Smoked Baked Potatoes
Use that extra space in the smoker with easy smoked baked potatoes for a smoky, fluffy, and tender comfort food side dish. Slather it with butter and sour cream for better-than-restaurant goodness.
What’s steak without a baked potato? That’s what I thought. So the last time I smoked steak for the family, I tossed some potatoes in with it. The slow smoking makes the insides even fluffier, and the skin is so good.
We did have to adjust cooking times because potatoes take more time than the average steak. But if you’re smoking a tri-tip or tenderloin, the timing is almost perfect.
Which Flavors of Wood Chips Are Best
Russet potatoes are the best all-purpose potato for baked potatoes. Their mild flavor is complemented by fruit woods and milder hardwoods that won’t overwhelm them. Apple and cherry pair well with herby potatoes; pecan works wonders for loaded baked potatoes; and oak is a versatile choice for an all-purpose wood smoke. Hickory delivers a stronger, more BBQ-vibed flavor, and mesquite is not recommended unless using in a very small amount.
How to Smoke Potatoes
Scrub the potatoes, pat dry, generously oil them, season, and smoke.
Recipe Tips
- Make a meal of your potatoes. Fill smoked baked potatoes with chili, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, or pickled red onions for a filling main dish, or top them with pulled pork and BBQ sauce.
- For twice-baked potatoes, scoop out the flesh and mash potatoes as instructed. Scoop the mashed potatoes back into the potato skins, top with grated cheese, wrap, and freeze before baking. Unwrap them, and bake them directly from frozen for 35-40 minutes at 375°F (190℃).
Make-Ahead and Leftover Makeovers
Make a huge batch, cool them completely (within 2 hours of taking them out of the smoker), wrap them individually with plastic wrap to lock in moisture, then store them in a large zip-lock bag in the fridge for 3-4 days or the freezer for up to 3 months.
Unwrap the potatoes and, directly from the freezer or fridge, cook them in a 400°F (200°C) air fryer or oven for 15-20 minutes.
You can use leftover smoked potatoes in almost any recipe that uses cooked potatoes. Give potato salad, croquettes, fried potatoes, loaded mashed potato casserole, and potato bread a tasty smoky twist.
What Goes With Smoked Baked Potatoes
We love smoking potatoes during the last 3 hours of smoking brisket or pulled pork. If we’re smoking salmon, I like to put the potatoes in 2 hours before adding the salmon. A fresh Caesar or shaved Brussels sprouts salad on the side is also welcome.
Turn this into a fast-lunch loaded baked potato with bacon, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and blanched broccoli or chili.
More Amazing Side Dish Recipes to Try
- Grilled Onions
- Grilled Caesar Salad
- Smoked Brussel Sprouts
- Oven Roasted Red Potatoes
- Grilled Bok Choy
By Imma
Smoked Baked Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 medium russet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) seasoned olive oil (plain olive oil will work fine)
- salt to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons (25g) Creole seasoning (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 225-275°F (107-135℃) with your choice of wood chips.
- Scrub potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. Poke each potato several times with a fork to prevent them from bursting or exploding while they cook.
- Rub the whole potatoes with oil, then season them with salt and your spice blend of choice.
- Place the potatoes directly on the smoker grates and close the lid.
- If smoking potatoes at 225°F (107℃), it will take about 3 hours. If smoking at 275°F (135℃), cook them for about 2 hours or until fork-tender. The internal temperature should be 205-210°F (96-100℃).
- When the potatoes are almost done smoking, assemble the toppings.
- As soon as the potatoes are tender, take them out of the smoker and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing them open.
- Next, slice each potato down the middle without cutting all the way through. Squeeze the ends of the potato toward each other to open them up.
- Gently fluff the middle with a fork, and serve immediately as is or with your favorite toppings.
Tips & Notes:
- Optionally flip the potatoes halfway through smoke time for more even cooking.
- Smoke a few strips of bacon along with the potatoes, pull them out when they’re as crispy as you want, and chop them up. Then top your smoked potatoes when serving.
- How long it takes to smoke potatoes will depend on the smoker’s temperature and the size of the potatoes. A fork will easily pierce the potatoes when they’re tender.
- Please remember that the nutritional data is an estimate and can vary enormously based on the ingredients used in the recipe.
Way to go!!! I love not wasting smoker space, and these potatoes came out perfect.