These smoked baked potatoes are a simple, reliable way to round out any meal. Slow-smoking infuses the potatoes with a subtle smoky flavor while producing an interior that is tender and fluffy and a skin that crisps up nicely. This method is low-effort and works well when you want hands-off side dishes for weeknight dinners, backyard cookouts, or holiday spreads.
Use your smoker to cook these alongside smoked chicken, pork, or beef to create a full, flavorful meal without extra steps. The potatoes take advantage of the smoker’s gentle, consistent heat and pair especially well with recipes cooked at the same temperature. Minimal prep and straightforward seasoning make this a great go-to side that complements grilled or smoked mains.
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“Favorite way to have them. After putting them in the smoker you won’t want them any other way.” – Martha
What You Need for Smoked Baked Potatoes
This recipe is intentionally simple. You only need a handful of pantry staples and a smoker set to a moderate temperature. Ingredients are designed to highlight the potato’s flavor and add a light crust to the skin:
- Russet or Idaho potatoes (choose evenly sized tubers)
- Olive oil or another neutral oil to coat the skins
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
What Kind of Potatoes Are Best?
Russet potatoes are our top pick for baked potatoes. Their starchy flesh becomes light and fluffy when cooked, while the skin crisps nicely when rubbed with oil. Idaho potatoes are an excellent substitute and work the same way; just pick potatoes that are similar in size so they finish at the same time.
Smoked Baked Potato Variations
You can easily vary the flavor profile with just a few tweaks. Two simple ways to change these smoked baked potatoes:
- Different potatoes: Idaho or other high-starch varieties work well. Match sizes for even cooking.
- Seasoning blends: Beyond salt and pepper, try cayenne for heat, lemon pepper for brightness, Italian seasoning for herb flavors, or smoked paprika for an extra smoky note.
FAQ
At 275ºF, plan on about 2 to 2.5 hours. Cooking time will vary slightly depending on potato size and smoker consistency. The goal is fork-tender potatoes throughout.
They are done when a fork or skewer inserts smoothly into the center with little resistance; the flesh should be soft and creamy.
Yes. If the smoker has room and the temperatures match, you can cook potatoes alongside meats. Many poultry and pork recipes cook at or near 275ºF, making potatoes a perfect companion during the same cook cycle.
Use your preferred grilling pellets or wood chips. The original cook used a signature blend designed for general smoking, which provides a mild, balanced smoke flavor that doesn’t overpower the potato.
Storage
Allow smoked baked potatoes to cool completely before storing. Transfer cooled potatoes to an airtight container or resealable bag and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For best texture and flavor, reheat gently in the oven or on the smoker rather than freezing.
Freezing is not recommended; frozen and reheated potatoes can become watery or grainy. Enjoy them fresh or as refrigerated leftovers for the best results.
More of our Favorite…
Baked Potato Recipes
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes (alternative quick method)
- Microwave Baked Potatoes (fast option)
- Crock Pot Baked Potatoes (set-and-forget)
- How to Bake a Potato (classic oven method)
- Smoked Baked Potatoes (this recipe)
- Baked Potatoes in Foil (wrapping for softer skins)
- Twice Baked Potatoes (loaded, reheated filling)
- Broccoli Cheddar Twice Baked Potatoes (vegetable-packed variation)
Serving Suggestions
Smoked baked potatoes make a hearty side for weeknight dinners and scale up well for gatherings. They pair especially well with grilled or smoked proteins. Serve them alongside roasted or smoked pork, beef, or chicken for a satisfying plate. Below are some main courses that complement smoked potatoes:
- Grilled pork tenderloin or roasted pork loin
- Sous-vide or grilled steak
- Smoked chicken thighs or smoked whole chicken
- Baked pork roast with vegetables
Smoked Baked Potato Toppings
Offer a few toppings for a simple baked potato bar or keep it classic. Popular choices include:
- Butter, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper
- Shredded cheddar or your favorite melting cheese
- Chopped chives or sliced green onions
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Bacon bits or crumbled cooked bacon
- Hearty toppings like beef chili or vegetarian chili
- Vegan queso or dairy-free cheese sauce for plant-based options
Smoked Baked Potatoes
These smoked baked potatoes cook at 275ºF for about 2 hours. They work well alongside other smoked mains that use the same temperature and produce reliably tender, flavorful results.
Prep time: 5 minutes — Cook time: 2–2.5 hours — Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes (or Idaho potatoes), similar size
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 275ºF and allow it to stabilize.
- Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing the skins to remove dirt.
- Place the potatoes on a plate or tray. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt and ground pepper. Rub the seasonings over each potato so the skins are lightly coated. Poke several small holes in each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Arrange the potatoes on the preheated smoker grates, leaving space between them for air and smoke circulation. Close the smoker and smoke for 2 to 2.5 hours, turning the potatoes once about halfway through to encourage even cooking. Cook until the centers are fork-tender.
- Remove the potatoes from the smoker, slice open, and finish with your preferred toppings. Serve while hot.
Tips & Notes
- Storage: Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Pellets: Use a balanced or mild smoking pellet blend for best results; avoid overly strong woods that could overpower the potato.
- Even cooking: Choose potatoes of similar size so they all finish at the same time. Rotate or turn halfway through the smoke for consistent browning.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving: Calories: 321 kcal, Carbohydrates: 64 g, Protein: 8 g, Fat: 3 g, Fiber: 7 g, Sugar: 3 g. Nutrition values are estimates and should be used as a guide.
If you try this recipe, we’d love to hear what you paired it with and which toppings were your favorite. These smoked baked potatoes are an easy, flexible side that reliably elevates any meal with minimal effort.