Alabama Grilled Sweet Potato Slices with Tangy White Sauce

Introduction

There is something undeniably comforting about the marriage of earthiness and tang, a flavor profile that defines Southern barbecue culture. This recipe for Alabama Grilled Sweet Potato Slices elevates a humble root vegetable into a gourmet experience, specifically designed to take advantage of the Arteflame grill’s distinct heat zones. By slicing the potatoes into rounds and searing them on the flat top, you achieve a caramelized, crispy exterior that traditional grating methods often miss, while keeping the interior pillowy soft. The star of the show, however, is the drizzle of Alabama-style white BBQ sauce—a mayonnaise-based condiment loaded with horseradish, vinegar, and black pepper that cuts right through the natural sweetness of the potato. Whether you are hosting a backyard tailgate or a sophisticated outdoor dinner, this side dish brings a rustic elegance that resonates with anyone who loves authentic fire-cooked flavor.

Ingredients

The Sweet Potatoes

• 2 large sweet potatoes, washed and scrubbed (peeling is optional based on preference)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh chopped chives or parsley for garnish

Alabama White Sauce

• 1 cup high-quality mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
• 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
2. Slice the potatoes into even rounds, approximately 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick. Uniformity is key here to ensure they cook at the same rate on the flat top.
3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the potato slices with the olive oil (or melted butter), sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until every slice is evenly coated. Let them sit for 10 minutes to absorb the seasoning.

Step 2: Make the Alabama White Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, horseradish, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
2. Whisk vigorously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a fire in the center of your Arteflame grill using charcoal or wood. Allow the grill to heat up for about 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Identify your cooking zones. You want a medium-high heat for these potatoes, so aim to cook them on the middle section of the flat cooktop, not directly next to the open flames where it might be too hot, nor on the very edge where it is coolest.
3. Lightly oil the cooktop surface to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill the Slices

1. Place the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the hot cooktop. You should hear an immediate sizzle.
2. Grill for about 4-6 minutes per side. You are looking for deep grill marks and a caramelized, golden-brown crust.
3. If the outside is browning too fast before the inside is tender, move the slices toward the outer, cooler edge of the flat top to finish cooking gently.
4. Test tenderness with a fork; it should slide through easily with no resistance.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Remove the potatoes from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter.
2. While they are still warm, drizzle the Alabama white sauce generously over the slices.
3. Garnish with fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately.

Tips

Mastering sweet potatoes on a flat-top grill requires managing the sugar content. Sweet potatoes are naturally high in sugar, which means they can go from caramelized to burnt quickly if the heat is too aggressive. The beauty of the Arteflame is the gradient heat system. Start your sear closer to the center to get those beautiful Maillard reaction marks, then transition the slices to the outer ring. This allows the inside to steam and soften without charring the exterior. Additionally, do not slice the potatoes too thin, or they will turn into chips rather than tender slices. A thickness of roughly 1/3 inch strikes the perfect balance between a crispy surface and a creamy, cooked-through center. Finally, if you make the sauce a day ahead, the horseradish and vinegar flavors will deepen, providing an even better contrast to the sweet potato.

Variations

While the Alabama white sauce provides a savory kick, sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile canvas for flavor. If you want to switch things up for different dietary needs or palate preferences, there are several easy modifications you can make using the same cooking method. You can lean entirely into the savory side or embrace the vegetable's natural sweetness for a dessert-like approach. Here are a few variations to try on your next cookout:

• Maple Bourbon Glaze: Skip the white sauce and glaze the grilled slices with a mixture of maple syrup, a shot of bourbon, and cinnamon during the last minute of grilling.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Double the cayenne in the seasoning rub and serve with a remoulade instead of white sauce for a New Orleans twist.
• Herb Garden: Toss the potatoes in rosemary and thyme oil before grilling, skipping the heavy spices, for a lighter, more aromatic side dish.
• Lime and Cilantro: After grilling, toss the slices in lime juice, zest, and chopped cilantro for a fresh, summery profile.
• Bacon Crumbled: Top the finished dish with crispy bacon bits to add a salty crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft potato.

Best pairings

These Alabama Grilled Sweet Potato Slices are robust enough to stand on their own, but they truly shine when paired with proteins that can handle the bold flavors of the white sauce. The tangy, creamy nature of the sauce acts as a palate cleanser, cutting through rich, fatty meats. Because the potatoes provide a heavy starch element, you want main courses that are smoky and savory. This dish is a staple at Southern barbecues for a reason—it bridges the gap between a vegetable side and a comfort food treat. Consider serving these alongside:

• Smoked Chicken: The traditional partner for Alabama white sauce; the flavors are historically linked and unbeatable.
• Pork Ribs: The sweetness of the potato complements the savory, smoky rub of a rack of ribs perfectly.
• Grilled Ribeye: A high-quality steak benefits from the creamy sauce and the texture of the potatoes as an alternative to fries.
• Cedar Plank Salmon: The acidity in the sauce pairs surprisingly well with fatty fish like salmon or trout.

Conclusion

This Alabama Grilled Sweet Potato recipe is more than just a side dish; it is a testament to how simple ingredients can be transformed through the art of live-fire cooking. By utilizing the Arteflame’s versatility, you achieve a texture that oven-roasting simply cannot replicate. The interplay between the hot, sugary, caramelized potato and the cool, zesty bite of the white sauce creates a culinary experience that is both nostalgic and exciting. It is a dish that invites conversation, encourages second helpings, and brings a unique piece of Southern heritage to your backyard. Whether you are a grilling novice or a seasoned pitmaster, this recipe is guaranteed to become a requested favorite at your table.