Ultimate Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Zesty Orange Maple Butter: Your Flavorful Holiday Side Dish

There are some food combinations that just sing, and for me, sweet potatoes, butter, maple syrup, and orange are a quartet that hits all the right notes. Bringing these incredible flavors together on one plate creates a harmonious dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. While roasted sweet potatoes are always a delight, grilling them introduces a unique depth: a subtle char and smoky essence that perfectly complements the sweetness and the bright citrus notes. This method transforms a simple side into an extraordinary culinary experience, ideal for fall and winter gatherings, even if your grill usually hibernates during these months.

The star of this dish, the warm orange-infused maple butter, is deceptively simple to prepare. In just a couple of minutes, a small saucepan can transform a few staple ingredients into a luscious, aromatic drizzle. While it would be fantastic over any roasted sweet potato, the grilled version adds a layer of complexity that truly makes this recipe shine. The slight caramelization from the grill enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes, creating an irresistible texture and flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds. This dish is not just a side; it’s a statement piece for your holiday table or any special meal.

Selecting the Perfect Sweet Potatoes for Grilling

When you’re at the grocery store, you might encounter labels like “yams” or “sweet potatoes,” and often, these terms are used interchangeably, especially for the orange-fleshed varieties. For this recipe, look for smaller, longer sweet potatoes. Their more uniform shape and size ensure that they cook through more quickly and evenly, preventing the frustration of an undercooked center or an overcooked exterior. Larger, thicker sweet potatoes can take an eternity to soften, making them less ideal for efficient meal prep, especially when you’re aiming for that perfect tender-crisp texture after grilling.

The goal is a sweet potato that is about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter at its widest point. This size allows for good “slabs” later on without being too thick. Choosing fresh, firm sweet potatoes free of blemishes or soft spots is also key to ensuring the best flavor and texture. A good quality sweet potato will offer that natural sweetness and earthy undertone that complements the orange maple butter so well. Take a moment to pick them carefully; it makes a difference in the final dish.

The Essential Pre-Cooking Step: Achieving Perfect Tenderness

The secret to perfectly grilled sweet potatoes that are tender on the inside and beautifully charred on the outside lies in a crucial pre-cooking step. You begin by boiling the sweet potatoes whole, in their skins. This method ensures that the potatoes become incredibly tender throughout, a necessary foundation before they hit the grill. Simply place your chosen sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them generously with water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let them cook for approximately 25-35 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your sweet potatoes, so keep an eye on them.

This pre-cooking stage is incredibly versatile and can be done well ahead of time. If you’re planning a holiday feast or a busy weeknight dinner, you can boil the sweet potatoes a day or two in advance, cool them, and store them in the refrigerator. This significantly cuts down on last-minute prep work, leaving you more time to focus on other components of your meal, like a roast turkey or a holiday ham. When it’s time to grill, you’re merely adding those coveted char marks and infusing them with a smoky flavor, rather than trying to cook them from raw. This method guarantees a consistently tender interior, preventing any dryness or uneven cooking that can occur if you grill them from scratch.

Slicing and Grilling: The Art of the Perfect Char

Once your sweet potatoes are tender and cool enough to handle, it’s time to transform them into grill-ready slabs. Carefully peel the skin (it should come off quite easily after boiling) and then slice them lengthwise into thick, approximately half-inch slices. The thickness is important here; too thin, and they might fall apart on the grill; too thick, and they won’t get those lovely char marks as quickly. Each slice should be substantial enough to hold its own but thin enough to absorb the smoky flavor efficiently.

Before grilling, lightly brush both sides of each sweet potato slab with a neutral oil, such as avocado or grapeseed oil. This prevents sticking and helps achieve those beautiful grill marks. Now, for the grilling itself! If you’re brave enough to venture outside in cooler weather, a traditional outdoor grill will impart the most authentic smoky flavor. Recruit a helper (they might appreciate a jacket!) to manage the grill while you focus on other kitchen tasks. However, if you’re like many who prefer the comfort of indoors, a super sleek indoor grill or a grill pan will work wonderfully. The beauty of indoor electric grills, especially contact grills, is that they cook both sides simultaneously, eliminating the need to hover and flip with tongs.

Since the sweet potatoes are already cooked through, your primary goal here is to achieve those enticing char marks and a slight crispness on the exterior, rather than cooking them completely. This process is surprisingly quick—just about two to four minutes per side (or overall for a contact grill) is usually sufficient. You want to see distinct grill lines and a slightly caramelized surface. The smoky aroma that fills your kitchen or backyard will be a tantalizing preview of the deliciousness to come. This quick grilling step adds an incredible dimension of flavor and texture, setting these sweet potatoes apart from their roasted counterparts.

Crafting the Irresistible Orange Maple Butter

While your sweet potatoes are grilling, or even just before, you can whip up the incredible orange maple butter that elevates this dish to gourmet status. This delightful concoction is surprisingly simple and quick to prepare, taking mere minutes in a small saucepan. Begin by melting a generous chunk of good quality butter in the saucepan over low to medium heat. As the butter melts and begins to shimmer, pour in a few glugs of pure maple syrup. The quality of your maple syrup truly matters here; opt for a good grade B or dark robust taste for a richer flavor profile.

