The warm weather is here, and it’s time to fire up the grill. While many of us are familiar with grilling burgers, hot dogs, and vegetables, some may wonder if it’s possible to cook baked potatoes on the grill. The answer is a resounding yes. In fact, grilling baked potatoes can add a smoky flavor and a crispy texture that’s hard to achieve in the oven. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of grilling baked potatoes, provide tips on how to do it, and offer some delicious variations to try.
The Benefits of Grilling Baked Potatoes
Grilling baked potatoes offers several advantages over traditional oven-baked potatoes. Here are a few benefits to consider:
- Smoky flavor: Grilling baked potatoes over an open flame infuses them with a smoky flavor that’s hard to replicate in the oven. This is especially true if you’re using a charcoal or wood-fired grill.
- Crispy skin: Grilling baked potatoes allows the skin to crisp up in a way that’s not always possible in the oven. This adds texture and flavor to the potato.
- Easy to cook in bulk: Grilling baked potatoes is a great way to cook for a crowd. Simply wrap multiple potatoes in foil and grill them at the same time.
- Less mess: Grilling baked potatoes eliminates the need to heat up your oven, which can be a blessing on a hot summer day.
How to Grill Baked Potatoes
Grilling baked potatoes is a relatively simple process that requires some basic preparation and attention to temperature. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Choosing the Right Potatoes
Not all potatoes are created equal when it comes to grilling. Look for high-starch potatoes like Russet or Idaho, which will yield a fluffier interior and a crisper exterior.
Preheating the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). If you’re using a gas grill, make sure to preheat the grill for at least 15 minutes to ensure even heat distribution.
Preparing the Potatoes
Scrub the potatoes clean and dry them with a paper towel. Poke some holes in each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape.
Wrapping the Potatoes in Foil
Wrap each potato in foil, making sure to seal the edges tightly. You can add some seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the potato before wrapping it in foil.
Grilling the Potatoes
Place the wrapped potatoes on the grill and close the lid. Cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are cooked through and the skin is crispy.
Variations on the Classic Grilled Baked Potato
While a classic grilled baked potato is delicious on its own, there are many ways to mix things up. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Garlic and Herb Grilled Baked Potatoes
Add some minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the potato before wrapping it in foil.
Cheesy Grilled Baked Potatoes
Top the potato with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chives after it’s cooked.
Bacon and Chive Grilled Baked Potatoes
Top the potato with crumbled bacon, chives, and a dollop of sour cream after it’s cooked.
Tips and Tricks for Grilling Baked Potatoes
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when grilling baked potatoes:
- Use the right type of foil: Look for heavy-duty foil that can withstand high temperatures.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill: Cook the potatoes in batches if necessary, to ensure even cooking.
- Check the potatoes frequently: Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the potato. It should be at least 205°F.
- Let the potatoes rest: After cooking, let the potatoes rest for 5-10 minutes before unwrapping and serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Grilling Baked Potatoes
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when grilling baked potatoes:
- Not preheating the grill: Make sure to preheat the grill to the right temperature to ensure even cooking.
- Not wrapping the potatoes tightly: Make sure to seal the edges of the foil tightly to prevent steam from escaping.
- Overcooking the potatoes: Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the potato. Overcooking can result in a dry, mushy potato.
Conclusion
Grilling baked potatoes is a simple and delicious way to add some variety to your summer cooking routine. With a few basic tips and tricks, you can achieve a crispy, smoky potato that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting out, give grilled baked potatoes a try and experience the difference for yourself.
| Potato Type | Grilling Time | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Russet | 45-60 minutes | 205°F |
| Idaho | 45-60 minutes | 205°F |
Note: The grilling time and internal temperature may vary depending on the size and type of potato.
Can I cook baked potatoes on the grill?
Cooking baked potatoes on the grill is a great way to prepare this popular side dish. Not only does it add a smoky flavor, but it also allows for a crispy skin that’s hard to achieve in the oven. To cook baked potatoes on the grill, start by preheating the grill to medium-high heat. Scrub the potatoes clean and poke some holes in them with a fork to allow steam to escape.
Once the grill is hot, place the potatoes directly on the grates. Close the lid and cook for about 45-60 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. You can also wrap the potatoes in foil and cook them on the grill, but this method won’t produce the same crispy skin.
How do I wrap baked potatoes in foil for grilling?
Wrapping baked potatoes in foil is a great way to cook them on the grill, especially if you’re worried about them getting too charred. To wrap a baked potato in foil, start by scrubbing the potato clean and poking some holes in it with a fork. Then, cut a piece of aluminum foil that’s large enough to wrap around the potato.
Place the potato in the center of the foil and add any desired seasonings, such as butter, salt, and pepper. Fold the foil over the potato, making sure to seal it tightly. Place the wrapped potato on the grill and cook for about 45-60 minutes, or until the potato is tender when pierced with a fork.
What’s the best way to season a grilled baked potato?
There are many ways to season a grilled baked potato, depending on your personal preferences. Some popular seasonings include butter, salt, and pepper, as well as more adventurous options like garlic powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika. You can also top your grilled baked potato with cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and chives.
To add seasonings to your grilled baked potato, simply sprinkle them on top of the potato before cooking. If you’re wrapping the potato in foil, you can add the seasonings to the potato before wrapping it up. If you’re cooking the potato directly on the grates, you can brush it with oil and sprinkle on seasonings during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
Can I grill baked potatoes at a low temperature?
While it’s possible to grill baked potatoes at a low temperature, it’s not the most effective way to cook them. Grilling at a low temperature can result in a potato that’s cooked unevenly, with some parts being overcooked and others being undercooked. Additionally, cooking at a low temperature can make it difficult to achieve a crispy skin.
If you do need to grill baked potatoes at a low temperature, make sure to wrap them in foil to help retain heat. You can also cook them for a longer period of time, such as 1-2 hours, to ensure that they’re cooked through. However, keep in mind that the results may not be as good as cooking at a medium-high heat.
How do I know when a grilled baked potato is done?
There are several ways to tell when a grilled baked potato is done. One way is to check for tenderness by piercing the potato with a fork. If the fork slides in easily, the potato is cooked through. You can also check for doneness by squeezing the potato gently. A cooked potato will be slightly soft to the touch.
Another way to check for doneness is to look for visual cues. A cooked baked potato will have a crispy skin that’s golden brown in color. If you’re wrapping the potato in foil, you can check for doneness by carefully unwrapping the foil and checking the potato’s texture.
Can I grill baked potatoes ahead of time?
While it’s possible to grill baked potatoes ahead of time, it’s not the best way to serve them. Grilled baked potatoes are best served hot, when the skin is crispy and the flesh is warm. If you grill baked potatoes ahead of time, the skin may become soggy and the flesh may become cold.
If you do need to grill baked potatoes ahead of time, you can cook them until they’re almost done, then wrap them in foil and keep them warm in a low-temperature oven. This will help retain heat and keep the potatoes warm until you’re ready to serve them.
Are grilled baked potatoes a healthy option?
Grilled baked potatoes can be a healthy option, depending on how they’re prepared. A plain baked potato is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and is relatively low in calories. However, if you’re adding a lot of toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, and bacon bits, the calorie count can add up quickly.
To make grilled baked potatoes a healthier option, try using herbs and spices for flavor instead of relying on cheese and sour cream. You can also top your potato with healthier options like Greek yogurt, salsa, and avocado. Additionally, be mindful of portion sizes and try to eat your grilled baked potato in moderation.