Smoky, a little spicy, and just the right amount of sweet—these grilled sweet potatoes might be my all-time favorite veggie to throw on the grill. They’re ridiculously easy to make and always surprise folks in the best way when I serve them with burgers, salmon, or just about any summertime supper. Y’all already know I love it when the grill fires up, so it was a no-brainer to slice up some sweet potatoes, season ’em just right, and let that flame do its thing.
Can You Prep Sweet Potatoes Ahead for the Grill?
Yes, and it makes things so much easier, especially when cooking for a crowd or needing to get dinner on the table quickly. You can microwave and slice the sweet potatoes a few hours before grilling. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready. When it’s time to eat, brush on the oil, add the seasoning, and get them on the grill. They’ll taste best hot and fresh, but that little bit of prep ahead of time makes the whole process quicker and more relaxed.
Ingredients and Why They Work
- Sweet Potatoes – Medium-sized ones grill up beautifully and hold their shape. Just wash and dry—no peeling needed.
- Olive Oil – Helps the seasonings stick and gives a golden finish. Use a little before and after grilling.
- Smoked Paprika – Adds that smoky flavor that pairs so well with the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Montreal Steak Seasoning – Bold and savory, this blend adds just the right amount of spice and salt.
Substitutions & Variations
- Switch up the seasoning – Try Cajun seasoning for more heat or a mix of garlic powder, chili powder, and a pinch of brown sugar for something different.
- Use avocado oil – A great alternative to olive oil, especially if you’re grilling at a higher heat.
- Slice into rounds or wedges – Instead of halving, cut the sweet potatoes into thick rounds or wedges for more surface area and crispy edges.
- Add a drizzle – Finish with a touch of honey or hot honey for extra flavor, or top with crumbled feta or goat cheese before serving.
Getting Your Grill Ready
This is where the flavor really comes alive. You’ll want to preheat your grill to a medium-hot heat. Whether you’re using a gas grill or a charcoal grill, the key is to get those grates nice and hot. For perfectly tender sweet potatoes that aren’t burnt on the outside, we’re often aiming for a combination of direct and indirect heat. If you’re worried about sticking, a quick brush of oil on the grates before you start grilling can make a big difference.
How to Make Grilled Sweet Potatoes
- Start by softening the sweet potatoes in the microwave.
- Slice in half and season with olive oil, smoked paprika, and steak seasoning.
- Grill cut-side down until you see those beautiful marks.
- Finish with a drizzle of oil and a sprinkle of salt.
That’s it—easy, fast, and full of flavor. Grab the full recipe below!
Quick Tips and Answers for Sweet Potato Success
I highly recommend it! Microwaving softens the sweet potatoes just enough so they cook quickly on the grill without burning or drying out. It’s the secret to getting that tender inside and caramelized outside in no time.
It depends on thickness and grill heat, but generally, slices take about 10-15 minutes total, flipping halfway. Always cook until fork-tender.
Olive oil or avocado oil are excellent choices due to their flavor and higher smoke points.
Aim for about ¼ to ½ inch thick for slices, and ½ to ¾ inch thick for wedges. Consistency in thickness ensures even cooking.
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet on the stovetop, in the oven, or even return them to the grill for a few minutes until heated through.
What To Serve With Sweet Potatoes From The Grill
These smoky, slightly sweet potatoes go with just about anything coming off the grill—but here are a few of my favorites:
- Grilled Pork Tenderloin – The rich, juicy pork pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the potatoes. It’s a flavor combo that never disappoints.
- BBQ Chicken – Whether you’re using a homemade sauce or your favorite bottled version, grilled sweet potatoes are a perfect side for tangy, saucy chicken.
- Carolina Slaw Dogs – For casual summer meals or game day, sweet potatoes are a fun twist alongside slaw-topped hot dogs.
Craving More? Try These Sweet Potato Recipes
I just know you’re going to love this Grilled Sweet Potato recipe! If you make it, please come back and leave a star rating and a comment below. Your feedback means the world to me and helps other home cooks as well.
Ingredients
- 4 sweet potatoes
- olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons Montreal steak seasoning
Instructions
- Wash and dry sweet potatoes. Prick with fork and cook in microwave approximately 5 – 7 minutes until tender. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Heat grill to medium high heat.
- Gently slice sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle on smoked paprika and steak seasoning. Place, flat side down on hot grill. Cook for 5 minutes or until potatoes are slightly caramelized and grill marks appear.
- Remove from heat. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt if desired. Serve.
Notes
Switch up the seasoning with Cajun spice or a blend of chili powder, garlic, and brown sugar. Try avocado oil instead of olive oil. Slice into rounds or wedges for a different look, or finish with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of feta for extra flavor. How to Store & Reheat:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and slightly crisped.
Nutrition
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What a great way to cook sweet potatoes! Wow, and the microwave shortcut was brilliant. Thank you!
Thank you for your comment and review! So glad you enjoyed them! ~Donya
I have 4 sweet potatoes sitting on my counter right now and this would be the perfect way to use them, along side some grilled steaks or pork chops this week! Thanks for sharing your recipe on the Celebrate 365 Blog Party!
That’s awesome Val! Hope you like the recipe. Thanks for doing the round-up.
XO,
~Donya
I loved this recipe so much I included it in my #Celebrate365 Grilling Bucket List: https://www.cornbeanspigskids.com/2018/06/grilling-bucket-list.html. Thanks again for linking it up!
You are so welcome, Val. Thanks for including me.
XO,
~Donya
What a great idea! I also like that you used Montreal seasoning. I’ve never added that to a sweet potato before. I bet it’s delicious!
Thanks!
So, are these the lighter orangie- yellow variety or the purple ones which my grocery store calls yams? I get confused over these names.
Hey Deloris!
Actually, these are true, sweet potatoes from North Carolina. I don’t know where you live but I think you could prepare a yam – yellow, purple or whatever the same way. The key here is the method, so go for it, friend.
Thank you so much for stopping by. Let me know how your dish turns out!
XO,
~Donya