Sizzling Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe: Crispy Outside, Fluffy Inside

Potatoes reach new heights of deliciousness when you master this grilled baked potatoes technique.

Crispy exteriors promise pure comfort and satisfaction right from your backyard grill.

The magic happens with simple seasonings and careful cooking methods that unlock incredible flavors.

Smoky charred edges blend perfectly with soft, pillowy interiors that melt in your mouth.

Each slice reveals a golden-brown crust promising a mouthwatering experience beyond ordinary side dishes.

Salt, pepper, and fresh herbs elevate these spuds from basic to spectacular.

You’ll want to make this recipe part of your summer cooking arsenal.

Grab a plate and get ready for potato perfection that impresses everyone.

What You’ll Need For Grilled Baked Potatoes

Main Ingredients:

Potatoes: Starchy, hearty base of the dish that becomes soft and creamy when grilled. Russet or Idaho potatoes work best for their fluffy interior.

Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy exterior and adds flavor to the potato skin. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best taste.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the potato's natural flavor. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper recommended.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture inside the potato.
• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Bacon, Green Onions: Classic toppings that add extra flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Sharp cheddar cheese works well, crispy bacon adds crunch, and fresh green onions provide a bright finish.

Steps To Make Grilled Baked Potatoes Just Right

Step 1: Ignite the Grill’s Flavor Potential

Fire up your grill to a sizzling medium-high temperature, creating the perfect cooking environment for potato magic.

Step 2: Prepare Potato Canvas

Grab your fresh potatoes and give them a thorough scrub under cool running water. Using a fork, create several gentle punctures across the potato’s surface to allow steam to escape during cooking.

Step 3: Season and Wrap

• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Wrap each potato snugly in aluminum foil, creating a cozy cooking packet.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place the foil-wrapped potatoes directly on the grill grates. Let them sizzle and cook for 45-60 minutes, rotating occasionally to ensure even cooking. Check doneness by piercing with a sharp knife – it should glide in smoothly.

Step 5: Unveil and Fluff

Carefully unwrap the potatoes using tongs or heat-resistant gloves. Slice them open lengthwise and gently fluff the interior with a fork. Add a pat of butter if you’re feeling indulgent.

Step 6: Dress and Impress

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Dollop of sour cream
• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped green onions

Serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the potato is steaming hot!

Tips That Help With Grilled Baked Potatoes

• Master the Potato Prep: Thoroughly scrub potatoes to remove dirt, then pierce multiple times to prevent steam buildup and potential potato explosions during grilling.
• Seal in Moisture: Wrapping potatoes tightly in foil helps lock in steam, creating a perfectly tender interior while protecting the skin from direct heat.
• Enhance Flavor Profiling: Generously rub potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before wrapping to infuse deeper, more robust taste throughout the potato.
• Grill with Precision: Rotate potatoes every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning, checking tenderness with a knife after 45-50 minutes of grilling.
• Customize Your Toppings: Experiment with different cheese varieties, herbs, or protein toppings like pulled pork or grilled chicken to transform this classic side dish into a complete meal.

How To Store Grilled Baked Potatoes The Right Way

• Refrigerate leftover grilled baked potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Wrap each potato individually in plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warm throughout.
• Avoid freezing potatoes with toppings, as dairy and bacon can change texture and taste when thawed.
• Pro tip: Store toppings separately and add fresh when reheating to maintain the best flavor and crispiness.

Toppings And Sides For Grilled Baked Potatoes

• Pair with Hearty Protein: Serve these grilled baked potatoes alongside a juicy grilled steak or roasted chicken. The smoky potato flavors complement the rich meat perfectly, creating a satisfying and balanced meal.
• Craft the Ultimate Beverage Match: Grab a cold, crisp amber ale or a light pilsner beer to drink with these loaded potatoes. The beer's carbonation cuts through the creamy toppings while enhancing the potato's savory notes.
• Create a Fresh Side Salad: Whip up a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the potatoes' richness. Toss in some crisp cucumber and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy potatoes.
• Elevate with Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, dill, or parsley over the potatoes to add a bright, herbal dimension. These fresh herbs will lift the entire dish's flavor profile and add a pop of color.

Creative Ideas For Grilled Baked Potatoes

• Campfire Potato Packets: Swap grill for open campfire, using heavy-duty aluminum foil and adding fresh rosemary sprigs inside each potato packet for a woodsy wilderness flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Potato Style: Mix chili powder, cumin, and paprika into olive oil before rubbing potatoes. Top with pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, and cilantro after grilling for a zesty kick.
• Herb Garden Potato Blast: Incorporate fresh thyme, oregano, and dill into the olive oil rub. Finish with crumbled goat cheese and chopped fresh herbs for an aromatic garden-fresh experience.
• Mediterranean Potato Fusion: Drizzle potatoes with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle dried oregano and za'atar seasoning. After grilling, top with crumbled feta, kalamata olives, and chopped parsley for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

FAQs About Grilled Baked Potatoes Made Simple

• Why wrap potatoes in foil when grilling?

Wrapping in foil helps the potatoes cook evenly, traps moisture, and prevents them from burning directly on the grill, creating a soft and tender interior.

• Can I grill potatoes without foil?

Yes, but unwrapped potatoes might char quickly and cook unevenly. Foil creates a protective barrier that ensures consistent cooking and helps retain the potato’s natural moisture.

• How do I know when grilled potatoes are fully cooked?

Insert a knife or fork into the potato – if it slides in smoothly without resistance, the potato is done. The exterior should feel slightly crisp, and the inside should be soft and fluffy.

• What type of potatoes work best for grilling?

Russet potatoes are ideal because they have a high starch content, which creates a fluffy interior and crisp skin when grilled. Medium to large potatoes work perfectly for this method.

Why Grilled Baked Potatoes Are A Backyard Favorite

• Unlock Effortless Grilling: These potatoes deliver maximum flavor with minimal preparation, making them perfect for busy weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend cookouts.
• Master Quick Outdoor Cooking: By using the grill, you create deliciously crispy potato skins while keeping your kitchen cool and avoiding extra cleanup from oven baking.
• Customize Your Comfort Food: The recipe offers endless topping possibilities, allowing everyone to personalize their potato with favorite ingredients like cheese, bacon, or herbs.
• Zero-Fuss Family Meal: Kids and adults alike will love assembling their own loaded potatoes, transforming a simple side dish into an interactive and enjoyable dining experience.