🥔 How Long to Cook Baked Potatoes on a Grill (Without Guesswork!)

Ever stood next to your grill wondering if your baked potatoes are actually done? 😅 We’ve all been there. You check one… still hard. Wait a bit longer… now it’s burned. Grilling potatoes sounds simple, but getting them just right—with that crispy skin and soft center—takes a little know-how.

Well, you’re in the right place! 🙌

In this guide, I’m going to share everything I’ve learned over years of summer cooking and backyard BBQs. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just making dinner for the family, you’ll learn exactly how long to cook baked potatoes on a grill, how to get that perfect texture, and a few tasty tricks to make your potatoes the star of the grill. 🌟

Let’s get into it—this is going to be fun (and delicious)! 🍽️

🥔 What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

Let’s keep it simple: russet potatoes are your best friend here. 💯
They have a mealy texture that turns soft and fluffy on the inside when grilled. Their skin crisps up beautifully too. 😋

Want to try something different? You can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes, but they’ll be a little smoother and sweeter.

📌 Pro Tip: Try to pick same-size potatoes so they all cook evenly.

🔧 How Should I Prep the Potatoes?

Here’s the easy prep routine:

1. Scrub and dry each potato 🧼
   
2. Pierce with a fork a few times 🍴
   
3. Rub them with olive oil or avocado oil 🫒
   
4. Sprinkle on salt and pepper 🧂
   

If you want them super soft and moist inside, wrap them in heavy-duty foil. For a crispier skin, you can finish them unwrapped during the last part of grilling. 🔥

🌡️ What Grill Temperature Works Best?

Before you even put the potatoes on, preheat your grill to medium heat—that’s about 350–400°F. 🌡️

🔥 If your grill has zones, use indirect heat (away from the flame). This helps them cook evenly without burning.

⏱️ So, How Long Should I Actually Grill Them?

Here’s the golden number:
Foil-wrapped potatoes usually take about 1 hour on the grill.

 ✔️ Keep the lid closed
✔️ Rotate every 15 minutes using tongs or heat gloves 🔁
✔️ After 60 minutes, check with a fork or thermometer
✔️ Want crispy skin? Move them to direct heat (unwrapped) for the last 10–15 minutes 🧄

🍖 Can I Grill Other Foods Alongside the Potatoes?

Absolutely! One of the best parts about grilling baked potatoes is that they’re super low-maintenance, which gives you space and time to grill other goodies. 🔥

While your foil-wrapped potatoes are cooking over indirect heat, you can use the direct heat zone to grill meats, veggies, or even seafood. Just keep a few things in mind:

✅ Timing matters: Since potatoes take about 1 hour, plan quicker-cooking items like chicken breasts, burgers, or kebabs to hit the grill later—around the 30-minute mark.

✅ Flavor layering: The lid stays closed most of the time, which helps lock in the BBQ flavor and adds a nice smoky touch to both your potatoes and your protein. 😋

✅ Spacing is key: Avoid crowding the grill. Give each item some room so it cooks evenly and absorbs that smoky grill magic.

Whether it’s grilled corn, sausages, or marinated tofu, pairing foods with your potatoes makes the grilling process more efficient—and the meal more complete. 🍽️

🧪 How Can I Tell They’re Fully Cooked?

Two easy ways:

• Stick in a fork—if it slides in easily, you’re good ✅
  
• Use an instant-read thermometer—you’re aiming for 210°F 🌡️
  

This gives you that moist inside and crunchy skin combo every time.

🚫 What Mistakes Should I Avoid When Grilling Baked Potatoes?

Even though grilling potatoes sounds easy, there are a few common missteps that can lead to uneven cooking or less-than-perfect results. Let’s save you the trouble by going over what not to do. 😉

1. ❌ Skipping the Preheat

Always preheat the grill. If you start with a cold grill, your potatoes will take much longer and may cook unevenly. Consistent temperature is key to getting that fluffy center and crispy skin.

2. ❌ Using Thin Foil

If you’re going the foil-wrapped route, make sure you use heavy-duty aluminum foil. Thin foil tears easily, letting heat escape or causing potatoes to dry out. A snug wrap helps retain moisture and heat.

3. ❌ Not Rotating

Forgetting to rotate your potatoes every 15 minutes can lead to burned spots or undercooked areas. A simple turn makes a big difference in how evenly they cook. 🔁

4. ❌ Cooking Over Direct Heat the Whole Time

It might seem faster to place your potatoes over direct heat, but this usually results in a charred outside and raw inside. Stick with indirect heat, then finish with a short burst of direct heat to crisp the skin.

5. ❌ Overcrowding the Grill

Too many items on the grill at once reduces air flow and drops the temperature, slowing the cooking time and messing with the texture. Give everything a bit of space to breathe.

Avoid these common mistakes, and you’ll be well on your way to BBQ perfection. 🙌

🧀 What Toppings Should I Try?

This is where things get delicious! 😍

Here are some of my go-to toppings:

 🧈 Butter, sour cream, and chives
🧀 Shredded cheese and green onions
🍗 Leftover BBQ chicken or pulled pork
🥣 Chili and melted cheese
🌿 Light version: Greek yogurt and herbs

Baked potatoes are like a blank canvas—go wild and make it your own! 🎨

🥶 Got Leftovers? Here’s How to Reheat Them

No worries if you’ve got extras. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. 🧊

🔥 To reheat:

• Use an air fryer or skillet to bring back that crispy skin
  
• Microwave is fastest, but softens the skin
  
• Or toss them back on the grill for a quick refresh!
  

👨‍🍳 Final Thoughts From One Grill Lover to Another

Learning how long to cook baked potatoes on a grill isn’t rocket science—just a few smart steps and a little practice. 🚀

Once you get your grill temperature, foil method, and cook time dialed in, you’ll be turning out restaurant-quality potatoes every time. 🔥🥔

Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ with friends, grilled baked potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser—and now, you’ll know exactly how to get them just right. 🙌

Happy grilling—and don’t forget the butter! 🧈🔥

💬 Want more grilling tips or recipes? Drop a comment or reach out—I’d love to help you master your grill game!

🥔 Grilled Baked Potatoes (Foil-Wrapped & Perfect Every Time)

Sofia Martinez

These grilled baked potatoes are fluffy inside, crispy outside, and loaded with smoky BBQ flavor. Perfect for cookouts or oven-free summer meals!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 day d 10 hours hrs

Cuisine American / BBQ

Video

Notes

🍽️ Ingredients (Serves 4)

(Image: Raw russet potatoes + oil/salt/pepper in small bowls – placed above ingredient list)

Ingredients:

• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Heavy-duty foil

🔥 Essential Grilling Equipment

1. Grill
Gas grill (easiest temperature control)

Charcoal grill (for smokier flavor)

Pellet grill (set-and-forget option)

2. Basic Tools
Heavy-duty aluminum foil (must for moisture retention)

Tongs or heat-resistant gloves (to rotate potatoes safely)

Instant-read thermometer (target: 210°F internal temp)

Fork or skewer (for piercing potatoes pre-grilling)

Basting brush (to evenly coat oil)

3. Optional but Helpful
Grill basket (if cooking unwrapped potatoes)

Cast iron skillet (for finishing toppings like melted cheese)

Meat thermometer (if grilling protein simultaneously)

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Potatoes

(Image: Hands scrubbing/piercing/oiling potatoes – step-by-step horizontal sequence)

• Scrub and dry potatoes.
• Pierce 4–5 times with a fork.
• Rub with oil, season, wrap in foil.

2. Grill Setup

(Image: Grill zones diagram – labeled “indirect vs. direct heat”)

• Preheat grill to 375°F (medium heat).
• Set up indirect heat zone.
• 3. Cooking Process

(Image: Foil-wrapped potatoes on grill with smoke – action shot)

• Grill foil-wrapped potatoes for 1 hour (rotate every 15 mins).
• Check temp: 210°F = done.
• (Optional crispy step) Unwrap, grill 10 mins over direct heat.

🧊 Storage & Reheating

(Image: Air fryer reheating potatoes – side-by-side with microwave)

• Fridge: 3 days in airtight container.
• Reheat: Air fryer (5–8 mins @ 375°F) for crispiness.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to cook baked potatoes on the grill in foil?

It usually takes about 1 hour to cook foil-wrapped baked potatoes on a grill over indirect heat at around 375°F. Just be sure to rotate every 15 minutes for even cooking and use a fork or instant-read thermometer (look for 210°F) to check doneness.

2. Should I wrap potatoes in foil when grilling?

Wrapping potatoes in foil helps retain moisture, making the insides soft and fluffy. It’s great for even heat distribution and keeps the skin from burning. If you want a crispier skin, unwrap them for the last 10–15 minutes and place over direct heat.

3. Can I grill baked potatoes without foil?

Yes, you can grill baked potatoes without foil, but you’ll need to watch the grill temperature closely. Cook over indirect heat to avoid burning the skin. For a crunchy texture, rub them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling.

4. What temperature should the grill be for baked potatoes?

Set your grill to a medium heat, ideally between 350°F and 400°F. This temperature range ensures the potatoes cook evenly without burning, especially if you’re using indirect heat and keeping the lid closed.

5. Can I cook meat and potatoes on the grill at the same time?

Absolutely! Grill your potatoes over indirect heat while cooking meats like burgers or chicken over direct heat. This setup lets everything finish around the same time and brings that BBQ flavor to the full meal. Just plan the timing based on the protein you’re cooking.

6. How do I know when grilled baked potatoes are done?

Grilled baked potatoes are done when they’re fork-tender and feel soft when squeezed with tongs. The most accurate way is using a thermometer—when the internal temperature reaches 210°F, your potato is perfectly cooked.