Ready to make baked potatoes go from ordinary to extraordinary? These Baked Potatoes On The Grill are the ultimate side, bringing a perfectly crisp, salty skin and irresistibly fluffy insides—all with just a handful of ingredients and barely any hands-on time. This straightforward recipe transforms simple potatoes into a comforting classic, ideal for busy weeknights, backyard gatherings, or whenever you want something hearty without the hassle. You get everything you love about slow-cooked, oven-baked potatoes but even better, thanks to a smoky hint from the grill. Prepare for golden skins, pillowy middles, and unlimited topping possibilities!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hands-Off Cooking: The grill does most of the heavy lifting so you can focus on prepping other dishes or just relax.
  • Deliciously Simple: With just potatoes, oil, and salt, you get spectacular results—no need for fancy ingredients.
  • Perfect Texture: You’ll love the combination of crispy, salty skin and cloud-soft potato inside.
  • Fuss-Free Cleanup: Everything happens on the grill and in foil. Quick prep, and even quicker cleanup!
  • Great for Entertaining: Make a big batch easily. They’re crowd-pleasers for barbecues and family nights alike.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for these stellar baked potatoes, along with some tips to get the best results:

  • Russet Potatoes: Choose evenly sized spuds so they cook at the same rate. Russets are the classic choice; their high starch gives you that fluffy interior.
  • Olive or Avocado Oil: Helps crisp the skins and gives them a gorgeous golden color. Avocado oil brings a subtle buttery taste, while olive oil adds classic richness.
  • Coarse Sea Salt: This is not the time for table salt—a generous layer of coarse sea salt creates savory, crackly skins. Don’t be shy!
  • Aluminum Foil: Essential for locking in moisture, which keeps the interior soft while the skin turns crisp.
  • Toppings (optional but highly encouraged—think butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon bits, or whatever you love!)

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Grilled baked potatoes are endlessly customizable, so don’t hesitate to make them your own:

  • Herb Infusion: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or garlic cloves inside the foil for a fragrant twist.
  • Spicy Kick: Sprinkle a little smoked paprika, cracked black pepper, or chili flakes into the oil before brushing the potatoes.
  • Cheesy Upgrade: After grilling, slice open and add shredded cheese to let it melt into the fluffy center.
  • Sweet Potato Swap: Try the same technique with sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet and vibrant alternative.
  • Dairy-Free or Vegan: Use your favorite plant-based toppings—vegan butter, non-dairy cheese, or a hearty scoop of bean chili.

How to Make Baked Potatoes On The Grill

Prep Your Grill and Potatoes

Start by firing up your grill to a steady 350°F. Meanwhile, scrub your potatoes well under running water—it’s worth the extra minute for skins you’ll want to eat! Prick each potato a few times with a fork. This helps steam escape for a perfectly textured spud.

Drizzle your potatoes with olive or avocado oil. Roll them around so every inch glistens. Next, take each oil-slicked potato and roll it in a bowl of coarse sea salt, coating the skins in a thin, crunchy layer. This simple move is a game changer for flavor and texture!

Quick Par-Cook

Arrange the salted potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and microwave them on high for 4–6 minutes. This shortcut ensures the middle cooks through—no more biting into a raw center.

Grill to Perfection

Wrap each potato snugly in aluminum foil. Set them on the preheated grill and close the lid. Let them cook for about 30–40 minutes, turning once halfway through for evenness. Keep that lid closed as much as possible to trap the heat and achieve that fluffy inside.

After about 30 minutes, check for doneness. Unwrap one potato (carefully—it’s hot!) and pierce with a fork. If it glides in easily, they’re ready. If not, give them a few more minutes and check again.

The Finishing Touch

Remove the potatoes from the grill and discard the foil. Use a sharp knife to slice them open lengthwise—like a book! Fluff the interiors with a fork. Now’s your moment to add all those delicious toppings.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Uniform Size: For best results, use potatoes that are roughly the same size.
  • Don’t Skip the Oil: It really makes the skin crisp up. Without it, you’ll miss that craveable texture.
  • Salt Generously: The salt is key for both flavor and creating that signature baked potato crust.
  • Microwave Shortcut: Don’t worry, microwaving first won’t make them soggy. It simply ensures they’re cooked through without drying out.
  • Foil Wrap Tightness: Wrap firmly but don’t compress the potato, allowing for steam to help softening.

