Smoked Sweet Potatoes: The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Cooked, Flavorful Side Dish
Prepare to elevate your side dish game with these incredible smoked sweet potatoes. Drizzled in rich, melted butter and finished with a sprinkle of brown sugar and/or warming cinnamon, these sweet potatoes are a true revelation for anyone who loves the classic comfort of American-style yams. The magic happens on your smoker or pellet grill, transforming a simple root vegetable into a tender, smoky, and irresistibly flavorful culinary delight.
Whether it’s a festive holiday feast, a casual backyard BBQ, or a cozy weeknight dinner, these sweet potatoes are destined to be the star side dish on any table, all year round. Beyond their incredible taste, they are packed with fiber and essential nutrients, offering a wholesome and delicious option. The unique cooking process on a smoker or pellet grill infuses them with an immense depth of flavor that baking or boiling simply can’t achieve. If you’re looking for a side that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying, look no further!
Picking Your Potatoes for Optimal Smoking
The foundation of any great dish starts with quality ingredients, and smoked sweet potatoes are no exception. When you’re at the grocery store or farmer’s market, take your time to select the best sweet potatoes. Look for ones that are firm to the touch, with smooth skin free of blemishes, soft spots, or cracks. The skin should have a vibrant color, whether it’s orange, red, or even purple, depending on the variety.
For consistent cooking results, aim for sweet potatoes that are similar in size and shape. This uniformity ensures they cook at roughly the same rate, preventing some from being overcooked while others are still firm. Varieties like Beauregard and Jewel are commonly found and work wonderfully for smoking due to their rich orange flesh and natural sweetness. Garnet sweet potatoes, with their slightly redder skin, also offer a fantastic flavor profile. Opt for medium-sized potatoes, typically ¾ to 1 pound each, as these tend to cook through more evenly than very large ones, while still providing a satisfying portion.
Once you’ve brought your sweet potatoes home, store them in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight. Avoid refrigerating them, as cold temperatures can alter their flavor and texture. Stored properly, they can last for several weeks, ready for your next smoking adventure.
Preparing Sweet Potatoes for Smoking: The Importance of Poking Holes
Poking holes in sweet potatoes before cooking is a topic often discussed among home cooks. Many of us learned this trick to prevent potatoes from “exploding” when microwaved, as it allows internal steam to escape safely. While a smoker’s consistent, low heat might seem less prone to such dramatic incidents than a microwave, the principle of allowing the potato to “breathe” remains valuable.
When smoking or baking sweet potatoes, creating small punctures with a fork or a thin knife several times around the surface helps to release steam buildup gradually. This not only aids in more even cooking but also contributes to a tender, fluffy interior without the risk of an overly dry texture. Some believe it helps the smoke flavor penetrate more deeply, while others simply appreciate the peace of mind knowing their culinary creation isn’t at risk of rupturing during a long cook. Ultimately, it’s a simple step that offers a gentle assist to the cooking process, ensuring your smoked sweet potatoes are perfectly tender and safe to cook for hours unattended on the grill. Experiment and see what works best for your setup and preferences!
How to Season Smoked Sweet Potatoes for Maximum Flavor
The beauty of smoked sweet potatoes lies not just in their inherent sweetness and smoky depth, but also in their incredible versatility when it comes to seasoning. The right blend of spices and toppings can transform them from a simple side into an unforgettable dish. To achieve a wonderfully crispy skin and to help the seasonings adhere, start by rubbing your sweet potatoes generously with a high-smoke-point oil like olive oil or avocado oil before they hit the smoker.
Once your sweet potatoes are cooked to perfection, that’s when the real fun begins. A classic approach is to slice them open and dollop them with rich, melted butter, then sprinkle with a combination of salt and either brown sugar or your preferred sweetener. But don’t stop there! The possibilities are endless:
- Sweet & Spicy: Combine cinnamon with a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for a sweet heat.
- Warm & Aromatic: Infuse with fragrant spices like ground ginger, nutmeg, or allspice.
- Herbaceous & Savory: For a less traditional, more savory profile, consider finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme. Garlic powder can also add a delightful savory kick.
