Smoky Baked Potato Perfection

Elevate your next backyard barbecue with a side dish that’s guaranteed to impress: the Smoked Baked Potato. This isn’t just any baked potato; it’s a culinary masterpiece where the comforting familiarity of a fluffy spud meets the irresistible allure of authentic smoky flavor. If you own a smoker, prepare to unlock a new level of potato perfection that will have everyone asking for the recipe. This guide makes it incredibly easy to achieve beautifully tender, smoky baked potatoes, ready to be customized with all your favorite savory toppings.

Overhead view of a smoked baked potato topped with cheese and bacon on a white plate.

Contents

Why Smoked Baked Potatoes Are a Game-Changer

There’s something uniquely satisfying about a perfectly baked potato – its soft, creamy interior contrasting with a slightly crisp skin. But when you introduce the magic of the smoker, you transform this classic into something truly extraordinary. Here’s what makes this smoked baked potato recipe an absolute must-try:

Unmatched Flavor Depth: While a traditional baked potato offers comforting starchiness, smoking it infuses every bite with a complex, earthy aroma that only wood smoke can provide. This extra layer of savory flavor makes the potatoes utterly irresistible, creating a harmonious balance with their naturally creamy texture. It’s a taste experience far superior to oven-baked or grilled potatoes.
Effortless Preparation for Maximum Impact: Despite its gourmet appeal, this smoked baked potato recipe is surprisingly simple to execute. The process involves minimal hands-on effort: a quick wash, a few fork pokes, a generous rub with oil and your chosen spices, and then the smoker does all the heavy lifting. You set them, forget them (for a few hours), and return to perfectly cooked, flavorful potatoes.
The Ultimate BBQ Companion: These smoky spuds are the quintessential side dish for any outdoor gathering or summer barbecue. They pair beautifully with a wide array of grilled and smoked meats, enhancing the overall meal without overpowering other flavors. Imagine them alongside succulent smoked chicken legs, juicy steaks, or even a fresh strawberry goat cheese salad. Plus, the interactive fun of customizing toppings, whether it’s rich butter, cool sour cream, crispy bacon bits, sharp shredded cheddar, or vibrant fresh chives, adds another layer of enjoyment for friends and family.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Smoked baked potatoes aren’t just for summer. They’re a hearty, satisfying side that can accompany meals year-round. Their inherent versatility allows them to be dressed up or down, making them suitable for casual weeknight dinners or festive holiday spreads. Everyone loves a good baked potato, and adding smoke takes that love to a whole new level.

Unlocking the Perfect Smoked Potato Flavor: Essential Chef’s Tips

Achieving the perfect smoked baked potato is more about patience and a few key techniques than complex cooking skills. Follow these expert tips to ensure tender, flavorful results every time:

Precision in Preheating and Patience in Smoking: Always preheat your smoker to a consistent 250℉ (approximately 120℃) *before* placing the potatoes on the grates. This ensures even cooking from the start and prevents temperature fluctuations that can affect texture. While 2 1/2 to 3 hours is a general guideline, remember that every smoker behaves differently, and external factors like ambient temperature or wind can influence cooking times. Larger potatoes will naturally take longer. Trust your thermometer and the potato’s feel rather than strictly adhering to a clock. The potatoes are truly ready when they yield effortlessly to the tines of a fork or a small knife, signaling a perfectly tender interior. This patience is truly worth the wait for that deep, smoky goodness.
Embrace Bold Seasoning: Don’t be timid when it comes to seasoning your potatoes. The skin will absorb much of the smoky flavor, but a robust spice rub ensures that deliciousness penetrates every bite. Brush them generously with a good quality olive oil – this helps the spices adhere and promotes a crispy skin. Then, liberally rub them with a blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. For an extra kick, consider adding paprika, chili powder, or your favorite pre-made barbecue spice rub. Experiment with different blends to find your signature flavor profile!
Choosing the Right Potato for Smoking: While many potato varieties exist, large russet potatoes are the undisputed champions for smoking. Their high starch content results in a wonderfully fluffy, dry interior when cooked, which beautifully contrasts with a crisp, seasoned skin. Look for potatoes of similar size to ensure even cooking and consistent results. Scrub them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt, as you’ll be enjoying that delicious skin.
Reheating for Continued Enjoyment: Should you find yourself with leftover smoked potatoes (a rare occurrence!), reheating them is simple. For a quick refresh, pop them in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through. If you prefer to revive some of that crispy skin, place them in a preheated oven at 350℉ (175℃) for 10 to 15 minutes, or until hot and slightly crisped. This flexibility makes them an excellent option for meal prepping.

Three smoked baked potatoes sliced open and topped with cheese and bacon, arranged on a white plate.

Beyond the Smoker: Creative Topping Ideas for Your Smoked Baked Potato

Once your smoked baked potatoes are cooked to perfection, the real fun begins: customization! The beauty of a baked potato lies in its versatility, acting as a blank canvas for a myriad of delicious toppings. Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:

Classic Comfort: A dollop of rich butter (or ghee for dietary alternatives), a generous scoop of cool sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh, chopped chives create a timeless and satisfying combination.
Cheesy Indulgence: Melted shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses instantly elevates the potato. For an extra punch, add some crispy crumbled bacon.
Hearty & Meaty: Transform your smoked potato into a meal with toppings like pulled pork, smoked brisket, chili, or even leftover grilled chicken.
Fresh & Vibrant: For a lighter touch, consider a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, finely diced red onion, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce.
Gourmet Twist: Elevate your potato with caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, a sprinkle of truffle salt, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match! The smoked potato itself provides such a robust flavor base that almost any topping you love will find a happy home.

