Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Grilled Sweet Potatoes are a delightful and nutritious side dish that can elevate any meal. Perfect for backyard barbecues, family gatherings, or cozy dinners, this recipe stands out with its smoky flavor and creamy yogurt dressing. The sweet potatoes not only provide a vibrant splash of color but also a rich, natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the zesty dressing. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare these grilled sweet potatoes, making them a go-to option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: In just 25 minutes, you can have a delicious side ready to serve.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients, sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins and fiber.
• Versatile Dish: Ideal for summer barbecues or winter comfort food nights; they fit any season!
• Flavorful Dressing: The creamy yogurt dressing with fresh herbs adds a unique twist that enhances the sweet potatoes.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults, making it great for shared meals.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Grilled Sweet Potatoes requires some essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in achieving perfectly grilled sweet potatoes.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Large rimmed sheet pan
• Blender or food processor
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: Essential for achieving that perfect char and smoky flavor on the sweet potatoes.
• Blender or Food Processor: Makes creating the smooth yogurt dressing quick and easy.
• Large Rimmed Sheet Pan: Useful for tossing ingredients without spilling while preparing them for grilling.

Ingredients

Lightly dressed with olive oil and salt, this easy grilled sweet potato recipe is the super-easy side dish you didn’t know you needed.

Ingredients:
– 3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1½-inch thick wedges
– 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
– ¾ cup Greek yogurt
– 4 green onions, ends trimmed, roughly chopped
– ¼ cup fresh dill, plus more for serving
– 2 garlic cloves, smashed
– 10 large fresh basil leaves
– 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking of the sweet potatoes.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Place the sweet potato wedges on a large rimmed sheet pan.
2. Drizzle the wedges with extra-virgin olive oil.
3. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
4. Toss to coat completely.
5. Arrange the sweet potatoes on the grill, cut side down.

Step 3: Grill Until Tender

Grill the sweet potatoes, turning every 2-3 minutes until fork tender, which should take about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

1. In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, green onions, dill, garlic, basil, lemon juice, and remaining ½ teaspoon salt.
2. Blend until smooth (about 1-3 minutes).

Step 5: Serve

Transfer the grilled sweet potatoes to a serving platter. Drizzle them with the yogurt dressing and top with fresh dill before serving family style. Enjoy your flavorful Grilled Sweet Potatoes!

How to Serve Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Grilled sweet potatoes are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether as a side dish or a main attraction, you can enhance their flavor and presentation to suit any occasion.

Drizzle with Yogurt Dressing

• A creamy yogurt dressing adds a tangy kick. Drizzle generously over the grilled sweet potatoes for added flavor.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and freshness, enhancing the visual appeal.

Pair with Grilled Proteins

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. The sweetness of the potatoes complements savory meats beautifully.

Create a Sweet Potato Salad

• Toss grilled sweet potatoes with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese for a refreshing salad. This option is perfect for summer gatherings.

Add a Spicy Kick

• Top with sliced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce to give your grilled sweet potatoes some heat. This combination is great for spice lovers.

Serve with Dips

• Offer an array of dips such as hummus or salsa for guests to enjoy. This interactive approach makes serving more fun.

How to Perfect Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Achieving perfectly grilled sweet potatoes requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to elevate your grilling game.

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Select firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without blemishes for the best texture and flavor.

• Cut evenly: Ensure all wedges are cut to 1½-inch thickness so they cook evenly on the grill, avoiding undercooked or burnt pieces.

• Preheat your grill: Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat before cooking. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and enhances flavor.

• Toss in oil and salt: Coat the sweet potato wedges thoroughly in olive oil and season well with salt before grilling. This enhances their natural sweetness.

• Don’t overcrowd the grill: Arrange the wedges in a single layer without overlapping. This allows even cooking and prevents steaming.

• Monitor cooking time: Grill for about 15 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until tender. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Sweet Potatoes

Grilled sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavor profile. Here are some suggestions to elevate your meal further.

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob
   A classic summer favorite, corn on the cob is sweet and smoky when grilled, making it a perfect match for sweet potatoes.

2. Quinoa Salad
   Light yet satisfying, quinoa salad packed with vegetables offers a nutritious counterpart that balances the richness of grilled sweet potatoes.

3. Coleslaw
   Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and freshness. The tanginess from dressing contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the potatoes.

4. Roasted Asparagus
   Roasted asparagus provides a simple yet elegant side dish that brings out earthy flavors alongside your grilled sweet potatoes.

5. Baked Beans
   A hearty serving of baked beans adds protein and sweetness, creating a filling meal perfect for outdoor barbecues.

6. Garlic Bread
   Crispy garlic bread rounds out the meal nicely, providing a deliciously buttery element that pairs well with everything on your plate.

7. Tomato Salad
   A refreshing tomato salad brightens up the table with its colors and flavors while balancing out the sweetness of the grilled dish.

8. Cucumber Raita
   This cooling yogurt-based side helps mellow out any spicy notes from other dishes while adding creaminess that complements grilled sweet potatoes beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making grilled sweet potatoes, small errors can lead to big disappointments. Avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.

• Overcrowding the grill: Placing too many sweet potatoes on the grill at once can cause uneven cooking. Ensure there is enough space between each wedge to allow proper airflow and even grilling.

• Neglecting to preheat: Skipping the preheating step can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat for optimal results.

• Using insufficient oil: Not drizzling enough olive oil can lead to sticking and drying out. Make sure each wedge is well-coated for flavor and moisture.

• Ignoring cooking time: Grilling for too long or too short can impact texture. Keep an eye on your sweet potatoes and test them with a fork; they should be fork-tender in about 15 minutes.

• Forgetting seasoning: Sweet potatoes need seasoning for flavor enhancement. Don’t skip the salt or dressing, as they elevate the taste significantly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store grilled sweet potatoes in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Sweet Potatoes

• Allow the sweet potatoes to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
• Frozen grilled sweet potatoes can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Grilled Sweet Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place sweet potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot, usually around 1-2 minutes total.

• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and sauté the sweet potatoes for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make grilled sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them ahead of time by grilling and storing them in the fridge or freezer. Just reheat them before serving!

What can I serve with grilled sweet potatoes?

Grilled sweet potatoes pair well with various dishes such as grilled meats, salads, or as part of a vegetarian platter.

How do I enhance the flavor of grilled sweet potatoes?

You can enhance their flavor by adding spices like paprika or cumin before grilling, or serve them with different dips alongside the yogurt dressing.

Are grilled sweet potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, grilled sweet potatoes are naturally gluten-free, making them an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

Grilled sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile! This recipe is perfect for any season and pairs beautifully with many dishes. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite herbs or spices. Try this easy side dish today and enjoy its delightful flavors!