Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes are creamy, buttery and perfectly sweet with a little kick from cayenne pepper. They make an easy and delicious side dish for Thanksgiving, Sunday supper, or any meal where you want something a little more special than regular mashed potatoes.

The combination of honey, salted butter, cinnamon, and a touch of cayenne pepper gives these mashed potatoes an incredible sweet and savory flavor. They’re rich and creamy without being overly sweet, making them a wonderful addition to a holiday meal.

Ingredients

• Sweet Potatoes– You will need about 3 pounds of medium sweet potatoes.
• Butter- I recommend salted butter for extra flavor. Let it soften before using it so that it will blend easily into the warm sweet potatoes.
• Honey– honey adds a little natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes and butter.
• Cinnamon– just 1/4 teaspoon adds a subtle warm spice.
• Cayenne Pepper– Don’t skip this! A small amount adds just enough heat to balance the sweetness. You can increase it if you like more spice.
• Milk or Heavy Cream– warm the milk or heavy cream before adding it. This helps keep the sweet potatoes warm and makes them easier to mash.
• Salt and pepper– simple seasoning is all these mashed potatoes need.

How To Make Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes

(More detailed instructions in recipe card below.)

1. Cook the sweet potatoes. You have 2 options for cooking the sweet potatoes.
   BOIL: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into chunks. Place them in a pot of water and boil for 15 to 20 minutes, or until fork tender. Drain well.
   BAKE: This is my preferred method because baking concentrates the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. Bake whole sweet potatoes at 375 for 60 to 75 minutes or until very tender. Let them cool enough to handle and then peel the skins off.
   
2. Mash the sweet potatoes. Place the still warm sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Add the softened butter and mash with a potato mashed until smooth. For especially smooth mashed potatoes, you can use a hand-held mixer. Be careful not to overmix them.
   
3. Add the flavor. Add the honey, salt, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and warm milk or cream. Continue mashing or mixing until smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Recipe Tips

• Bake the sweet potatoes if you have the time. The flavor is richer and more concentrated.
• Use warm milk or cream. Cold dairy can cool down the sweet potatoes and make it harder to get them creamy.
• Adjust the cayenne to taste. One quarter teaspoon gives a subtle amount of heat. Add more for a spicier flavor.
• Don’t overmix. Mix just until smooth. Overworking sweet potatoes can make them gummy.

Can I Make Them Ahead?

Yes! These mashed potatoes are a great make-ahead side dish for Thanksgiving. Prepare them as directed and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

When ready to serve, reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream if they seem too thick.

What To Serve With Honey Butter Mashed Potatoes

These sweet potatoes are especially delicious with a holiday meal They pair beautifully with:

• Buttermilk Marinated Turkey Breast
• Slow Cooker Brown Sugar and Cola Glazed Ham
• Apple Cider Glazed Roast Chicken
• Southern Cornbread Dressing
• Super Creamy Mac and Cheese
• Cheesy Green Bean Casserole