Grilling baked potatoes is done by pre-cooking them in the microwave or boiling water, cutting them into wedges, seasoning with oil and spices, then placing them on the preheated grill until they are crispy and tender. Baked potatoes are a staple side dish that can be prepared in many ways.
Grilling them adds a smoky flavor and crispy texture that makes them even more delicious. In this article, we will explain how to grill baked potatoes step by step. We’ll cover the best techniques and tips for getting the perfect grilled potatoes every time.
Whether you’re a grilling novice or a seasoned pro, this guide is for you. Follow our recipe for grilled baked potatoes and impress your guests at your next barbecue.
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Select And Prep The Potatoes
Table of Contents
Grilling is a fantastic way to enjoy freshly baked potatoes with that delightful smoky flavor. From choosing the potatoes to seasoning them, every step in the process of grilling baked potatoes is essential if you want a delectable result. Here’s how to select and prep your potatoes to achieve the perfect grill.
Choosing The Right Type Of Potato For The Perfect Grill
To get an ideal grill, you need to pick the right potato. It would help if you opted for the starchy potato varieties such as russet or idaho potato as they hold up well on the grill. Whereas, waxy potatoes may turn lumpy and lose their form.
When picking your potatoes, look for ones with smooth skin, free from blemishes, bruises and sprouts.
How To Properly Wash And Dry The Potatoes
Washing potatoes before grilling them is critical for hygiene reasons. You should rinse your potatoes in water and scrub them with a brush to remove any dirt residue. Dry the potatoes well with a clean towel or paper towel so that the oil and seasonings stick to the potatoes, rather than sliding off.
Explaining Why Poking The Potatoes With A Fork Is Important
Poking the potatoes with a fork before grilling may seem like an unnecessary step, but it is crucial for cooking the potatoes from the inside out. By piercing the potato, heat can effectively reach the densest part of the potato, which means that every part of the potato will cook evenly without burning the outer shell.
How To Season The Potatoes For Added Flavor
Grilled baked potatoes are flavorful enough without seasoning, but adding spices or herbs can enhance their taste. Olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper are the most basic seasonings you can use on potatoes, but adding garlic, chopped rosemary, or thyme can add extra flavor.
To get the best result, you can place seasoned butter between each slice of potato and cover them with foil, so the flavors cook into the potato.
Cooking On The Grill
Grilled baked potatoes are a tasty summer meal option for anyone who loves their potatoes cooked to perfection. Cooking potatoes on the grill gives them a crispy, smoky flavor that is hard to resist. In this section, we will discuss how to prepare the grill for baked potato cooking, how to place the potatoes on the grill, how to manage the temperature for even grilling, and how often to turn the potatoes for the perfect grill.
Preparing The Grill For Baked Potato Cooking
Before you start cooking, ensure that your grill is clean and free of any debris. Follow these steps to prepare your grill for baked potato cooking:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Clean the grill grates with a grill brush to remove any leftover food particles.
- Rub a small amount of oil on the grates to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
How To Place The Potatoes On The Grill
Once you have prepared your grill, it’s time to place the potatoes on the grill. Follow these steps for proper placement:
- Slice the potatoes into halves or quarters, depending on their size.
- Brush the cut sides with oil and sprinkle with your preferred seasoning.
- Place the potatoes cut-side down on the grill grates.
- Avoid overcrowding the grill to allow proper heat circulation.
Proper Temperature Management For Even Grilling
To ensure that your potatoes are evenly grilled, it’s essential to manage the heat correctly. Follow these tips for proper temperature management:
- Keep the grill temperature at a steady medium-high heat.
- If your grill has a lid, close it while cooking to maintain consistency in temperature.
- Check the potatoes’ tenderness by inserting a fork into them. If they are still hard, continue cooking until tender.
How Often To Turn The Potatoes For The Perfect Grill
Finally, it’s crucial to turn the potatoes at the right frequency to ensure that they are evenly grilled. Follow these steps:
- Turn the potatoes over after about 5-7 minutes of cooking to expose all sides to the grill.
- Rotate the potatoes every 5-7 minutes until they are crispy on all sides.
- Check the potatoes’ tenderness regularly by puncturing them with a fork.
Grilled baked potatoes are a delicious and straightforward meal that’s perfect for summer nights. By following these simple steps, you can ensure a perfectly grilled potato, every time.
Signs Of Doneness
Grilling baked potatoes is a popular summer dish that everyone loves. You can season them however you like and serve them with your favorite toppings. But, how do you know when they are perfectly cooked? Here are some key signs to look out for to ensure your grilled baked potatoes are cooked to perfection.
How To Tell If The Potatoes Are Perfectly Cooked
Grilling baked potatoes can be tricky. You don’t want them to be undercooked or overcooked. Here are some key signs to look out for to determine if your grilled baked potatoes are perfectly cooked:
- Fork-tender potatoes: You can tell if your baked potatoes are cooked by inserting a fork or skewer into the center. If it’s tender, the potatoes are perfectly cooked.
- Crispy skin: The potatoes’ skin should be crispy and slightly charred, giving a smoky flavor to the flesh.
- Golden brown color: Check the potatoes’ skin for a golden brown color which means they are properly grilled.
