Grilling sweet potato wedges transforms this humble vegetable into a flavor-packed side dish or even a satisfying light meal. The high heat of the grill caramelizes the natural sugars, creating a crispy exterior and a tender, creamy interior. The smoky char adds another layer of complexity that perfectly complements the sweetness. This recipe is incredibly versatile – you can customize the seasonings to your liking and pair it with a variety of dips or main courses. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice, these grilled sweet potato wedges are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
**Why Grill Sweet Potato Wedges?**
While you can certainly roast sweet potato wedges in the oven, grilling offers several distinct advantages:
* **Smoky Flavor:** The most obvious benefit is the smoky char that only grilling can provide. This adds a depth of flavor that’s simply unbeatable.
* **Crispy Texture:** The high heat of the grill quickly sears the outside of the wedges, creating a delightful crispness that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior.
* **Caramelization:** Grilling intensifies the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes, resulting in a rich, caramelized flavor.
* **Minimal Cleanup:** Grilling often means less mess in the kitchen, especially on hot summer days when you’d rather be outdoors.
* **Quick Cooking Time:** Grilled sweet potato wedges cook relatively quickly compared to oven roasting, making them a great option for weeknight dinners.
**The Perfect Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges Recipe**
This recipe provides a basic framework for grilling sweet potato wedges, but feel free to experiment with different seasonings and toppings to create your own signature version.
**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 20-25 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into wedges (about ½ inch thick)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a touch of heat)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or chives), crumbled feta cheese, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, your favorite dipping sauce.
**Equipment:**
* Grill
* Large bowl
* Tongs
* Basting brush (optional)
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:**
* Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. There’s no need to peel them, as the skin provides extra fiber and nutrients. Plus, it adds a nice textural element to the grilled wedges.
* Cut each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Then, cut each half into wedges that are approximately ½ inch thick. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking. Unevenly sized wedges will cook at different rates, leading to some being overcooked while others are undercooked.
**2. Season the Sweet Potatoes:**
* Place the sweet potato wedges in a large bowl.
* Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Make sure all the wedges are lightly coated with oil, as this will help them to crisp up on the grill and prevent sticking.
* In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
* Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the sweet potato wedges and toss again to ensure they are evenly coated. Use your hands to gently rub the seasoning into the wedges for maximum flavor. This step is crucial for ensuring that every bite is bursting with deliciousness.
**3. Preheat the Grill:**
* Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). If using a gas grill, preheat with all burners on high and then reduce to medium. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals for direct heat. A hot grill is essential for achieving that desirable char and crispy exterior. Make sure the grill grates are clean to prevent the wedges from sticking.
**4. Grill the Sweet Potato Wedges:**
* Place the sweet potato wedges on the grill grates in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Overcrowding the grill will lower the temperature and steam the wedges instead of grilling them properly.
* Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the wedges are tender and slightly charred. Use tongs to flip the wedges carefully. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, as the sugars in the sweet potatoes can caramelize quickly. If the wedges start to burn, move them to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat.
* You can brush the wedges with a little extra olive oil during grilling if they appear to be drying out. This will help to keep them moist and promote even cooking. To check for doneness, insert a fork into the thickest part of a wedge. It should be easily pierced with minimal resistance.
**5. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Remove the grilled sweet potato wedges from the grill and place them on a serving platter.
* Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
* Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped fresh herbs, crumbled feta cheese, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
* Serve immediately and enjoy! These wedges are best enjoyed fresh off the grill while they are still warm and crispy.
**Tips for Grilling Perfect Sweet Potato Wedges**
* **Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes:** Look for sweet potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free from blemishes. Smaller to medium-sized sweet potatoes are generally easier to cut into uniform wedges.
* **Cut Evenly Sized Wedges:** Consistency is key when it comes to grilling. Make sure all your wedges are roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Grill:** Leave enough space between the wedges so that the heat can circulate properly. This will help them to crisp up nicely.
* **Control the Heat:** Keep a close eye on the grill temperature and adjust as needed to prevent burning.
* **Use a Grill Basket (Optional):** If you’re worried about the wedges falling through the grill grates, you can use a grill basket. This will also make it easier to flip them.
* **Soaking Sweet Potatoes (Optional):** Soaking the sweet potato wedges in cold water for about 30 minutes before grilling can help to remove some of the starch, which can result in crispier wedges. However, this step is not essential.
* **Experiment with Seasonings:** Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings! Try adding different herbs, spices, or even a touch of brown sugar for extra sweetness.
**Variations and Flavor Combinations**
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas for variations and flavor combinations:
* **Spicy Sweet Potato Wedges:** Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes to the seasoning mixture.
* **Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges:** Toss the cooked wedges with grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic.
* **Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Potato Wedges:** Sprinkle the wedges with cinnamon sugar before grilling for a sweet and savory treat.
* **Rosemary Garlic Sweet Potato Wedges:** Use fresh rosemary and garlic in the seasoning mixture.
* **BBQ Sweet Potato Wedges:** Toss the cooked wedges with your favorite BBQ sauce.
* **Maple Glazed Sweet Potato Wedges:** Drizzle the cooked wedges with maple syrup and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
* **Lemon Herb Sweet Potato Wedges:** Use lemon zest, fresh herbs (such as thyme and oregano), and garlic in the seasoning mixture.
* **Chipotle Sweet Potato Wedges:** Add chipotle powder to the seasoning mixture for a smoky and spicy flavor.
* **Indian Spiced Sweet Potato Wedges:** Use a blend of Indian spices, such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala.
* **Mediterranean Sweet Potato Wedges:** Toss the cooked wedges with olive oil, lemon juice, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and oregano.
**Serving Suggestions**
Grilled sweet potato wedges are a delicious side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Grilled Chicken or Fish:** The smoky sweetness of the wedges complements grilled chicken or fish perfectly.
* **Burgers or Sandwiches:** Serve them as a healthier alternative to French fries with your favorite burgers or sandwiches.
* **Steak:** They make a great accompaniment to a juicy steak.
* **Vegetarian Mains:** Pair them with vegetarian dishes like black bean burgers, lentil loaf, or grilled halloumi.
* **Salads:** Add them to salads for a boost of flavor and nutrients.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
**Dipping Sauce Ideas**
* **Spicy Mayo:** Combine mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.
* **Honey Mustard:** Mix honey, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise.
* **Garlic Aioli:** Combine mayonnaise with minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.
* **Avocado Crema:** Blend avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
* **Chipotle Ranch:** Combine ranch dressing with chipotle powder and adobo sauce.
**Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potatoes**
Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. They are an excellent source of:
* **Vitamin A:** Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for healthy vision, skin, and immune function.
* **Vitamin C:** Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect the body against damage from free radicals.
* **Fiber:** Sweet potatoes are high in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
* **Potassium:** Sweet potatoes are a good source of potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure.
* **Antioxidants:** Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against chronic diseases.
**Storing Leftovers**
Leftover grilled sweet potato wedges can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through. They may lose some of their crispness during storage, but they will still be delicious.
**Conclusion**
Grilled sweet potato wedges are a simple, delicious, and healthy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their smoky flavor, crispy texture, and customizable seasonings, they’re sure to become a new favorite. So fire up your grill and give this recipe a try! You won’t be disappointed.