How to Serve

These grilled baked potatoes are incredibly versatile. Just slice and fluff, then set out a toppings bar with:

  • Butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, chives—the classics never disappoint!
  • Steamed broccoli, salsa, or chili for a hearty main course option.
  • Pair as a Side with grilled chicken, steaks, burgers, or fish. They complement just about any protein!
  • For a fun twist, turn them into loaded potato boats by adding pulled pork or taco fixings for the ultimate comfort food.

Try making extra for next-day lunches. They reheat beautifully and make a satisfying meal all on their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let baked potatoes cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days—so handy for quick meals!

Freezing

You can freeze grilled baked potatoes. Just wrap cooled, uncut potatoes tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then tuck them into a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm in the microwave for 2–3 minutes, or pop them (unwrapped) onto a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through.

Tip: Add fresh toppings after reheating to maximize the flavor and texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I skip the microwave step and grill the potatoes from raw?

    It’s possible, but the potatoes will take much longer to cook—often up to an hour and a half. The microwave shortcut speeds up the process without sacrificing texture.

  2. Do I have to use russet potatoes, or can I use a different kind?

    Russets work best because of their starchy texture, which makes for light and fluffy interiors. Yukon golds or red potatoes will work, but their texture will be a bit denser and creamier.

  3. Should I poke holes in the potatoes before grilling?

    Yes, always prick your potatoes with a fork a few times. This helps excess steam escape, preventing them from bursting and keeping the consistency just right.

  4. What are the best toppings for grilled baked potatoes?

    You can get creative here! Classic toppings include butter, sour cream, chives, bacon, and cheese. For heartier options, try chili, salsa, or even sautéed mushrooms. Anything goes!

Final Thoughts

Grilled baked potatoes are a total weeknight (or weekend!) hero. They turn basic ingredients into something truly crave-worthy, with that unbeatable combo of salty, crunchy skin and perfectly fluffy middle. With just a little prep and almost no attention required as they cook, you get a show-stopping side—or meal—that’s endlessly customizable. Give these a try and you might just find yourself making them again and again, no special occasion necessary. Enjoy every bite!

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Baked Potatoes On The Grill Recipe

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  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side-dishes
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Enjoy perfectly tender and fluffy baked potatoes with crispy skins, easily cooked on your grill. This simple recipe infuses the potatoes with a subtle smoky flavor and minimal ingredients, making it an ideal side dish for any barbecue or family meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes

  • 4 medium russet potatoes, evenly sized

Coating

  • 4 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • Coarse sea salt, enough to coat potatoes

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to 350°F, ensuring it reaches and maintains this temperature throughout the cooking process for even baking.
  2. Prepare the Potatoes: Thoroughly wash the potatoes to remove any dirt. Use a fork to prick the skin of each potato several times, which helps steam escape while cooking.
  3. Oil and Salt the Potatoes: Place potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive or avocado oil. Toss to coat evenly. Prepare a small bowl with coarse sea salt. Roll each oiled potato in the salt until the skin is covered with a thin, even layer.
  4. Microwave for Initial Cooking: Place the oiled and salted potatoes on a microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for 4–6 minutes to jumpstart the cooking process and ensure perfectly fluffy centers.
  5. Wrap in Foil: After microwaving, tightly wrap each potato in aluminum foil to retain moisture while grilling.
  6. Grill the Potatoes: Place the foil-wrapped potatoes onto the preheated grill. Close the lid and cook for 30–40 minutes, keeping the lid closed as much as possible to preserve heat. Rotate occasionally for even cooking.
  7. Check for Doneness: After about 30 minutes, carefully unwrap one potato (be cautious of hot steam) and pierce with a fork. If the fork passes through easily, they’re ready; if not, cook for an additional 5–10 minutes, checking as needed.
  8. Serve: Remove potatoes from the grill, unwrap the foil, and carefully slice each open lengthwise. Fluff the insides with a fork and top with your favorite baked potato toppings before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skins, unwrap the potatoes for the last 5 minutes of grilling.
  • The initial microwaving step helps reduce grill time and ensures fluffy interiors.
  • Customize with toppings like sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon bits, or vegan alternatives.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, depending on toppings used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 potato
  • Calories: 292 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 11 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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