Common Mistakes To Avoid In Determining Doneness
Here are some common mistakes to avoid in determining doneness of grilled baked potatoes:
- Not parboiling: Parboil the potatoes for 5-7 minutes before grilling to ensure they are evenly cooked.
- Overcooking or undercooking: Overcooking the potatoes will make them dry, and undercooking them can make them hard to eat.
- Not checking the potatoes regularly: Check the potatoes frequently while grilling to make sure they cook evenly.
The Importance Of Allowing The Potatoes To Rest Before Serving
It’s important to let the potatoes rest for a few minutes before serving. Resting allows the potatoes to absorb the flavors infused during grilling. It also makes them tender and moist.
- Resting ensures maximum flavor: Allow the potatoes to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, evenly flavoring the potatoes.
- Avoid burns: Cutting into the potatoes straight after grilling can cause burns to the tongue, so allow them to rest.
Grilling baked potatoes is a delicious and easy-to-make dish perfect for any summer gathering. With the tips mentioned above, you can make sure your grilled baked potatoes turn out crispy, tender, and bursting with flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled baked potatoes are a great addition to any bbq or meal. Not only are they easy to make, but they also taste amazing. However, it’s the serving suggestions that can make all the difference in the world. Here are some creative ways to serve perfectly grilled baked potatoes in ways that will excite even the pickiest of eaters.
Creative Ways To Serve Perfectly Grilled Baked Potato
- Stuff them with cheese and bacon bits – create a cheesy bacon-filled pocket of deliciousness in your potato by cutting a slit into it and stuffing it full of your favorite cheese and bacon bits before grilling. Top it with a dollop of sour cream, and you have a meal in itself.
- Make a potato bar – set up a potato bar with all of your favorite toppings such as chili, cheese, sour cream, butter, and bacon bits. Guests can easily personalize their potatoes and have them just how they like them.
- Serve as potato skins – cut the potatoes in half and scoop out the centers. Save the scooped-out potato for other meals. Grill the potato skins and fill them with cheese, sour cream, and bacon bits. Serve them as a delicious appetizer or snack.
- Make loaded potato salad – cut grilled potatoes into bite-sized pieces, add chopped bacon, green onions, and your favorite dressing. Voila! You’ve just created a delicious potato salad everyone will love.
Common Accompaniments For The Potatoes
Grilled baked potatoes are incredibly versatile, so they can easily be paired with a wide range of other foods. Here are some of the most common accompaniments that people love to serve with their potatoes:
- Grilled steak or chicken – this classic pairing never disappoints, and is sure to be a hit with meat lovers.
- Grilled vegetables – grilled potatoes pair perfectly with grilled veggies such as peppers, onions, zucchini, or asparagus. Simply chop the veggies into similar sizes, toss them with olive oil and seasonings, and grill them alongside your potatoes.
- Salad – grilled potato salad is one of the most popular side dishes for summer barbecues. However, traditional leafy salads, tossed with dressing and toppings, are also a great way to balance out the heartiness of the potatoes.
How To Store The Leftovers For Later Use
If you have leftovers from your grilled baked potato feast, don’t worry! They can be easily stored for later. Here are some ways to store your potatoes and use them in other meals:
- Keep them in the fridge – grilled potatoes can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
- Use them in breakfast – leftover grilled potatoes are perfect for breakfast. Cut them into cubes and add them to your morning omelet or scramble.
- Use them in soups or stews – diced grilled potatoes are an excellent addition to soups or stews. The grilled flavor of the potatoes adds a unique twist to classic soup recipes.
By following these serving suggestions, you can take the humble grilled baked potato to new heights and elevate your next backyard barbecue.
Frequently Asked Questions Of How Do You Grill Baked Potatoes
How Long Do You Grill Baked Potatoes?
Grilling baked potatoes takes about 45 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the potatoes and grill temperature.
Should You Wrap Potatoes In Foil Before Grilling?
Yes, wrapping the potatoes in foil is necessary because it traps the moisture and steam to cook the potatoes evenly.
How Do You Know When A Baked Potato Is Done Grilling?
You can test for doneness by inserting a fork in the potato. If it goes in easily without resistance, it’s ready.
Can You Microwave Potatoes Before Grilling?
Yes, microwaving the potatoes for 5-6 minutes before grilling helps to shorten the grilling time and ensures it cooks evenly.
How Hot Should The Grill Be For Baked Potatoes?
Set the grill to medium heat, around 350 to 400°f, for perfectly grilled baked potatoes with crispy skin and tender flesh.
Do You Need To Oil Baked Potatoes Before Grilling?
Yes, coating the potatoes in olive oil or cooking spray improves their texture and taste after grilling. Don’t forget to also season with salt and pepper.
Conclusion
Grilled potatoes are always a perfect add-on to your barbecue, and with the right cooking technique, you can transform simple potatoes into a delicious side dish. Baked potatoes are an excellent choice for grilling, as they have a substantial texture that stands up well to the high heat.
With the right prep, cooking time, and perfect seasoning, you can create a smoky, crispy, and tender dish that will be a big hit with your friends and family. Whether you are looking to add some variety to your meal or whip up a quick and healthy snack, grilled baked potatoes are always an easy and tasty option.
Remember to choose large, firm potatoes, slice them thinly, and season with your favorite spices, herbs, or sauces to create a delicious and nutritious dish. Next time you light up the grill, don’t forget to add some baked potatoes to the menu.
