Grilled Baked Potatoes: The Ultimate Summer Side Dish

Grilling is an activity that is loved by many, especially during summer. This is a time to bask in the sun, enjoy outdoor activities and have delicious meals with family and friends. Grilling is a quick and easy way to prepare various types of foods, including potatoes, which can be made into a delicious side dish. Baked potatoes are a popular option, and they are easy to make on the grill, providing a smoky taste that will leave your mouth watering.

Making baked potatoes on the grill is straightforward, and you do not need any advanced cooking skills. All you require are a few ingredients and some basic equipment. Grilling the potatoes gives them a crispy skin and retains their natural flavor. It also saves the time and energy required for using an oven in hot summer weather. With the following step-by-step instructions, you can easily learn how to make baked potatoes on the grill and master this dish in no time.

Preparing the Potatoes

Baked potatoes on a grill are an excellent addition to any summer menu. Before you start cooking, take the time to prepare the potatoes. Here are a few steps to follow:

Select the Right Potatoes

When selecting potatoes for grilling, you need to find those that are good for baking. Russets are an excellent choice, as they have thick skins that are ideal for grilling.

Clean and Dry the Potatoes

Before grilling, clean the potatoes thoroughly and dry them. Make sure there is no dirt left on the potato skins.

Poke the Potatoes

Using a fork, poke holes in the potatoes. This is an important step, as it lets the steam escape, allowing the potatoes to get cooked through properly.

Season the Potatoes

Seasoning is the secret to making delicious grilled potatoes. You can use any seasoning that you prefer, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary.

Wrap the Potatoes in Foil

Wrap each potato individually in aluminum foil. This helps to trap the moisture in, keeping the potatoes moist and tender. Make sure the foil is tightly sealed.

Preheat the Grill

Preheat the grill to around 400°F. This is the perfect temperature for grilling baked potatoes.

Place the Potatoes on the Grill

Once the grill is heated, place the wrapped potatoes directly on the grill grates. Close the lid of the grill to trap the heat inside.

Rotate the Potatoes

After about 20 minutes of cooking, rotate the potatoes to cook evenly on all sides. Be careful not to puncture the foil while rotating the potatoes.

Check for Doneness

Check the potatoes after about 45-50 minutes. You can test for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the center of the potato. If it goes through easily, your potatoes are ready.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the grill and let them cool for a few minutes. You can then unwrap them and serve them with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, chives, or cheese.

In conclusion, grilling baked potatoes requires little effort, and the results are always delicious. Follow these simple steps to make perfectly grilled baked potatoes that will leave your guests craving for more.

Tools Needed for Grilling Baked Potatoes

Before we jump into the actual steps on how to make baked potatoes on the grill, it’s important to know what tools and equipment you’ll need to get started. Here are some key items you’ll need before you start grilling:

1. Grill

You can’t grill without a grill! Make sure you have a functional, clean and properly fueled either propane or charcoal grill ready to use.

2. Aluminum Foil

To protect your potatoes from direct heat, you’ll need to wrap them in aluminum foil. Heavy-duty foil is preferred, but if you don’t have that, just use two layers of regular foil to get the job done.

3. Spatula or Tongs

You’ll need a good spatula or pair of tongs to flip and remove the potatoes from the grill. A metal spatula or tongs work great for handling hot potatoes.

4. Olive or Vegetable Oil

You’ll need a small amount of oil to rub the skin of the potatoes to ensure they cook properly and don’t stick to the foil.

5. Sharp Knife

A sharp knife is crucial for cutting the potatoes in half or creating vents in the skin to allow steam to escape and prevent the potatoes from bursting.

6. Cutting Board

A cutting board will help you safely cut the potatoes. Make sure you use one that’s stable and won’t slide around.

7. Seasonings

While baked potatoes are delicious on their own, adding seasonings will give them an extra kick. Some popular seasonings for grilled baked potatoes include rosemary, garlic, paprika, and salt.

8. Oven Mitts

Potatoes can get really hot when they come off of the grill, so it’s important to have a good pair of oven mitts to protect your hands from burns.

9. Timer or Watch

For perfectly cooked baked potatoes, you’ll need to keep track of time. Set a timer or keep an eye on the clock to ensure you don’t overcook or undercook the potatoes.

10. Plate or Bowl

Once the potatoes are done cooking, you’ll need a plate or bowl to transfer them to. Don’t skip this step or all your hard work will be ruined when the potatoes fall apart when you try to move them.

With all these tools at your disposal, you’re now ready to start grilling your baked potatoes!

Choosing the Right Potatoes

When it comes to making baked potatoes on the grill, the type of potato that you choose is essential. Some varieties hold up better than others under the intense heat of the grill. Here are some of the best options to consider:

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are an excellent option for baked potatoes on the grill because of their high starch content. This starch helps create the signature crispy skin on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

When choosing Russet potatoes, look for ones that are large and don’t have any green spots. These spots can indicate that the potato has been exposed to too much sunlight, causing a chemical reaction that can make them taste bitter.

Yellow Potatoes

Yellow potatoes are another great option for making baked potatoes on the grill. This variety is waxier than Russet potatoes, which means they may not get as crispy on the outside. However, they are denser and hold up better under high heat, making them a great choice for grilling.

To choose the best yellow potatoes, look for ones that are firm and free from blemishes. Avoid any with soft spots or sprouts, as these can indicate that the potato is no longer fresh.

Red Potatoes

While not as commonly used for baked potatoes on the grill, some chefs swear by red potatoes. This variety is relatively low in starch, which means they may not get as crispy on the outside. However, they have a firm texture that holds up well under high heat.

When choosing red potatoes, look for ones that are small to medium in size. Larger ones can take too long to cook and may not get done in the center. Also, avoid any with green spots or a wrinkled appearance.

Purple Potatoes

For a unique twist on baked potatoes on the grill, consider using purple potatoes. These potatoes have a beautiful color that will make your dish stand out, and they have a slightly nutty flavor. They are waxier than Russet potatoes, so they won’t get as crispy on the outside, but they hold up well under high heat.

When choosing purple potatoes, look for ones that are firm and free from blemishes. Avoid any with soft spots or signs of decay.

Sweet Potatoes

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional baked potatoes on the grill, consider using sweet potatoes instead. These potatoes are high in fiber and nutrients like vitamin A, making them a more nutritious option.

When choosing sweet potatoes, look for ones that are firm and free from blemishes. Avoid any with soft spots or signs of decay. You can also use a variety of sweet potatoes, such as purple or white, to create a colorful dish.

Conclusion

Choosing the right potatoes is essential to making delicious baked potatoes on the grill. Whether you prefer Russet or yellow potatoes, or want to try something new like purple potatoes or sweet potatoes, there are plenty of options to choose from.

No matter what type of potatoes you use, make sure to wash them thoroughly and dry them before grilling. This will help prevent any excess moisture from steaming the potatoes and create a perfect crispy skin. Happy grilling!

Grilling Baked Potatoes: A Delicious and Easy Recipe to Try!

That’s it, folks! We hope you enjoyed learning how to grill baked potatoes with us. It’s a simple yet scrumptious recipe that you can enjoy with family and friends at any time. The best part is that it’s effortless to make and customize according to your preference. So next time you light up your grill, make sure to give these potatoes a try. Thanks for reading and until next time, happy grilling!