As the butter and syrup gently warm together, bring the mixture to a slight simmer. This process allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The crucial next step is to grate in some fresh orange zest. Use a fine grater or microplane to ensure you get only the vibrant orange peel, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath. The zest is where all the concentrated citrus essential oils reside, providing a burst of bright, aromatic flavor. It’s important to only add the zest and not the orange juice. Adding juice would make the butter too runny, preventing it from coating the sweet potatoes properly. You want the maple butter to be a luxurious, slightly thick glaze that clings beautifully to each grilled slice, delivering an explosion of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors with every bite. Trust me on this – the zest is your secret weapon for a perfectly balanced and delectable sauce. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!

Serving Suggestions and Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Once your grilled sweet potatoes are perfectly charred and glistening, arrange them on a platter and generously drizzle them with the warm orange maple butter. The vibrant color of the potatoes, contrasted with the golden sheen of the glaze, makes for a visually stunning presentation. This dish is incredibly versatile, making it an ideal companion for a variety of meals. It pairs exquisitely with holiday roasts like turkey or ham, complementing their savory flavors with its sweet and smoky notes. It’s also a fantastic side for roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a simple grilled salmon. For those seeking a vegetarian option, these sweet potatoes can easily become the star of a plant-based meal, served alongside a crisp green salad or a hearty grain bowl.

Beyond its delicious taste, this recipe offers several advantages. The make-ahead boiling step significantly reduces stress on busy cooking days. The grilling adds an impressive element of flavor and visual appeal without much extra effort. And the combination of sweet, smoky, and citrusy notes is truly unique and memorable. It’s a dish that feels special and indulgent, yet it’s surprisingly simple to execute. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply want to elevate a weeknight dinner, these Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Zesty Orange Maple Butter are guaranteed to impress and satisfy.

Elevating Your Kitchen Game with London Drugs

Speaking of making life easier and more delicious, I’m delighted to share a collaboration with London Drugs, who asked me to help spread the word about their fantastic selection of kitchen appliances, especially perfect for the upcoming holidays. Over the years, London Drugs has been my go-to for everything from emergency hot plates to reliable deep fryers and coffee grinders. It’s truly remarkable how you can tackle a significant portion of your holiday shopping at a drugstore, picking up not just your everyday essentials like toothpaste and toilet paper, but also high-quality kitchen gadgets and even unique gourmet items. Their impressive selection includes iconic appliances like a KitchenAid Stand Mixer – a true workhorse in any kitchen – and delightful finds like Rose’s Lime Cordial, a testament to their awesome range of British imports. It’s a one-stop-shop for both practical necessities and exciting culinary adventures.

Discovering Innovative Kitchen Gadgets for Every Chef

This grilled sweet potato recipe, for instance, would be perfectly suited to the T-fal Optigrill. While I don’t own one yet, I’ll be cooking with it at an upcoming event, and its capabilities are truly impressive. Imagine a panini press taken to the extreme: this gadget boasts a cooking sensor that automatically gauges the thickness of whatever you’re preparing, be it burgers, chicken breasts, or even thick steaks. It then adapts the cooking time and temperature accordingly, ensuring perfectly cooked results every time. For our sweet potato slabs, while not strictly necessary given they’re already tender, the Optigrill would ensure even charring and quick heating, making the grilling process even more effortless and precise. It’s just one example of how modern kitchen technology can streamline your cooking and elevate your dishes.

London Drugs offers an array of fantastic kitchen “toys” that make ideal gifts for yourself or the food enthusiasts in your life. Consider the T-fal Actifry, a healthier alternative to deep frying, allowing you to enjoy crispy favorites with minimal oil. Or perhaps something classic and indispensable like the aforementioned KitchenAid Stand Mixer, perfect for bakers and aspiring chefs alike. For a festive touch, a Breville Smart Waffle Maker (definitely on my wishlist!) promises perfectly golden, fluffy waffles every time. If you’re looking for something fancy and high-tech, the brushed stainless steel Cuisinart Countertop Steam Oven offers a healthier way to cook, preserving nutrients and moisture. And for the ultimate in convenience and speed, a newfangled appliance like the Breville Fast Slow Cooker (an electric pressure cooker) can transform tough cuts of meat into tender meals in a fraction of the time. The possibilities for culinary creativity and efficiency are endless with these amazing gadgets. So many fun kitchen toys, so little time to enjoy them all!

Win a $100 London Drugs Gift Card!

To celebrate the joy of cooking and holiday giving, London Drugs has generously offered up a $100 gift card! This is a fantastic opportunity for one lucky reader to go shopping for themselves or someone special, and pick up a fun new kitchen toy, upgrade an old appliance, or simply stock up on essentials. Imagine what culinary delights you could create or simplify with an extra $100 towards your kitchen needs!

To enter to win this amazing $100 LD gift card, simply leave a comment below this article. I’m eager to hear about your holiday traditions and what delicious dishes you’re planning to make this festive season! Share your holiday cooking inspiration, your favorite recipes, or even a kitchen gadget you’re dreaming of. Good luck!