Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potato

Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

There’s something about the holiday season that brings out the best in comfort food, and these Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes are no exception. Whether you’re looking for the perfect side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas, this recipe has you covered. With rich, creamy mashed sweet potatoes, a touch of honey, and buttery goodness in every bite, it’s a dish that feels festive and satisfying all at once. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but shines bright on a holiday spread!

Why You Should Make This Dish for Thanksgiving and Christmas

The holidays are all about gathering with loved ones and enjoying food that brings warmth and joy. When it comes to side dishes, mashed potatoes are a staple, but if you want to elevate your holiday table, Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes is the way to go. Not only do sweet potatoes add a vibrant splash of color to your plate, but their natural sweetness is perfectly balanced with creamy butter and a touch of honey. This makes them a fantastic complement to the rich, savory flavors of traditional holiday dishes like turkey, ham, and stuffing.

These mashed sweet potatoes aren’t just delicious—they’re also packed with nutrients like vitamin A and C, making them a healthier, yet indulgent, option for your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. Whether you’re serving a large family or hosting a smaller gathering, this side dish is bound to impress and bring that extra layer of comfort to your holiday meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes, here’s everything you’ll need:

• 4 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¼ cup honey
• ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for a festive touch)
• Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes. Keep the cubes about the same size for even cooking. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Let the sweet potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 2: Drain and Mash

Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, drain the water and return them to the pot. Allow them to sit for a couple of minutes to release some steam—this prevents them from becoming too watery. Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the sweet potatoes to your preferred texture.

Step 3: Add the Honey and Butter

Add softened butter and honey to the mashed sweet potatoes, mixing until fully incorporated. The butter will melt into the sweet potatoes, creating a rich, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream and Spices

Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to mash or mix. This adds a luxurious creaminess to the sweet potatoes. Next, stir in the cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg (if using). These spices bring a warm, holiday flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Give your mashed sweet potatoes a taste to see if the seasoning is right. If you want a sweeter taste, you can add more honey, or if you’d like a little more spice, sprinkle in some extra cinnamon or nutmeg.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer your mashed sweet potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a festive finish. Serve them warm alongside your holiday favorites!

Expert Tips and Tricks

1. Soften Your Butter: Using softened butter ensures that it melts evenly into the sweet potatoes for a smooth, rich texture.
2. Watch the Cooking Time: Overcooking sweet potatoes can make them too watery, so keep an eye on them while they boil.
3. Adjust the Sweetness: Not everyone has the same sweet tooth—feel free to adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste.
4. Add a Citrus Twist: A little orange zest or juice adds brightness and balances the richness.
5. Heavy Cream for Richness: Heavy cream gives the best results for creaminess, but you can swap it out for milk if you want to lighten it up.
6. Mash or Blend: If you prefer extra smooth mashed potatoes, use a hand mixer or immersion blender.
7. Toast the Spices: To elevate the holiday flavors, lightly toast the cinnamon and nutmeg before adding them for a deeper flavor.

15 Variations on Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes

1. Maple Syrup Swap: Use maple syrup instead of honey for an even more seasonal flavor.
2. Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper for a sweet-and-spicy holiday side.
3. Bacon Topping: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a savory touch.
4. Marshmallow Topping: Make it a holiday classic by topping with toasted marshmallows.
5. Pecan Crunch: Stir in chopped pecans for some added crunch and a nutty contrast.
6. Roasted Garlic: Add roasted garlic to bring savory depth.
7. Brown Sugar Twist: Replace some of the honey with brown sugar for deeper caramel flavors.
8. Vanilla Enhancement: Add a splash of vanilla extract for a warm, dessert-like hint.
9. Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free version, swap out the cream for coconut milk.
10. Cream Cheese: Blend in cream cheese for extra tang and creaminess.
11. Smoky Flavor: Add smoked paprika for a hint of smoky goodness.
12. Sour Cream: For a tangy finish, stir in a dollop of sour cream.
13. Honey-Cinnamon Drizzle: Just before serving, drizzle extra honey and sprinkle cinnamon on top for extra holiday flair.
14. Sweet Potato Pie Twist: Add cloves and allspice for a more dessert-like variation.
15. Caramelized Onions: Fold in caramelized onions for a savory and sweet combo.

