These grilled sweet potatoes are an easy side dish recipe that will transform how you cook potatoes! Simple ingredients and ready in under 20 minutes!
I thought sweet potato fries were the MVP but when I tried grilling them; I became obsessed.
Whenever we grill our main course (like grouper or mahi mahi), we always make these grilled sweet potatoes.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It’s an easy and unique way to enjoy potatoes.
- It pairs well with almost anything, or even as a meal on its own.
- There are just three key ingredients, and it’s so easy to customize.
How to cook sweet potatoes on the grill?
The Ingredients.
- Sweet potatoes– Choose large potatoes so that you can have larger discs, which grill much better than smaller ones.
- Olive oil or coconut oil– I like the flavor of coconut oil. but olive or any other neutral oil works.
- Salt and peppper– To taste.
- Smoked paprika– Adds a lovely smoky flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Brown sugar (or substitute)– Optional, but a pinch takes the sweetness to another level.
The Instructions.
Start by slicing the potatoes into thick disks, around 1/2 inch in thickness.
Next, add them to a bowl, along with the oil and seasonings and mix well, ensuring all the potatoes are coated.
Now, add the potatoes on to the grill and cover them immediately. Grill the potatoes for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through,.
Serve the potatoes immediately with your favorite dinner or main course.
Can I cook this in a grill pan?
If you don’t own a grill, you can cook the potatoes in a grill pan or skillet.
Tips for success
- If possible, cover the grill to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and completely.
- Do not slice your sweet potatoes too thin or too thick, or else they will burn (thin) or take too long to cook (thick).
- This works on any sort of grill, including a George Foreman grill.
Flavor variations
While delicious as they are, here are some fun flavors to try for some variety!
- Cinnamon sugar– Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and double the brown sugar. This is great if you’d like this as part of a dessert, too.
- Hot and spicy– Add 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or red pepper flakes.
- Mexican– Rub Taco seasoning over the potatoes.
- Cajun– Toss through Cajun seasoning.
- Kettle corn– Omit the smoked paprika and pepper and swap out the brown sugar for white sugar.
What to serve with sweet potatoes
These potatoes work well as a side dish, however, as they are super flavorful, pair it with more simple dishes or healthy dinners. Here are our favorites-
- Chicken– air fryer chicken breast, chicken thighs, or chicken drumsticks.
- Seafood– air fryer salmon, air fryer tilapia, baked haddock, or even Chilean sea bass.
- Meat– air fryer pork chops, grilled pork chops, or meatball subs.
- Vegetable mains– Zucchini lasagna, eggplant lasagna, or even cauliflower mac and cheese.
Storing and freezing instructions
- To store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to five days.
- To freeze: Place the grilled and cooled potatoes in an airtight container and store it in the freezer for up to six months.
- Reheating: Either reheat on the grill or in a non-stick pan. Avoid microwaving them as they will become soggy.
More vegetable side dishes to try
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike fries or wedges, there is no need to soak the potatoes before grilling them.
Either white potatoes or sweet potatoes will work for this recipe.
Grilled potatoes instead of frying them cuts down on the added oil while keeping the flavor incredible.
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Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes cut into discs
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil * See notes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat a grill or bbq to medium heat. Generously coat with cooking spray or brush with coconut oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the sweet potato discs and coconut oil and mix well. Add the spices, salt, and sugar and rub all over the potatoes.
- Layer your sweet potato discs and cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Notes
Nutrition
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Love the sweet/salty sweet potato combo and always try to do it when I roast them, haven’t tried grilling yet.
Michele! If you do not grill these next time…..
Fabulous idea! Thanks for sharing your creativity! LOVE this.
Thanks so much Marsha!
Good choice dear. But I must say, the orange sweet really is not king (nor my favorite). Have you ever been graced by the taste of the Japanese Sweet Potato? Their denser “drier” texture and less “wet/sweet” taste then the typical orange…..you would be a fan. 😉 We’ll just have to go potato shopping too now!
Oh God. Can you imagine?
“What did you do in Manhattan?”
FIND POTATOES.
Oh my goodness! I LOVE sweet potatoes and making them this way is gonna be my new favorite way! You are a genius 😉
Thank you! hope you try it out!
Wow, these sound so amazing! I am definitely going to try these the next time we are grilling!
Please do, Jenn! 🙂
I love kettle corn AND sweet potatoes! These sound perfect!
Thanks Cassie! Hope you try it out!
I usually alternate between sweet and white potatoes each week. I don’t discriminate!
Nice! great way to balance both!
Great flavor combo! Love sweet potatoes 🙂
You like sweet potatoes? You don’t say 😉
Just when our feud over “Love Actually” was becoming a faded memory along comes your love for white spuds. Sweeties are hands down the superior potato and there will be no convincing me otherwise! With that said, I’m loving the TLC you gave them in this recipe, they look so yummy!
Hahahaha Sonali! Don’t say that! I purposely came to NYC to hold a silly sign on XMas day saying white potatoes > sweet potatoes.
Yum! These sound fabulous – love that sweet/spicy combo. As luck would have it, I have all the necessities on hand. Perhaps once I peel myself off the couch…
Stay on the damn couch…as I am now 😉
Yes Arman try the Japanese sweet potatoes! Soooooooo much better!
Thanks Heather! Okay, I’ll get Rebecca to show me! 🙂
first, THANK YOU for celebrating the glory that is a potato. they get such a bad rap, and I’d totally take on your 7 day challenge. um, wait… I probably did that last week after my FACE SURGERY. I made mashed potatoes, and Jason even went to the store in the middle of the day to buy me a BOX OF INSTANT potatoes. I had a craving. they were so good.
anyway, I am still on soft foods, but these definitely count! I cannot wait to trryyyyyy.
Right? I had this idea for a WHITE potato dip and I got slaughtered at that suggestion!
You are my new idol!
white potato dip??! DO IT. wait, did you already? DOOOO IIIIIIIT.
Alright, I will! 🙂
These potatoes look beyond delicious – good work! But are you sure any gluten dust covered the potatoes?! :))
Thanks Ben! they are delicious which is rare for a sweet potato! I hope not!
Oh my friend, the sweet potato welcomes you to its fan club! I am a huge fan and these look downright amazing.
Thanks Michelle! 🙂 They used to spite me but not anymore! 😉