Baked Potato BBQ Time: Perfect Potatoes on the Grill

Let's be honest, there's something undeniably satisfying about firing up the grill on a sunny afternoon. The sizzle of food, the scent of smoke, and the laughter of friends and family – it’s a perfect summer scene. And while burgers, sausages, and steaks are classic BBQ fare, there's a hidden gem waiting to be discovered: the humble baked potato, elevated to new heights on the grill.

Now, I know what you're thinking: “baked potatoes on the grill? That sounds odd.” But trust me, it's not odd, it's absolutely brilliant! The grill imparts a smoky depth of flavour that you simply can’t achieve in the oven, while the heat creates a crispy, charred exterior that's both visually appealing and texturally delightful. And best of all, the inside stays fluffy and perfectly cooked – a triumph of texture and taste.

(Part 1) The Grill's the Place: Unveiling the BBQ Potato Potential

For years, my grill was reserved for the usual suspects: burgers, sausages, and the occasional steak. But one sunny afternoon, a mischievous spark ignited. I decided to experiment, to push the boundaries of my BBQ repertoire. What if, I wondered, I could grill a baked potato? The thought was both intriguing and daunting.

The Big Reveal: A Potato Revelation

I admit, I was a tad sceptical at first. How could a potato achieve that crispy, charred exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior? But as the first potato emerged from the grill, my doubts vanished. It was a revelation! The smoky aroma was intoxicating, and the first bite was pure bliss. The skin was a delightful contrast of crispy char and soft, yielding potato, while the inside was a cloud of fluffy goodness. I was hooked!

(Part 2) The Perfect Potato: Choosing Your Spud

The foundation of a great grilled baked potato lies in selecting the right potato. Not all potatoes are created equal, and choosing the right one is crucial for a perfect outcome.

Potato Power: russet potatoes, The Champions

I'm a firm believer in Russet potatoes for baking. They're large, have a high starch content, and hold their shape beautifully on the grill. They cook up fluffy and soft, making them ideal for all sorts of toppings. But hey, if you’re a fan of other varieties, like Yukon Gold or Red Bliss, feel free to experiment!

The Size Matters: Big and Beautiful

Avoid those tiny, bite-sized potatoes – they'll disappear into the grill before you know it. We’re after decent-sized potatoes, about the size of a baseball or even larger. Those will provide ample room for flavour and toppings.

(Part 3) Getting Ready: Preparing for Grill Time

With your perfect potatoes chosen, it's time to get them ready for the grill. We’ll need to give them a little TLC before sending them to the flames.

Scrub, Scrub, Scrub: The Power of a Good Wash

Give those potatoes a thorough scrub with a vegetable brush. No need to peel them – we want that beautiful crispy skin! I also like to give them a quick rinse under the tap, just to make sure they're nice and clean.

Wrap It Up: Keeping the Moisture In

Now, we’re going to wrap those potatoes to lock in the moisture and prevent them from drying out on the grill. I prefer using foil, but parchment paper is another great option.

1. Foil: Grab a piece of foil large enough to completely wrap your potato. Place the potato on the foil, then add a splash of water inside the wrap. This will create steam during cooking, ensuring a perfectly cooked potato. Wrap the foil tightly around the potato, making sure there are no gaps.
2. Parchment Paper: Follow the same process as with foil, using a piece of parchment paper large enough to wrap your potato. Add a splash of water, and seal the paper tightly around the potato.

Let Them Rest: A Moment of Patience

Finally, let those potatoes rest. Place them on a baking sheet and let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This allows them to cook more evenly and helps prevent them from cracking on the grill.

(Part 4) The Big Grill: Fire Up the Fun

It’s time for the main event! Fire up your grill – we’re ready to cook those potatoes. We want medium heat, not too hot and not too cool. I typically aim for around 350 degrees fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

The Placement: Positioning for Success

Once your grill is hot, carefully place your wrapped potatoes directly on the grill grates. Make sure there’s enough space between each potato to allow heat to circulate evenly.

Flip It!: A Mid-grill Twirl

After about 30 minutes, it's time to give those potatoes a flip. Gently flip them over using a pair of tongs, making sure to keep the foil or parchment paper intact. Let them grill for another 30 minutes.

(Part 5) The Check: Assessing Potato Perfection

After about an hour, it's time to check on your potato progress. Carefully unwrap one potato and check to see if it's cooked through. The potato should be soft and yielding to the touch. If it's not quite cooked through, wrap it back up and grill it for another 15-20 minutes.

The Tell-tale Sign: A Fork Test for Success

If you’re unsure if your potato is cooked, use a fork to test it. Pierce the potato with the fork – if it goes in easily without any resistance, it's ready!

(Part 6) The Toppings: A World of Flavour

Now, the fun part! It’s time to unleash your creativity and add your favourite toppings. Baked potatoes are like blank canvases, ready for whatever deliciousness you want to add.

The Classics: Timeless Combinations

Let’s start with the classics. We’re talking butter, sour cream, shredded cheese, bacon bits, chives, and green onions – the ultimate comfort food combo.

The Adventurous: Exploring New Frontiers

But hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, let’s explore some exciting toppings. How about a dollop of chili, a burst of flavour with salsa and guacamole, or a spicy chicken salad for a touch of heat? The possibilities are endless!

The Veggie Lover: A Light and Vibrant Touch

For those seeking a lighter option, roasted vegetables are a fantastic addition. Broccoli, bell peppers, asparagus – they add a beautiful burst of colour and flavour, and they’re a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.

(Part 7) The Table is Set: A Feast for the Senses

Once your potatoes are cooked and adorned with your favourite toppings, it's time to serve them up! I like to present them on a large platter or in individual bowls for a visually appealing and convenient spread.

The Sidekick: A Fresh Counterpoint

If you’re feeling fancy, a side salad is a delightful complement to your grilled baked potatoes. It adds a refreshing touch and balances the richness of the potato and toppings.

The Beverage: Quenching Your Thirst

No BBQ feast is complete without a refreshing beverage. A cold beer, a glass of iced tea, or even a fruity mocktail are perfect partners for your grilled baked potatoes.

(Part 8) The Aftermath: Cleaning Up and Recalling the Joy

Let’s be real – after enjoying a delicious meal, a little clean-up is inevitable. But don't worry, it's not a big deal.

Cleaning Up: A Quick and Easy Task

Give those grill grates a quick scrub with a grill brush to remove any food remnants. If you used foil, simply discard it. And if you used parchment paper, it's usually biodegradable, so you can compost it.

(Part 9) The FAQs: Addressing Your Curious Minds

Now, I know you might have some questions about baking potatoes on the grill. So, here are some frequently asked questions and my answers:

FAQs

(Part 10) The Conclusion: A Toast to Grilled Potato Perfection

There you have it, my friends! A complete guide to grilling the perfect baked potatoes. I hope you've enjoyed this little journey into the world of grilled potato perfection.

Remember, grilling baked potatoes is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. So don't be afraid to try different toppings, different wrapping techniques, and different grilling times. Have fun, enjoy, and most importantly, eat well!