These perfect smoked sweet potatoes are a tasty side that’s easy to love! Their natural sweetness shines through with a hint of smokiness that makes your taste buds dance.
Roasting them adds a nice crispy edge, while the inside stays soft and creamy. I love serving them with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Trust me, it’s a game changer! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking. If you can’t find them, you might consider using Butternut squash for a similar flavor and texture.
Butter: Traditional butter adds rich flavor, but feel free to use vegan butter or olive oil for a lighter option or a dairy-free version. Ghee can be a nice alternative too.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing flavor. For a twist, try smoked salt for an extra punch or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Cinnamon or Brown Sugar: These are excellent for enhancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes. If you’re watching sugar intake, consider using maple syrup or a sugar substitute like Stevia.
Fresh Herbs: While optional, fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can elevate the dish. If fresh isn’t available, dried herbs will work too—just use half the amount since they’re more potent.
How Do I Get The Perfect Smoke Flavor?
For great smoked sweet potatoes, the smoking process requires some care. Keeping a consistent temperature and choosing the right wood chips are key. Here’s how to make it simply:
- Preheat your smoker to a steady 225°F (107°C). Using fruit woods like apple or cherry gives a sweet flavor that pairs well with sweet potatoes.
- Make sure to pierce the potatoes well! This allows steam to escape, preventing them from bursting as they cook.
- Monitor the cooking time, checking for tenderness with a fork or knife every 30 minutes after the 2-hour mark.
Remember to let the potatoes cool slightly before cutting them open to fluff—this step helps keep the insides creamy. Happy smoking!
How to Make Perfect Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cinnamon or brown sugar for added sweetness
- Optional: chopped fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme) for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 2 to 3 hours to smoke the sweet potatoes. So, set aside some time to enjoy this delicious dish—perfect for a weekend cookout!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Smoker:
Start by preheating your smoker to 225°F (107°C). This low and slow cooking will bring out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel so they’re ready for smoking.
3. Pierce and Season:
Using a fork, pierce each sweet potato several times. This allows steam to escape during cooking. Optional: For added flavor, rub the skin of the sweet potatoes with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
4. Place in the Smoker:
Put the sweet potatoes directly on the smoker grates. Smoke them for about 2 to 3 hours, or until they are tender. You can check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the center; it should slide in easily.
5. Cool and Fluff:
Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the smoker and let them cool slightly. Carefully cut each potato open and fluff the insides with a fork.
6. Add Toppings and Serve:
Add a tablespoon of butter to each potato, then season with salt and pepper. If you like a little extra sweetness, sprinkle on some cinnamon or brown sugar. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired, then serve warm. Enjoy your deliciously smoked sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
While sweet potatoes are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other types of potatoes like red or Yukon gold. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check for doneness by stabbing them with a fork.
How Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven?
If you don’t have a smoker, you can bake the sweet potatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 45-60 minutes. Just wash, pierce, and prepare them as instructed, but skip the smoking! They’ll still be delicious!
What Can I Do with Leftover Smoked Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave, or for a crispy skin, pop them back in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes.
Can I Prepare Sweet Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can pre-cook and smoke the sweet potatoes a day in advance and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. Just keep them wrapped in foil in the fridge until you’re ready to warm them up!
