Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Herb Garlic Butter: The Ultimate Easy Summer Side
A buttery herb infusion transforms basic veggies into a crave-worthy side dish.
If you’ve only enjoyed sweet potatoes in the form of casseroles or baked fries, it’s time to discover their full potential: grilled sweet potatoes. This recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a showstopping side dish, delivering crispy edges, creamy centers, and a punch of fresh, herby flavor, all in just a few straightforward steps.
Why Grilled Sweet Potatoes Belong on Your Grill
Grilling sweet potatoes elevates their natural sweetness, yielding irresistibly smoky notes and caramelized grill marks. Sliced into thick rounds, they cook quickly and are easy to flip, ensuring consistently delicious results every time. What truly sets this dish apart is the cascading finish of melted butter infused with garlic, honey, lemon, and robust garden herbs—a finishing touch that’s as adaptable as it is flavorful. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, burgers, steak, or let them steal the spotlight as a vegetarian main.
- Quick-cooking: Thick slices grill in minutes.
- Customizable: Use your favorite fresh herbs—basil, parsley, mint, cilantro, and more.
- Flavorful contrast: Smoky-sweet potatoes get brightness from lemon and herbs, richness from butter, and depth from garlic and honey.
- Make-ahead friendly: Delicious warm or at room temperature, and leftovers are just as good the next day.
Everything You Need: Grilled Sweet Potatoes Ingredients
This recipe celebrates simplicity with a handful of wholesome ingredients, each playing a vital role in developing layers of flavor and texture.
- Olive oil: For tossing the potatoes and greasing the grill, ensures a nonstick, golden exterior.
- Sweet potatoes: Look for firm, small-to-medium sized; orange-fleshed varieties (like Beauregard or Garnet) deliver the best texture and flavor.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: For perfectly seasoned potato slices.
- Salted butter: Forms the rich base of the infused topping; unsalted can be swapped, but add a pinch more salt.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic, savory undertones to the butter.
- Fresh herbs: Use a mix of parsley, basil, mint, cilantro, and/or chives for brightness.
- Honey: Accentuates the natural sweetness without overpowering.
- Lemon juice: Offers acidity to balance the richness and sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a bit of gentle heat if desired.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes: Full Ingredient List
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 Tbsp. + more | For tossing & greasing grill |
| Sweet potatoes | 2 lb. (3 medium or 4 small) | Sliced into 1/2-inch rounds |
| Kosher salt | 2 tsp. | Divided use |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp. | |
| Salted butter | 4 Tbsp. | |
| Garlic cloves | 2 | Minced |
| Soft herbs | 3 Tbsp. | Parsley, basil, mint, cilantro, or chives, roughly chopped |
| Honey | 2 tsp. | |
| Lemon juice | 1/2 lemon | Juiced |
| Crushed red pepper | Pinch (optional) | For heat |
Step-by-Step Directions: How to Grill Sweet Potatoes Perfectly Every Time
- Preheat and Prep the Grill
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking—this is key for obtaining beautiful grill marks and easy flipping.
- Season the Sweet Potato Rounds
Toss sliced sweet potatoes in a large bowl with olive oil, most of the salt, and the pepper. Mix until every slice is coated and evenly seasoned.
- Grill the Sweet Potatoes
Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer directly on the grill. Cover and cook until the bottoms show dark brown grill marks—typically 6 to 8 minutes. Flip, cover again, and grill for another 6 to 8 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Make the Herb Garlic Butter
While the potatoes cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan (or on a grill burner if available). Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat, allow to cool for around 5 minutes, then stir in the rough-chopped herbs, honey, lemon juice, red pepper flakes (if using), and the remaining salt.
- Toss and Serve
Transfer hot grilled sweet potatoes to a large bowl. Add the herb garlic butter and toss well so each piece is coated. Pour out onto a platter and spoon over any remaining herb butter from the bowl. Serve immediately, or hold at room temperature—either way, the flavors will shine through.
Expert Tips & Flavor Variations
- Skin On or Off? You can leave the skin on for extra texture and flavor. The skin crisps nicely and helps hold each round together. Peeling is optional—if you peel, note that slices may cook a bit faster.
