As the holidays approach, it’s time to plan your festive feasts, and this Honey Butter Sweet Potato Mash is a must-add to your autumn side dish lineup. With its rich, buttery texture and a touch of natural sweetness, this dish captures the essence of cozy, comforting flavors. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday table. Plus, with just a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients, it won’t overload your shopping list. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or a quiet dinner, this sweet potato mash is a guaranteed hit. Winner, winner, holiday dinner!

Why You’ll Love it:

Simple and Quick: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish is as easy to make as it is delicious, perfect for stress-free holiday cooking.
Balanced Sweetness: The combination of honey and butter creates a perfectly balanced sweetness, enhancing the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes without overwhelming them.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving a large holiday gathering or a small family dinner, this side dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredient Notes:

Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are mildly sweet root vegetables with vibrant orange flesh. Their natural sweetness makes them the perfect base for this comforting side dish.
Butter: You can use either salted or unsalted butter, but I prefer salted for a delicious contrast to the sweet flavors in this recipe.
Half & Half: This is a rich blend of cream and milk, offering a creamier texture than milk alone without the heaviness of heavy cream. You can usually find it near the coffee creamers in most grocery stores.
Honey: Adds a natural, floral sweetness that complements the earthy flavors of the sweet potatoes.
Cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that enhances the sweetness of the dish and adds a cozy, autumnal flavor.
Brown Sugar: Contributes a deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the honey and cinnamon.
Salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the full flavor of the sweet potatoes.
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: These nuts add a delightful crunch and a nutty richness as a garnish, making each bite more interesting.

Variations:

Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Mash: Swap out the honey for pure maple syrup and top the dish with toasted pecans for a deep, earthy flavor with a hint of caramel.
Savory Herb Sweet Potato Mash: For a savory twist, replace or combine the honey and cinnamon with fresh rosemary or thyme, and add a touch of garlic powder. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley.
Vegan Sweet Potato Mash: Make this dish dairy-free by using coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter, and substitute the half & half with full-fat coconut milk or almond milk. Agave syrup or maple syrup can be used in place of honey.
Spicy Honey Sweet Potato Mash: Add a kick by mixing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet and spicy variation that pairs well with savory mains.
Orange-Infused Sweet Potato Mash: Stir in freshly grated orange zest and a splash of orange juice to the mash for a bright, citrusy twist that enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

How to Make Sweet Potato Mash:

Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into chunks. Place the chunks in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender and easily pierced with a fork. Drain the water once the potatoes are cooked.
Mash & Mix: Return the drained sweet potatoes to the pot. Add 1/2 cup of half & half and room temperature butter. Use a potato masher to mash the sweet potatoes until smooth. Stir in honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt to taste. Continue mashing and mixing until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mash reaches your desired consistency, adding more half & half if needed.
Plate & Serve: Transfer the sweet potato mash to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped walnuts or pecans, an additional pad of butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Tips & Recipe Notes:

Choosing Sweet Potatoes: Look for sweet potatoes that are firm and have smooth skin. Avoid any with bruises or soft spots.
Consistency Adjustment: If the mash is too thick, gradually add more half & half until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, cook it on low heat for a few minutes to thicken.
Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter is at room temperature before adding it to the potatoes. This helps it blend smoothly into the mash.
Flavor Enhancements: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dash of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the mash.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the sweet potato mash a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit more half & half if needed.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of honey and brown sugar to your taste. You can start with the amounts listed and add more if you prefer a sweeter mash.
Butter Type: Use salted butter for a contrasting flavor, or unsalted butter if you prefer to control the salt level in the dish.
Nut Variations: Feel free to use different nuts based on your preference. Almonds or hazelnuts can be good substitutes for walnuts or pecans.
Garnishing: For a festive touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or even some candied ginger on top before serving.

More Side Dish Recipes You Will Love:

If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below! Your feedback is incredibly valuable. Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.