Perfect Bbq Baked Potatoes: Foil-Wrapped And Ready To Eat!

Cooking baked potatoes on the barbecue is a delicious and easy way to prepare this classic dish with a smoky flavour. The best potatoes to use are starchy potatoes like Russets, or all-purpose potatoes like Yukon gold or yellow potatoes. The key to grilling baked potatoes is to wrap them in foil, which protects them from burning and makes them easier to handle. You should also pierce the potatoes with a fork before grilling to allow the steam to escape and prevent them from exploding. The grill should be preheated to around 400-450°F, and the potatoes should be grilled for around 45 minutes to one hour, depending on their size.

How to prepare the potatoes before grilling

Preparing potatoes for grilling is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Choose the Right Potatoes:

Select potatoes that are suitable for grilling, such as Russet, Yukon Gold, or sweet potatoes. These varieties tend to have thin skins and waxy flesh, which makes them ideal for the grill. Try to choose potatoes that are similar in size so that they cook evenly.

Wash and Dry the Potatoes:

Give the potatoes a good rinse under warm water to remove any dirt or residue. You can use a scrub brush to gently clean the skin. Once they are clean, pat them dry with a towel.

Season the Potatoes:

Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes and use your hands to massage it into the skin. Be generous with the oil, ensuring that every nook and cranny is coated. Then, it's time to season! Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the potatoes. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, oregano, or even Cajun or Fajita seasoning for an extra kick.

Wrap in Foil:

Cut sheets of aluminum foil large enough to wrap each potato individually. Place each potato on a sheet of foil and brush or drizzle with a bit more oil if needed. Wrap the potatoes tightly in the foil. This step helps trap the heat and moisture, ensuring even cooking and preventing flare-ups during grilling.

Preheat the Grill:

Turn on your grill and set it to medium-high heat. Aim for a temperature between 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the grill preheat for about 15 minutes with the lid closed to ensure it reaches the desired temperature.

Grill the Potatoes:

Place the wrapped potatoes directly on the grill grates over direct heat. Make sure to leave some space between them so they are not touching. Close the lid and let the potatoes grill for 30-60 minutes, depending on their size. For smaller potatoes, 30-40 minutes should be sufficient, while larger potatoes may take up to an hour. Rotate the potatoes every 10 minutes or so to ensure even cooking.

Check for Doneness:

After the recommended grilling time, carefully open the foil and use a fork to pierce the potatoes. If the fork slides in easily and the potatoes feel tender, they are done. If not, wrap them back up in the foil and continue grilling for a few more minutes.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once the potatoes are grilled to perfection, remove them from the heat and let them cool for a few minutes. Carefully unwrap the foil and serve the potatoes while they are still hot. You can top them with butter, sour cream, chives, cheese, or any other toppings of your choice. Enjoy!

How long to grill the potatoes for

The length of time you grill your potatoes for will depend on a few factors, including the heat of your grill, the size of your potatoes, and whether you choose to pre-cook your potatoes.

Grill Temperature

Most sources recommend grilling your potatoes at a medium heat of around 400-450°F. At this temperature, you can expect your potatoes to be done within 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Potato Size

Larger potatoes will take longer to cook than smaller ones. If you are using a mix of potato sizes, try to keep them as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking. If your potatoes are on the larger side, you may need to increase the cooking time beyond 1 hour.

Pre-Cooking

If you want to speed up the cooking process, you can pre-cook your potatoes in the microwave before placing them on the grill. Pricking your potatoes with a fork and microwaving them for 4-5 minutes will significantly reduce grilling time, bringing the total cooking time down to around 40 minutes.

Checking for Doneness

You will know your potatoes are done when they are easily pierceable with a fork, or when the internal temperature reaches 210°F.

Grilling Tips

To ensure even cooking, rotate your potatoes every 10-15 minutes. For crispy skin, remove the foil after the internal temperature reaches 205°F, brush with oil, and place back on the grill for 10-15 minutes.

The grill temperature required

It is important to preheat your grill for at least 15 minutes with the lid closed before placing the potatoes on the grill. This ensures that the grill reaches the desired temperature and that the heat is distributed evenly.

Once the grill is preheated, you can place the prepared potatoes on the grill. Make sure to rotate them every 10-15 minutes to ensure even cooking. The total cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes, but it usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour for the potatoes to be tender and fully cooked.

Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the type of potato you are using and the size of the potatoes. Larger potatoes will take longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Whether to wrap the potatoes in foil

Wrapping the potatoes in foil protects them from burning and makes them easier to handle. The foil also helps to trap the heat, cooking the potatoes faster and keeping them warm for longer after cooking. It is believed that the foil keeps steam from escaping, keeping the potatoes moist while cooking.

However, some people prefer not to wrap their potatoes in foil, as they believe it can make the potatoes soggy. Instead, they suggest coating the potatoes in oil and salt before placing them directly on the grill. This method can give the potatoes a crispier skin.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to wrap the potatoes in foil or not is a matter of personal preference. Both methods can produce delicious, fluffy baked potatoes, so it is worth experimenting to see which technique you prefer.

What toppings to add

Toppings for BBQ Baked Potatoes

Baked potatoes on the barbecue are a delicious and easy dish to make. Cooking them in foil ensures they are tender and fluffy inside, with crispy, salty skins.

Once you have cooked your potatoes on the barbecue, the fun begins! You can load them up with all your favourite toppings, and get creative with different flavours. Here are some ideas for toppings to add to your BBQ baked potatoes:

Sour Cream and Chives

A classic combination, the tang of the sour cream is a great contrast to the fluffy potato, and chives add a delicate onion flavour.

Greek Yogurt and Chives

For a healthier option, Greek yogurt has a similar tang to sour cream, and is delicious with chives.

BBQ Sauce and Cheddar Cheese

For a smoky, savoury flavour, top your potato with BBQ sauce and melted cheddar cheese.

Butter, Salt and Pepper

A simple, classic combination, and a great base for other toppings.

Chilli

Top your potato with chilli for a spicy kick.

Cheese

Shredded or crumbled cheese is a great, versatile topping. You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or any other variety you like.

Bacon

Crispy bacon bits add a salty, savoury crunch to your potato.

Chicken or Steak Kabobs

For a heartier meal, serve your potato with chicken or steak kabobs.

Salmon

Salmon is a great source of protein to add to your potato, and is delicious with a squeeze of lemon.

Broccoli

Some steamed broccoli florets add a healthy, crunchy element to your potato.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese has a mild, creamy flavour, and is a great source of protein.

Leftover Roast Meat

Use up your leftover roast chicken or pork by adding it to your baked potato for a hearty meal.

Sweetcorn

Sweet, juicy kernels of sweetcorn add a pop of colour and a burst of flavour.

Guacamole

Creamy, spicy guacamole is a delicious, healthy topping for your potato.

Beans

Baked beans or chilli beans are a great, hearty addition to your potato, and are a good source of protein and fibre.

Spring Onions

Finely sliced spring onions add a mild onion flavour, and a bright pop of colour.

Jalapenos

For an extra spicy kick, add some sliced jalapenos.

Sour Cream and Bacon

A classic combination, the salty, crispy bacon is a perfect contrast to the creamy, tangy sour cream.

Feta Cheese and Olives

For a Mediterranean twist, add some crumbled feta cheese and sliced black olives.

Tuna

Tuna is a great source of protein, and is delicious mixed with a little mayonnaise and some chopped spring onions.

Prawns

Prawns are a delicious, lean source of protein, and are great with a squeeze of lemon.

The possibilities are endless! Get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your favourite.

Frequently asked questions