- Cut Evenly: Aim for consistent 1/2-inch thick rounds for even cooking; thinner slices may burn before the inside softens, while thicker slices can stay too firm.
- Direct or Indirect Heat? Both work, but medium direct heat yields the best combo of charred outsides and tender insides.
- Alternative Toppings: Swap the butter for a drizzle of maple syrup or extra honey with cinnamon for a sweet angle; sprinkle on crumbled feta or cotija cheese for a savory note.
- Herb Flexibility: Use any mix of soft, leafy herbs—parsley, basil, mint, cilantro, or chives all complement sweet potatoes, so use what’s freshest.
- Leftovers: Store extra grilled sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to revive their crispness. Extra herb butter can be refrigerated and gently rewarmed, and is perfect over grilled corn, zucchini, or toasted bread.
Serving Ideas: Pairings for Grilled Sweet Potatoes
Grilled sweet potatoes are a versatile side that pairs beautifully with classic summer mains. Here are some creative combinations to inspire your next cookout:
- With juicy grilled chicken breasts or thighs
- Next to burgers—beef, chicken, turkey, or veggie
- Alongside grilled steak, pork chops, or even fish
- Topped with a poached or fried egg for a hearty brunch
- Layered in grain bowls with black beans, avocado, and a squeeze of lime
- Served as a starter, drizzled with extra herb butter and sprinkled with toasted nuts or seeds
What others are reading
More Ways to Enjoy Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes can do much more than the classic casserole. Explore these other crowd-pleasing methods:
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Roasted whole and topped with butter, scallions, or sour cream for a cozy side.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Cut into wedges or sticks, tossed with spices, and baked or fried until crisp.
- Potato Salad with Sweet Potatoes: Substitute sweet potatoes in your favorite savory or creamy potato salad recipes.
- Smashed Sweet Potatoes: Boil rounds, smash, drizzle with oil and roast until edges are crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you have to peel sweet potatoes before grilling?
No. You can leave the skin on; it crisps up on the grill, adds flavor, and protects the edges of the rounds. If you prefer peeled potatoes, that works too—just note that they may cook a bit faster, so check doneness early.
What other toppings work on grilled sweet potatoes?
If herby garlic butter isn’t your thing, try other options. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey with a pat of melted butter and pinch of cinnamon brings a cozy, sweet flavor. For a savory option, crumbled feta, cotija cheese, or a dollop of Greek yogurt are excellent choices.
How do you keep sweet potatoes from sticking to the grill?
Brush the grill grates or grill pan well with oil before placing the rounds on. Patting the potato slices dry before tossing in oil also helps prevent sticking.
How do you know when sweet potatoes are done on the grill?
Look for prominent grill marks and fork-tender centers. A paring knife should slide in easily with little resistance. Cooking time is usually 6–8 minutes per side for slices that are about 1/2 inch thick.
Can you make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Grilled sweet potatoes are delicious served warm or at room temperature, making them a great option for potlucks and meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to regain some crispness before serving. The herb butter can also be made ahead and gently rewarmed.
Recipe Card: Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Herb Garlic Butter
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for grill
- 2 lb sweet potatoes (about 3 medium), cut into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
- 2 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp soft herbs (parsley, basil, mint, cilantro, chives), chopped
- 2 tsp honey
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium. Brush grate with oil.
- Toss sweet potato rounds with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper.
- Grill in a single layer, covered, 6–8 minutes per side, until marked and tender.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic; cook 1 min. Remove from heat, let cool 5 min. Stir in herbs, honey, lemon juice, chili flakes (if using), and remaining 1/2 tsp salt.
- Toss hot sweet potatoes with herb garlic butter before serving.
Final Thoughts: Sweet Potatoes That Shine All Summer Long
With minimal prep and a handful of fresh ingredients, grilled sweet potatoes with herb garlic butter are sure to become a staple side at every summer gathering. Their sweet-smoky flavor, combined with zesty herbs, makes them a dish everyone will come back for—whether at your backyard BBQ or a weekday dinner.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a65205782/grilled-sweet-potatoes-recipe/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a37942348/baked-sweet-potato-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL8xvQLQsUk
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g36876289/sweet-potato-side-dishes/
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