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Sweet Potatoes for the Grill: A Smoky-Sweet Delight

My grandmother, bless her heart, wasn’t much for elaborate desserts. But every summer barbecue, without fail, she’d whip up a pan of the simplest, most soul-satisfying sweet potatoes cooked right on the grill. The smoky char mingling with the sweet, caramelized glaze – it’s a taste that instantly transports me back to her sun-drenched patio, surrounded by family and laughter. This recipe is an homage to those cherished memories, a celebration of simple ingredients transformed by the magic of the grill.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Dietary Type: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

1 lb sweet potato, peeled
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (rubbed between fingers to release flavors)
1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper (or use freshly ground black pepper to taste)
2 tablespoons butter, finely diced
1/3 cup orange juice

Equipment Needed

Grill
Heavy medium-size shallow disposable foil pan
Large bowl
Small bowl

Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium heat.
Generously grease a heavy, medium-size shallow disposable foil pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
Cut the sweet potatoes into thick slices, about 1/2 inch thick, then place them in a large bowl. Uniform slices ensure even cooking.
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar with the dried thyme and lemon pepper. Rub the thyme between your fingers to release its aromatic oils before adding it to the sugar mixture.
Sprinkle the brown sugar mixture over the sweet potato slices in the bowl and toss to coat them evenly. This guarantees that every slice gets a delicious sugary crust.
Arrange the slices in layers into the prepared foil pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan; arrange the slices in a single layer as much as possible to promote even cooking.
Dot the sweet potatoes with the finely diced butter. Distribute the butter evenly for maximum flavor and richness.
(At this point, you may refrigerate the pan of sweet potatoes until ready to grill. Just be sure to add the orange juice right before grilling).
Pour the orange juice over the top of the sweet potatoes. This adds moisture and helps the sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Cover the pan tightly with foil. This creates a steam effect, helping the sweet potatoes cook through.
Place the foil-covered pan on the preheated grill, then cover with the grill lid.
Cook for about 15 minutes, then remove the foil.
Do a test for doneness by piercing a slice with a fork. If needed, continue cooking for additional time, until the sweet potatoes are tender to your liking. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the slices and the heat of your grill.
If the potatoes begin to dry out during the cooking process, you may need to add in more orange juice as needed. This will keep them moist and prevent burning.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar mixture for a subtle kick. The heat complements the sweetness perfectly.
Herbal Infusion: Experiment with different herbs. Rosemary or sage can also be delicious alternatives to thyme.
Charred Perfection: For a more pronounced smoky flavor, remove the foil a little earlier in the cooking process and let the sweet potatoes char slightly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Oven Option: If grilling isn’t an option, these can easily be baked in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sweet potatoes in the foil pan hours in advance and refrigerate. Just drizzle on the orange juice right before grilling to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Browning Boost: For extra browning and caramelization, brush the sweet potatoes with a mixture of melted butter and maple syrup during the last few minutes of grilling.
Prevent Sticking: Even with a greased pan, sweet potatoes can sometimes stick. Use a metal spatula to gently loosen them from the bottom of the pan during the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these grilled sweet potatoes as a delicious side dish with grilled chicken, pork, or fish. They’re also fantastic as part of a vegetarian or vegan meal.

Serving: Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a dollop of Greek yogurt (if not vegan) for a touch of freshness.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave, oven, or on the grill until heated through. Add a splash of orange juice or water to prevent them from drying out.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	227.3 kcal	N/A
Fat	5.9 g	9%
Saturated Fat	3.7 g	18%
Cholesterol	15.3 mg	5%
Sodium	110.8 mg	4%
Carbohydrate	42.9 g	14%
Fiber	3.5 g	14%
Sugars	24.1 g	N/A
Protein	2 g	4%

Variations & Substitutions

Vegan Option: Ensure the butter is replaced with a vegan butter alternative.
Spicy Sweet Potato: Incorporate a pinch of ground cinnamon and a dash of smoked paprika for added warmth and depth.
Citrus Zest: Grate orange or lemon zest into the brown sugar mixture for a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
Maple Glaze: Replace the brown sugar with maple syrup for a more natural and complex sweetness.
Sweet Potato Fries: Cut the sweet potatoes into fry shapes instead of slices for a fun and unique twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use different types of sweet potatoes?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, you can experiment with other varieties like purple or white sweet potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q: What if I don’t have lemon pepper?
A: No problem! You can easily substitute freshly ground black pepper to taste. Add a pinch of lemon zest for a similar citrusy note.

Q: Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
A: Yes, honey can be used as a substitute for brown sugar. However, it might caramelize more quickly, so keep a closer eye on the sweet potatoes while grilling.

Q: How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?
A: The sweet potatoes are done when they are tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. They should also have a slightly caramelized appearance.

Q: Can I cook this on a gas grill?
A: Yes, you can cook this recipe on a gas grill. Preheat the grill to medium heat and follow the instructions as written.

Final Thoughts

This simple recipe for grilled sweet potatoes is a surefire way to elevate your next barbecue. The smoky-sweet flavor is irresistible, and the ease of preparation makes it a weeknight winner. I encourage you to give it a try, experiment with different flavor combinations, and create your own cherished memories around the grill. Don’t be shy about sharing your creations and feedback – I’m always eager to hear about your culinary adventures! Consider serving these sweet potatoes alongside grilled ribs or a vibrant summer salad for a truly unforgettable meal.

Sweet Potatoes for the Grill Recipe