There’s something magical about the smell of grilled sweet potato wedges wafting through the air, isn’t there? Imagine crispy edges with a soft, sweet center, brought to life by a spicy aioli that dances on your taste buds. The contrast of textures and flavors creates a culinary experience that’s simply unforgettable.
The first time I made grilled sweet potato wedges with spicy aioli, my friends thought I had finally unlocked the secret to life’s happiness. We gathered around the grill, sharing laughter and stories while those golden wedges sizzled away. Each bite transported us to flavor town, where every wedge felt like a little party in our mouths. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy nights in, this dish promises to bring everyone together.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These grilled sweet potato wedges are easy to prepare, making them a go-to snack or side dish
- The flavor profile balances sweetness and heat perfectly
- Their vibrant orange color makes any plate pop with visual appeal
- Enjoy them as a side for burgers or as a healthy snack at any gathering
I remember my niece’s birthday party when these delicious wedges stole the show; even the pickiest eaters couldn’t resist going back for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm and smooth potatoes without blemishes for the best results.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and enhances the grilling process.
Smoked Paprika: This spice brings depth and an irresistible smoky flavor to your wedges.
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust according to your heat tolerance; it elevates the spiciness of the aioli.
Garlic Powder: A must-have for that savory punch; fresh garlic is also delightful if you prefer.
Mayonnaise: This creamy base is essential for creating that luscious aioli texture.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the aioli beautifully.
Fresh Cilantro (optional): For garnish and extra freshness; feel free to skip if cilantro isn’t your favorite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes: Start by washing your sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Slice them into wedges about 1 inch thick, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
Seasoning is Key: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato wedges with olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated. The vibrant colors will make you eager to start grilling!
Preheat Your Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C). Ensure it’s clean and oiled slightly to prevent sticking.
Grill Those Wedges!: Place the seasoned wedges on the grill in a single layer. Grill for about 15-20 minutes until they’re tender inside and have lovely grill marks outside; turn occasionally for even cooking.
Whip Up Your Spicy Aioli: While the wedges are grilling, mix mayonnaise with lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and a touch of garlic powder in a small bowl until smooth. Taste it! Adjust seasoning as needed – it should be bold yet balanced.
Serve & Enjoy!: Once grilled to perfection, remove those beautiful sweet potato wedges from the grill. Serve them hot with your spicy aioli on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired!
Now you’re all set! Invite family or friends over because these grilled sweet potato wedges with spicy aioli are sure to impress everyone around your table. Enjoy each flavorful bite!
You Must Know
- Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges with Spicy Aioli are not just delicious; they pack a punch of flavor and nutrition
- The sweet potatoes become caramelized on the grill, creating a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with the spicy aioli
- Perfect for BBQs or as a cozy side dish
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your grill while you slice the sweet potatoes into wedges. Coat them with olive oil and seasoning before grilling them for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with spices! Try adding cayenne pepper for extra heat or paprika for smokiness. You can also switch up the aioli ingredients by incorporating fresh herbs or using different types of vinegar.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover wedges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake them at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until they regain their crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly grilled sweet potato wedges, cut them uniform in size to ensure even cooking
- Always preheat your grill to prevent sticking and achieve those lovely grill marks
- Lastly, don’t skip the aioli; it’s the real star of this dish!
Sharing my first attempt at these grilled sweet potato wedges still makes me chuckle; I accidentally used cinnamon instead of paprika. My friends were confused but amused, and we ended up loving the unexpected twist!
FAQ
How do I know when the sweet potato wedges are done?
When they are tender and have nice grill marks, they’re ready to enjoy.
Can I make the spicy aioli ahead of time?
Absolutely! It can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
What can I serve with Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges?
They pair wonderfully with burgers, grilled chicken, or as a snack on their own.
Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges with Spicy Aioli
Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges with Spicy Aioli deliver a delightful contrast of crispy edges and soft, sweet centers, enhanced by a zesty, creamy aioli. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy gatherings, these wedges are not only a visual treat but also a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal. Gather your friends and family around the grill for an unforgettable culinary experience that promises to bring joy and connection with every bite.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 500g)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and slice them into wedges about 1 inch thick.
- In a large bowl, toss the wedges with olive oil, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C).
- Place the seasoned wedges on the grill in a single layer and grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until tender and marked.
- While grilling, mix mayonnaise with lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot with spicy aioli on the side; garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wedge (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
