Grilled sweet potatoes are a tasty and easy side dish that’s perfect for any meal. They’re naturally sweet and get a lovely char from the grill, making them extra special!
I love how they cook up quickly and pair well with almost anything. Plus, I often sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top for a cozy flavor. So good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the show! Choose larger, firm ones for the best texture. If sweet potatoes aren’t available, try using butternut squash or carrots as alternatives. Both will give you a sweet flavor when grilled.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to because of its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a different taste, you can swap it out for avocado oil or canola oil – both will work great for grilling.
Garlic Powder and Paprika: These spices add depth. If you’re out of garlic powder, fresh minced garlic does the trick too! For paprika, smoked paprika gives a nice twist, but you could also use chili powder for some heat.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley and cilantro are excellent for a fresh topping. If you don’t have them on hand, consider green onions or chives for a milder herb flavor.
How Do I Get Those Perfect Grill Marks?
Grilling sweet potatoes can be tricky, but with the right technique, you’ll achieve those beautiful grill marks! Follow these simple steps:
- Ensure your grill is preheated to medium heat! Too hot, and they’ll burn; too low, and they’ll take forever to cook.
- Slice the sweet potatoes evenly – about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures they cook at the same rate.
- Once on the grill, avoid constantly moving them. Let them sit for 3-4 minutes on each side for those classic grill lines.
- Use a grill basket if you’re worried about pieces falling. It makes flipping easier and protects those smaller slices!
How to Make Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For Grilled Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or cilantro)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of grilling time. In total, you can have these tasty grilled sweet potatoes ready in about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. Aim for about 350°F (175°C). This temperature will help cook the sweet potatoes evenly.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes carefully. Once peeled, slice them into thin rounds, about ¼ inch thick. This helps them cook faster and ensures they become nice and tender on the grill.
3. Season the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato slices with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if you’re using it. Toss everything together until the slices are well coated with the seasoning.
4. Grill the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the seasoned sweet potato slices directly on the grill grate. If you have a grill basket, feel free to use it to make flipping easier and to avoid any small pieces falling through. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes, checking to ensure they don’t burn. You want them to be tender and have lovely grill marks!
5. Serve and Garnish:
Once grilled to your liking, carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the grill and place them on a serving platter. If you’d like, garnish with fresh herbs for a lovely touch. Serve them warm and enjoy this delicious side dish!
Enjoy your flavorful and healthy grilled sweet potatoes!
Can I Substitute Other Oils for Olive Oil?
Absolutely! You can use any oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or canola oil. Just keep in mind that the flavor may vary slightly; avocado oil will add a richer taste, while canola oil is more neutral.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly! All the ingredients used here—sweet potatoes, oil, and spices—are plant-based. Just ensure any additional garnishes you choose are vegan as well.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover grilled sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through, which helps maintain their texture.
Can I Use Baby Sweet Potatoes Instead?
Yes, you can use baby sweet potatoes! Just slice them into rounds similar to larger sweet potatoes. You may need to adjust the grilling time slightly since baby sweet potatoes may cook a bit faster. Start checking them for tenderness after around 2-3 minutes on each side.
