These perfect smoked sweet potatoes are a tasty treat with a smoky flavor that everyone will love! Just wrap them up, pop them in the smoker, and let them cook to perfection.
Honestly, I can’t resist the sweet and smoky smell that fills the air. They make a great side dish or an easy snack. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll crave them often! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the dish! Medium-sized sweet potatoes have the right balance of sweetness and texture. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you could try using butternut squash for a similar flavor but a slightly different texture.
Olive Oil: This oil is great for enhancing flavor. A good substitute would be avocado oil, which also has a high smoke point. If you want a different taste, try melted coconut oil instead.
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter as it allows you to control the salt level. However, if you’re looking for dairy-free options, try using vegan butter or coconut butter for a nice twist.
Toppings: Cinnamon and maple syrup add a fantastic sweet touch, but feel free to experiment! Honey or brown sugar are good alternatives to maple syrup. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a refreshing flavor, too.
How Do You Get the Perfect Smoky Flavor in Sweet Potatoes?
Smoking sweet potatoes is all about low and slow cooking to bring out their natural sweetness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C) before adding your potatoes. This ensures they smoke evenly.
- Wash and prick the potatoes; this helps prevent them from bursting and allows smoke flavor in.
- Once seasoned, position sweet potatoes directly on the grates for maximum exposure to the smoke.
- Check for tenderness after 2 hours; they should be easily pierced with a fork. Adjust your smoking time as needed.
Above all, keep an eye on the process, as all smokers can vary in temperature! Enjoy your tasty smoky treat!
How to Make Perfect Smoked Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Optional toppings: cinnamon, maple syrup, or chopped herbs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for preparation and 2 to 3 hours for smoking. So, in total, you should set aside approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes to enjoy these tasty sweet potatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Smoker:
Start by preheating your smoker to 225°F (107°C). This low temperature will ensure your sweet potatoes cook evenly and absorb the wonderful smoky flavor.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water, then pat them dry with a towel. Use a fork to prick each potato several times; this helps steam escape while they cook and prevents them from bursting.
3. Season the Potatoes:
Rub each sweet potato with olive oil, making sure they are well-coated. Then, sprinkle salt and black pepper over them according to your taste. Be generous! This is where the flavor begins!
4. Smoke the Sweet Potatoes:
Now it’s time to place the seasoned sweet potatoes directly on the smoker grates. Close the smoker lid and let them smoke for about 2 to 3 hours. They’re done when they’re tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, carefully remove them from the smoker and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, slice each one open and add a tablespoon of butter to the center. The heat from the potato will melt the butter beautifully!
6. Top and Enjoy:
If you’d like, sprinkle some cinnamon, drizzle with maple syrup, or add chopped fresh herbs for a special touch. Dig in and enjoy your delicious smoked sweet potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
While this recipe is specifically designed for sweet potatoes, you can experiment with other types, like Yukon gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; regular potatoes usually take a bit longer to become tender, so check after 3 hours and be ready to adjust the smoking duration.
How Can I Store Leftover Smoked Sweet Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and place them back in the smoker or an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which keeps them nice and moist!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or coconut oil. You can also enhance the flavor with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or a squeeze of lemon juice instead of the butter!
What Should I Do if My Smoker Doesn’t Reach 225°F?
If your smoker struggles to maintain the temperature, you can smoke the sweet potatoes at a slightly higher temperature, around 250°F (121°C). Just keep an eye on them and check for tenderness sooner, around the 2-hour mark, as they might cook faster at the higher temperature.
