Get ready to elevate your side dish game with these incredibly delicious and comforting Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes. This recipe transforms a simple vegetable into a rich, creamy, and decadent dish that is perfect for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner. Tender, fluffy sweet potatoes are whipped with butter, honey, and a hint of warm cinnamon to create a side dish that is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that is guaranteed to be a new family favorite.
Why This is the Ultimate Sweet Potato Recipe
This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a star attraction. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Incredibly Creamy and Fluffy: Using a hand mixer to whip the potatoes creates a wonderfully light, fluffy, and smooth texture.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The natural sweetness of the potatoes is enhanced by the rich honey and warm cinnamon, creating a perfectly balanced, irresistible flavor.
- Super Easy to Make: This is a very straightforward recipe that requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort for a huge flavor payoff.
- The Perfect Holiday Side: This is a must-have for any Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table, but it’s easy enough to make for any occasion.
Your Simple Ingredient Checklist
This recipe uses a handful of simple, high-impact ingredients.
The Ingredient Lineup:
- 3 to 4 pounds of sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup of salted butter
- ⅓ cup of milk (whole or 2% for the creamiest result)
- ¼ cup of honey
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get ready to create the most delicious mashed sweet potatoes ever.
Part 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes
- Prep the Potatoes: Peel your sweet potatoes and cut them into uniform, 1-inch cubes.
- Boil: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold, salted water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Drain Well: Drain the cooked potatoes thoroughly in a colander.
Part 2: Mash and Serve
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the hot, drained sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the butter, milk, honey, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Whip to Perfection: Using an electric hand mixer, whip the potatoes on medium speed for 3-5 minutes, until they are light, fluffy, and creamy. Alternatively, you can use a potato masher for a more rustic texture.
- Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the mashed sweet potatoes hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them? Yes, roasting the sweet potatoes is a fantastic alternative that brings out a deeper, more caramelized flavor. To do this, you can wash and pierce whole sweet potatoes and bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about an hour, or until very soft. Let them cool slightly, then scoop the flesh out of the skins and proceed with the mashing step as directed.
2. Can I make these mashed sweet potatoes ahead of time? This is a great make-ahead side dish for the holidays. You can prepare the mashed sweet potatoes completely, then place them in a slow cooker on the “warm” setting for up to 2-3 hours before serving. You can also store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. How do I reheat leftover mashed sweet potatoes? To reheat, you can place the mashed sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave, stirring occasionally. For a better texture, you can also reheat them in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat. It’s a good idea to stir in a splash of milk or cream to bring back their creamy consistency.
4. What are some fun variations for this recipe? This recipe is a great base for creativity! For a savory twist, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped fresh thyme. For extra texture and a holiday feel, you can transfer the mashed sweet potatoes to a baking dish, top with mini marshmallows or a pecan streusel, and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until the topping is golden.
Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling sweet potatoes
- Colander for draining potatoes
- Large mixing bowl to mash and whip potatoes
- Hand mixer or potato masher for desired texture
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- ½ cup salted butter
- ⅓ cup milk (whole or 2% preferred)
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Peel and cube sweet potatoes into 1-inch pieces.
- Place cubed potatoes in a large pot, cover with cold salted water, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook 15–20 minutes until very tender.
- Drain potatoes well in a colander.
- Transfer hot potatoes to a large bowl. Add butter, milk, honey, cinnamon, and salt.
- Using a hand mixer, whip on medium speed 3–5 minutes until light, fluffy, and creamy. (Or mash by hand for a rustic texture.)
- Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.