or other preferred seasonings.
6. Wrap in Foil (Optional): If using the foil-wrapped method, wrap each potato individually in aluminum foil.

Grilling Methods

1. Foil-Wrapped Method (Soft Skin & Moist Interior)

Best for: People who prefer soft-skinned, evenly cooked baked potatoes.

• Preheat the grill to 375-400°F (medium-high heat).
• Place the foil-wrapped potatoes over indirect heat (not directly over the flames).
• Cook for 45-60 minutes, turning every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Check doneness by inserting a fork or skewer—if it slides in easily, the potato is ready.

2. Direct Heat Method (Crispy Skin & Smoky Flavor)

Best for: Those who love crispy, charred skin with a firmer texture.

• Preheat the grill to 375°F (medium heat).
• Place the potatoes directly on the grill grates.
• Grill for 45-60 minutes, turning every 15 minutes.
• If the skin starts to burn, move them to indirect heat for the remaining time.
• Use a fork to test doneness—the inside should be soft and fluffy.

3. Halved or Sliced Method (Faster Cooking & More Charred Flavor)

Best for: Quick grilling and added texture.

• Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise.
• Brush the cut sides with olive oil and season as desired.
• Place the cut sides directly on the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes.
• Flip the potatoes and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the inside is tender.
• Serve with melted butter and toppings of choice.

Checking for Doneness

• Insert a fork or skewer into the potato—if it slides in easily, the potato is done.
• Alternatively, use a food thermometer—the internal temperature should be 205-210°F.
• If not fully cooked, continue grilling for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Serving and Toppings

Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the grill and allow them to cool for a few minutes before handling. Then:

1. Slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork.
2. Add your favorite toppings:
   • Classic butter and sour cream
   • Shredded cheese and bacon
   • Garlic butter with chives
   • BBQ sauce and pulled pork for a hearty meal

Tips & Variations

• Add extra flavor: Try seasoning with garlic powder, rosemary, or smoked paprika before grilling.
• Use a smoker: For an even deeper flavor, cook the potatoes in a smoker at 225-250°F for 2-3 hours.
• Wrap in bacon: Wrap potatoes in bacon before grilling for a rich, smoky taste.
• Try sweet potatoes: Substitute russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet alternative.
• Pre-cook in the microwave: If short on time, microwave the potatoes for 5 minutes before placing them on the grill to reduce cooking time.

Conclusion

Grilling baked potatoes is a simple and delicious way to enhance their flavor and texture. Whether you prefer soft and moist foil-wrapped potatoes or crispy-skinned direct-heat versions, these methods ensure perfect results every time. With various toppings and seasoning options, you can customize your grilled baked potatoes to suit any meal.