There’s something positively irresistible about a bowl of Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes—think creamy, cloud-like sweet potatoes whipped together with golden honey and velvety butter, finished with a whisper of cinnamon and nutmeg. This dish walks the line between comfort food and showstopper side, transforming a simple root vegetable into an experience that’s part feast, part celebration. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just adding a bit of shine to your weeknight table, Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes bring warmth, subtle sweetness, and pure, cozy joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes is all about letting quality ingredients speak for themselves. Every component brings a special touch—richness, sweetness, creaminess, or spice—that blends into a dish that feels as wholesome as it is indulgent.
- Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes—they’re naturally sweet and cook up ultra-creamy.
- Unsalted butter: The star for richness—you get total control over the salt level, too.
- Honey: Brings a floral, gentle sweetness that highlights (but never overpowers) the potatoes.
- Milk or heavy cream: Milk keeps things light, while cream makes every spoonful decadently smooth.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and that hint of “cozy” you find in classic comfort foods.
- Salt: Just a pinch helps all those gorgeous flavors shine through.
- Ground nutmeg (optional): For a touch of earthy, aromatic spice—completely optional but delightful if you love depth!
How to Make Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by peeling the sweet potatoes and chopping them into evenly sized chunks—about two inches each works beautifully. Uniform pieces help everything cook at the same rate, so you’ll get flawlessly tender potatoes without any undercooked or mushy bits.
Step 2: Cook Until Tender
Place your sweet potato chunks in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Starting with cold water helps the potatoes cook evenly. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat and let them simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a fork slips in with zero resistance.
Step 3: Drain and Steam Dry
Once the potatoes are fork-tender, drain them in a colander. Immediately return them to the warm pot—this little trick lets the steam escape and ensures the mash isn’t watery. The remaining heat in the pot helps dry out excess moisture for fluffy, not soggy, mashed sweet potatoes.
Step 4: Add the Honey Butter Goodness
Time for the magic! Add the unsalted butter, honey, milk (or heavy cream), ground cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg if you’re using it. The butter and honey will melt right in, melding all those comforting flavors together. Start with the suggested amount of milk or cream and add more if you want things extra silky.
Step 5: Mash to Perfection
Use a potato masher for a rustic texture or a hand mixer for ultra-smooth results—either works! Mash everything together until dreamy and creamy, tasting as you go so you can adjust for your ideal level of sweetness and seasoning.
Step 6: Serve Warm
Spoon your beautiful Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes into a serving bowl, adding an extra pat of butter or a drizzle of honey if you like. Serve immediately while warm for maximum flavor and comfort.
How to Serve Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives offers a lovely burst of color and freshness against the sweet, rich mash. For a festive flair, try a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts, or even a light dusting of extra cinnamon. Don’t be shy with a final swirl of melted butter or a drizzle of honey—both give your Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes a glossy, irresistible finish.
Side Dishes
Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes are stunning alongside classic mains like roasted turkey, ham, or even a simple grilled chicken breast. They balance out the savoriness of meaty entrees and play nicely with everything from green beans and Brussels sprouts to citrusy salads and tangy cranberry sauce. For a vegetarian feast, they shine next to lentil loaf or mushroom wellington.
Creative Ways to Present
For individual servings, scoop the mash into ramekins and top each with a pecan and herb sprig. For gatherings, pipe the mashed sweet potatoes into pretty swirls using a piping bag—the honey-butter sheen really catches the light and guests’ eyes! Or, try layering them in a casserole dish and topping with a crunchy nut and breadcrumb mixture, then finish under the broiler for a crispy crown.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes keep like a dream. Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator; they’ll stay creamy and delicious for up to four days. Give them a quick stir before serving to refresh the texture.
Freezing
Want to make a batch ahead for future feasts? You absolutely can! Let the mashed sweet potatoes cool completely, then spoon into a freezer-safe container or bag, pressing out any excess air. They’ll keep well for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, pour your mashed sweet potatoes into a saucepan and warm over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or cream to revive that luscious, creamy texture. If you’re short on time, microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring each time. Either way, finish with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey to refresh that iconic honey-butter flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use oat milk, almond milk, or coconut cream for the creamy element. The natural sweetness and texture still shine, and your mash will be totally dairy-free.
Can I prepare Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is make-ahead friendly! Just prepare as directed, cool, and store in the fridge. Gently reheat on the stovetop or in the oven, stirring in a little extra cream or milk to revive the creaminess before serving.
What’s the best type Side Dish
Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (sometimes called “garnet” or “jewel” sweet potatoes) are your best choice—they mash up velvety smooth and have a naturally vivid color and sweet taste. White or purple sweet potatoes work, but the flavor and texture will be a bit different.
Is nutmeg really necessary?
Nutmeg adds a subtle, aromatic layer, but it’s entirely optional. If you love a touch of warmth, go for it; if not, your Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes will still be absolutely delicious without it.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! This dish scales up beautifully—just use a larger pot and adjust ingredient amounts proportionally. Stir well and taste as you go, making sure the flavors stay balanced throughout.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning a holiday feast or just looking to bring a little extra coziness to dinner, Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes never disappoint—they’re simple to make, seriously comforting, and guaranteed to collect compliments. Give them a try and watch them become a beloved staple on your table!
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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
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth with these creamy Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes. This easy side dish is a must-have for your holiday table or any cozy dinner night.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
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
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot, cover with water, and boil until fork-tender.
- Prepare the Mixture: Drain the potatoes, add butter, honey, milk, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg, then mash until creamy.
- Adjust and Serve: Adjust consistency with milk, season to taste, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- This dish can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
