Grilled Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Get ready to wow your taste buds with Grilled Sweet Potatoes, a colorful, irresistible side that brings smoky char, natural sweetness, and a delightful hint of spice to your table. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a super quick grill session, these sweet potato rounds become fork-tender, beautifully marked, and deeply flavorful. Whether you serve them as a lively addition to weeknight dinners or as the star at your next cookout, Grilled Sweet Potatoes are sure to become a new favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about why these straightforward ingredients make all the difference—you’ll recognize them all, but they come together in a way that’s magic on the grill. Each one adds either flavor, aroma, color, or just a little something extra that turns ordinary sweet potatoes into a true standout.
- Sweet Potatoes: Pick large, firm sweet potatoes for even rounds and a lovely orange hue; they’re naturally sweet and perfect for grilling.
- Olive Oil: This not only prevents sticking but also helps the seasonings adhere and encourages those gorgeous grill marks.
- Smoked Paprika: Brings a mild smokiness that pairs perfectly with the grill and sweet potato’s caramelized notes.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory backbone that cuts through the sweetness just enough to make each bite interesting.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out flavor and balancing sweet and smoky elements.
- Black Pepper: Gives a subtle kick and a touch of earthiness.
- Chopped Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (optional): Scatter these on top for a fresh, vibrant finish and a herby aroma.
- Lime Wedges (optional): A squeeze right before serving brings the perfect pop of tangy brightness.
How to Make Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and slicing them into even 1/2-inch thick rounds. Keeping the thickness even ensures they all cook at the same rate and get those lovely grill marks without burning. Gather the slices in a large bowl for seasoning.
Step 2: Season Generously
Drizzle the olive oil over the sweet potato rounds and sprinkle with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly—your hands are the best tool here! Make sure each round is evenly coated with oil and spices for maximum flavor once they hit the grill.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high. You’re looking for a nice, hot surface that will help sear the outside of the potatoes and give them that signature smoky edge. If you want to speed things up, you can parboil the slices for 5 minutes first, but it’s truly optional. Either way, get your grill ready for action.
Step 4: Grill the Sweet Potatoes
Place the rounds directly on the grill grates in a single layer. Let them cook for about 4–5 minutes per side—don’t try to flip them too soon, or they might stick. When you see those beautiful grill marks and the potatoes are tender with a fork, they’re ready to come off.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Transfer the grilled sweet potatoes to a serving platter. Top with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and serve with lime wedges for anyone who wants a fresh squeeze over theirs. This final touch really wakes up all the flavors and adds a hint of brightness that’s absolutely delicious.
How to Serve Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley make all the difference for garnish—they bring both eye-popping color and a clean, herbal punch. For a fun twist, sprinkle on a pinch of flaky sea salt or a scattered handful of toasted pepitas. And don’t forget those lime wedges! A quick squeeze adds a citrusy zing that takes these grilled beauties to new heights.
Side Dishes
Grilled Sweet Potatoes are incredibly versatile. They shine next to grilled chicken, steak, or fish, but they’re equally at home with a stack of veggie burgers or as part of a summer grain bowl. Try pairing with a cool cucumber salad or a tangy coleslaw for texture and contrast, or go hearty with black beans and avocado for a healthful, filling spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack the sweet potato rounds in a rustic spiral on a large platter for a “wow” factor, or layer them with slices of grilled zucchini and red onion for a colorful vegetable medley. For a party, you could skewer them before grilling for easy eating, or chop up leftovers for a grilled sweet potato salad with your favorite vinaigrette—the options are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the potatoes cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as they chill, making them just as tasty (if not more so!) the next day.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Grilled Sweet Potatoes. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together and you can grab just what you need. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months—just thaw before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that just-grilled taste, reheat the sweet potatoes in a hot oven (about 400°F) for 8–10 minutes, or warm them up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. The air fryer also works wonders for crisp edges. They can be microwaved in a pinch, but you’ll lose a bit of that lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I make Grilled Sweet Potatoes without a grill?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, use a grill pan on your stovetop or even roast the seasoned sweet potato rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet at 425°F until tender and slightly crisp.
How do I keep the sweet potatoes from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled, and coat the sweet potato slices thoroughly with olive oil. Wait a couple of minutes before flipping them so they naturally release from the grates.
Can I use different seasonings for this recipe?
Definitely! Smoked paprika and garlic powder are delicious, but you can swap in chili powder, cumin, cinnamon, or even a touch of brown sugar for a sweeter profile. Grilled Sweet Potatoes are the perfect canvas for experimenting with spices.
Should I peel the sweet potatoes first?
Peeling is recommended for the smoothest, most tender results, but if you love a little rustic flavor and texture, give them a good scrub and leave the skin on. It’s totally up to your preference.
Can I cook the sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! To save time, you can slice and season the sweet potatoes in advance or even grill them a few hours ahead; just warm them up on the grill or in the oven when you’re ready to serve. They hold their flavor and texture beautifully.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a vibrant, healthy, and downright crave-worthy side, don’t hesitate—make these Grilled Sweet Potatoes! They’re easy enough for any night of the week and special enough for your next gathering. Fire up the grill and see how quickly they disappear from the plate!
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Grilled Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
These grilled sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy side dish perfect for summer grilling. They are seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic, then grilled to perfection. A squeeze of lime adds a fresh burst of flavor, making them a crowd-pleaser at any barbecue.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick rounds
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: In a bowl, toss sweet potato rounds with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Grill Sweet Potatoes: Place sweet potato slices on the grill, cook for 4-5 minutes per side until tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from grill, garnish with cilantro or parsley, serve warm with lime wedges.
Notes
- You can parboil sweet potatoes for 5 minutes before grilling to reduce cooking time.
- Try serving with your favorite dipping sauce or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 sweet potato
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
