How to Perfectly Prepare Baked Potatoes for Grilling- A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Prepare Baked Potatoes for Grilling

Grilling baked potatoes is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic comfort food. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or just want to add a unique twist to your meal, grilling baked potatoes can be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to prepare baked potatoes for grilling, ensuring that you achieve perfectly crispy skins and tender, flavorful interiors.

Choose the Right Potatoes

The first step in preparing baked potatoes for grilling is selecting the right potatoes. Russet potatoes are the most popular choice due to their high starch content, which results in a crispy skin and fluffy interior. Look for potatoes that are firm, free of blemishes, and have a smooth skin. Avoid potatoes with green spots, as they can be bitter.

Preheat Your Grill

Before you start preparing the potatoes, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and develop a nice charred exterior. If you’re using a charcoal grill, let the coals burn down to a bed of glowing embers before you place the potatoes on the grill.

Prepare the Potatoes

Once your grill is preheated, wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Dry them completely with a paper towel or kitchen cloth. Using a fork, pierce the potatoes several times, which will allow steam to escape during the grilling process and prevent them from bursting.

Season the Potatoes

Next, it’s time to season your potatoes. You can use your favorite seasoning mix, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or a combination of herbs and spices. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over the entire surface of the potatoes, ensuring that every nook and cranny is coated.

Grill the Potatoes

Place the seasoned potatoes directly on the grill grates. Grill them for about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the potatoes. Flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. If the skin starts to burn, you can move the potatoes to a cooler part of the grill or cover the grill with a lid to reduce the heat.

Check for Doneness

To check if the potatoes are done, gently squeeze them with your fingers. They should feel soft and give slightly to pressure. If the skin is crispy and the interior is tender, the potatoes are ready to be removed from the grill.

Rest the Potatoes

After removing the potatoes from the grill, let them rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the potato, resulting in a more flavorful bite.

Serve and Enjoy

Finally, slice the potatoes lengthwise and serve them with your favorite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, or a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper. Grill-baked potatoes make a fantastic side dish or a hearty main course that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

By following these simple steps on how to prepare baked potatoes for grilling, you’ll be able to create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy grilling!