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October 27, 2024
Grilled baked potatoes are a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional oven-baked potatoes. Cooking potatoes on the grill gives them a smoky, charred flavor that you simply can’t achieve in the oven. Plus, grilling is a great way to enjoy the outdoors during the warmer months.
To cook baked potatoes on the grill, start by selecting the right type of potato. Russet potatoes are the most popular choice for baking due to their starchy texture, which results in fluffy and tender potatoes. Next, wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt and debris.
Once the potatoes are clean, poke several holes in them using a fork or a skewer. This will allow steam to escape during the cooking process and prevent the potatoes from exploding. If you prefer, you can also rub the potatoes with a little bit of olive oil and sprinkle them with salt and pepper for added flavor.
Preparing the potatoes
Before you can cook your baked potatoes on the grill, you need to properly prepare them. Follow these steps to ensure your potatoes turn out delicious:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Wash the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. |
| 2 | Use a vegetable brush to scrub the potatoes clean. Pay special attention to any spots that may have stubborn dirt. |
| 3 | Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel to remove any excess water. |
| 4 | Pierce each potato several times with a fork. This will allow steam to escape and prevent the potatoes from bursting during grilling. |
| 5 | Rub the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance their flavor. |
| 6 | Wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil. This will help to retain moisture and cook the potatoes evenly. |
| 7 | Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. |
By following these preparation steps, you’ll ensure that your baked potatoes turn out perfectly grilled and ready to be served with your favorite toppings.
Choose the right potatoes
When it comes to grilling baked potatoes, selecting the right type of potato can make a big difference in the final result. Not all potatoes are suitable for baking on the grill. You’ll want to choose starchy potatoes like russet or Idaho potatoes for the best texture and taste.
Russet potatoes are the most common and popular choice for baking due to their high starch content. They have a thick and rough skin that crisps up nicely on the grill, while the inside becomes fluffy and tender.
Idaho potatoes are another excellent option for grilled baked potatoes. They have a similar texture and flavor to russets, making them a great choice for grilling. They also have a higher moisture content, which helps prevent them from drying out on the grill.
It’s important to avoid using waxy potatoes like red or new potatoes for grilling. These potatoes have a lower starch content and higher moisture content, which can result in a soggy and unpleasant texture when cooked on the grill. Stick to starchy varieties for the best results.
When selecting potatoes for grilling, look for ones that are firm and free from any signs of decay or sprouting. The potatoes should have a smooth skin and feel heavy for their size. Avoid potatoes with green spots or a greenish tinge, as this indicates they have been exposed to light and may have developed a bitter taste.
By choosing the right potatoes for grilling baked potatoes, you’ll ensure a delicious and satisfying end result that is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Clean and dry the potatoes
Before grilling the potatoes, it’s important to thoroughly clean and dry them. Use a brush or scrubber to remove any dirt or debris from the skin. Rinse the potatoes under running water to ensure they are clean.
Once the potatoes are clean, pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels. Removing any excess moisture will help the potatoes cook evenly and develop a crispy skin on the grill.
After drying the potatoes, you can move on to the next step in preparing your baked potatoes on the grill.
Poke holes in the potatoes
Before grilling the potatoes, it’s important to poke holes in them. This step allows steam to escape from the potatoes while they cook, preventing them from exploding on the grill. To do this, take a fork and gently poke the potatoes all over, making sure to pierce the skin. This will create small holes that will help the heat penetrate the potatoes evenly.
If you skip this step, the pressure and steam inside the potatoes will build up, potentially causing them to burst open and create a mess on the grill. So make sure to take the time to poke holes in each potato before placing them on the grill.
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Take a fork and pierce the skin of the potatoes. |
| Step 2 | Make sure to poke holes all over the potatoes. |
| Step 3 | Be gentle while poking the holes to avoid damaging the potatoes. |
| Step 4 | Once all the potatoes are poked, they are ready for grilling. |
Seasoning and wrapping the potatoes
Before putting the potatoes on the grill, it’s important to season them to enhance their flavor. Start by scrubbing the potatoes under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel.
Next, take a fork or a sharp knife and pierce the potatoes all over. This will help the heat penetrate the potato and prevent it from bursting.