More Hot-Off-The-Grill & Smoker Recipes to Explore

If you love the smoky goodness of these baked potatoes, you’re in for a treat! Expand your grilling and smoking repertoire with these equally delicious recipes designed for outdoor cooking enthusiasts:

Achiote Chicken
Mesquite Grilled Chicken
Smoked Potato Wedges (A different take on smoked potatoes!)
Grilled Meatloaf
Chicken Spiedini
Smoked Asparagus
Grilled Turkey Breast
Smoked Baked Beans
Smoked Chicken Legs
Grilled Beef Ribs

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5 from 1 vote

Perfectly Smoked Baked Potatoes: A BBQ Essential

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 2 hours 30 minutes

Total: 2 hours 45 minutes

This incredibly easy recipe for smoked baked potatoes delivers the ultimate savory side dish. Russet potatoes are perfectly seasoned with olive oil and a robust spice blend, then smoked to tender, fluffy perfection for 2 to 3 hours. A must-have for any barbecue!

Cheryl Malik

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4 smoked potatoes

Ingredients

For the Smoked Baked Potatoes

▢ 1 teaspoon salt more or less to taste
▢ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
▢ ½ teaspoon onion powder
▢ ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper more or less to taste
▢ 4 large russet potatoes approximately 4 pounds total; skins scrubbed under running water
▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil

Suggested Toppings (All Optional)

▢ butter or ghee
▢ sour cream
▢ cheddar cheese
▢ crumbled bacon
▢ finely chopped fresh chives

Get Recipe Ingredients

Equipment

Smoker (pellet, electric, or charcoal)
Shallow bowl (for seasoning)
Fork (for piercing potatoes)
Basting brush
Large plate or baking sheet

Instructions

Begin by preheating your smoker to a steady 250° F (120° C). While the smoker heats up, prepare your seasoning blend. In a shallow bowl, combine 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Stir these spices together thoroughly until they are well blended. Set this bowl aside for later use.
Take each clean russet potato and pierce it generously all over with the tines of a fork. Aim for small, evenly distributed vent holes across the entire surface of the potato, but be careful not to pierce completely through the potato. These holes allow steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting and ensuring a fluffy interior.
Once the potatoes are pierced, use a basting brush to coat each potato thoroughly on all sides with olive oil. This oil layer helps the seasoning adhere to the skin and promotes a delicious, slightly crispy exterior during the smoking process.
Carefully place one oiled potato into the shallow bowl containing your prepared seasoning mixture. Roll the potato around, ensuring it is completely coated with the spices on all sides. Transfer the seasoned potato to a large plate or baking sheet. Repeat this seasoning process for all remaining potatoes, making sure each one is evenly coated.
Once your smoker has reached and is holding a steady 250° F, carefully arrange the seasoned potatoes directly onto the smoker grates. Ensure there is adequate space between each potato for proper smoke circulation. Close the smoker lid and allow the potatoes to smoke undisturbed for approximately 2 ½ hours. Avoid opening the lid frequently, as this causes temperature drops and prolongs cooking time.
After 2 ½ hours, it’s time to check the doneness of your potatoes. Carefully open the smoker and gently pierce a potato with the tines of a fork. A perfectly cooked smoked potato will feel tender; the fork should pierce the skin easily and slide through to the center with minimal to no resistance. If the potatoes are not yet fully tender, close the lid and continue smoking, checking for doneness every 5 to 10 minutes until they reach that ideal creamy consistency.
Once the potatoes pass the fork test and are perfectly tender, carefully remove them from the smoker using tongs or heat-resistant gloves. Allow them to rest on a plate for 3 to 5 minutes. This resting period helps the internal temperature stabilize. To serve, cut a slit down the center of each potato, then gently press the ends inward to “fluff” the interior and release steam. This creates a perfect well for your desired toppings. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Potato Size Matters: Cook times will significantly vary depending on the size and thickness of your potatoes. For the most even cooking, always try to select russet potatoes that are roughly the same size. This ensures they all finish smoking around the same time.
Choosing Your Wood: The type of wood chips or chunks you use will influence the smoky flavor. Popular choices include hickory for a strong, classic BBQ flavor; apple or cherry for a sweeter, milder smoke that pairs beautifully with potatoes; or oak for a medium, versatile smoke.
Keep it Whole30 Compliant: To maintain Whole30 standards, opt for ghee instead of traditional butter. Completely omit sour cream and cheddar cheese. Instead, load up on fresh chives, compliant bacon (check labels!), or even a homemade Whole30-approved ranch dressing made with compliant mayonnaise.
Keep it Paleo Friendly: For a Paleo-friendly version, use ghee in place of butter. You can find excellent paleo-friendly, dairy-free sour cream and cheddar cheese alternatives on the market, or simply enhance your potato with avocado, compliant salsas, and fresh herbs.
Don’t Wrap in Foil: Unlike oven baking, avoid wrapping your potatoes in foil when smoking. Direct exposure to the smoke is what gives them that incredible flavor and helps create a slightly crisp skin.

Nutrition Information

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.