California Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Maple Bacon Glaze

Introduction

There is something transformative about cooking sweet potatoes over an open fire. While baking yields a soft texture, grilling them on the Arteflame creates a culinary masterpiece—a crisp, caramelized exterior giving way to a tender, creamy center. This California-style recipe elevates the humble root vegetable by balancing its natural earthiness with the smokiness of crispy bacon and the rich sweetness of pure maple syrup. It captures the essence of West Coast outdoor dining: fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a relaxed rustic presentation.

By utilizing the flat steel cooktop of your Arteflame grill, you can achieve an even sear that standard grates often miss. The heat distribution allows the natural sugars in the potato to caramelize perfectly without burning, while simultaneously frying the bacon to crispy perfection right alongside the vegetables. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue or a cozy autumn dinner, this side dish offers a sophisticated profile of sweet, salty, and savory notes that is guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

Ingredients

• 4 large Sweet Potatoes, washed and sliced into 1/2 inch rounds (or wedges)
• 4 tbsp Olive Oil (or melted butter)
• 1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup
• 6 slices of Bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream (or Crème Fraîche)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Chives, finely chopped
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly. There is no need to peel them, as the skin holds nutrients and crisps up beautifully on the grill.
2. Slice the potatoes into uniform rounds or wedges, approximately 1/2 inch thick. Uniformity is key to ensuring they cook evenly.
3. In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until they are well coated. This prevents sticking and starts the seasoning process.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. Allow the wood to burn down slightly until you have a solid coal bed and the cooktop reaches a medium-high temperature.
2. Lightly oil the flat steel cooktop to prepare the surface for grilling.

Step 3: Grill the Bacon and Potatoes

1. Place the chopped bacon on a slightly cooler section of the plancha. Let it render slowly until it becomes golden and crispy. Once done, move it to the warming edge or remove it to a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Place the sweet potato slices directly on the hot flat cooktop. Arrange them in a single layer to ensure a good sear.
3. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side. You want deep golden-brown grill marks and a fork-tender interior. If they are browning too fast but remain hard in the middle, move them further away from the center fire to finish cooking gently.

Step 4: Glaze and Assemble

1. Just before removing the potatoes from the grill, drizzle a small amount of maple syrup over them, allowing it to bubble and caramelize slightly on the steel (be careful as sugar burns quickly).
2. Remove the potatoes from the grill and arrange them on a serving platter.
3. Top immediately with the reserved crispy bacon bits, a dollop of sour cream, and a generous sprinkling of fresh chives. Drizzle with any remaining fresh maple syrup for a glossy finish.

Tips

Mastering sweet potatoes on the Arteflame is all about heat management. Because sweet potatoes have a high sugar content, they can go from caramelized to burnt relatively quickly if placed too close to the open flame. Utilize the distinct heat zones of the plancha; start searing near the center to get those appetizing grill marks, then slide them toward the outer edge to roast until the inside is soft and fluffy. This method ensures the exterior is crisp while the interior remains buttery.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider using the rendered bacon fat. Instead of cleaning the bacon grease off the cooktop, slide your sweet potatoes right into that savory fat to cook. This infuses the potatoes with a smoky, salty richness that olive oil alone cannot achieve. Also, avoid slicing the potatoes too thin, or they may dry out; a half-inch thickness is the sweet spot for retaining moisture.

Variations

While the classic maple and bacon combination is a crowd-pleaser, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the flavor profile to match your main course or dietary preferences. Here are a few creative twists to keep your menu exciting:

• Spicy Kick: Mix Sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes into the maple syrup for a "swicy" (sweet and spicy) glaze.
• Herbaceous & Savory: Skip the maple syrup and top with garlic butter, rosemary, and thyme for a more traditional steakhouse vibe.
• Nutty Crunch: Add toasted pecans or walnuts alongside the bacon for added texture and an autumnal flavor profile.
• Vegan Delight: Substitute the bacon with coconut bacon or smoked paprika chickpeas, and use a dairy-free yogurt drizzle instead of sour cream.
• Cheese Lover’s: Sprinkle crumbled gorgonzola or feta cheese over the hot potatoes just before serving for a tangy contrast to the sweet glaze.

Best pairings

These California Grilled Sweet Potatoes are robust enough to stand on their own, but they truly shine when paired with savory proteins that balance their sweetness. The smoky maple flavor complements rich meats perfectly, making this the ultimate side dish for a heavy barbecue spread. Think about main courses that benefit from a touch of sweetness on the side.

• Smoked Pork Chops: The sweetness of the potatoes pairs naturally with pork, acting much like applesauce does with chops.
• Ribeye Steak: The earthy, savory notes of a grilled steak are perfectly offset by the caramelized sugars and creamy texture of the potatoes.
• Grilled Chicken Thighs: A simple lemon-herb chicken provides a bright, acidic contrast to the rich, syrup-glazed potatoes.
• Cedar Plank Salmon: The smoky aroma of the fish ties in beautifully with the bacon and maple elements of the dish.

Conclusion

The California Grilled Sweet Potato recipe is more than just a side dish; it is a celebration of flavor contrasts. By bringing together the heat of the Arteflame grill, the natural sweetness of the earth, and the savory crunch of bacon, you create a dish that is comforting yet sophisticated. It captures the laid-back culinary spirit of the West Coast while utilizing the primal technique of fire cooking.

Whether you are looking to impress guests at a summer cookout or simply want to upgrade your weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It is easy to prepare, visually stunning, and packed with layers of flavor. Fire up your grill, embrace the sizzle, and enjoy a sweet potato experience like no other.