Other Thanksgiving Suggestions

• 
  Best-Ever Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
• 
  Honey Glazed Ham
• 
  Gumbo Style Collard Greens

What to Serve with Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes

The creamy sweetness of these mashed sweet potatoes makes them the perfect side dish for your holiday table. Here are 15 delicious ideas to serve alongside:

1. Roast Turkey – A Thanksgiving classic!
2. Glazed Ham – Perfect for Christmas dinner.
3. Prime Rib – A rich and hearty option for the holidays.
4. Roasted Chicken – A simple yet elegant pairing.
5. BBQ Ribs – For those who like a twist on tradition.
6. Smoked Brisket – Savory brisket pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
7. Baked Salmon – The sweet potatoes balance out the rich, flaky fish.
8. Roast Pork Tenderloin – A delicious option for Christmas dinner.
9. Grilled Shrimp – Light but flavorful, shrimp is a great companion.
10. Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork – Sweet potatoes balance out the smoky flavors.
11. Meatloaf – A comforting combo for family dinners.
12. Garlic Butter Steak – A decadent pairing for a special occasion.
13. Stuffed Peppers – Serve these on the side for a lighter dish.
14. Braised Short Ribs – Tender, melt-in-your-mouth ribs with creamy sweet potatoes.
15. Roasted Vegetables – A healthy and vibrant addition to your holiday meal.

Storage Tips

Here’s how to store any leftover Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes after your holiday meal:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: These mashed sweet potatoes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How Much to Make for Holiday Gatherings

If you’re planning on serving these sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving or Christmas, a good rule of thumb is to make about 1½ pounds of sweet potatoes per person. For a large family gathering, 4-5 large sweet potatoes will fill a 9×13-inch pan and feed 8-10 people as a side dish, especially with all the other holiday sides you’ll have on the table.

How Far in Advance Can You Make Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes?

These mashed sweet potatoes are great for preparing in advance, which is a lifesaver during the busy holiday season. You can make them up to 2 days ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve. Add a little extra butter or cream during reheating to keep them rich and creamy.

Final Thoughts

For Thanksgiving or Christmas, Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate side dish that brings warmth, sweetness, happiness, and that festive flair to your holiday meal. Easy to make (super fast), customizable, and the perfect pairing for classic holiday mains and not to mention the color it brings to the table, this holiday side dish is sure to become a staple on your holiday table.

Whether you like them creamy and smooth or with a little extra texture, you’ll find that this recipe is flexible enough to suit any taste. Give it a try this holiday season and see why Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes are a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and beyond!

Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potato

Author: Aaron Brown

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: 15 minutesRest time: 5 minutesTotal time: 35 minutesServings:6 servingsCalories:270 kcal Best Season:Fall

Ingredients

• 4 lbs. sweet potatoes peeled and cut into cubes or 6 med. Sweet Potatoes
• ½ tsp sea salt, fine grain
• ¼ tsp dried thyme, optional and to taste
• 8 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup honey to taste
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon to taste
• ¼ -½ tsp ground nutmeg to taste
• Fresh ground Black Pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, can use milk for a lighter version

Instructions

1. Start by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes. Keep the cubes about the same size for even cooking. Place them in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt, then bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Let the sweet potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes until fork-tender.
2. Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, drain the water and return them to the pot. Allow them to sit for a couple of minutes to release some steam—this prevents them from becoming too watery. Using a potato masher or hand mixer, mash the sweet potatoes to your preferred texture.
3. Add softened butter and honey to the mashed sweet potatoes, mixing until fully incorporated. The butter will melt into the sweet potatoes, creating a rich, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey.
4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to mash or mix. This adds a luxurious creaminess to the sweet potatoes. Next, stir in the cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg (if using). These spices bring a warm, holiday flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully.
5. Give your mashed sweet potatoes a taste to see if the seasoning is right. If you want a sweeter taste, you can add more honey, or if you’d like a little more spice, sprinkle in some extra cinnamon or nutmeg.
6. Transfer your mashed sweet potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a festive finish. Serve them warm alongside your holiday favorites!

Notes

• If you’re planning on serving these sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving or Christmas, a good rule of thumb is to make about 1½ lbs. of sweet potatoes per person. For a large family gathering, 4-5 large sweet potatoes will fill a 9×13-inch pan and feed 8-10 people as a side dish, especially with all the other holiday sides you’ll have on the table.