Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 6-8 · Technique: Roasting · Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Quick Answer
These Roasted Honey Cinnamon Butter Sweet Potatoes combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with honey and cinnamon for a perfect holiday side dish.
As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, there's a stirring excitement in New York City-Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. There's something magical about the seasonal flavors that emerge this time of year, and one dish that steals the spotlight is the Roasted Honey Cinnamon Butter Sweet Potatoes. This dish marries the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with rich, indulgent honey and fragrant cinnamon, making it the perfect accompaniment for any holiday feast.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season with its sweet and fragrant flavors.
- Simple and quick to prepare, making it an ideal side dish for busy holiday cooking.
- Provides a delicious way to enjoy nutritious sweet potatoes.
- Versatile enough to adapt with different spices or toppings for a unique twist.
- Leftovers are great for meal prep and can easily be reheated.
Ingredients
This recipe requires just a few simple ingredients that make a big impact.
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 large sweet potatoes (preferably Garnet yams)
Honey Cinnamon Butter Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Roasted Honey Cinnamon Butter Sweet Potatoes (Step-by-Step)
Follow these easy steps to create a wonderfully flavorful holiday side dish.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This warmth will help kickstart the caramelization process.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and peel them. If you prefer, you can leave the skin on for a heartier texture. Cut them into 1-inch cubes to ensure even roasting.
Step 3: Make the Magic Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until well blended and glossy. The aroma will fill your kitchen and set the festive mood.
Step 4: Combine and Coat
Toss the sweet potato cubes in the honey-butter mixture until every piece is well-coated. Using your hands makes for great coverage and a fun experience in the kitchen.
Step 5: Roast
Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are fork-tender and beautifully caramelized.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a serving dish, drizzling any remaining honey-butter mixture on top for extra sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting the sweet potatoes unevenly for uniform cooking.
- Overcrowding the baking sheet, which leads to steaming instead of roasting.
- Not stirring halfway through the roasting process for even caramelization.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Add some crunch by topping the sweet potatoes with chopped pecans or walnuts before roasting.
- Experiment with spices; a pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper can add unexpected warmth.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes and honey mixture a day in advance to save time on busy holiday prep days.
Variations
- Use different types of sweet potatoes, such as Japanese or white sweet potatoes.
- Substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweetener flavor.
- Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrus twist.
How to Serve
- Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle with leftover honey-butter mixture.
- Serve alongside roasted meats for a balanced holiday feast.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sweet potatoes and the honey mixture a day in advance. Toss them together just before roasting.
- Storage: Leftover roasted sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through, or use the microwave if short on time.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as it can affect the texture.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Testing this recipe reminded me of the joy of simplicity in the kitchen. Each ingredient shines through, creating a comforting dish that embodies the spirit of the season. I also learned that roasting brings out the natural sweetness in sweet potatoes, enhancing their flavor beautifully, perfect for my Thanksgiving table.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~220 calories · 2g protein · 36g carbs · 8g fat
Recipe by:
Roasted Honey Cinnamon Butter Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into 1-inch cubes.
- In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until well blended and glossy.
- Toss the sweet potato cubes in the honey-butter mixture until every piece is well-coated.
- Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a serving dish and drizzle any remaining honey-butter mixture on top.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use orange sweet potatoes instead of Garnet yams?
Yes, you can use any variety of sweet potatoes you prefer! Orange sweet potatoes will still provide a delicious flavor.
2. What can I substitute for honey if I'm looking for a vegan option?
You can replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly alternative.
3. Can I prepare this recipe in advance for the holidays?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and honey mixture up to a day in advance. Toss them together and roast them just before serving.
4. How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done roasting?
The sweet potatoes are done when they are fork-tender and have a nice caramelized glaze. You can also check for a golden-brown color.
5. Are there any other spices I can add to enhance the flavor?
Yes! A pinch of nutmeg or even a dash of cayenne pepper can add additional warmth and depth to the dish.
