Smoked Sweet Potatoes

I’m excited to share this recipe because it’s a dish that is simple yet incredibly flavorful, warming, nourishing, and so fun to prepare!

It’s no secret that I LOVE all kinds of smoked foods, whether it’s smoked tofu, vegan bacon, smoked cheese, Baingan Bharta (an Indian dish made with smoky eggplants), or smoked almonds. So, when I can think of another smoked food to try, I am all for it.

I have smoked sweet potatoes multiple times in the past and even though it’s just a side dish, it always steals the show. Hence, I thought it needed its own recipe!

⭐️ Why You Should Try It

Naturally smoked.

Let’s be honest: there’s no comparison to the rich, authentic flavor of foods smoked over real wood chips. Liquid smoke or smoked paprika just can’t compete. In this recipe, I smoke the sweet potatoes over hickory wood chips for an INTENSE smoky aroma.

New to smoking? Worry not! I will guide you on how you can smoke sweet potatoes without turning on the barbecue! You will only need a stovetop smoker, which can be used indoors any day of the year – smoked sweet potatoes for Winter is simply the best!

Hearty and SO warming.

If there was one dish that would scream hearty and cozy, this is it. The sweetness of the potatoes complements the bold smoke aroma, resulting in one of the best sweet potatoes you will ever have (assuming you love smoky foods)! While the smoky aroma is present, it doesn’t cover the sweet potato flavor – it highlights it.

Plus, there is actually very little work involved. Prick the sweet potatoes, roast them until tender, and smoke them in a smoker for about 10 minutes. The result is a scrumptious side dish that will wow your guests!

🍠 Ingredient Notes

Sweet potatoes

Any type of sweet potato will work. If you like tender and moist flesh with plenty of sweetness, go for orange sweet potatoes. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly firmer texture, use white or Japanese sweet potatoes. Those also tend to be a bit less sweet and can be easier to digest for some people.

How to pick good potatoes: Whatever type of sweet potato you pick, ensure they are as fresh as possible. Sweet potatoes should have smooth skin and show no sign of mold or blemishes.

Salt and pepper

I kept things super simple here, so all you need to season the sweet potatoes is a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper to balance the sweetness of the potatoes. The smokiness process already brings a TON of flavor.

Butter

While optional, I like to top my sweet potatoes with a knob of vegan butter for richness.

🥣 How to Make It

1. Roast the potatoes

1. Clean the potatoes. Wash the sweet potatoes under cold water to remove any possible dirt. Pat them dry using kitchen paper towels.
2. Prick them. Using a fork or a thin knife, prick each potato multiple times. This will allow the steam to escape and the potatoes to bake more evenly.
3. Roast until tender. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the sweet potatoes on top. Roast for about 50 minutes or until they are completely tender. You should be able to pierce them with a knife easily.
4. Open them. Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and slice them in half without going all the way through. This will allow the smoke to penetrate the flesh during the smoking step.

2. Smoke them

1. Prepare the smoker. Remove the lid, rack, and drip tray of a stovetop smoker. Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of wood chips in the bottom of the smoker. Next, place the rack and drip tray back on top.

A quick tip: Place a layer of aluminum foil between the rack and the drip tray. This will make cleaning much easier!

2. Add the sweet potatoes. Place the sweet potatoes on the rack and close the smoker with the lid. If you have trouble closing the smoker with the lid, slightly press the potatoes so they can fit inside the smoker.
3. Smoke them. Finally, heat the smoker on the stove over medium heat. It will take 10-15 seconds before some smoke starts to appear. Let the sweet potatoes smoke for about 10 minutes. After that, turn off the heat and keep the smoker closed for another 10 minutes. This will allow the remaining smoke to infuse the sweet potatoes even more!
4. Season. Finally, season the sweet potatoes with salt and pepper, and enjoy!

🧄 What to Serve Them With

What I love about those sweet potatoes is that they can be used in a multitude of ways. You can fill them with:

• Beans or legumes: Such as green lentil salad, baked beans, Kung Pao white beans, or curried chickpeas! Top them with a few avocado slices and herbs for freshness!
• Grains: Quinoa, farro, risotto, or even couscous. It’s also delicious with wild rice or biryani!
• Cheese: Top the sweet potatoes with vegan mozzarella before placing them under the grill for a few minutes.
• Sauce: Alternatively, you can serve them as is with a generous drizzle of garlic butter or sriracha mayo!

You can also scoop out the flesh and use it in recipes to make:

• Casseroles: Replace regular sweet potatoes in casserole recipes with these smoked ones for extra flavor and plenty of smokiness! It’s perfect for your holiday casseroles!
• Mashed potatoes: Transfer the flesh to a saucepan, add a few tablespoons of butter and a splash of plant-based cream. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes, stirring regularly to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
• Soup or dal: Incorporate sweet potato flesh into soups, curries, or even dal to add a comforting flavor and natural sweetness.

💬 FAQ

If you are a fan of smoky flavors, I have no doubt you will love these sweet potatoes! Pair them with a dollop of butter or your preferred topping for a cozy dinner. I promise they will warm you up from the inside on any chilly or rainy day!

🔥 More Smoked Recipes

Smoked Tofu

Smoked & Grilled Tempeh

Smoked Potatoes

Hickory Smoked Vegan Cheese

⭐️ Did you like this recipe? Let us know in the comments below, and tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!