- Tropical Twist: A sprinkle of shredded coconut, either toasted or fresh, can add an exotic flair.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle with pure maple syrup for an autumnal sweetness that pairs beautifully with the smoke.
- Crunchy Toppings: Add texture with chopped pecans, walnuts, or even candied nuts after cooking.
- Creamy Indulgence: A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of cream cheese can add a luxurious creaminess.
Whether you lean towards sweet or savory, or a delightful combination of both, tailoring the seasoning to your taste is what makes these smoked sweet potatoes truly your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative!
Smoking Sweet Potatoes on a Traeger or Pellet Grill: Step-by-Step Guide
Achieving perfectly smoked sweet potatoes is simpler than you might think, especially with a reliable pellet grill like a Traeger. This method infuses the potatoes with a deep, earthy smoke flavor while cooking them to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. Follow these detailed steps to create a show-stopping side dish that will impress everyone.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly scrubbing your sweet potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. Once clean and dry, rub olive oil evenly over the entire surface of each sweet potato. This step is crucial for achieving a crispier skin and helping the smoke and any pre-seasonings adhere better. Don’t forget to poke several holes all over each potato with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking, preventing them from bursting and promoting even internal cooking.
- Preheat Your Smoker: Fire up your Traeger or pellet grill and set the temperature to 225°F (about 107°C). Close the lid and allow the smoker to preheat for about 10-15 minutes until it reaches the target temperature. Maintaining a consistent low temperature during the initial phase is key to infusing a robust smoky flavor into the potatoes.
- Begin the Smoking Process: Carefully place the prepared sweet potatoes directly onto the grill grates. Ensure there is enough space between each potato for even smoke circulation. Close the lid and let them smoke at 225°F for 2 hours. This lower temperature allows the potatoes to absorb maximum smoke flavor, which is a hallmark of truly exceptional smoked dishes.
- Increase Temperature and Finish Cooking: After the initial 2 hours of smoking, adjust your smoker’s temperature up to 350°F (about 177°C). Continue to cook the sweet potatoes at this higher temperature until they are completely fork-tender throughout. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature between 205-212°F (96-100°C), which indicates perfect doneness. The exact time for this phase will vary depending on the size of your potatoes, but it typically takes an additional 60-90 minutes.
- Season and Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the smoker. Slice each potato lengthwise down the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through, and gently open them up. Brush the insides with a little extra olive oil or melted butter. Season simply with a pinch of salt and black pepper, or get creative by loading them up with your favorite toppings. Options include brown sugar, cinnamon, a drizzle of honey, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans. Serve the smoked sweet potatoes immediately while they are hot and wonderfully flavorful, a perfect smoky and naturally sweet side dish for any meal.
Traeger Smoked Sweet Potatoes Recipe Card
Author: Brandi Crawford
These Smoked Sweet Potatoes are a delectable side dish, lovingly drizzled in melted butter and served with your choice of brown sugar and/or cinnamon. If you appreciate the rich, sweet flavor of American-style yams, you will absolutely adore this recipe. This versatile side can be prepared with any smoker or pellet grill, including a Traeger.
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Times
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs 35 mins
Recipe Details
- Course: Dinner, Lunch
- Cuisine: American
Serving & Calories
- Servings: 2 sweet potatoes
- Calories: 214 kcal
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Equipment for Smoked Sweet Potatoes
- Traeger Pellet Smoker
Ingredients for Smoked Sweet Potatoes
- 2 sweet potatoes (Mine weighed ¾ to 1 pound each)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- brown sugar or sweetener (To taste.)
Smoked Sweet Potatoes Instructions
- Preheat the smoker to 225 degrees Fahrenheit (about 107°C).
- Rub the olive oil onto both sides of the sweet potatoes and poke holes all over their surface.
- Place the sweet potatoes directly on the smoker grates. Close the lid and cook for 2 hours.
- After 2 hours, adjust the smoker temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (about 177°C). Continue to cook until the sweet potatoes reach an internal temperature of 205-212 degrees Fahrenheit and have a soft interior when poked with a fork.
