Can I grill potatoes without foil?

Yes! Placing the potatoes directly on the grill will give you an even crispier skin, but watch carefully to prevent burning. You may want to use indirect heat for this method.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

A fully baked potato will be easily pierced with a fork and feel soft all the way through. If there’s any resistance, keep grilling a few more minutes.

Can I add toppings before grilling?

It’s best to add toppings like cheese, bacon, or herbs after the potatoes are cooked and fluffed. Some toppings can burn or turn bitter if grilled too long.

Is it necessary to microwave before grilling?

Microwaving speeds up the cooking process so you can enjoy perfect, fluffy potatoes faster. It’s not strictly necessary, but it’s a total time-saver for weeknights.

Baked Potatoes On The Grill Recipe

Name: Baked Potatoes On The Grill Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 medium russet potatoes, evenly sized; 4 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil; Coarse sea salt, enough to coat potatoes

There’s absolutely nothing like the aroma of baked potatoes cooking away on the grill! These Baked Potatoes On The Grill are the ultimate side dish – the skin crispy and nicely salted, with a fluffy, steaming interior just waiting to be loaded up with your favorite toppings. Best of all, these potatoes come together without any complicated steps, making them an ideal add-on for busy weeknight dinners or summer cookouts. The texture is unbeatable, and grilling means you can avoid heating up your kitchen—always a win when the weather’s warm!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity at Its Best: This method’s as easy as it gets – little prep and minimal cleanup.
Super Crispy Skins: Coating the potatoes in oil and salt, then finishing on the grill, gives you that crave-worthy salty, crackly skin.
Customizable: Pile on whatever you love – butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, bacon, or even something wild like chili or guacamole!
Fuss-Free for a Crowd: With just a handful of ingredients and hands-off cooking, you can make as many as you need for a group without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Russet Potatoes: Choose evenly sized for even cooking and a classic fluffy texture; the workhorse of baked potatoes.
Olive or Avocado Oil: Oil helps the skin crisp up beautifully and adds a hint of richness (use what you have on hand).
Coarse Sea Salt: For that special crunch and savory flavor—don’t skip it! Kosher salt works too in a pinch.
Tip: Pricking the potatoes with a fork keeps them from bursting open on the grill—don’t skip this step!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Sweet Potatoes: Use the exact same method with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, heartier result.
Herbed Potatoes: Add dried thyme, rosemary, or garlic powder to the salt for extra flavor.
Cheesy Center: Scoop out some potato after baking, mix with cheese, return the filling and melt back on the grill!
Mini Potatoes: Go with baby potatoes for a “pop-in-your-mouth” party version—reduce cook time appropriately.

How to Make Baked Potatoes On The Grill

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Start by giving your potatoes a good scrub to remove any dirt. Dry, then prick each one a few times with a fork—this keeps the steam in check for perfectly cooked spuds.

Step 2: Oil and Salt Potatoes

Toss the potatoes in a bowl, drizzle over your oil of choice, and roll them until well-coated. In a smaller bowl, pour in enough coarse salt to cover the bottom. Roll each potato in the salt to create that irresistible salty crust.

Step 3: Microwave for a Head Start

Place the oiled and salted potatoes on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 4–6 minutes—this step jumpstarts the cooking, ensuring the perfect fluff inside without drying them out on the grill.

Step 4: Wrap and Grill

Individually wrap each potato tightly in foil. Place them directly on a preheated 350°F grill, close the lid, and leave them for 30–40 minutes. Try not to peek too often—the steady heat makes all the difference.

Step 5: Test for Doneness

After about 30 minutes, carefully check a potato by unwrapping and piercing with a fork. It should glide in easily. If not, re-wrap and grill a little longer.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once fully tender, remove your potatoes from the grill and unwrap. Slice open lengthwise, fluff the insides with a fork, and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Consistent Size Matters: Evenly sized potatoes will cook at the same rate, so no one’s left waiting for dinner.
Foil is Your Friend: Don’t skip the foil wrap—it keeps moisture in and helps cook the potatoes evenly.
No Grill? No Problem: You can use your oven or even a campfire for similar results—just adjust the timing.
For Extra Crisp Skin: After grilling, unwrap and place the potatoes back on the grill for 5 minutes—game changer!

How to Serve

Baked potatoes on the grill are a blank canvas! Here are some perfect pairings and topping ideas:

Classic:

Spread on salted butter and a dollop of sour cream; finish with snipped chives or chive blossoms.

Ultimate Loaded:

Add melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, dollops of sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions.

Barbecue Night:

Serve alongside grilled steak, burgers, or chicken. They soak up BBQ flavors beautifully.

Vegetarian Feast:

Top with sautéed mushrooms, roasted veggies, and a handful of shredded cheddar or feta.

Salad Add-On:

Cool leftovers are delicious with a scoop of tuna, chicken salad, or a big garden salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap leftover potatoes tightly in foil or pop them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Yes, baked potatoes can be frozen! Allow to cool, wrap well in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Note: The texture may change slightly after thawing, but they’re still tasty.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven (unwrapped) until the inside is hot and the skin re-crisps—about 15–20 minutes. Microwave works in a hurry, but the oven is worth it if you love that crispy skin.

FAQs

Can I grill potatoes without foil?

Yes! Placing the potatoes directly on the grill will give you an even crispier skin, but watch carefully to prevent burning. You may want to use indirect heat for this method.
How do I know when the potatoes are done?

A fully baked potato will be easily pierced with a fork and feel soft all the way through. If there’s any resistance, keep grilling a few more minutes.
Can I add toppings before grilling?

It’s best to add toppings like cheese, bacon, or herbs after the potatoes are cooked and fluffed. Some toppings can burn or turn bitter if grilled too long.
Is it necessary to microwave before grilling?

Microwaving speeds up the cooking process so you can enjoy perfect, fluffy potatoes faster. It’s not strictly necessary, but it’s a total time-saver for weeknights.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Potatoes On The Grill are always a hit—so easy, yet so satisfying. Whether you’re serving them up at a backyard barbecue or just getting dinner on the table in a hurry, their fluffy centers and crispy skins never disappoint. Give this recipe a try next time you fire up the grill; you might just find yourself making them on repeat. Enjoy every buttery, steamy bite!