Grilled Sweet Potatoes: Your Ultimate Cookout Side Dish

If you’re planning a cookout, barbecue, or even a cozy fall gathering, these Grilled Sweet Potatoes are an absolute must-have. Forget the usual chips or pasta salad; these vibrant, caramelized sweet potato slices offer a delightful twist on a classic side. This mouth-watering recipe is brought to you in partnership with The Produce Gathering, ensuring you start with the freshest, most flavorful ingredients.

The Inspiration: Fresh Produce from The Produce Gathering

For some time now, my produce basket from The Produce Gathering has been generously packed with sweet potatoes – and I mean *huge* sweet potatoes! While these versatile tubers are a staple in our household during the cooler winter months, they often take a back seat once summer arrives. However, with grilling season in full swing, I found myself looking at these beautiful orange gems and wondering: why not bring them to the grill?

The decision to experiment with grilling sweet potatoes was an inspired one, and the results were nothing short of thrilling! The natural sweetness of the potatoes intensifies under the smoky heat of the grill, creating a side dish that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying. This recipe perfectly showcases the quality and freshness of the produce we receive, proving that simple ingredients, when fresh and properly prepared, can truly shine.

Why Grill Sweet Potatoes? A Flavorful & Healthy Choice

Grilling sweet potatoes transforms them in a way that baking or roasting simply can’t. The direct heat of the grill creates a beautiful char, locking in moisture while developing a slightly crispy exterior and a wonderfully tender interior. This method also brings out a rich, smoky sweetness that is unparalleled. Plus, sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making this a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.

Beyond the amazing flavor, grilled sweet potatoes are incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal fuss and cleanup, especially when cooked in foil. They are also highly versatile, pairing well with a wide range of main courses, from juicy grilled steaks and chicken to vegetarian burgers and fresh salads. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing side that offers both nutrition and incredible taste, look no further than these cinnamon-butter infused grilled sweet potatoes.

The Perfect Preparation: Slicing and Seasoning

To achieve perfectly cooked grilled sweet potatoes, proper preparation is key. I’ve found that thinly slicing them is crucial. Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and allows the potatoes to become tender without burning. Once sliced, I arrange them on greased tin foil. Tin foil is your secret weapon here – it helps steam the potatoes to tenderness while preventing them from sticking to the grill and makes cleanup a breeze.

For seasoning, my absolute favorite combination is melted butter mixed with a generous amount of cinnamon. The warmth of the cinnamon perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes, creating a comforting and aromatic flavor profile. After a few tries, I’ve perfected the method: simply melt the butter, stir in the cinnamon until thoroughly combined, then evenly pour this fragrant mixture over the sweet potato slices on the foil. This ensures every piece is coated in that delicious, sweet spice goodness.

Grilling to Perfection: Tips for Success

Once your sweet potatoes are beautifully coated and wrapped, it’s time to hit the grill. Place the foil packets on a grill preheated to medium-high heat. The cooking time will typically be around 20-30 minutes, but it’s important to keep a close eye on them. Grills can vary in heat, and sweet potato thickness can impact cooking time, so vigilance is key. You’ll want them to be tender when pierced with a fork, with a lovely toasted appearance and a hint of that irresistible cinnamon butter caramelization.

To check for doneness, carefully open one of the foil packets (watch out for steam!) and test a slice. If it’s still firm, rewrap and continue grilling for a few more minutes. The goal is a soft, buttery texture with those slightly crisped edges that are so characteristic of perfectly grilled vegetables. Remember, cooking them in foil helps them steam, ensuring they cook through evenly while still getting a nice char.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

These grilled sweet potatoes are fantastic on their own, but they also offer exciting opportunities for customization. My husband, for instance, often suggests adding marshmallows on top during the last few minutes of grilling for an extra decadent treat. While I usually opt to skip the extra calories, I have to admit, the idea of gooey, toasted marshmallows complementing the sweet potatoes sounds incredibly tasty!

For those who prefer a savory profile, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a sprinkle of chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to your butter mixture. A squeeze of fresh lime juice after grilling can also brighten the flavors beautifully. These versatile tubers lend themselves well to countless combinations, making them a fantastic canvas for your culinary creativity. Whether you’re enjoying them at a backyard barbecue or as part of a more elaborate meal, grilled sweet potatoes are sure to be a hit.

Embrace Seasonal Eating with The Produce Gathering

Do you share my love for sweet potatoes? This recipe isn’t just for summer; it’s also an excellent choice for fall cookouts. In our family, we actually tend to have more outdoor gatherings in the fall than in the peak of summer—that intense summer heat can be quite a deterrent!

If you’re eager to try this recipe with the freshest ingredients, I highly recommend checking out The Produce Gathering. Right now, you can use the code MHCMember to get a FREE membership and explore their wide array of seasonal produce offerings. We typically opt for the family basket, which provides us with fresh produce for well over a week, sometimes even longer depending on the week’s harvest. My kids absolutely love our produce delivery days because it sparks so much creativity in the kitchen, inspiring us to whip up numerous fresh and healthy recipes.

Getting a consistent supply of quality produce is truly a game-changer for healthy eating and cooking. It introduces us to new fruits and vegetables we might not typically buy and encourages us to eat with the seasons, which is not only more delicious but also more sustainable. This sweet potato recipe is just one example of the incredible meals you can create with the bounty from a service like The Produce Gathering.

Now that you’re equipped with all the tips and tricks, are you ready to try these irresistible grilled sweet potatoes? Enjoy the process, and savor every delicious bite!

Created by: Kristy Still

Grilled Sweet Potatoes

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Ingredients

• 1 Large Sweet Potato
• 4 Tbsp Butter Melted
• 1/2 Tbsp Cinnamon
• Foil

Instructions

1. Spray tin foil with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Peel and slice the sweet potato, cutting it into about 1/8 inch thick slices. Then, slice them in half.
3. Place the sweet potato on the greased foil.
4. Combine the butter with the cinnamon and mix it up.
5. Top evenly with the cinnamon butter.
6. Grill on medium-high heat for 20-30 minutes until slightly crispy and tender.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Servings