Sweet potatoes on the grill are the unsung hero of summer side dishes. They are crispy outside, tender inside, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re using foil or going straight on the grates, this recipe brings out their natural sweetness. It also has a smoky, savory twist.
My guys are big fans of sweet potatoes. Two of their favorites are my homemade sweet potato fries and my bacon sweet potato appetizer.
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Why this Grilled Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a Keeper
My grilled sweet potatoes side dish are one of my favorite go-to sides for family meals because they feel like comfort food with a wholesome twist. I love making them because they’re naturally sweet, have that caramelized smokiness from the grill, Plus, they’re simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, but special enough to serve when we’ve got company.
- Easy Prep: Just a few pantry staples and some slicing to make this sweet potato dish.
- No Boiling Needed: Straight to the grill with zero parboil hassle.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Works with foil packets or directly on the grates.
- Family-Approved Flavor: Savory, smoky, and lightly caramelized edges to my sweet potato side dish.
Do you Have to Boil Sweet Potatoes Before Grilling?
Nope! Slice them thin enough (¼–½ inch) and they’ll cook through beautifully on the grill without pre-boiling. Just be sure to oil them well and keep the heat medium to avoid burning.
Pro Tip for this Sweet Potato Dish
Want those Instagram-worthy grill marks? Use a grill mat or oil the grates and don’t move the slices too soon—give them a few minutes to sear before flipping.
Ingredient Notes for this Easy Side Dish Recipe
This grilled sweet potato fries recipe uses easy, fresh ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Sweet Potatoes: Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm and evenly shaped.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil helps with crisping and keeps them from sticking.
- BBQ Seasoning: Make the Best BBQ Rub to have in stock for all your favorite BBQ recipes.
Variations and Substitutions to Love this Recipe
This sweet and savory recipe is super easy to customize. I like to take it to the next level by trying different seasonings.
- Add a Kick: Sprinkle with smoked paprika or cayenne to the sweet potato.
- Try It Sweet: Drizzle with maple syrup and cinnamon post-grill.
- Use Foil: For extra tender slices, grill in a sealed foil packet. To cook evenly, use indirect heat.
Special Equipment Needed to Make Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges
For this sweet potato recipe, you will find a couple of things to be helpful.
- Grill Basket or Mat: Keeps slices from slipping through the grates.
- Heavy-Duty Foil: Essential for the foil-pack method. When you wrap potatoes in foil, don’t skimp.
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes on the Grill
This recipe comes together in just 2 quick and easy steps. This sweet potato dish is so good, I make it in the summer months.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Season the Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice to be ¼ inch thick. Add potatoes in a large bowl and toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil and BBQ seasoning.
- Grill the Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes to a grill, preheated to medium-high heat. Cook for 5 minutes on the grill on each side, or until slightly charred and cooked.
Prep Ahead Suggestions
Prepping ahead of time can really help to save time and kitchen space if hosting a picnic.
- Slice and Soak: Slice sweet potatoes the night before and soak in cold water to remove excess starch (store in fridge).
- Mix Seasoning Ahead: Make your spice blend and oil mix to save time.
Alternate Cooking Methods
If you don’t have a charcoal grill, gas grill or grill pan, there’s two other ways to make easy grilled sweet potatoes.
- Oven-Roasted: Bake at 400°F on a sheet pan for about 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer: Cook at 380°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers
- Storing: Cool completely and store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet or air fryer to revive the crisp edges.
- Using Leftovers: Chop and add as a topping to steak salads, grilled chicken, grain bowls or breakfast hash.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Generously oil the slices and grill grates or use a grill basket.
You could make baked sweet potatoes, but it takes much longer—stick with slices or foil packets for faster cooking.
Expert Tips for Making and What to Serve with Grilled Sweet Potatoes
- Slice Evenly: Uniform thickness ensures even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Leave space on the grill so they crisp instead of steam.
- Preheat Grill Fully: A hot grill helps caramelize the outside for that perfect sear.
- Other Seasonings: Try Chili Lime, Garlic and Herb, or even cinnamon-cumin for a unique twist. You can also use individual seasonings like garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper salt and pepper.
- Mashed Potatoes: Turn leftovers into mashed sweet potatoes.
- Serve With: Serve with Grilled Pork Chops Marinade, Grilled Shrimp Skewers or Garlic Parmesan Grilled Corn on the Cob.
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Grilled Sweet Potatoes
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Ingredients
- 2 Sweet potatoes
- 1 Tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Barbecue seasoning
Instructions
- Peel sweet potatoes and slice into ¼ inch slices.
- Place sweet potatoes slices in a large bowl and add olive oil. Toss to coat.
- Sprinkle BBQ seasoning liberally over sweet potatoes; toss again to distribute seasoning.
- Place sweet potatoes on a grill preheated to medium high heat.
- Grill for 5 minutes on each side or until slightly charred and cooked through.
- OPTIONAL: Sprinkle extra BBQ Seasoning on top of cooked sweet potatoes.
Christina’s Notes
- Use a Grill Mat: For easy flipping and cleanup.
- Oil Liberally: Prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Go Bold with Flavor: Sweet potatoes can handle big spices.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.