Grilled Baked Potatoes Recipe – Easy BBQ Favorite

There’s nothing quite like the flavor of grilled baked potatoes. The smoky char from the grill combined with the fluffy inside makes them the perfect comfort food for any outdoor gathering. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, camping with friends, or just enjoying a quiet family dinner, learning how to cook baked potatoes on the grill is a must-have skill. This guide will answer all of those questions and more, while giving you the easiest grilled baked potato recipe you can follow at home.

Why Make Baked Potatoes on the Grill?

Cooking potatoes in the oven is classic, but grilling them has some unique advantages:

Smoky Flavor – The grill adds a subtle smokiness that the oven can’t replicate.
Crispy Skin – Olive oil and salt turn the potato skins perfectly crisp.
Outdoor Cooking – Ideal for summer when you don’t want to heat up your kitchen.
Versatility – Easy to customize with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or bacon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s get everything ready.

2 large russet potatoes
¼ teaspoon olive oil
Salt (to taste)
2 sheets of aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Gather All Ingredients

The first step to making baked potatoes on the grill is preparation. Have your potatoes, olive oil, salt, and foil ready before you begin. This saves time and ensures a smooth cooking process.

An overhead shot of ingredients for grilled baked potatoes laid out on a wooden table. From left to right: a small clear bowl of olive oil, two large whole russet potatoes, a small white dish of salt, and two small squares of aluminum foil.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Set your outdoor grill to medium heat (around 375–400°F). Preheating ensures the potatoes cook evenly.

A close-up shot of an open outdoor grill with hot, glowing red grates, indicating it's preheating. Smoke is gently rising from the grates, and a temperature gauge is visible on the inside of the lid. Green foliage is blurred in the background.

Step 3: Wash and Prep the Potatoes

Thoroughly wash and dry your russet potatoes. Using a fork, poke small holes all over the surface. This allows steam to escape while cooking.

A close-up shot of two unpeeled russet potatoes with water droplets on their skin, resting on a wooden surface. A hand is using a fork to poke holes into one of the potatoes.

Step 4: Season

Rub each potato with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt. This is the secret to crispy, flavorful skins.

Step 5: Wrap in Foil

Place each potato on a sheet of aluminum foil. Roll them up tightly and fold the ends to secure. Wrapping helps lock in moisture while still allowing the skins to crisp up.

A close-up shot of a person's hands wrapping two russet potatoes in aluminum foil on a wooden table. One potato is fully wrapped and crinkled, while the other is partially wrapped, with its skin still visible.

Step 6: Grill the Potatoes

Place the foil-wrapped potatoes directly on the grill grates. Close the lid and cook for about 1 hour, rotating every 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides in easily.

A close-up shot of several potatoes, individually wrapped in crinkled aluminum foil, cooking on the hot grates of an open charcoal grill. Smoke is rising from the potatoes, and the glowing embers are visible beneath the grates.

Step 7: Serve

Carefully remove the potatoes from the grill using tongs. Unwrap the foil (watch out for hot steam). Split each potato open with a knife, fluff the inside with a fork, and add your favorite toppings—like butter, sour cream, cheese, bacon bits, or chives.

A close-up shot of two steaming, grilled baked potatoes, partially unwrapped from foil, sitting on a brown wooden plate. Each potato is generously topped with melting butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green chives. A fork rests on the plate in front of the potatoes, and a green background is blurred behind them.

How Long to Grill Baked Potatoes?

Foil-wrapped potatoes: 60 minutes on medium heat.
Without foil: 45–60 minutes, but the skin will be crispier and may char slightly.

Tip: If you’re short on time, you can microwave the potatoes for 5–6 minutes before grilling to speed up the process.

Best Toppings for Grilled Baked Potatoes

Once you’ve mastered how to make baked potatoes on the grill, the real fun begins—choosing toppings! Here are some popular options:

Classic: Butter, sour cream, shredded cheddar, chives
Loaded: Bacon bits, jalapeños, green onions
Healthy: Steamed broccoli, Greek yogurt, salsa
Creative: Chili, pulled pork, or guacamole

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not poking holes – Potatoes may burst if steam isn’t released.
Skipping oil and salt – You’ll miss out on crispy, flavorful skins.
Too high heat – This can burn the outside before the inside cooks through.
Not rotating – Uneven cooking can leave you with raw spots inside.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 229
Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: 6g

FAQs About Grilled Baked Potatoes

How to bake a potato on the grill? Wrap in foil, season, and cook on medium heat for about 1 hour. How long does it take to make a baked potato on the grill? On average, 60 minutes. Larger potatoes may take up to 75 minutes. Can you grill baked potatoes without foil? Yes. Brush with oil and place directly on the grill. Just monitor closely to prevent burning. What’s the best way to cook baked potatoes on the grill? The foil method is most reliable for even cooking, but foil-free potatoes have crispier skins. How do you know when grilled baked potatoes are done? Insert a fork or skewer—the potato should feel soft all the way through.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to cook a baked potato on the grill, you’ll never want to go back to the microwave or oven version. With just a few simple steps—washing, seasoning, wrapping, and grilling—you can enjoy smoky, fluffy, and delicious potatoes every time. Whether you’re making a side for steak night, feeding a crowd at a BBQ, or experimenting with new toppings, these grilled baked potatoes are sure to impress. Next time you’re firing up the grill, don’t forget to throw on a few potatoes—you won’t regret it!

The Ultimate Guide to Grilled Baked Potatoes