Once the potatoes are prepared, it’s time to season them. You can keep it simple by sprinkling a generous amount of salt and pepper all over each potato. Alternatively, you can get creative and use a variety of seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme.
After seasoning, it’s time to wrap the potatoes in aluminum foil. This step is crucial as it helps to create a steamy and moist environment for the potatoes to cook in. Tear off a sheet of foil large enough to wrap around each potato individually. Place a seasoned potato on the sheet, and fold the foil over the top, ensuring that it’s tightly sealed. Repeat this process for each potato.
Wrapping the potatoes in foil also helps to prevent them from burning on the grill. Make sure you wrap them tightly so that no steam or heat can escape. This will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and become tender on the inside.
Note: If you prefer a crispy skin on your baked potatoes, you can skip the foil wrapping step. However, keep in mind that the potatoes may take longer to cook without the foil and may not be as moist.
Once the potatoes are seasoned and wrapped in foil, they are ready to be cooked on the grill. Simply place them on the preheated grill, and let them cook for about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the potatoes and the heat of the grill.
Tip: Make sure to turn the potatoes occasionally during cooking to ensure even heat distribution and avoid burning.
Rub the potatoes with oil and seasonings
Before grilling the potatoes, it is important to rub them with oil and seasonings to enhance their flavor and ensure a crispy exterior.
Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel.
Next, prick the potatoes all over with a fork. This will help steam escape during the cooking process.
Once the potatoes are ready, drizzle a little bit of oil over each potato and use your hands to rub it evenly all over the skin.
After oiling the potatoes, sprinkle them with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add additional seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or herbs for more flavor.
For a smoky flavor, you can also sprinkle the potatoes with a small amount of smoked paprika or smoked salt.
Make sure to coat the potatoes evenly with the oil and seasonings so that they are well seasoned while grilling.
Once the potatoes are seasoned, they are ready to be grilled to perfection!
Wrap the potatoes in foil
Wrapping the potatoes in foil is an essential step when grilling them. The foil helps to keep the potatoes moist and prevents them from drying out or burning. Here’s how you can wrap the potatoes in foil:
1. Prepare the foil
Tear off a sheet of aluminum foil for each potato you want to cook. The sheet should be large enough to fully wrap the potato.
2. Wash and dry the potatoes
Before wrapping the potatoes, make sure to wash them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
3. Season the potatoes
You can season the potatoes before wrapping them to enhance the flavor. Sprinkle some salt, pepper, or your favorite seasoning on each potato.
4. Wrap the potatoes
Place each potato in the center of a foil sheet. Bring the long sides of the foil together and fold them over the potato, creating a loose seal. Fold the short ends over and crimp them to secure the foil packet.
Note: It’s important to leave some space for steam to circulate inside the packet. Avoid wrapping the potatoes too tightly.
5. Repeat for each potato
Repeat the process for each potato you want to cook. Make sure that the potatoes are well-wrapped and there are no openings for the steam to escape.
Now that you have wrapped the potatoes in foil, they are ready to be cooked on the grill. The foil will help to lock in the moisture and heat, resulting in perfectly baked potatoes.
Q&A
What ingredients do I need to cook a baked potato on the grill?
You will need potatoes, olive oil, salt, and any other desired seasonings such as pepper, garlic powder, or paprika.
Do I need to peel the potatoes before grilling them?
It is not necessary to peel the potatoes before grilling them. However, you can peel them if you prefer.
How long does it take to cook a baked potato on the grill?
The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes and the heat of the grill. On average, it takes about 40-60 minutes to cook a baked potato on the grill.
Can I wrap the potatoes in foil before grilling them?
Yes, you can wrap the potatoes in foil before grilling them. This will help to keep the potatoes moist and cook them more evenly.
What temperature should the grill be set to when cooking baked potatoes?
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit, for cooking baked potatoes.
What is the best method for cooking baked potatoes on the grill?
The best method for cooking baked potatoes on the grill is to first preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Then, scrub the potatoes clean and prick them several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wrap each potato tightly in aluminum foil and place them on the grill. Cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.