Grilling sweet potatoes whole transforms this humble root vegetable into something truly spectacular. The high heat of the grill caramelizes the natural sugars while creating a beautifully charred exterior that gives way to fluffy, sweet flesh inside. Unlike baking, grilling adds a subtle smoky flavor that elevates sweet potatoes from simple side dish to the star of your plate. This method is incredibly easy and hands-off, requiring just a few minutes of prep before the grill does all the work. The result is sweet potatoes with crispy, caramelized skin and perfectly tender interiors that taste like candy but pack serious nutrition.
Serves: 4-6 people
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
Total Time: 50-65 minutes
What You’ll Need
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4-6 medium sweet potatoes (about 6-8 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
For Serving Options:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- Flaky sea salt
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes
Select sweet potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly. Look for potatoes that feel firm and heavy for their size, with smooth skin and no soft spots. Medium-sized sweet potatoes work best for grilling whole because they cook through completely without burning the outside. Avoid very large sweet potatoes as they may not cook evenly.
Preparing for the Grill
Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold water and pat them completely dry. Using a fork, pierce each sweet potato 8-10 times all over, going about halfway through the flesh. This prevents them from bursting on the grill and helps them cook more evenly. Rub each sweet potato with olive oil, making sure to coat the entire surface.
Seasoning for Extra Flavor
In a small bowl, mix together the coarse salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Roll each oiled sweet potato in this seasoning mixture, pressing gently to help the spices stick to the skin. The seasoned skin becomes incredibly flavorful and crispy when grilled, adding texture and taste to every bite.
Setting Up Your Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350-400 degrees. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals to create zones of different heat levels, with most coals on one side. For gas grills, you can turn some burners to medium and others to medium-low to create temperature zones. This allows you to move the sweet potatoes if they’re browning too quickly.
The Grilling Process
Place the seasoned sweet potatoes directly on the grill grates over medium heat. Close the lid and cook for 45-60 minutes, turning them every 15 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The exact cooking time depends on the size of your sweet potatoes and your grill’s temperature. You’ll know they’re done when they give slightly when gently squeezed and a knife slides through easily.
Testing for Doneness
The sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked when the skin is crispy and charred in spots, and the flesh feels soft when you gently squeeze them with tongs. If you insert a knife or skewer into the thickest part, it should slide through without resistance. The internal temperature should reach about 205-210 degrees for that perfect fluffy texture.
Creating the Perfect Opening
Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to cool slightly. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep slit lengthwise down the center of each sweet potato, being careful of the hot steam that will escape. Gently squeeze the ends toward the center to open up the sweet potato and fluff the flesh with a fork.
Serving Options That Shine
The beauty of grilled sweet potatoes lies in their versatility. For a classic approach, add a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, then sprinkle with cinnamon. For a savory option, top with sour cream, chives, and a pinch of flaky salt. For something special, try butter mixed with chopped toasted pecans and a drizzle of honey.
Making Them Extra Special
Create compound butter by mixing softened butter with honey and cinnamon for a sweet version, or with herbs and garlic for a savory twist. You can also stuff the opened sweet potatoes with ingredients like black beans and cheese, pulled pork, or even a simple salad of arugula and goat cheese for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for Success
Choose sweet potatoes that are roughly the same size for even cooking. Don’t wrap them in foil – you want that direct contact with the grill for the best flavor and texture. If your sweet potatoes are cooking too quickly on the outside, move them to a cooler part of the grill and extend the cooking time.
Why Grilling Works So Well
Grilling concentrates the natural sweetness while adding subtle smoke flavor that you simply can’t achieve in an oven. The high heat caramelizes the sugars right at the surface, creating those delicious crispy spots that contrast beautifully with the creamy interior. It’s a simple technique that produces extraordinary results.
