These grilled sweet potatoes are sweet, smoky, and oh-so-delicious! They get tender on the inside with a nice char on the outside, making them a perfect side dish.
Seriously, they taste great with just a sprinkle of salt or a drizzle of honey! Whenever I make them, I can’t help but snack on a few before they even hit the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! I like to choose medium-sized sweet potatoes for a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, feel free to use other root vegetables like butternut squash or carrots.
Olive Oil: For grilling, olive oil gives a nice flavor. However, avocado oil is a great substitute if you’re looking for a higher smoke point. Coconut oil can also work, but it will add a different taste.
Smoked Paprika: This adds depth to the flavor, but it’s optional. If you don’t have it, a pinch of cayenne pepper will provide some heat. Or you could use regular paprika for a milder taste.
Fresh Herbs: I love topping grilled sweet potatoes with fresh parsley or cilantro for brightness. You can also use basil or green onions if you have them on hand.
How Do You Get Those Perfect Grill Marks on Sweet Potatoes?
Getting grill marks while ensuring your sweet potatoes are cooked through requires a few tricks. First, make sure your grill is preheated properly—this helps achieve those beautiful sear lines!
- Slice the sweet potatoes evenly into 1/4 inch rounds to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- When placing them on the grill, don’t overcrowd the grill grates. This allows for better airflow and even cooking.
- Grill them on direct heat for 3-4 minutes without moving them. This helps achieve those lovely grill marks!
- Flip using tongs gently to avoid mushiness, and grill for another few minutes until they’re tender.
How to Make Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or cilantro)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled sweet potatoes recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook on the grill. So, in total, you’ll need about 20 minutes before you can enjoy this tasty side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat, which is about 400°F (200°C). This will be perfect for grilling those sweet potatoes to perfection!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Next, wash your sweet potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. Then, peel them using a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, slice the sweet potatoes into rounds about 1/4 inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly on the grill.
3. Season the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, place the sweet potato slices. Add olive oil, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Toss everything together well so that the sweet potatoes are nicely coated with the seasoning.
4. Grill the Sweet Potatoes:
Carefully arrange the sweet potato slices on the grill grates in a single layer. Let them grill for about 3-4 minutes on one side until you see lovely grill marks and they start to soften.
5. Flip and Continue Grilling:
Now it’s time to flip the sweet potatoes! Use tongs to turn them over. Grill for another 3-4 minutes on the other side until they are tender and have those cute char marks. They should be soft enough to pierce with a fork.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Once cooked, remove the sweet potatoes from the grill and transfer them to a serving platter. If you want, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a pop of color and extra flavor!
7. Enjoy!
Serve your grilled sweet potatoes warm as a delightful side dish or a tasty snack. Enjoy the delicious flavors!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes will work, but cooking times may vary slightly. Make sure to slice them to a similar thickness for even grilling. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
What If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No problem! You can achieve similar results by using a grill pan on the stovetop or roasting them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just brush with a bit more olive oil to help with browning.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them on a skillet over medium heat, adding a drizzle of olive oil, for a tasty refresh!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
You can prep the sweet potatoes by slicing and seasoning them ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to grill, let them come to room temperature for more even cooking!
