Elevate your BBQ or dinner routine with these delicious Grilled Sweet Potatoes! This recipe turns simple ingredients into a delightful side dish, offering the perfect combination of sweetness and smokiness with a satisfying char.

Overhead image of Grilled Sweet Potatoes with grill marks

Why You'll Love This Simple Side Dish

Quick and Easy. Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
Healthy and Nutritious. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber, making them a nutritious choice.
Versatile. They pair well with a variety of main dishes and are perfect for any meal.
Delicious Flavor. The natural sweetness of the potatoes is enhanced by a touch of char from the grill, making them irresistibly tasty.

Whether you're hosting a summer cookout or looking for an easy weeknight side, these grilled sweet potatoes are sure to impress.

What Do Grilled Sweet Potatoes Taste Like?

Grilled sweet potatoes offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures that make them a favorite side dish. When grilled, sweet potatoes develop a slightly smoky flavor, which complements their natural sweetness.

The high heat of the grill caramelizes the sugars in the sweet potatoes, enhancing their inherent sweetness and creating a deliciously crisp exterior. Inside, they remain soft and tender, providing a satisfying contrast to the charred outside.

Are Grilled Sweet Potatoes Healthy?

Grilled sweet potatoes are quite healthy! They are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Here are a few health benefits they offer:

High in Fiber. The fiber in sweet potatoes helps to promote a healthy digestive system and contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight management.
Nutrient-Rich. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, both of which are important for immune function and skin health. They also provide significant amounts of potassium and smaller amounts of other essential nutrients.
Low in Fat. Grilling sweet potatoes is a cooking method that requires little to no added fat, which helps keep the overall calorie count relatively low.
Antioxidant Properties. They are high in antioxidants, particularly beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.

Do You Need To Soak Sweet Potatoes Before Grilling?

No, you don't need to soak sweet potatoes before grilling them. Soaking is more commonly recommended for white potatoes, especially when making fries, to remove excess starch.

Ingredients You'll Need

Sweet Potatoes- The star of the dish, sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Olive Oil- Helps to coat the potatoes and prevent sticking while adding a rich flavor.
Salt and Pepper- Enhances the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes.
Paprika- Adds a subtle smokiness and a hint of spice.
Garlic Powder- Provides a savory depth that complements the sweetness.
Red Pepper Flakes- For a touch of heat to balance the sweet.
Fresh Herbs- Rosemary, thyme, or parsley for garnish and added aroma.

How To Make Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes. Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Slice them into 1/2-inch thick rounds or wedges, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
Season the Sweet Potatoes. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Make sure each piece is well-coated.
Preheat the Grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Brush the grill grates with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Grill the Sweet Potatoes. Place the sweet potato slices on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are tender and have beautiful grill marks. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Serve. Remove from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Close up image of Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Tips And Tricks

Grilled sweet potatoes can be a delightful addition to any meal, bringing a smoky sweetness that's hard to resist. Here are some tips and tricks to perfect them:

Slice Evenly. To ensure your sweet potatoes cook evenly on the grill, slice them into uniform thickness. Typically, 1/2-inch thick rounds or wedges work best. This ensures that every piece cooks at the same rate.
Parboil if Needed. For quicker grilling and to ensure they’re tender inside, you can parboil the sweet potato slices for a few minutes until they start to become tender but are still firm. This step is optional but can be a lifesaver if you’re short on grilling time.
Oil Them Well. Before grilling, toss the sweet potato slices in olive oil. This not only prevents sticking but also helps the seasonings adhere to the sweet potatoes and enhances caramelization on the grill.
Preheat the Grill. Make sure your grill is hot before adding the sweet potatoes. A preheated grill helps to sear the surfaces quickly, keeping them moist inside and preventing them from sticking.

Variations

Grilled sweet potatoes are versatile and can be adapted with various flavor profiles and toppings to suit different tastes and cuisines. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Spicy Chipotle- Mix olive oil with chipotle powder, a dash of lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This mix will give your sweet potatoes a smoky, spicy kick that’s perfect for those who enjoy a little heat.
Honey Glazed- Brush sweet potatoes with a mixture of honey and melted butter during the last few minutes of grilling for a sweet, caramelized finish. Sprinkle with a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
Garlic Parmesan- After grilling, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic over hot sweet potato slices. The residual heat helps melt the cheese and infuse the garlic flavor deeply.
Mediterranean Style- Brush the sweet potatoes with a mix of za'atar and olive oil before grilling. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side.

What To Eat With Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Grilled sweet potatoes make an excellent side dish for a variety of meals. Here are some pairing ideas:

Grilled Chicken or Steak- The sweet and smoky flavors complement the richness of grilled meats.
Salads- Pair with a fresh garden salad for a light and balanced meal.
BBQ- Serve alongside classic BBQ dishes like ribs or pulled pork for a hearty feast.

How Long Do They Last?

Grilled sweet potatoes can last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days when stored properly.

Make sure to let them cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container to avoid condensation, which can lead to sogginess or spoilage. For the best texture and flavor, reheat them in the oven or on the grill before serving.

Can You Freeze Them?

If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze grilled sweet potatoes. Properly stored in freezer-safe bags or containers, they can last for up to 6 months.

Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and reheat to serve. Reheating them in the oven or on a skillet can help restore some of the crispness lost during freezing.

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