These perfect smoked sweet potatoes are tender, sweet, and oh-so-flavorful! Grilling them adds a nice smokiness that makes them a special side dish.
Seriously, once you try these, regular sweet potatoes might just seem boring! I love serving them with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon—yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: Medium-sized sweet potatoes work best for even cooking. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, butternut squash can also be a delicious alternative!
Olive Oil: This oil adds great flavor and helps the spices stick. You can swap it with avocado oil or grapeseed oil for a different twist.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning. If you’re watching your sodium intake, try using low-sodium salt or herbs to enhance flavor without the extra salt.
Garlic Powder & Smoked Paprika: These are optional, but they add depth! If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika or even a dash of cayenne for heat can work. Fresh garlic is a nice alternative to powdered garlic.
Butter: A classic way to enhance sweetness, but for a dairy-free version, try coconut oil or dairy-free butter alternatives.
Fresh Herbs: Thyme or rosemary brighten the dish. If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried herbs could be a last-minute option; just use less since they’re more concentrated.
How Do I Smoke Sweet Potatoes Perfectly?
Smoking sweet potatoes can seem tricky, but it’s all about the right temperature and time. Start by setting your smoker to 225°F (107°C). This low and slow method allows the potatoes to absorb that wonderful smoky flavor without drying out.
- Wash and dry the sweet potatoes well to prepare them.
- Piercing holes with a fork is key! It prevents bursting and allows steam to escape.
- Coat evenly with olive oil and seasonings for the best taste. Don’t skip this step!
- Monitor their cooking time; depending on their size, they usually take 2-2.5 hours until fork-tender.
- After removing them, let them sit briefly before adding butter; this traps heat and keeps them warm.
With these tips, you’ll enjoy perfectly smoked sweet potatoes bursting with flavor and sweetness! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make Perfect Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Butter, for serving
- Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary), for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep, and 2 to 2.5 hours for cooking in the smoker. So, set aside about 2 hours and 40 minutes to enjoy these deliciously smoked sweet potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Smoker:
Start by preheating your smoker to 225°F (107°C). This low temperature will allow the sweet potatoes to cook gently and absorb all that lovely smoky flavor.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
While the smoker is heating up, wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly to get rid of any dirt. Once cleaned, pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure the oil sticks well.
3. Season the Potatoes:
Using a fork, poke several holes in each sweet potato. This step is important as it lets steam escape while they cook. Next, rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it) all over. Make sure they are nicely coated.
4. Smoke the Sweet Potatoes:
Now it’s time to place the sweet potatoes directly on the smoker grates. Close the smoker and let them cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours. You’ll know they’re done when they are fork-tender!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the smoker. Make a slit down the center of each one to create a cozy opening. Add a pat of butter inside and let it melt beautifully. If you like, sprinkle some extra salt and pepper too. For a touch of freshness, garnish with herbs before serving warm. Enjoy the fabulous smoky flavor with the natural sweetness of the potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
You can, but keep in mind that the cooking time and flavor will vary. Traditional white or yellow potatoes will not have the same sweetness and smokiness but can still be delicious when prepared using this method. If using those, start checking them for tenderness around 1.5 hours.
What If I Don’t Have a Smoker?
No worries! You can roast sweet potatoes in your oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes, flipping halfway through. To mimic the smoky flavor, try adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika as a seasoning in the olive oil mix before roasting.
How to Store Leftovers?
To store leftover smoked sweet potatoes, let them cool completely, then wrap them in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or you can microwave them.
Can I Prepare the Sweet Potatoes in Advance?
Absolutely! You can wash, poke, and season the sweet potatoes in advance, storing them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before smoking. Just remember to bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing them in the smoker for even cooking.
