When it comes to a side dish that steals the spotlight (and your heart), Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes never fail. This easy recipe turns humble sweet potatoes into a bowl of creamy, comforting goodness, kissed by warm cinnamon and drizzled with honey butter for a flavor combination that works year-round. Whether you’re bringing a little sunshine to a weeknight dinner or serving up something special at the holiday table, you’ll want to savor every bite of these velvety potatoes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one adds an essential note, creating a dish that’s rich, naturally sweet, and gorgeously golden.
- Sweet Potatoes: Bring a vibrant orange color and a natural, earthy sweetness that really shines when mashed.
- Unsalted Butter: Lends undeniable richness and a silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture to every spoonful.
- Honey: Gives the potatoes a gentle, floral sweetness that melds seamlessly with the buttery base.
- Milk or Heavy Cream: Keeps the mash luxuriously creamy; choose cream for extra decadence, or milk for a lighter touch.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic note that gently enhances the sweet potatoes’ natural flavor.
- Salt: Just enough to balance the sweetness and make every flavor pop.
- Nutmeg (Optional): A pinch will add subtle depth and a hint of spice. Highly recommended if you love nuance.
- Chopped Parsley (Optional): Sprinkled on top for a fresh, herby finish and a burst of color.
How to Make Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and cubing your sweet potatoes—this helps them cook faster and more evenly. Bring a big pot of salted water to a lively boil, then slide in the sweet potato cubes. Let them cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a fork glides right through. Well-cooked potatoes are the key to a smooth, dreamy mash.
Step 2: Drain and Return to Pot
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, drain them thoroughly so you don’t end up with watery mash. Pop them right back into the warm pot. This not only keeps them hot but also evaporates any extra moisture, setting you up for the creamiest Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes imaginable.
Step 3: Add the Magic Mix-Ins
Now, it’s time for the real flavor magic. Add the unsalted butter, honey, your choice of milk or heavy cream, ground cinnamon, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re in the mood. The heat from the potatoes will melt everything beautifully—the kitchen is going to smell irresistible at this point.
Step 4: Mash Until Creamy
Grab your favorite potato masher or use a hand mixer for ultra-smooth results. Mash until everything is well combined and creamy, stopping to taste and adjust the sweetness or seasoning to your liking. This part is where you make the dish your own—add more honey for a sweeter flavor, or an extra splash of cream for silkiness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Spoon the mashed sweet potatoes into your favorite serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you like a pop of green, and bring straight to the table while they’re still warm and inviting.
How to Serve Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way with Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Try a final drizzle of honey, a pat of butter melting on top, a light dusting of cinnamon, or a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Each option adds color and visual appeal, making your dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with roast chicken, turkey, glazed ham, or grilled steak. For a vegetarian feast, serve alongside sautéed greens, hearty bean dishes, or a fresh kale salad. The subtly sweet, creamy flavor is a lovely balance to savory mains.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, pipe the mashed sweet potatoes into swirls, serve in individual ramekins, or top with a crunchy pecan crumble for a festive twist. You can even serve them as a “bed” for slow-cooked short ribs or roast vegetables for something truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply spoon any leftover Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prep or quick leftover lunches.
Freezing
If you find yourself with more than you can eat, freezing works beautifully! Store cooled mashed sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion. They’ll keep their creamy texture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer potatoes to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or cream and stir occasionally as they warm to revive that silky texture. A minute or two in the microwave or a gentle heat on the stove is all it takes to bring them back to life.
FAQs
Can I make Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish a day or two in advance, store it covered in the fridge, and reheat just before serving. Add a splash of cream and give it a good stir to refresh the texture.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
For the creamiest mash, peeling is recommended, but you can leave the skins on for a more rustic texture and a boost of fiber. Just scrub them well before cooking!
Can I use alternative sweeteners?
If you don’t have honey on hand or prefer a different flavor, swap in pure maple syrup or agave nectar. Both are delicious in Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes, each bringing their own unique personality to the dish.
How can I make this vegan?
It’s easy! Use your favorite plant-based butter, swap in a non-dairy milk like almond or oat, and opt for maple syrup or agave in place of honey. The results are still fabulous.
What’s the best way to make the mash extra smooth?
Use a hand mixer or even a food processor if you prefer a truly velvety consistency. Just be careful not to overmix, or the potatoes could get gummy—stop as soon as they’re silky and smooth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something absolutely irresistible about a generous bowl of Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Whether you’re dressing up a weeknight dinner or aiming to impress at the holidays, this recipe promises comfort and pure joy with every bite. Give it a try; I have a hunch you’ll be making it again and again!
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Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in these lusciously sweet and creamy Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes, a delightful twist on a classic side dish that will elevate any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add sweet potatoes and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Mix Ingredients: Drain well and return sweet potatoes to the pot. Add butter, honey, milk or cream, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg if desired.
- Mash: Mash until smooth and creamy using a potato masher or hand mixer.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste and adjust sweetness or seasoning as desired.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For an extra silky texture, use a hand mixer or food processor.
- Add a touch of maple syrup or orange zest for a flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
