There is something truly magical about the combination of sweet and buttery in a comforting side dish, and this Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe captures that magic perfectly. Velvety smooth mashed sweet potatoes are gently seasoned and sweetened just right with honey and warm spices, making them a crowd-pleaser whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast. This recipe is wonderfully simple yet rich in flavor, inviting everyone to indulge in a hearty, luscious comfort food experience that feels both homemade and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays an essential role in achieving the perfect balance of texture, sweetness, and warmth in your mashed sweet potatoes. From the natural sweetness of the potatoes themselves to the aromatic spices and creamy butter, every item contributes something unique and delicious.
- Sweet potatoes (1 ½ pounds, peeled and cubed): The hearty base that provides natural sweetness and beautiful color.
- Fine sea salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Dried thyme (¼ teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle herbaceous note to deepen the flavor profile.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): Brings richness and creaminess that make the mash indulgently smooth.
- Honey (1-2 tablespoons): Sweetens the dish naturally and complements the spices wonderfully.
- Ground cinnamon (¼ teaspoon): Warms up the dish with a cozy, familiar spice.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle nutty depth that rounds out the flavors.
- Ground black pepper (to taste): Introduces just a touch of heat to contrast the sweetness elegantly.
How to Make Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by placing your peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a medium-sized pot and covering them generously with water. Bring the water to a boil, then season with salt and optional dried thyme for an extra herbal kick. Simmer gently until the potatoes are tender enough to be pierced easily with a fork, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This step softens the potatoes perfectly for mashing.
Step 2: Drain and Steam Off Excess Water
Drain the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove all the cooking water, then return them to the pot over the lowest heat. Stir constantly as the potatoes warm and steam in the pot, which helps evaporate any remaining moisture. This important step ensures your mashed sweet potatoes will be creamy and fluffy, not watery.
Step 3: Mash and Season
Now comes the fun part: add in your butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, freshly ground black pepper, and a little extra salt if desired. With a potato masher, blend all these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste as you go to get the seasoning just right, then serve hot for the ultimate comfort food experience that’s bursting with sweet and buttery flavor.
How to Serve Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing these mashed sweet potatoes adds sparkle and elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. Try topping with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a fresh green contrast, a dusting of extra cinnamon for warmth, or even some toasted pecans or walnuts for delightful crunch and nuttiness. Each garnish adds a lovely finishing touch that makes the plate sing.
Side Dishes
This Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. It also complements hearty vegetarian mains like lentil loaf or stuffed squash, balancing richness with natural sweetness. Add some tangy cranberry sauce or a crisp green salad on the side, and you’ve got a complete, harmonious meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at your next dinner, serve these mashed sweet potatoes in individual ramekins and top with a swirl of melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Or layer it in a casserole dish mixed with toasted marshmallows for a comforting twist. You can even pipe the mash on plates with a star tip for a pretty presentation that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover mashed sweet potatoes store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Be sure to cool them completely before sealing to maintain freshness and texture. Reheat gently to avoid drying out your lovely dish.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe for longer, freezing is a great option. Transfer cooled mashed sweet potatoes into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and can easily be thawed overnight before reheating.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat your mashed sweet potatoes slowly on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of milk or an extra pat of butter helps bring back the creamy texture and richness. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
While you can substitute regular potatoes, the charm of this recipe lies in the natural sweetness and vibrant color of sweet potatoes. Using regular potatoes will change the flavor profile and texture quite a bit, so try this recipe as intended for the best experience.
Is it necessary to add dried thyme?
The dried thyme is optional but adds a subtle earthiness that complements the sweet and buttery flavors. If you’re not a fan of herbs or don’t have it on hand, you can safely skip it without sacrificing the overall deliciousness.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
You can easily veganize this dish by swapping butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil, and using maple syrup instead of honey to keep that lovely sweetness. The spices help keep it just as flavorful and comforting.
What’s the best way to get smooth mashed sweet potatoes?
Steaming off excess water as instructed is key to preventing watery mash. Also, mashing while the potatoes are still warm and using a sturdy masher helps you achieve that creamy, clump-free texture.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a holiday meal?
Absolutely! This Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe holds up well when made a day ahead. Simply reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven, stirring occasionally and adding a touch of butter or milk to refresh the texture.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen because it delivers that perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and warmly spiced comfort food everyone loves. Whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or just treating yourself on a cozy night, these mashed sweet potatoes will never disappoint. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your all-time favorite side dishes too!
Print
Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe offers a creamy, flavorful twist on traditional mashed sweet potatoes, combining the natural sweetness of honey with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, balanced with a hint of black pepper. Perfect as a comforting side dish, it’s simple to prepare and delivers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 1 ½ pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Seasoning and Flavorings
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (or more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Boil sweet potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes into a medium pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil, then add salt and dried thyme if using. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and steam: Drain the cooked sweet potatoes well using a colander. Return them to the pot and place it over the lowest heat setting. Stir constantly for a few minutes until the potatoes look dry; this helps steam off any excess water to prevent watery mash.
- Mash and season: Add butter, honey, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and black pepper to the sweet potatoes. Using a potato masher, mash until the mixture is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices as desired. Serve the mashed sweet potatoes hot.
Notes
- Use peeled and evenly cubed sweet potatoes for even cooking.
- Dried thyme is optional but adds a subtle herbal note.
- Adjust the amount of honey and spices to your personal taste preference.
- For a smoother texture, you can use a hand mixer or food mill instead of a potato masher.
- Serve as a comforting side dish for holiday meals or everyday dinners.