- Carefully slice the sweet potatoes open, add butter, and sprinkle with brown sugar or sweetener to taste. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 214 kcal
Carbohydrates: 21 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 12 g
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Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Smoked Sweet Potatoes
I recommend a two-stage smoking process for optimal results. Start at 225°F (107°C) for the initial two hours. This lower temperature allows the sweet potatoes to fully absorb that wonderful smoky essence. After this initial phase, I adjust the temperature up to 350°F (177°C). The higher heat then works to cook the potatoes through completely, ensuring a soft, fluffy interior.
Sweet potatoes naturally require a longer cooking time compared to many other vegetables, whether baked or smoked. For example, even Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes typically take 40-50 minutes, and air fryers are known for their speed. The size of your sweet potatoes is the primary factor influencing cook time; larger potatoes will, of course, take longer. My general guideline for smoking is 2 hours at 225°F, followed by an additional 60-90 minutes at 350°F. The most reliable way to determine doneness is by checking for fork-tenderness—a knife or fork should slide into the center with minimal resistance. For precision, aim for an internal temperature of 205-212°F (96-100°C).
The choice of wood greatly influences the final flavor profile of your smoked sweet potatoes. For a classic, robust smoke, hickory is an excellent choice. Oak offers a medium, versatile smoke that complements sweet potatoes beautifully. If you prefer a milder, sweeter smoke, fruitwoods like apple or cherry are fantastic options. Applewood imparts a delicate, subtly sweet flavor, while cherry provides a slightly stronger, fruity smoke that can add a beautiful hue to the potato skin. Traeger’s Signature Blend is also a popular and reliable option, offering a balanced mix that works well with a wide range of foods, including vegetables.
To keep your leftover smoked sweet potatoes fresh and flavorful, allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They can then be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Proper storage ensures they retain their texture and taste for later enjoyment.
Reheating smoked sweet potatoes can be done in several ways, depending on your preference and available equipment. For a quick reheat, the microwave works, but can sometimes lead to a softer texture. For better results that maintain some of their original texture, you can reheat them on the stovetop over medium-low heat, in an air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or in a conventional oven at 350°F (177°C) until they are thoroughly warmed through. Adding a little extra butter or a sprinkle of water before reheating can help keep them moist.
More Smoked Side Dish Recipes to Try
Once you master these smoked sweet potatoes, you’ll want to put your Traeger or pellet grill to work on other delicious sides. Expand your smoky repertoire with these fantastic recipes:
- Smoked Salsa: A vibrant and smoky twist on a classic dip, perfect for gatherings.
- Smoked Mac and Cheese: Rich, creamy, and infused with an irresistible smoky flavor that elevates comfort food.
- Smoked Baked Beans: Transform ordinary baked beans into a slow-cooked, smoky masterpiece.
- Smoked Asparagus: A simple yet elegant side, the smoke adds a fantastic depth to tender asparagus spears.
- Smoked Baked Potatoes: The perfect canvas for all your favorite toppings, with an added smoky dimension.
- Traeger Smoked Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn kissed by smoke, a quintessential summer BBQ side.
Perfect Pairings: Main Dish Smoked Recipes
No meal is complete without a show-stopping main course! These smoked sweet potatoes pair beautifully with a variety of smoked meats. Consider these delectable main dish recipes from your Traeger or pellet grill to create a truly memorable meal:
- Traeger Smoked Glazed Ham: A holiday favorite, tender and juicy with a beautiful smoky glaze.
- Smoked Cod: Flaky, tender, and subtly smoky, a healthy and flavorful seafood option.
- Traeger Smoked Turkey Breast: Perfect for smaller gatherings or whenever you crave moist, flavorful turkey.
- Traeger Smoked Salmon: A lean and succulent fish, imbued with a delicate smoke that’s utterly delicious.
- Traeger Smoked Chicken Breast: Juicy and tender chicken with a fantastic smoky crust.
- Traeger Smoked Ribs (3-2-1 Method): Fall-off-the-bone tender ribs with an incredible bark and flavor.
- Traeger Smoked Chicken Wings: Crispy, smoky, and packed with flavor, a perfect appetizer or main.