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.
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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.
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By Imma