What To Know
- For a crispy skin, grill the potatoes directly over the flame for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
- Place the potatoes in a grill basket to make it easier to rotate and prevent them from falling through the grill grates.
- Wrapping the potatoes in a potato bag or foil packet helps trap moisture and create a fluffy interior.
Mastering the art of gas grilling baked potatoes is a culinary skill that will elevate your backyard gatherings. With this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every step, from selecting the perfect potatoes to achieving that crispy skin and fluffy interior.
Choosing the Right Potatoes
The ideal potatoes for grilling are large, with a skin that’s free of blemishes. Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their high starch content, which results in a fluffy texture.
Preparing the Potatoes
1. Wash and scrub: Remove any dirt or debris from the potatoes.
2. Prick the skin: Use a fork to pierce the potatoes several times. This allows steam to escape during grilling and prevents them from bursting.
3. Oil and season: Brush the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
Setting Up the Grill
1. Preheat the grill: Heat one side of the grill to medium-high heat (about 400-450°F).
2. Create an indirect cooking zone: On the other side of the grill, turn off the burners or adjust them to low heat. This will create a cooler zone for slow and even cooking.
Grilling the Potatoes
1. Place the potatoes on the indirect heat zone: Arrange the potatoes on the cooler side of the grill.
2. Cover and cook: Close the lid and cook the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Rotate the potatoes: Halfway through the cooking time, rotate the potatoes to ensure even grilling.
Crispy Skin Techniques
- Grill directly over the flame: For a crispy skin, grill the potatoes directly over the flame for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
- Brush with oil: Brush the potatoes with additional olive oil before grilling over the flame.
- Use a grill basket: Place the potatoes in a grill basket to make it easier to rotate and prevent them from falling through the grill grates.
Fluffy Interior
- Use a potato bag: Wrapping the potatoes in a potato bag or foil packet helps trap moisture and create a fluffy interior.
- Add butter and herbs: After the potatoes are cooked, slice open the skins and add a pat of butter and fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Loaded potatoes: Top the potatoes with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, bacon, chili, or sour cream.
- Potato salad: Slice the potatoes and combine them with mayonnaise, celery, and onion for a simple potato salad.
- Potato soup: Puree the potatoes with broth, milk, and seasonings for a creamy and flavorful soup.
Final Touches
- Garnish with chives: Sprinkle chopped chives over the potatoes for a fresh and aromatic touch.
- Serve hot: Enjoy the grilled potatoes immediately while they are hot and fluffy.
Tips for Success
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the potatoes. They should reach 210°F for doneness.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes, as they will become dry and tough.
- If you don’t have an indirect cooking zone on your grill, simply turn the potatoes every 15-20 minutes to prevent burning.
- For a smoky flavor, add wood chips or pellets to the grill.
The Perfect Potato Companion
Grilled baked potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes, including:
- Grilled steak: Pair the potatoes with a juicy grilled steak for a classic and satisfying meal.
- Grilled chicken: The fluffy potatoes complement the tender grilled chicken perfectly.
- Grilled vegetables: Add grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, onions, and peppers, to create a flavorful and healthy side dish.
What You Need to Learn
Q: How do I prevent the potatoes from burning on the grill?
A: Use indirect heat and rotate the potatoes frequently. You can also wrap them in a potato bag or foil packet.
Q: Can I grill potatoes without pricking them?
A: No, it is important to prick the potatoes to allow steam to escape and prevent them from bursting.
Q: How long should I cook the potatoes for?
A: The cooking time varies depending on the size of the potatoes. Cook them for 45-60 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Q: What toppings can I add to my grilled potatoes?
A: You can top your potatoes with a variety of toppings, such as cheese, bacon, chili, sour cream, or fresh herbs.
Q: Can I reheat grilled potatoes?
A: Yes, you can reheat grilled potatoes in the oven or microwave. However, they may not be as crispy as when they were first grilled.
