Grilled Sweet Potatoes Recipe

When you’re looking for a side dish that feels both healthy and indulgent, Grilled Sweet Potatoes step up to the plate every single time. With their vibrant orange hue and irresistible smoky char, they bring a sweet-savory magic that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just adding color to a weeknight meal, this recipe is packed with flavor, nutrition, and a delightfully crisp-tender texture that stands out from your typical potato fare.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of ingredients to make these Grilled Sweet Potatoes truly shine! Each one plays a crucial role, from building the perfect caramelized crust to adding layers of seasoning and brightness. Simplicity here steps back and lets the natural sweetness of the potato lead the way.

• Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, smooth sweet potatoes—these will hold up best on the grill and deliver the richest flavor.
• Olive oil: Coating the slices lightly ensures crispy edges and prevents sticking.
• Salt: An essential seasoning that balances and enhances the potato’s natural sweetness.
• Black pepper: Adds subtle heat to complement the potatoes’ sugary notes.
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro): These optional finishing touches add lively color and a fresh, herbal lift just before serving.

How to Make Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Your Sweet Potatoes

Start by giving your sweet potatoes a good scrub under running water. There’s no need to peel them unless you really want to—the skins help hold the slices together on the grill and add rustic charm. Slice each potato into 1/2-inch rounds or planks for even cooking and the perfect ratio of crispy exterior to soft center.

Step 2: Season and Oil

In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato slices with olive oil until they’re all lightly coated. Be generous but not heavy-handed; you want them glossy but not dripping. Sprinkle on salt and black pepper, making sure each slice gets an even dusting. This simple combo goes a long way, letting the grilled sweet potatoes speak for themselves.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil the grates for best results—the last thing you want is beautiful sweet potatoes sticking as they sear. Lay the slices directly on the grate, leaving a little space between each piece so the heat can circulate and work its magic.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Let your sweet potatoes grill without moving them for 3 to 5 minutes on the first side. The key is patience! Peek under one after a few minutes to check for those bold grill marks. Flip each slice and grill for another 3 to 5 minutes, until they’re fork-tender and gorgeously charred around the edges. If your slices are particularly thick, they might need another minute or two.

Step 5: Add Freshness and Serve

Once off the grill, sprinkle the sweet potatoes with chopped fresh herbs. This pop of color and flavor takes the dish from great to unforgettable. Serve right away while they’re still warm and caramelized—the perfect balance of smoky, salty, and sweet.

How to Serve Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Garnishes

A quick scatter of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or chives pays off big time both for appearance and taste. For extra flair, try a pinch of flaky sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, or a dash of smoked paprika. If you want to push the envelope, consider a squeeze of lime or a drizzle of honey for a bright, sweet finish.

Side Dishes

Grilled Sweet Potatoes pair effortlessly with a vast range of mains. They’re brilliant alongside grilled chicken, steak, or smoky barbecue classics. If you’re keeping things vegetarian, try them with a zesty grain salad, stuffed peppers, or charred vegetable skewers. Their deep, earthy notes make them a grounding, satisfying addition to any table.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your potatoes high on a platter, or arrange them in overlapping circles for an eye-catching side. For entertaining, thread slabs or chunks onto skewers before grilling for a fun, handheld presentation. You can even serve Grilled Sweet Potatoes as part of a build-your-own taco bar, letting guests add crema, salsa, or cotija for a playful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any extra grilled sweet potatoes to cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

While you can freeze grilled sweet potatoes, their texture will soften a bit upon thawing. Flash-freeze in a single layer first, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months—just know they work best reheated in the oven or on a skillet to regain some crispness.

Reheating

To bring leftover grilled sweet potatoes back to life, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F until heated through and slightly crispy (about 10 minutes). A few minutes in a hot skillet works well, too. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make them mushy rather than crisp.

FAQs

Can I make grilled sweet potatoes without a grill?

Absolutely! You can use a grill pan on the stovetop or even roast the slices on a baking sheet at high heat in the oven, flipping halfway through for similar char and caramelization.

Do I need to soak sweet potatoes before grilling?

Unlike regular potatoes, there’s no need to soak sweet potatoes ahead of time. They cook up beautifully, keeping their texture without extra prep.

Should I peel sweet potatoes before grilling?

It’s entirely up to you. The skin adds flavor, helps the slices hold together, and is packed with nutrients. Just make sure you give them a good scrub if you plan to leave the skins on.

How do I know when grilled sweet potatoes are done?

The slices should have prominent grill marks, gently charred edges, and be fork-tender in the middle. A little resistance is fine, but they shouldn’t be crunchy or hard.

Can I flavor grilled sweet potatoes with more spices?

Yes! Try adding cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, or cinnamon for a twist. Season them before grilling so the spices toast and intensify with the heat.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never thrown sweet potatoes on the grill, you’re in for such a treat with these Grilled Sweet Potatoes. They’re colorful, easy, wholesome, and bound to become a signature favorite, whether for outdoor feasts or casual family dinners. Give them a try and watch them disappear from the table faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

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