If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that brings warmth and a touch of sweetness to your table, this Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. Creamy, naturally sweet, and kissed with cinnamon and honey, these mashed sweet potatoes elevate any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. The blend of rich butter and fragrant honey creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s both indulgent and wholesome, making this recipe a beloved favorite you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to enhance the natural sweetness and creamy texture of the sweet potatoes, ensuring every spoonful bursts with flavor and comfort.
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky texture.
- 1/4 cup honey: Sweetens naturally while complementing the potatoes’ earthiness.
- 1/4 cup milk (more as needed): Helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency without overpowering flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the honey.
- Salt to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and cutting your sweet potatoes into evenly sized chunks to ensure they cook uniformly. Place them in a large pot and cover them with water, then bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let them simmer gently for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily slides into the potatoes with little resistance.
Step 2: Drain and Return to Pot
Carefully drain the tender sweet potatoes and return them to the warm pot. This step helps any excess water evaporate, preventing your mash from becoming watery and keeping the flavors concentrated.
Step 3: Add Butter, Honey, Milk, and Cinnamon
While the potatoes are still warm, add the unsalted butter, honey, milk, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients work together to create that rich, slightly sweet, and perfectly spiced flavor that makes this Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Mash Until Smooth and Creamy
Now comes the fun part—mashing! Use a potato masher or an electric mixer to blend everything until the texture is silky and smooth. If the mixture feels too thick, simply add a little more milk until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and add more salt if needed to enhance all those bright, sweet notes.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Transfer your creamy, golden mashed sweet potatoes into a beautiful serving bowl. If you’d like, top with an extra pat of butter and a drizzle of honey for that show-stopping finish. This final touch makes your dish look as delightful as it tastes.
How to Serve Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
The classic approach is to garnish with a small pat of butter melting on top, along with a light drizzle of honey that adds an inviting shine and bursts of sweet flavor in every bite. For a hint of color and texture, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or freshly chopped parsley can elevate the presentation and add a lovely crunch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork chops, balancing savory, salty flavors with luscious sweetness. It’s also a natural companion to green beans, sautéed Brussels sprouts, or a crisp salad to bring freshness and variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing holiday table, try piping the mashed sweet potatoes into a decorative dish using a large star tip to create beautiful swirls, then broil briefly to caramelize the edges. You can also layer them with caramelized onions or sprinkle with spicy chili flakes for a fun, unexpected twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making for an easy and delicious next-day side dish.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe handy for later, they freeze beautifully. Transfer cooled mashed sweet potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. They maintain their creamy texture when thawed, perfect for busy weeknight meals.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the mashed sweet potatoes gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or a bit more butter to revive the creamy texture and ensure that fresh-from-the-stove taste.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes for this recipe?
While you can use regular potatoes, the unique sweetness and vibrant color of sweet potatoes make this recipe shine, so it’s well worth sticking to the original ingredient for the best flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use almond or oat milk instead of cow’s milk, and you’ll still get a luscious, creamy mash with all the cozy flavors intact.
What’s the best way to peel sweet potatoes quickly?
The easiest method is to peel the sweet potatoes with a sturdy vegetable peeler before cutting them into chunks. If you find the potatoes too hard, microwaving them whole for a minute or two can soften the skin and make peeling faster.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a holiday meal?
Yes! You can make the mashed sweet potatoes a day in advance and gently reheat them before serving. Just be sure to add a little extra milk or butter while reheating to refresh the creamy texture.
What if I like my mashed sweet potatoes with a bit more texture?
Feel free to mash less for a chunkier consistency or mix in some roasted sweet potato chunks for a delightful contrast. The recipe is versatile and adapts well to your personal preference.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe is a genuinely comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward enough for everyday meals yet elegant enough to star at any holiday spread. Once you try it, I promise it will become one of your go-to side dishes for bringing sweetness and sunshine to your dinner table.
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: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a creamy, comforting side dish combining naturally sweet potatoes with rich butter, golden honey, warm cinnamon, and a touch of milk. This easy-to-make recipe yields smooth mashed sweet potatoes perfect for any family meal or holiday feast, delivering a sweet and savory flavor profile with velvety texture.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
Flavorings
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup milk (more as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare sweet potatoes: Place peeled and chunked sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with water to ensure even cooking.
- Cook sweet potatoes: Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and return: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes well and return them to the warm pot to prepare for mashing.
- Add flavorings: Add the unsalted butter, honey, milk, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the sweet potatoes.
- Mash the potatoes: Using a potato masher or an electric mixer, mash the sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed, and season further with salt to taste.
- Serve: Transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a serving bowl and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with extra butter and honey for added richness and sweetness.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or add a splash of cream instead of milk.
- Adjust honey amount to taste if you prefer more or less sweetness.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk.
- Mashed sweet potatoes can be made ahead and gently reheated; add a little milk while reheating to maintain creaminess.
