If you’ve ever wanted to bring a smoky, sweet, and tender dish to your grill, these BBQ Sweet Potatoes are exactly what you need. Grilled to perfection and coated in a flavorful barbecue sauce, they make an excellent side dish or even a hearty vegetarian sandwich. Whether it’s a family dinner or a backyard gathering, this recipe will impress everyone. The combination of sweet, smoky, and lightly charred flavors creates a taste you’ll want to revisit again and again. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can transform ordinary sweet potatoes into a delightful grilled experience.
Why You’ll Love These BBQ Sweet Potatoes
You’re going to love these BBQ Sweet Potatoes for many reasons. First, they are quick and easy to prepare, requiring only a few minutes of prep time and a short period on the grill. Second, they are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them as a standalone side dish or turn them into a flavorful sandwich with buns, coleslaw, and pickled jalapenos. Third, they offer a healthier alternative to traditional BBQ dishes while still delivering rich, satisfying flavors. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the smoky paprika, garlic, and onion powders, and the BBQ sauce brings everything together with a tangy, savory kick. Lastly, they are vegetarian-friendly, gluten-free (if you choose the buns accordingly), and packed with nutrients like vitamin A and fiber, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these BBQ Sweet Potatoes, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 package gluten-free buns (optional, regular buns work too)
- Coleslaw (optional)
- Pickled jalapenos (optional)
How to Make BBQ Sweet Potatoes
Making BBQ Sweet Potatoes is simple, but following the right steps ensures perfect results every time. Start by thoroughly washing and scrubbing your sweet potatoes to remove any dirt or residue. Pat them dry with a towel, then cut them into rounds approximately half an inch thick. Try to keep the slices uniform so they cook evenly.
Place the sweet potato rounds in a large bowl or casserole dish. Drizzle with olive oil and toss until every piece is coated. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the rounds. Toss again to make sure each slice is evenly seasoned.
Heat your grill to around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed; for gas grills, preheat for at least ten minutes. Place the sweet potato rounds directly over the heat. Grill for about five minutes on the first side until grill marks appear, then flip and cook for another five minutes.
Once both sides have a light char, move the sweet potatoes to indirect heat. Brush a generous layer of BBQ sauce over each round, cover the grill, and cook for one minute. Flip them over, brush the second side with sauce, and cook for another minute. This method ensures the BBQ sauce slightly caramelizes while the potatoes remain tender but not mushy.
Once done, remove from the grill and allow them to rest briefly. You’ll notice a beautiful combination of caramelized edges, smoky grill marks, and a glossy BBQ finish. The rounds should be soft enough to pierce with a fork but still hold their shape.
How to Serve BBQ Sweet Potatoes
Serving BBQ Sweet Potatoes is easy and fun. You can keep it simple and serve them as a side dish, perfect alongside grilled vegetables, beans, or your favorite protein. A light garnish of chopped chives or fresh herbs adds a touch of color and freshness.
Alternatively, these grilled rounds are fantastic as a sandwich. Place a few sweet potato slices on a gluten-free or regular bun, top with crunchy coleslaw, and add pickled jalapenos if you like a little heat. The contrast of textures and flavors—from soft, smoky potatoes to crisp, tangy slaw—creates a delightful bite every time. For gatherings, you can also arrange the rounds on a serving platter with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. This presentation works beautifully as an appetizer or a side dish at a summer barbecue.
Expert Tips for Perfect BBQ Sweet Potatoes
To get the best results, here are some expert tips for making your BBQ Sweet Potatoes stand out. First, slice the potatoes evenly. Uniform slices cook at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked. Second, don’t skimp on the seasoning. The olive oil helps the spices adhere, but a generous coating ensures every bite is flavorful.
Third, use medium heat on the grill. Too high, and the potatoes may char before cooking through; too low, and you won’t get the beautiful grill marks. Fourth, apply BBQ sauce towards the end of cooking to avoid burning. Brushing it on too early can cause it to caramelize too quickly, leaving a bitter taste.
Finally, experiment with toppings. Fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of smoked sea salt can elevate the dish. You can also try different BBQ sauces—spicy, sweet, or smoky—to customize the flavor to your liking. These small adjustments can turn a simple grilled sweet potato into a gourmet treat.
How to Store BBQ Sweet Potatoes
Storing your BBQ Sweet Potatoes properly helps maintain their flavor and texture. Allow the rounds to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. When reheating, you can use a grill, oven, or stovetop to keep them from becoming mushy.
For longer storage, sweet potato rounds can be frozen. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will last for up to two months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven or on the grill with a fresh brush of BBQ sauce to restore their delicious flavor.
Variations of BBQ Sweet Potatoes
This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to add your twist. You can experiment with different spice blends such as cumin, chili powder, or smoked cayenne for an extra kick. For a sweeter variation, drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the rounds before grilling.
If you enjoy Mediterranean flavors, try adding feta cheese, olives, or fresh parsley after grilling. For a more filling option, top the grilled potatoes with black beans, avocado, or sautéed vegetables to create a satisfying vegetarian meal. You can also change the BBQ sauce style—using a mustard-based or chipotle BBQ sauce will give the dish a completely different flavor profile. These variations keep the recipe fresh and exciting for every occasion.
FAQ About BBQ Sweet Potatoes
How long should I grill sweet potato rounds?
Grill each side for about five minutes over direct heat, then move to indirect heat for a minute on each side after brushing with BBQ sauce. The total cooking time is approximately 15 minutes.
Can I make BBQ Sweet Potatoes in the oven instead of the grill?
Yes, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seasoned sweet potato rounds on a baking sheet, roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, and brush with BBQ sauce in the last two minutes.
Are BBQ Sweet Potatoes gluten-free?
The sweet potatoes themselves are naturally gluten-free. If you use gluten-free buns, the whole sandwich will be gluten-free. Otherwise, regular buns are fine.
Can I prepare sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can cut, season, and even par-cook the rounds ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and finish grilling or roasting just before serving.
How do I know when BBQ Sweet Potatoes are done?
The rounds should be tender and easily pierced with a fork, yet not mushy. They should have nice grill marks and a slightly caramelized BBQ glaze.
Can I add toppings to the grilled sweet potatoes?
Yes, toppings like coleslaw, pickled jalapenos, fresh herbs, or even avocado work beautifully and add flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
BBQ Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
- Grill
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 package gluten-free buns optional, regular buns work too
- As needed coleslaw optional
- As needed pickled jalapenos optional
Instructions
- Wash and scrub sweet potatoes, then cut into rounds about 1/2 inch thick.
- In a large bowl, drizzle sweet potato rounds with olive oil and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the rounds and toss again.
- Preheat your grill to around 400°F (200°C). Place sweet potato rounds directly over the heat.
- Grill for about 5 minutes on one side until grill marks appear, then flip and grill for another 5 minutes.
- Move sweet potatoes to indirect heat, brush BBQ sauce on one side, cover, and cook for 1 minute. Flip and repeat.
- Remove from the grill, let rest briefly, and serve as desired.
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