Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes

These honey butter mashed sweet potatoes are creamy, naturally sweet, and full of warm flavors that I love serving as a side dish for both everyday dinners and holiday meals. The honey and butter bring richness, while the spices make them cozy and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how this recipe takes simple sweet potatoes and transforms them into something special with just a few ingredients. The honey enhances their natural sweetness without overpowering, while the butter makes them smooth and indulgent. The cinnamon and nutmeg add a hint of warmth that I find perfect for autumn meals, though I enjoy them year-round. It’s a dish that feels both wholesome and a little decadent.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
1 ½ pounds sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
¼ teaspoon dried thyme optional
4 tablespoons butter
1-2 tablespoons honey
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon or more to taste
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. I start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes, then placing them in a large pot of salted water.
2. I bring the water to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes.
3. I drain the sweet potatoes well, then return them to the pot or place them in a large bowl.
4. I mash the potatoes until smooth, then stir in the butter, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and thyme (if using).
5. I season with salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting the sweetness and spices as I like.
6. I serve them warm as a flavorful side dish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, so I usually have it ready in about 30 minutes total.

Variations

• I sometimes add a splash of heavy cream or milk for extra creaminess.
• For a more savory version, I reduce the honey and add roasted garlic.
• I like topping them with chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• A drizzle of maple syrup can replace the honey for a different sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm them on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk or butter if they seem dry. I can also reheat them in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the mashed sweet potatoes a day in advance and reheat them before serving.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Absolutely, maple syrup works beautifully and gives the dish a slightly different sweetness.

How do I keep the potatoes from being watery?

I make sure to drain them thoroughly and let them sit for a minute after boiling before mashing.

Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, though the flavor will be slightly different. I find sweet potatoes creamier and sweeter.

What’s the best way to mash them?

I like using a potato masher for a rustic texture, but a hand mixer makes them extra smooth.

Can I add more spices?

Definitely, I sometimes add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a deeper flavor.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

I substitute plant-based butter for the regular butter, and it still tastes rich and delicious.

Can I freeze mashed sweet potatoes?

Yes, I freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.

What main dishes go well with this?

I love serving them with roasted chicken, or holiday turkey.

Can I make them less sweet?

Yes, I simply reduce or skip the honey and focus more on the savory seasonings like thyme and pepper.

Conclusion

I love how these honey butter mashed sweet potatoes bring both sweetness and warmth to the table. They’re quick to make, easy to adjust with different flavors, and always a hit whether I’m cooking for a weeknight dinner or a festive holiday meal.

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