If you’re craving a cozy side that’s both luxurious and easy to prepare, look no further than Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes. This dish delivers a dazzling blend of natural sweetness and creamy, buttery decadence, brightened with a drizzle of honey and a whisper of cinnamon. The whole family will ask for seconds—these mashed sweet potatoes manage to steal the show from even the grandest holiday roast. Let’s dive in to what makes this comfort food an instant favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of kitchen staples to make these unforgettable Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes, but each ingredient shines. From deeply orange sweet potatoes to a generous swirl of honey, every element plays its role in turning simple basics into something magical.
- Sweet potatoes: The star of the recipe, these bring vibrant color, silky texture, and rich flavor to the mash.
- Unsalted butter: Adds creamy richness and helps mellow out the natural sugars in the potatoes.
- Honey: Provides a lovely floral sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the earthy potatoes.
- Whole milk or heavy cream: Makes the mash ultra-smooth and gives it an irresistible, creamy mouthfeel.
- Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and bringing out all the nuanced flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Just a pinch brings subtle warmth and holiday charm.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a little punch and complexity to every bite—don’t skip it!
How to Make Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and chop your sweet potatoes into evenly sized chunks so they cook at the same rate. Place them into a large pot and cover with cold water—starting with cold water helps them cook through more consistently. Bring everything to a boil, then simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are completely tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
Step 2: Drain and Return to the Pot
Once the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, drain them thoroughly. Return the hot potatoes to the pot; this helps any residual steam escape so you won’t end up with watery mash. Letting them sit just for a minute gives you a fluffier final result.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Ingredients
Now for the magic: add unsalted butter, honey, and your choice of whole milk or heavy cream right into the pot. If you adore cozy spices, sprinkle in that cinnamon now. The residual heat will help everything melt together, saturating the sweet potatoes with flavor.
Step 4: Mash to Perfection
Using a potato masher or a sturdy fork, mash the potatoes until completely smooth and creamy. For extra luxurious results, you can use a hand mixer—texture is totally up to you! Adjust the consistency with another splash of milk if you like, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste as you go—you’ll know it’s just right when you can’t stop sneaking spoonfuls.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Transfer your Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes to a serving bowl while they’re steaming hot. If you want to take things over the top, finish with a drizzle of honey or an extra pat of butter for that gorgeous, glossy sheen. Serve immediately for maximum comfort food satisfaction.
How to Serve Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
For a finishing flourish, sprinkle your Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes with a pinch of flaky sea salt or freshly cracked pepper. You could also add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color, or swirl in a final ribbon of honey right before serving for extra flair.
Side Dishes
These sweet, buttery mashed potatoes are amazingly versatile. They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, glazed ham, classic turkey, or vegetarian mains. Add some simple sautéed greens or roasted Brussels sprouts to round out an inviting and colorful plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Give dinner an elegant twist by scooping portions into individual ramekins, or pipe the mash onto plates using a pastry bag for a restaurant-inspired look. For holiday gatherings, bake your Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes briefly under the broiler for a caramelized finish everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got extra Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes? Cool them to room temperature, then transfer into an airtight container. The creamy mash stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it a perfect candidate for next-day lunches or quick weeknight sides.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Portion the cooled mashed sweet potatoes into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Press out as much air as possible and freeze for up to three months. Always label with the date so you know when it’s time for a comfort food fix.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen mash in the refrigerator overnight if needed. Warm gently in a pot over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture. For the quickest option, microwave in short bursts, stirring every so often for even heating.
FAQs
Can I make Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mash a day or two in advance, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Just add a little extra milk when reheating to recover its silky texture.
Are these mashed sweet potatoes gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, so it’s a reliable choice for a variety of dietary needs at your table.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Definitely. Maple syrup brings a slightly different depth of sweetness, but works beautifully if you want an alternative to honey or if it’s what you have on hand.
How do I make the mash even creamier?
Using heavy cream instead of milk adds an extra-lush richness. For the ultimate creaminess, beat the mash briefly with a hand mixer or stir in an extra tablespoon of butter.
Do you need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother, silkier result, but if you love a more rustic feel and a boost of fiber, you can leave some or all of the peels on before boiling.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give these Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes a try soon and share them with people you love. The irresistible combination of sweet, creamy, and buttery is just the thing to brighten any meal—weeknight or special occasion! Dig in and enjoy every comforting bite.
Print
Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy sweetness of these Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes, a perfect side dish for your holiday table or any cozy meal. With a hint of cinnamon and the richness of honey and butter, these mashed sweet potatoes are a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 ½ lbs sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into chunks)
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp honey
- ¼ cup whole milk or heavy cream
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Place sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes until tender. Drain and return to the pot.
- Mash the Potatoes: Add butter, honey, milk or cream, salt, and cinnamon. Mash until smooth and creamy, adjusting consistency with more milk if needed.
- Season and Serve: Season with pepper, serve warm, and optionally top with honey or butter.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them.
- Enhance with vanilla extract or orange zest for a holiday twist.
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