When the grill is hot and the evenings stretch long, I always reach for sweet potatoes. They’re sturdy, smoky, and naturally sweet like little golden wedges of summer that don’t ask for much. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or just Tuesday dinner, grilled sweet potatoes always feel like a good idea.
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Why You’ll Love These Grilled Sweet Potatoes
These grilled sweet potatoes are one of those rare sides that feel both rustic and a little special. They cook quickly, use minimal ingredients, and bring that irresistible mix of smoky char and caramelized sweetness. No foil. No fuss. Just wedges kissed by the grill and finished with a creamy, herby yogurt dressing that cools the heat and pulls everything together. Also, they work beautifully for a casual family dinner or a sunny weekend spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sweet Potatoes
- 3–4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed (no need to peel)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder
For the Herby Yogurt Dressing (Optional but Recommended)
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (whole milk if you can)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, finely grated or minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (like dill, parsley, or chives)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Grill Sweet Potatoes Perfectly
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the potatoes: Slice sweet potatoes into thick wedges (about ½ inch at the thickest part). Try to keep them all roughly the same size.
- Boil briefly (optional): Boil wedges in salted water for 5–6 minutes, just until slightly tender. This helps with faster, even grilling—but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
- Oil and season: Drain and pat the wedges dry. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any spices you like.
- Grill: Place wedges directly on a medium-high grill. Grill 3–4 minutes per side, turning once, until you see those lovely grill marks and the edges are crisp.
- Make the dressing: While the potatoes grill, stir together all yogurt dressing ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Arrange the grilled sweet potatoes on a platter. Spoon the herby yogurt sauce over the top or serve it on the side.
Tips for the Best Texture and Flavor
Direct grilling is key. No foil needed. The open flame creates caramelized edges and soft centers. Wedge size matters. Too thin and they’ll burn. Too thick and they’ll stay raw inside. Aim for that Goldilocks zone. Turn gently. Use tongs and flip only once or twice for bold grill marks and less breakage.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Grilled sweet potatoes are flexible and friendly. Here are a few delicious ways to serve them:
With grilled proteins like chicken or steak (we love this Grilled California Avocado Chicken
Alongside Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for a BBQ platter
As a vegetarian meal with grilled halloumi or black bean burgers
For picky eaters? Serve them with ketchup, ranch, or Creamy Zucchini Sauce on the side
Add a Mexican Cucumber Salad to round out the meal with crunch and freshness
Flavor Variations & Expert Tips
Want depth? Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the sweet potatoes before grilling. No yogurt? Use sour cream, tahini sauce, or just a squeeze of lemon and olive oil for a fresh finish. Change up the herbs. Mint, basil, or cilantro all work well depending on what else you’re serving. Make ahead tip: Boil and refrigerate the wedges in advance. When ready to grill, just oil and toss them on. Serving without dressing? A simple squeeze of lime or lemon and a sprinkle of flaky salt works perfectly.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Herby Yogurt Dressing Recipe
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Grilled Sweet Potatoes | Simple & Smoky Summer Side
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Smoky, caramelized grilled sweet potatoes paired with a cool herby yogurt dressing. This easy summer side is flavorful, nutritious, and comes together fast for any cookout or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
3–4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder
**Herby Yogurt Dressing (optional)**
¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (whole milk preferred)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, finely grated or minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (like dill, parsley, or chives)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Slice sweet potatoes into thick wedges (about ½ inch thick). Keep size uniform for even cooking.
2. Optional: Boil wedges in salted water for 5–6 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and pat dry.
3. Toss wedges with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any optional spices.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high. Place sweet potatoes directly on grill grates.
5. Grill 3–4 minutes per side, flipping once, until grill marks appear and potatoes are tender.
6. While grilling, stir together all yogurt dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Serve grilled sweet potatoes warm, with herby yogurt sauce spooned over or on the side.
Notes
No need to peel the sweet potatoes—just scrub them well.
You can skip boiling if your wedges are thinner or you’re short on time.
Try mint or cilantro in the dressing for a twist.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on a grill pan or in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Summer Veggies Recipes
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
More Such Recipes
If you’re craving more summer sides and grilled favorites, check out:
Grilled California Avocado Chicken
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Creamy Zucchini Sauce
Mexican Cucumber Salad with Sweet Corn
FAQs
Can I grill sweet potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potatoes hold up beautifully on the grill. Just slice them into wedges, oil them up, and grill until tender and marked.
Is it better to boil potatoes before grilling?
It can help. A quick boil ensures the centers get soft while the grill crisps the outside. But you can skip it for smaller wedges or thin slices.
Are roasted sweet potatoes healthy?
They’re rich in fiber, beta carotene, and natural sweetness. Grilling uses less oil than frying, making this a wholesome side.
What is the tastiest way to cook sweet potatoes?
Grilling brings out their natural sugars and adds a smoky layer that’s hard to beat. Paired with a cool yogurt dressing, it’s a flavor match worth repeating.
Final Thoughts
Grilled sweet potatoes are simple, flavorful, and so easy to love. They turn a basic summer meal into something warm and memorable. Whether you serve them with burgers, chicken, or just a fork and that herby yogurt dip, they always disappear fast. Tag me on Pinterest or Facebook if you try them—I’d love to see your version. Perfect for summer gatherings. Also perfect for Tuesdays.