If you’re looking to elevate the humble baked potato into a smoky, flavorful masterpiece, you absolutely must try this Grilled Baked Potatoes with Crispy Skins and Toppings Recipe. It’s the perfect way to get that irresistible crispy skin packed with smoky char from the grill while the inside stays fluffy and tender. Whether you’re cooking for a casual backyard BBQ or a weeknight dinner, this dish hits comfort food goals with every bite. Plus, the toppings let you personalize each potato exactly how you like it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Grilled Baked Potatoes with Crispy Skins and Toppings Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in balancing texture and flavor while keeping things straightforward enough for any home cook.
- Russet potatoes: These starchy potatoes are the absolute best choice for baking due to their fluffy interior and sturdy skin.
- Olive oil: A light coating helps achieve that crispy, golden skin and adds a subtle richness without overpowering.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out moisture to help crisp the potato skin perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of spice and depth to the crust of the potatoes.
- Optional toppings: Butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, bacon bits—these let you make each potato your own, adding creaminess, zest, or bacon-packed goodness.
How to Make Grilled Baked Potatoes with Crispy Skins and Toppings Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes
Start by scrubbing your russet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt since you’ll be keeping the skin on for that amazing crisp. After drying them well, pierce each potato a few times with a fork. This little trick allows steam to escape during grilling and prevents any explosive surprises!
Step 2: Coat and Season
Rub each potato generously with olive oil, making sure every inch of skin is covered. This step is crucial for that crackling crust. Then, sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper all over. The seasoning seeps into the skin and makes every bite flavorful.
Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Style
For soft and tender skins, wrap each potato in foil before placing on the grill. But if you love that extra crunch and smoky char, skip the foil and grill directly. Both methods produce delicious results but offer different textures.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium heat, aiming for about 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes directly on the grates, close the lid, and let them cook low and slow. Turn them every 15 to 20 minutes to ensure even cooking and avoid any burnt spots.
Step 5: Know When They’re Done
The key to perfect grilled baked potatoes is patience. After 45 to 60 minutes, test by inserting a fork or skewer—it should slide in effortlessly without resistance. That’s your cue that the potatoes are fluffy inside and ready for toppings.
Step 6: Serve and Top
Once off the grill, let your potatoes cool slightly before slicing them open. Then it’s the fun part—pile on butter, sour cream, cheese, chives, bacon bits, or whatever toppings you crave to take your Grilled Baked Potatoes with Crispy Skins and Toppings Recipe to the next level.
How to Serve Grilled Baked Potatoes with Crispy Skins and Toppings Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes turn a simple grilled potato into a personalized delight. Classic options like freshly chopped chives or green onions add a burst of freshness, while crispy bacon bits bring delicious crunch and savory depth. Don’t underestimate a sprinkle of sharp cheddar or a dollop of sour cream for richness and creaminess that complements the smoky skin perfectly.
Side Dishes
Grilled baked potatoes are wonderfully versatile and pair well with countless dishes. They shine alongside grilled meats like steak or chicken, but also make a hearty side for summer salads, steamed vegetables, or even a fresh corn on the cob. Adding a colorful side balances the plate and keeps mealtime exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or family meal, present your potatoes as individual “loaded potato bar” stations where everyone adds their own toppings. You can also slice them open, scoop out a bit of the inside, mix it with additional ingredients like sour cream or cheese, then stuff it back in for a gourmet twist. Wrapping the potatoes individually in parchment paper before serving adds a charming touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extra grilled baked potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep skins from becoming soggy, avoid adding toppings until serving.
Freezing
Freezing grilled baked potatoes isn’t ideal because the texture can become mushy upon thawing due to their high moisture content. Instead, it’s best to enjoy them fresh or refrigerate for short-term use.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a conventional oven or toaster oven set to 350°F (175°C) to restore the crispy skin. Microwave reheating tends to make the skin soft, so keep that for when you’re in a hurry but prefer to avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While russet potatoes are ideal because of their fluffy interior and thick skin, you can certainly use Yukon gold or red potatoes. Just note their skins may crisp differently and cooking times might vary slightly.
Should the potatoes be wrapped in foil or grilled directly?
It depends on your preference. Wrapping in foil results in softer skins, while grilling them directly gives the crispiest, smokiest skin. Try both ways to discover your favorite.
How do I know the potatoes are fully cooked?
Insert a fork or skewer into the thickest part—it should slide in easily without resistance. This means the potato flesh is tender and ready to eat.
What are some good toppings for grilled baked potatoes?
Classic toppings include butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped chives, and bacon bits. Feel free to get creative with salsa, guacamole, or even sautéed mushrooms and onions for extra flavor.
Can I make this recipe on a gas grill and a charcoal grill?
Absolutely! Both gas and charcoal grills work beautifully. Charcoal might impart a stronger smoky flavor, but either option will deliver delicious grilled baked potatoes.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Baked Potatoes with Crispy Skins and Toppings Recipe is a total game-changer for potato lovers everywhere. It’s simple, flavorful, and endlessly customizable, making it a go-to for summer gatherings or cozy nights in. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever went back to oven-baked potatoes. So fire up your grill, grab those russets, and indulge in crispy, smoky potato goodness your whole family will adore!
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Grilled Baked Potatoes with Crispy Skins and Toppings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Total Time: 55-70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Grilled Baked Potatoes are a perfect combination of smoky flavor and fluffy texture, achieved by cooking russet potatoes directly on the grill. Whether you prefer soft skins wrapped in foil or crispier skins grilled directly, this easy recipe yields delicious potatoes ready to be topped with butter, sour cream, cheese, or your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 4 medium russet potatoes
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Chives
- Bacon bits
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes: Scrub the russet potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a towel. Pierce each potato several times using a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
- Coat and season: Rub each potato evenly with olive oil, ensuring the entire surface is coated. Generously sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper over each potato for flavor.
- Wrap or not (your choice): For a softer skin, wrap each seasoned potato individually in aluminum foil. If you prefer crispier skins, do not wrap the potatoes in foil before grilling.
- Preheat grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, approximately 400°F (200°C), to provide a balanced cooking temperature.
- Grill the potatoes: Place the wrapped or unwrapped potatoes directly on the grill grates. Close the grill lid to retain heat, and cook for 45 to 60 minutes. Turn the potatoes every 15 to 20 minutes to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
- Check doneness: The potatoes are fully cooked when a fork or skewer easily slides into the center without resistance, indicating a soft interior.
- Serve: Carefully remove the potatoes from the grill. If wrapped in foil, unwrap them cautiously as steam will escape. Let the potatoes cool for a couple of minutes before slicing them open and adding your preferred toppings such as butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, chives, or bacon bits.
Notes
- Wrapping the potatoes in foil results in moist, tender skins, while grilling them unwrapped produces a crispier skin.
- Turning the potatoes regularly helps to cook them evenly and prevents burning.
- You can adjust cooking time depending on the size of the potatoes; larger potatoes might need additional grilling time.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches about 210°F (99°C) for perfect doneness if unsure.
- Leftover grilled baked potatoes can be refrigerated and reheated in an oven or microwave.
