Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
If you’re searching for a side dish that delivers pure comfort with every creamy, golden spoonful, let me introduce you to Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes. This dish is silky, just sweet enough, and laced with a hint of warm honey and butter that takes humble sweet potatoes to absolutely crave-worthy status. Whether you’re looking for that knock-out holiday side or just want something a little magical for dinner tonight, these mashed sweet potatoes deserve a spot on your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes come together with just a handful of staple ingredients, yet every component plays a starring role. Each element is chosen to make those sweet potatoes sing—adding flavor, creaminess, or just the right touch of seasoning.
- Sweet Potatoes (3 pounds, peeled and cubed): The star of our show! Choose sweet potatoes with vibrant orange flesh for the best color and natural sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter (4 tablespoons): Butter is what transforms these potatoes into a velvety, luxurious mash—don’t skimp!
- Honey (3 tablespoons): Adds natural sweetness and an irresistible floral note that pairs beautifully with the rich butter.
- Whole Milk or Heavy Cream (¼ cup, warmed): Warm milk or cream yields a creamy, cloud-like mash. Heavy cream makes it extra decadent!
- Salt (½ teaspoon): A little salt balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors into harmony.
- Ground Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon, optional): Adds a whisper of warmth and depth, especially perfect for fall and holiday editions.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): Just a little pepper finishes things off with a gentle savory kick.
How to Make Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your cubed sweet potatoes and let them simmer away for about 15 to 20 minutes. The magic number for doneness is “fork-tender,” which means a fork should slip right through the potato cubes with almost no resistance.
Step 2: Drain and Return to Pot
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, drain them thoroughly and pop them right back into the warm pot. This little trick lets excess steam escape and ensures your mash won’t end up watery.
Step 3: Mash with Butter and Honey
While the sweet potatoes are steamy, add your unsalted butter and honey straight to the pot. Start mashing right away—this step helps the butter and honey melt and slip perfectly into every bite. Mash until you hit your preferred level of smoothness; a few tiny chunks are okay!
Step 4: Stir in Milk, Salt, and Cinnamon
Drizzle in your warm milk (or cream, if you’re feeling extra indulgent), sprinkle on the salt, and add cinnamon if you’d like a subtle touch of spice. Mix it all together until the Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes are creamy, dreamy, and perfectly blended.
Step 5: Taste and Season
Don’t forget to taste for seasoning! Add a grind or two of black pepper and adjust the salt if you crave a little more. If you want even more honey flavor, finish with a tiny drizzle on top.
How to Serve Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Garnishes
The finishing touches can take these mashed sweet potatoes over the top! A final swirl of honey, a generous pat of butter, or even a light sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped fresh herbs can transform this dish from simple to stunning. If you’re serving for a holiday, consider a scattering of toasted pecans for an extra-special look and crunch.
Side Dishes
Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes are best friends with all your favorite mains. Serve alongside roast chicken, turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple weeknight pork chop. They play well with green beans, garlicky sautéed spinach, or a crisp fall salad—their sweet, creamy profile rounds out any savory plate beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant twist, pipe the mash into little swirls on individual plates. Or, spoon it into a pretty serving bowl and create swoops with the back of a spoon before drizzling with honey. If you’re feeding a crowd at Thanksgiving, try serving family-style right from the pot for maximum cozy vibes—Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes are always a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes keep surprisingly well. Let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, making them perfect for weeknight meal prep or working leftover magic.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these mashed sweet potatoes are freezer-friendly. Spoon into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion, and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm the potatoes on the stovetop over low heat or use the microwave in short intervals. Stir occasionally and add a splash of milk if things get too thick. In minutes, you’ll have creamy, comforting Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes back on your table.
FAQs
Can I make Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite plant-based butter and non-dairy milk. The flavor will remain rich and satisfying with just a hint of that signature honey sweetness.
Should I peel the sweet potatoes before boiling?
Yes, peeling the sweet potatoes is recommended for the silkiest texture, but if you prefer a more rustic, earthy taste, you can leave the skins on—just be sure to scrub them well before cooking.
Can I prepare these mashed sweet potatoes ahead of time?
You sure can. Make the dish up to two days in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat gently just before serving. Add a fresh drizzle of honey and a pat of butter right before bringing to the table for maximum flavor and shine.
Is it okay to use a hand mixer to mash them?
Definitely! A hand mixer or stand mixer will create an extra fluffy, ultra-smooth consistency. Just take care not to over-mix, as sweet potatoes can become gummy if whipped too aggressively.
What if I want a deeper flavor without extra sweetness?
If you crave more depth, roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling them brings out a rich, caramelized edge. Just cube, toss with a bit of oil, roast until tender, and continue with the recipe—your Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes will have next-level flavor.
Final Thoughts
Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes are pure comfort in a bowl—golden, creamy, and impossible to resist. If you’re craving something a little special, this is the side that will leave everyone sneaking back for seconds. Whip up a batch and let this simple, sunshine-filled dish become a new favorite at your table!
Print
Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the comforting sweetness of these Honey Butter Mashed Sweet Potatoes, a perfect side dish for any occasion. Creamy, flavorful, and easy to make!
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
Other Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup whole milk or heavy cream (warmed)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cubed sweet potatoes and cook for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.
- Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Drain well and return the sweet potatoes to the warm pot. Add butter and honey, then mash until mostly smooth.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in warm milk, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until creamy and well combined. Season with black pepper and additional salt if needed. Serve warm with honey or butter on top.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and milk.
- You can also roast the sweet potatoes instead of boiling for added flavor depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg