Forget the oven! This summer, elevate your classic baked potato to new heights with this incredibly easy and flavorful grilled baked potato recipe. Imagine the smoky char, the fluffy interior, and the endless topping possibilities – all achieved with the convenience of your grill. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual barbecue, or even a sophisticated outdoor meal. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that's both healthy and unbelievably simple to make.
Ingredients:
- 4 large russet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
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Prep the Potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly and scrub them clean. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps them cook evenly and achieve a nice crispy skin. Avoid piercing the potatoes; we want to keep the steam inside for fluffy results.
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Oil and Season: Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, ensuring they're evenly coated. Sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings like garlic powder or paprika. Rub the seasonings into the potatoes to help them adhere.
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Grill the Potatoes: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C). Place the potatoes directly on the grill grates. For even cooking, rotate them every 15-20 minutes, ensuring they get a good char on all sides.
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Cooking Time: Depending on the size of your potatoes and the heat of your grill, cooking time will vary. Larger potatoes may take an hour or more, while smaller ones might be ready in 45 minutes. The potatoes are done when they are easily pierced with a fork and the flesh is tender.
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Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the steam to redistribute, resulting in an even fluffier potato. Now comes the fun part – load them up with your favorite toppings!
Tips for Perfect Grilled Baked Potatoes:
- Choose the Right Potato: Russet potatoes are ideal for baking due to their fluffy texture.
- Don't Pierce: Resist the urge to pierce the potatoes before grilling. This traps the steam inside, leading to a fluffier interior.
- Even Cooking: Rotate the potatoes regularly to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Indirect Heat (Optional): For less intense charring, you can indirectly grill the potatoes by placing them on a cooler part of the grill or using a grill pan.
- Foil (Optional): For extra insurance against burning, you can wrap the potatoes in foil before grilling. However, you'll lose some of that delicious smoky char.
Topping Ideas:
The beauty of a baked potato is the versatility of its toppings. Get creative! Some popular choices include:
- Classic: Butter, sour cream, chives
- Spicy: Chili, shredded cheese, jalapeños
- Vegetarian: Black beans, salsa, avocado
- Hearty: Bacon bits, cheese, broccoli
Nutritional Information (Per Potato, Approximate):
- Calories: Around 200-250 (depending on toppings)
- Fat: 5-10g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This simple recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Perfect for those summer evenings when you don't want to heat up your kitchen. Enjoy!