Grilled sweet potatoes are a tasty and colorful side dish that brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Grilling gives them a lovely smoky flavor that’s hard to resist!
I love how simple they are to prepare—just slice, season, and throw them on the grill. They pair perfectly with almost any meal, and I’m always tempted to snack on the leftovers! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the stars of the dish! For a bit of variety, you can use Japanese sweet potatoes or even regular potatoes if needed. They won’t have the same sweetness, but they’ll still taste great.
Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor, but you can swap it for avocado oil. It has a higher smoke point, making it great for grilling.
Garlic Powder: This adds fantastic flavor! If you’re out, minced fresh garlic works well too. Just keep an eye on it while grilling, as it can burn easily.
Paprika: I prefer smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, but regular paprika or even chili powder can work too. Spice it up to match your taste!
How Do I Grill Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Grilling sweet potatoes is easy once you get the slicing and cooking times right. Thin slices around 1/4 inch cook evenly and get those delicious grill marks.
- Start with a clean grill preheated to medium, around 350°F (175°C).
- Make sure the sweet potato slices are evenly coated with oil and seasoning to promote even cooking.
- Watch carefully while grilling: about 3-4 minutes per side is perfect. Flip them gently using tongs to avoid breaking.
How to Make Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or cilantro, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 8-10 minutes on the grill. So, you’ll be enjoying your tasty grilled sweet potatoes in around 20 minutes total. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium heat. This means getting it to about 350°F (or 175°C) so that your sweet potatoes cook nicely and get those lovely grill marks.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly, and then peel them. Once they are peeled, slice them into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness helps them cook evenly on the grill.
3. Season the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato rounds with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using. Make sure all the slices are evenly coated so they all get delicious flavor.
4. Grill the Sweet Potatoes:
Now, it’s time to place the sweet potato slices on the grill. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them to become tender and have those beautiful grill marks. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
5. Cool and Serve:
Once grilled to perfection, take the sweet potatoes off the grill and let them cool slightly. This makes them easier to handle. If you like, garnish with fresh herbs to add a pop of color and flavor!
6. Enjoy!
Serve your warm grilled sweet potatoes as a side dish and enjoy the delightful taste! They’re perfect for any meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can use regular potatoes or even other root vegetables like zucchini or carrots! Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Regular potatoes might take a bit longer, so check for tenderness during grilling.
How Do I Store Leftover Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the grill again for a few minutes to revive the flavor or microwave them until warmed through.
Can I Make These Sweet Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potatoes by slicing and seasoning them, then store them in the fridge for up to a day before grilling. This makes it a great option for meal prep!
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you’re looking for alternatives to olive oil, melted coconut oil or avocado oil work well! Each will add its own unique flavor, so choose based on your taste preference. Just remember that coconut oil may solidify when cooled, so use it right before grilling.
