These smoked sweet potatoes are a real treat! With their natural sweetness and smoky flavor, they make a great side dish or even a snack. Just wrap them up and let the magic happen!
I love how easy they are to prepare. Just pop them on the grill and relax while they cook. And trust me, waiting for that smoky aroma is totally worth it! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the show with their natural sweetness. Medium-sized sweet potatoes work best, but you can use other varieties like Japanese sweet potatoes for a different flavor. Look for ones that feel heavy for their size.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil is great for adding moisture and aiding in seasoning adherence. If you’re out, melted coconut oil or avocado oil can be used as a flavorful alternative.
Salt & Pepper: These basic seasonings help enhance the sweet flavor. Feel free to use sea salt or kosher salt, and if you’re avoiding salt, herbs or spices like smoked paprika can add kick.
Butter: The butter adds richness when serving. If dairy is a concern, try using vegan butter or even a scoop of coconut cream for a tasty twist.
Optional Toppings: Cinnamon and brown sugar give a sweet finish, while herbs like rosemary or thyme offer a savory contrast. Adjust based on your taste; try adding crumbled feta or chopped nuts for something different!
How Do I Get the Perfect Smoke Flavor?
Getting that delicious smoked flavor is key! It’s all about temperature and the right wood chips. Preheat your smoker to 225°F and use wood chips like hickory for a stronger flavor or applewood for something sweeter.
- Ensure wood chips are soaked for at least 30 minutes before use to create more smoke.
- Poke holes in the sweet potatoes to let steam escape. This is crucial for even cooking.
- Keep the sweet potatoes spaced apart on the smoker grates to allow smoke to circulate around them.
Remember to check them at the 2-hour mark—larger sweet potatoes may need a bit longer. You want them soft enough to easily pierce with a fork.
How to Make Perfect Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium-sized sweet potatoes
- Olive oil (for drizzling)
- Salt (to taste)
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- Optional toppings: cinnamon, brown sugar, or chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and requires 2 to 3 hours of smoking time. So, set aside around 3 hours and 15 minutes to enjoy these delicious sweet potatoes, plus a few extra minutes for serving and customizing with your favorite toppings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Smoker:
Start by preheating your smoker to a cozy 225°F (107°C). Choose wood chips like hickory or applewood to add a delicious smoky flavor to your sweet potatoes. Make sure you have enough chips ready for the cooking time!
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Give each sweet potato a good wash under running water to remove dirt. After washing, pat them dry with a towel so they’re ready for seasoning. This helps any oil and seasonings stick to them better.
3. Poke Some Holes:
Grab a fork and lightly poke several holes around each sweet potato. This is really important as it allows steam to escape while they smoke, keeping them from bursting open.
4. Season the Sweet Potatoes:
Drizzle a little olive oil over each sweet potato, then sprinkle with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Rub the oil and seasoning in so they are well coated and flavorful.
5. Start Smoking:
Carefully place the sweet potatoes directly on the smoker grates, making sure they aren’t touching each other. Close the smoker lid and let them do their thing!
6. Smoke Until Tender:
Smoke your sweet potatoes for about 2 to 3 hours. They are done when they feel tender when you poke them with a fork. Keep an eye on them, as cooking times can vary with size.
7. Rest Before Serving:
Once smoked to perfection, carefully take the sweet potatoes out of the smoker. Let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps finish off the cooking and makes them easier to handle.
8. Add Butter and Toppings:
Slice each sweet potato open and add 1 tablespoon of softened butter inside each one. If you want to make them extra delicious, sprinkle with cinnamon, brown sugar, or fresh herbs of your choice.
9. Enjoy!
Now it’s time to dig in! Enjoy your warm, smoky sweet potatoes as a yummy side dish or a healthy snack. Yum!
Can I Use Different Types of Sweet Potatoes?
Absolutely! While orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are the most common, you can also use purple or yellow varieties. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so just check for tenderness to know when they’re done!
What Can I Use Instead of Olive Oil?
If you prefer to use another oil, avocado oil or melted coconut oil are great alternatives. They provide a similar flavor and help the seasonings stick to the sweet potatoes. Just make sure whatever oil you choose is suitable for high-heat cooking.
How to Store Leftover Smoked Sweet Potatoes?
Let your smoked sweet potatoes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave, drizzling a little extra olive oil or butter to moisten them if needed.
Can I Smoke the Sweet Potatoes in Advance?
Yes, you can smoke the sweet potatoes a day or two ahead of time! After smoking, let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store in the fridge. Reheat in the oven before serving for the best texture!
