Baked potatoes are a classic BBQ side dish. When cooked properly, they come out fluffy on the inside with a crispy skin on the outside. Knowing how long to barbecue baked potatoes ensures they turn out perfect every time.
Choosing the Right Potato
The type of potato you select impacts the barbecue time. Waxy potatoes like red or white potatoes hold their shape well during cooking. For baked potatoes, starchy russet potatoes are ideal. Their high starch content results in a fluffy interior perfect for loading up with tasty toppings. Choose potatoes that are similar in size for even cooking.
Baking Tips
- Wash and dry potatoes thoroughly before baking. Leaving the skin on provides more flavor.
- Poke several holes in each potato using a fork or skewer. This allows steam to escape and the potato to cook evenly.
- Rub potatoes with a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil before cooking. This helps the skin get extra crispy.
- Place potatoes directly on the grill grates or on a perforated grilling pan. Allow at least 1-2 inches between potatoes for airflow.
How Long to Grill Baked Potatoes
Medium potatoes (6-8 oz): 45-60 minutes
Large potatoes (8-12 oz): 60-90 minutes
Extra large potatoes (12-16 oz): 90-120 minutes
Cook times vary based on potato size, grill temperature, and altitude. The potatoes are ready when you can easily pierce them with a fork or skewer.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Baked Potatoes
- Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 375-400°F.
- For charcoal grills, bank the coals to one side. Place potatoes on the cooler side for indirect cooking.
- For gas grills, turn off the burner on one side. Place potatoes over the off burner.
- Turn potatoes over halfway through grilling for even cooking on both sides.
- Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center. Potatoes are done at 205°F.
How to Tell When Potatoes Are Done
It’s important not to undercook baked potatoes. Here are signs potatoes are fully grilled:
- The skin is crispy when squeezed gently with tongs.
- A fork or skewer easily pierces through to the center.
- Potatoes have softened slightly and feel tender when squeezed.
- Internal temperature reads 205°F.
The potato should still hold its shape without falling apart when pierced or squeezed. The interior will be light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
Baked potatoes are the perfect canvas for creative toppings:
- Butter and sour cream – A classic topping! Melted butter and cool sour cream pair nicely.
- Chili – Top with beef or vegetarian chili and grated cheddar cheese.
- Broccoli and cheese – Chopped steamed broccoli, shredded cheese, and bacon bits.
- Taco toppings – Ground beef, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, and grated cheese.
- BBQ baked beans – Spoon on baked beans with shredded BBQ pork or beef brisket.
- Greek yogurt and chives – For a lighter option, try plain Greek yogurt with snipped fresh chives.
So next time you barbecue, throw some russet potatoes on the grill. In about an hour, you’ll have the perfect side for all your grilled meats and veggies. Knowing exactly how long to barbecue bake potatoes ensures your spuds turn out fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About BBQ Baked Potatoes
How do you prep potatoes for baking on the grill?
- Choose large, starchy russet potatoes. Wash and dry them thoroughly.
- Poke several holes all over each potato with a fork or skewer. This allows steam to escape.
- Rub lightly with oil. This helps the skin get extra crispy.
Should you wrap potatoes in foil on the grill?
Wrapping in foil is not necessary. Leaving them unwrapped allows the skin to get crispy. Just be sure to place them on the cooler side of the grill for indirect cooking.
How long does it take to grill medium-sized baked potatoes?
For potatoes 6-8 ounces in size, allow 45-60 minutes of grilling time over medium heat. Turn them over halfway through.
What temperature are baked potatoes done?
Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center of a potato. They are fully cooked at an internal temperature of 205°F.
How do you keep baked potatoes warm after grilling?
You can hold baked potatoes in a cooler surrounded by towels for up to 30 minutes after cooking. For longer, wrap them individually in foil and place in an oven preheated to 175°F.
Can you grill baked potatoes the day before?
Yes, grill them completely the day before. Let cool, then wrap individually in foil and refrigerate. Reheat the next day still wrapped in foil on the grill or in the oven.
Grilling Baked Potatoes to Perfection
Grilling baked potatoes may take some time, but it yields delicious results. With the right techniques, you’ll achieve potatoes with a tender interior and crispy skin every time. Adjust cooking times based on the size of your spuds. Test doneness with a fork and thermometer. Then load up your perfectly barbecued baked potatoes with all your favorite toppings!