how long do baked potatoes take on the bbq

Perfectly Grilled: How Long Do Baked Potatoes Really Take on the BBQ?

The sizzle of steaks, the smoky aroma of ribs… and alongside them, the humble yet satisfying baked potato. Cooking baked potatoes on the BBQ or grill is a fantastic way to infuse them with a subtle smokiness and keep your kitchen cool. But unlike tossing a burger on the grates, timing potatoes requires a bit more finesse. So, how long does it actually take?

The short answer: Expect BBQ baked potatoes to take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

That’s a pretty wide range, right? That’s because several factors significantly influence the cooking time:

Key Factors Affecting BBQ Baked Potato Cooking Time:

1. Potato Size and Density: This is the biggest variable. Smaller potatoes (like new potatoes or small russets) might cook in under an hour, while large, dense baking potatoes (like hefty Russets) can easily push towards the 90-minute mark or even longer.
2. Grill Temperature: The temperature you maintain inside your grill is crucial.

   • Ideal Range: Aim for a consistent medium heat, around 350-400°F (175-200°C).
   • Lower Temps: Cooking at lower temperatures (below 325°F / 160°C) will significantly increase the cooking time.
   • Higher Temps: Very high heat can burn the outside before the inside is cooked through.

3. Indirect vs. Direct Heat: Always cook baked potatoes using indirect heat. Placing them directly over hot coals or burners will scorch the skin long before the center is tender. Set up your grill for two-zone cooking (hot side, cool side) and place the potatoes on the cooler, indirect heat side.
4. Wrapping in Foil (or Not):

   • Foil-Wrapped: Wrapping potatoes in aluminum foil traps steam, which helps them cook slightly faster and keeps the inside moist. However, the skin will be softer. This is the most common method.
   • Unwrapped (Naked): Placing potatoes directly on the grill grate (over indirect heat) results in a drier, potentially crispier skin, often infused with more smoke flavor. This method may take slightly longer as moisture evaporates more freely.

5. Potato Type: While most potatoes can be baked, Russets (Idaho potatoes) are generally considered the best for baking due to their high starch content and low moisture, resulting in a fluffy interior. Denser, waxier potatoes might take longer and have a different texture.

Step-by-Step Guide (and Estimated Timing):

Here’s a typical process using the foil-wrapped method over indirect medium heat (350-400°F / 175-200°C):

1. Prep (5 mins):

   • Scrub potatoes thoroughly under running water.
   • Pat them completely dry.
   • Prick the potatoes several times with a fork or knife. This allows steam to escape, preventing potato explosions.
   • Rub the skins with olive oil or vegetable oil and season generously with coarse salt and black pepper.

2. Wrap (Optional, 2 mins):

   • Wrap each potato securely in aluminum foil. You can add a sprig of rosemary or a crushed garlic clove inside the foil for extra flavor.

3. Grill (45 – 90+ mins):

   • Set up your grill for indirect medium heat.
   • Place the wrapped (or unwrapped) potatoes on the indirect heat side of the grill grate.
   • Close the lid.
   • Check after 45 minutes: Gently squeeze the potato (using tongs or an oven mitt – it’s hot!). If it gives easily, it might be done. For a more accurate check, insert a fork, skewer, or instant-read thermometer into the thickest part.

     • Fork/Skewer Test: It should slide in with very little resistance.
     • Thermometer Test: The internal temperature should reach 205-210°F (96-99°C) for a perfectly fluffy texture.

   • Continue Cooking: If not yet tender, continue cooking, checking every 15 minutes. Larger potatoes often need the full 60-90 minutes or sometimes longer.

4. Crisp the Skin (Optional, 5 mins): If you wrapped your potatoes in foil but want a slightly crispier skin, carefully remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. You can even move them briefly over direct heat, watching carefully to avoid burning.
5. Rest (5 mins): Let the potatoes rest for a few minutes off the grill before slicing open and serving.

In Summary:

While there’s no single magic number, plan for at least an hour when cooking average-sized Russet potatoes on the BBQ over indirect medium heat. Start checking around the 45-minute mark, but be prepared for it to take up to 90 minutes or more, especially for larger spuds. The key is consistent indirect heat and checking for doneness with a fork or thermometer.

Enjoy those smoky, perfectly tender grilled potatoes!