Grilled Cider-Glazed Sweet Potatoes: A Smoky, Sweet Autumn Side
Wedges get a tangy, syrupy apple reduction and smoky char to brighten autumn menus.
Grilled Cider-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Few side dishes channel the flavors of autumn quite as elegantly as grilled cider-glazed sweet potatoes. Balancing smoky char with a tangy-sweet apple cider glaze, these vibrant orange wedges are both visually striking and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re firing up the backyard grill for a laid-back weeknight dinner or planning a harvest-inspired feast, this recipe transforms the humble sweet potato into a show-stopping centerpiece.
Why Grilled Sweet Potatoes?
Grilling sweet potatoes does more than just cook them—it concentrates their natural sugars, caramelizes their exteriors, and infuses a subtle smokiness that roasting can’t match. The addition of an apple cider reduction glaze brings brightness and a complex sweet-tart depth, perfectly complementing the earthy richness of the potatoes.
How the Dish Works: Flavor and Technique
The heart of this dish lies in two techniques:
- Grilling: Charring the sweet potatoes over open flame creates crispy, blackened edges and soft, creamy centers.
- Cider Glaze: Reducing apple cider until syrupy delivers a concentrated, apple-forward punch and sticky finish that clings to every surface of the potato wedges.
This dual approach results in a side that pairs smoky intensity with bright, autumnal sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, scrubbed
- 2 cups fresh apple cider (unsweetened, if possible)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (use olive oil for a dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, to intensify sweetness)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for grilling
- Optional: pinch of cayenne, ground cinnamon, or chopped fresh herbs like thyme for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cider Glaze
- Pour the apple cider into a wide, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer until the cider is reduced to about 1/3 cup and has a light syrupy texture. This usually takes 20–30 minutes.
- Stir in the butter, brown sugar (if using), and a generous pinch of salt. Simmer until the glaze is glossy and coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust sweetness or salt as needed.
- Remove from heat and set aside—the glaze will thicken further as it cools.
2. Par-Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- While the glaze simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Slice the sweet potatoes lengthwise into thick wedges, about 3/4 inch thick. Keeping the skins on helps hold the wedges together during grilling and adds texture.
- Add the wedges to boiling water and simmer until just tender but not falling apart, approximately 8–10 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and let them steam dry for a few minutes for better grill marks later.
3. Grill the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your grill to medium-high and brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Toss the potato wedges lightly in vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the wedges cut-side down on the hot grill. Cover and grill until nicely charred on both sides and fully tender, 3–4 minutes per side. Avoid moving them too much to encourage deep grill marks.
- During the last 2 minutes of grilling, baste the sweet potatoes generously with the cider glaze. Flip and baste a second time so both sides get a sticky coating.
4. Serve
- Transfer the glazed sweet potatoes to a platter. Serve hot, with extra glaze drizzled over and a sprinkle of fresh herbs or spices if desired.
Tips, Techniques, and Variations
- Don’t Skip Par-Cooking: Boiling (or microwaving) the wedges ensures the interior is tender by the time the exterior is perfectly charred.
- Monitor Your Glaze: Keep an eye on the cider as it reduces. If it thickens too much, add a tablespoon of water to loosen it before serving.
- Make Ahead: Par-cook wedges and prep glaze in advance; grill and glaze right before serving.
- Try Different Spices: Add cinnamon, a pinch of cayenne, or smoked paprika to the glaze for extra character.
- Roasting Alternative: If you lack a grill, roast par-cooked wedges at 450°F in a single layer until crisp and browned, glazing in the final 5 minutes.
What others are reading
Nutritional Benefits
- Sweet potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.
- Apple cider provides micronutrients and polyphenols, boosting the dish’s autumnal appeal and slight tartness without excess sugar.
- Keeping the skin on increases fiber content and boosts the nutrient profile.
Pairing Suggestions for a Full Fall Meal
Grilled cider-glazed sweet potatoes pair beautifully with:
- Grilled pork chops or chicken—especially with a cider or mustard marinade
- Maple-glazed salmon or cedar plank trout
- Hearty grain salads—think farro, wild rice, or quinoa with nuts and cranberries
- Roasted root vegetables, apples, or pears
- Hard cider, dry white wine, or a malty amber ale to echo the dish’s flavors
Storage and Reheating Advice
- Store leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat under a broiler or in an air fryer to restore some crispiness; avoid microwaving for best texture.
- Leftover glazed sweet potatoes make an incredible addition to fall salads or grain bowls.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use yams or purple sweet potatoes?
A: Yes, any variety of sweet potato or yam can be used for this recipe. Denser varieties may require slightly longer par-cooking times, and purple types add dramatic color contrast.
Q: Is the glaze very sweet? Can I reduce the sugar?
A: The natural sugars in apple cider concentrate during reduction, creating plenty of sweetness. Brown sugar is optional; for a tarter glaze, simply omit or halve it and add a splash of lemon juice at the end if needed.
Q: Can I prep these ahead for a party?
A: Absolutely. Par-cook the potatoes and make the glaze a day in advance, then grill and glaze just before serving for best flavor and texture.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: You can achieve similar results in a hot oven by roasting the par-cooked wedges on a sheet pan at 450°F until crisp and browned. Glaze during the final 5 minutes of roasting.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but grill the wedges in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of charring.
Recipe Card: Grilled Cider-Glazed Sweet Potatoes
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Serves |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 40 min | 55 min | 4–6 |
- Ingredients: 2 pounds sweet potatoes, 2 cups apple cider, 2 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional), salt, pepper, oil for grilling
- Method: Reduce cider to syrupy glaze. Parboil and dry sweet potatoes, then grill until charred, basting with glaze. Serve hot with extra glaze and herbs.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Boil with Salt: Salting the par-cooking water seasons the potatoes throughout and helps retain texture.
- Use Fresh Apple Cider: Look for unfiltered, unpasteurized cider for the richest apple flavor impact.
- Crank Up the Heat: Don’t be afraid of a high grill temperature for deeply caramelized, crisp exteriors.
Creative Serving Ideas
- As a Vegan Main: Serve the glazed wedges over garlicky lentils or with a hearty chickpea salad for a plant-forward entrée.
- Taco Filling: Slice grilled sweet potatoes and use as a base for fall-inspired tacos with black beans, avocado, and a drizzle of cider glaze.
- Grain Bowl Star: Add to a bowl of farro, kale, toasted walnuts, and goat cheese for a balanced, protein-rich lunch.
Summary Table: Key Steps and Time Allocation
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Prepare cider glaze | 20–30 mins |
| Par-cook sweet potatoes | 10 mins |
| Drain and dry wedges | 3 mins |
| Grill and glaze | 10–12 mins |
Final Thoughts
With their gorgeous color, mesmerizing smoky aroma, and complex sweet-savory profile, grilled cider-glazed sweet potatoes are the ultimate fall grill side. The techniques—par-cooking for perfect texture, cider reduction for glossy depth, and flame-kissed grilling for char—elevate familiar ingredients into something festive and new. Try this recipe for your next autumn gathering, or pair it with your favorite mains for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing update to the classic sweet potato.
References
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