If you love baked potatoes but hate heating the kitchen with the oven, making baked potatoes on the grill is the perfect solution. Grilling potatoes gives them crispy, flavorful skin while keeping the inside light, fluffy, and tender. Whether you’re cooking on a gas grill or a charcoal grill, this easy method delivers tasty results every time.
Grilled baked potatoes are a simple side dish that pairs well with burgers, steak, chicken, or other classic summer grilling recipes. With just a few pantry staples and a little foil, you’ll have perfectly cooked potatoes without turning on the oven.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Making baked potatoes on the grill is simple with just a few basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for the best, fluffy potatoes every time:
You’ll Need:
• 4 large russet potatoes – Russet potatoes are best for grilling because they have sturdy skin and become fluffy inside.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps crisp the skin and keeps the potatoes moist.
• Salt – To season the potatoes (coarse sea salt works well).
• Freshly ground black pepper – Optional, for extra flavor.
• Aluminum foil – For wrapping the potatoes during grilling.
These basic ingredients make a delicious, crispy-skinned potato with a soft, fluffy inside — perfect for your next BBQ or dinner on the grill.
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to make perfectly fluffy and crispy baked potatoes on the grill:
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
• Start by washing your russet potatoes well to remove any dirt.
• Pat them completely dry.
• Pierce the potatoes 4 to 6 times with a fork. This lets steam escape while cooking.
Step 2: Season and Wrap
• Rub each potato with a little olive oil to help crisp the skin.
• Sprinkle with salt (and pepper if desired).
• Wrap the potatoes in foil tightly to lock in moisture.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
• Heat your grill to medium heat, about 375°F to 400°F. You can use a gas grill or charcoal grill.
• For the best results, set up for indirect heat by turning off the center burners or pushing coals to the sides.
Step 4: Grill the Potatoes
• Place the wrapped potatoes on the grill, over indirect heat.
• Close the lid and cook for 45 to 60 minutes, depending on potato size.
• Rotate the potatoes every 15 to 20 minutes for even cooking.
Step 5: Check for Doneness
• Carefully unwrap one potato and pierce with a fork.
• If the fork slides in easily, your potatoes are done.
• If needed, rewrap and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
• Remove potatoes from the grill. Let them cool a few minutes.
• Slice open, fluff the inside, and add your favorite toppings like butter, cheese, or sour cream.
Baked potatoes on the grill come out with crispy skin and a perfectly fluffy inside – all without heating your kitchen.
Pro Tips and Variations
Grilling baked potatoes on the grill is easy, but these tips will guarantee the best, fluffy potatoes every time:
Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Potatoes:
• Use russet potatoes – Russet potatoes are best because they get crispy skin and a fluffy inside.
• Pierce with a fork – Poking holes allows steam to escape and prevents bursting.
• Wrap tightly in foil – Keeps moisture in and helps cook evenly.
• Grill over indirect heat – Avoid placing potatoes over direct flames. This prevents burning and ensures fluffy potatoes.
• Rotate often – Turning the potatoes every 15 to 20 minutes helps cook them evenly on all sides.
• Test for doneness – Insert a fork or skewer. If it slides in easily, the potatoes are tender and ready.
Easy Recipe Variations:
• Crispy Skin Method – After grilling, unwrap potatoes and place them back on the grill (direct heat) for 5 minutes to crisp the skin.
• Loaded Baked Potatoes – Top with butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, and chives for a hearty meal.
• Garlic Herb Potatoes – Add minced garlic and dried herbs with the olive oil before wrapping.
• BBQ Baked Potatoes – Serve alongside your favorite grilled meats for a full grilled dinner.
These simple tweaks make your grilled baked potatoes extra flavorful and perfect for summer meals.
Serving Suggestions
Baked potatoes on the grill are one of the easiest and most versatile sides for summer meals. Their fluffy insides and crispy skins pair with almost anything.
Best Ways to Serve Grilled Baked Potatoes:
• Classic with Butter and Salt – Keep it simple with melted butter, salt, and pepper.
• Loaded Baked Potatoes – Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, and chives for a hearty side.
• Alongside Grilled Meats – Serve next to burgers, grilled chicken, or steak for a filling BBQ plate.
• With Grilled Vegetables – Pair with grilled corn, asparagus, or bell peppers for a full vegetarian meal.
• As a Potato Bar – Set up toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, green onions, and let everyone build their own baked potato.
These fluffy, crispy potatoes go with nearly any grill recipe, making them a must for cookouts, backyard dinners, or camping trips.
Conclusion
Making baked potatoes on the grill is one of the easiest ways to enjoy fluffy, crispy potatoes without using your oven. Whether you’re cooking for a summer BBQ, a family dinner, or just love potatoes with crispy skin, this simple grill method delivers perfect results every time.
With just a few ingredients and foil, you can prep, season, and grill potatoes for a side dish that’s always a hit. Plus, grilling keeps your kitchen cool and lets you cook everything outside.
Once you try grill baked potatoes, you’ll love how easy, flavorful, and versatile they are. Great for adding to your grilled dinner menu, these potatoes come out crispy on the outside and light and fluffy inside, just the way a baked potato should be.
Baked Potatoes on the Grill
Ingredients
Potato Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes washed and dried
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt to taste
- black pepper optional, to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the potatoes. Pierce each several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Rub the potatoes with olive oil and season with salt (and pepper if using). Wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil.
- Preheat the grill to medium heat, about 375°F to 400°F. Set up for indirect heat if using a gas or charcoal grill.
- Place wrapped potatoes on the grill over indirect heat. Close the lid and cook for 45 to 60 minutes, rotating every 15-20 minutes.
- Check doneness by unwrapping one potato and inserting a fork. If it slides in easily, the potatoes are ready.
- Remove from the grill, unwrap, and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Fat: 1.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Potassium: 900 mg
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Vitamin A: 0%
- Vitamin C: 15%
FAQs
Are you supposed to boil potatoes before grilling?
No, you do not need to boil potatoes before grilling. For this baked potato on the grill recipe, simply wash, pierce, season, and wrap the potatoes in foil. The grill will cook them through, leaving the inside fluffy.
Do you grill potatoes in foil or not?
Yes, wrapping potatoes in aluminum foil is the best method for grilling. It locks in moisture, prevents burning, and helps the potatoes cook evenly with fluffy centers and crispy skin.
Do I need to soak potatoes before baking?
No soaking is required. Just wash and dry your russet potatoes, pierce them with a fork, and they’re ready for the grill. Soaking isn’t needed for fluffy, tender baked potatoes on the grill.
Does grilling potatoes make them crispy?
Yes, grilling makes the potato skin crispy, especially if you finish them unwrapped over direct heat for the last few minutes. This gives you the perfect contrast of crispy outside and fluffy inside.
