Caramelized French Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon

Introduction

Forget the overly sweet marshmallow casseroles of the past; grilling sweet potatoes unlocks a depth of flavor that baking simply cannot match. When you cook sweet potatoes on a high-heat flat top grill, like an Arteflame, something magical happens. The direct heat caramelizes the natural sugars found in the tubers, creating a crisp, irresistible crust while keeping the inside beautifully fluffy and tender. This French-inspired recipe focuses on simplicity and technique, allowing the main ingredient to shine with just a hint of aromatic spice.

This dish is the perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it a versatile side that fits just as well at a summer backyard barbecue as it does on a festive holiday table. The addition of cinnamon adds a warming aroma that pairs perfectly with the smokiness from the grill. Whether you are a seasoned pitmaster or a weekend grilling warrior, this recipe delivers gourmet results with minimal effort, transforming a humble root vegetable into the star of the show.

Ingredients

• 2 Large Sweet Potatoes (washed and scrubbed)
• 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil (or melted unsalted butter)
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (optional for extra caramelization)
• 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation and Slicing

1. Begin by thoroughly washing and scrubbing the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt. You can choose to peel them, but leaving the skin on adds a nice texture and nutritional value.
2. Slice the sweet potatoes into fries, wedges, or rounds, depending on your preference. Aim for a thickness of about 1/2 inch. Consistent sizing is key to ensuring they cook evenly on the grill without burning.
3. Pat the slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps in achieving that perfect sear.

Step 2: Seasoning the Potatoes

1. Place the sweet potato slices in a large mixing bowl.
2. Drizzle the vegetable oil (or melted butter) over the potatoes, tossing them until they are evenly coated. The oil prevents sticking and conducts heat for browning.
3. In a small small bowl, mix the cinnamon, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the oiled potatoes and toss again to ensure every piece is seasoned.

Step 3: Grilling the Potatoes

1. Preheat your Arteflame grill or flat top griddle. You want a medium-high heat. If using an Arteflame, the flat cooktop is ideal for this as it prevents the slices from falling through the grates.
2. Add a light coat of oil to the grill surface. Place the sweet potato slices directly onto the flat cooktop. Do not overcrowd them; give them space to sear.
3. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on the first side. You are looking for a deep golden-brown color and distinct grill marks or searing.

Step 4: Flipping and Finishing

1. Flip the potatoes using tongs or a spatula. Cook the second side for another 5-7 minutes.
2. Test for doneness by piercing the thickest part of a slice with a fork; it should slide in easily with no resistance.
3. Move the potatoes to the outer, cooler edge of the grill if they are browned but need a few more minutes to soften inside. Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips

To master these French grilled sweet potatoes, temperature management is your best friend. Because sweet potatoes have a high sugar content—especially with the added brown sugar—they can go from caramelized to burnt quickly if the heat is too aggressive. If you are using an Arteflame, utilize the different heat zones of the cooktop. Start searing near the center where it is hottest to get that crust, then move them toward the outer ring to finish cooking through gently without scorching the spices.

Another pro-tip is to par-boil your potatoes if you are short on time. Boiling the whole potatoes for about 10 minutes before slicing and grilling significantly reduces the time they need on the grates. This ensures a creamy center every single time. Lastly, don't skimp on the oil; dry potatoes will stick to the metal and tear apart when you try to flip them.

Variations

While the classic cinnamon and sugar combination is a crowd-pleaser, sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile canvases for flavor. You can easily pivot this recipe to be savory, spicy, or herbed depending on your main course. Experimenting with these variations can help you match the side dish to a specific cuisine or dietary preference without changing the core cooking technique.

• Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cinnamon mixture for a "swicy" (sweet and spicy) profile.
• Herbal Savory: Omit the sugar and cinnamon, and instead use dried rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder.
• Maple Glazed: Instead of brown sugar, brush the potatoes with pure maple syrup during the last minute of grilling.
• Citrus Zest: Finish the grilled potatoes with fresh orange zest and a squeeze of lime juice for a bright, summery twist.
• Pumpkin Spice: Swap the plain cinnamon for a pumpkin pie spice blend for the ultimate autumn side dish.

Best pairings

These grilled sweet potatoes have a rich, warming flavor profile that pairs exceptionally well with robust proteins. The sweetness of the potato cuts through the saltiness and fat of red meats, making them an ideal companion for a ribeye steak or grilled pork chops. The caramelization mirrors the char on the meat, creating a cohesive dining experience. They also serve as a lighter, healthier alternative to traditional heavy sides like macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes.

For a lighter meal, pair these with roasted chicken or a cedar-plank salmon. The cinnamon notes complement the natural sweetness of pork and poultry beautifully. If you are serving a vegetarian spread, these potatoes stand up well alongside a quinoa salad, grilled portobello mushrooms, or a fresh kale salad with a vinaigrette dressing, offering a satisfying heartiness that anchors the meal.

Conclusion

Grilling sweet potatoes on a flat top grill transforms a simple root vegetable into a culinary delight that is crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth soft on the inside. By stepping away from the oven and embracing the open fire, you add a layer of smokiness that elevates the natural sweetness of the potato. This recipe is not just about cooking; it is about experiencing the joy of outdoor cooking and sharing comforting flavors with friends and family.

Whether you stick to the classic cinnamon version or experiment with spicy variations, this dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your grilling repertoire. It is easy, healthy, and incredibly delicious. So fire up your grill, slice up some sweet potatoes, and get ready to enjoy one of the most rewarding side dishes you will ever make.