These Roasted Honey Cinnamon Butter Sweet Potatoes transform humble sweet potatoes into a caramelized, fragrant side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any meal. The natural sweetness of the potatoes intensifies in the oven while the honey-butter-cinnamon coating creates an irresistible glaze that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Ready in just 45 minutes with minimal prep work, this dish strikes the perfect balance between impressive flavor and weeknight practicality.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortlessly Simple: Just dice, toss, and roast! The oven does all the heavy lifting while you prepare the rest of your meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of sweet potatoes with honey and cinnamon appeals to almost everyone, including picky eaters and kids.
- Versatile: Works beautifully alongside holiday meals but simple enough for regular weeknight dinners.
- Naturally Nutritious: Sweet potatoes pack a nutritional punch with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making this a treat you can feel good about serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! They become naturally sweeter when roasted, developing a caramelized exterior and tender interior. Choose firm potatoes with smooth skin for best results.
- Butter: Creates richness and helps the sweet potatoes develop that gorgeous caramelized exterior. Use unsalted butter to control the salt level yourself.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that sticky, delicious glaze. Local honey brings subtle flavor nuances that really elevate this dish.
- Cinnamon: The perfect warming spice that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes. It also makes your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly while these roast!
Variations
Different Sweeteners
Swap the honey for maple syrup for a deeper flavor profile, or try brown sugar for a more caramelized taste.
Spice It Up
Add a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger alongside the cinnamon for a more complex spice blend. A dash of cayenne creates an intriguing sweet-heat combination.
Make It Savory-Sweet
Add a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper, or even some fresh rosemary or thyme for a savory twist that still preserves the sweetness.
Add Crunch
Finish with chopped pecans or walnuts in the last 5 minutes of roasting for added texture and nutrition.
How to Make Roasted Honey Cinnamon Butter Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized cubes, about 1-inch each. Even sizes ensure they’ll cook at the same rate.
Step 2: Create the Glaze
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, and cinnamon. The warmth of the melted butter helps integrate the honey perfectly into a smooth glaze.
Step 3: Coat the Sweet Potatoes
Add your diced sweet potatoes to the honey-butter mixture and toss thoroughly until every piece is coated. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies!
Step 4: Arrange for Roasting
Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd them – this is crucial for achieving caramelization rather than steaming.
Step 5: Roast to Perfection
Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through. This ensures even browning and prevents any pieces from burning.
Step 6: Final Toss and Serve
Once roasted, toss the sweet potatoes in any glaze that’s accumulated at the bottom of the pan. This final coating adds an extra layer of flavor before serving.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Uniform Cutting: Keep your sweet potato cubes as evenly sized as possible for consistent cooking.
- Hot Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before adding the sweet potatoes. A hot oven is key to achieving that perfect caramelization.
- Proper Spacing: Use a large enough baking sheet to allow space between the pieces, or divide between two sheets if needed. Crowded potatoes will steam rather than roast.
- Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Taste Before Serving: Sometimes sweet potatoes vary in natural sweetness, so adjust the honey if needed after roasting.
How to Serve
Perfect Pairings
These sweet potatoes shine alongside roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or holiday turkey. The sweetness balances beautifully with savory main dishes.
Holiday Table Star
Add these to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread for a side dish that will upstage even the main course!
Breakfast Potential
Believe it or not, these make an incredible breakfast side with eggs and bacon, or even atop yogurt with a sprinkle of granola.
Grain Bowl Addition
Add to grain bowls with quinoa, farro, or rice, along with some greens and protein for a nutritious, satisfying meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making them possibly even more delicious the next day!
Freezing
These sweet potatoes freeze surprisingly well. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving works too, but you’ll lose some of the caramelized exterior.
If reheating from frozen, add 5-10 minutes to the reheating time, or thaw in the refrigerator overnight first.
FAQs
Can I prepare these sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can peel and dice the sweet potatoes up to 2 days in advance. Store them in water in the refrigerator to prevent browning, then drain and pat dry thoroughly before tossing with the honey-butter mixture. For maximum convenience, you can also fully prepare and roast them, then reheat before serving.
Why didn’t my sweet potatoes caramelize properly?
Three common culprits: your oven temperature might be off, the potatoes might be too crowded on the baking sheet, or they might have had too much moisture on them. Make sure to thoroughly dry the potatoes after peeling and dicing, preheat your oven completely, and give the potatoes plenty of space on the baking sheet.
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil for a dairy-free version, though you’ll lose some of the richness. Coconut oil also works beautifully and complements the sweet flavors nicely.
Are these too sweet for a regular dinner?
Not at all! While definitely on the sweeter side, these sweet potatoes balance beautifully with savory main dishes. The natural sweetness of the potatoes is enhanced rather than overwhelmed, making them a welcome accompaniment to weeknight dinners as well as special occasions.
Final Thoughts
These Roasted Honey Cinnamon Butter Sweet Potatoes have that rare quality of being both incredibly simple and genuinely impressive. They’ll make your kitchen smell amazing while they cook and bring smiles to everyone at your table. Whether for a quick weeknight side or a holiday feast, this recipe has that perfect balance of ease and impact that makes cooking a joy. Give them a try tonight – I have a feeling they’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation
PrintRoasted Honey Cinnamon Butter Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
Roasted Honey Cinnamon Butter Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and comforting side dish perfect for any occasion. With tender roasted sweet potatoes coated in buttery honey and warm cinnamon, this dish is sweet, savory, and aromatic. It’s an effortless yet flavorful recipe that pairs perfectly with main courses or can be enjoyed as a light snack.
Ingredients
- 5 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking. - Prepare the sweet potato mixture.
In a large bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes with melted butter, honey, and cinnamon. Toss everything together until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the mixture. - Bake the sweet potatoes.
Spread the coated sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. This ensures even cooking. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Stir the sweet potatoes halfway to ensure even roasting. - Toss and serve.
Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and toss them in the sauce that accumulates at the bottom of the pan. Serve immediately as a warm, comforting side dish.
Notes
- For crispier sweet potatoes, ensure there is enough space between pieces on the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation.
- To add extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of ground ginger over the potatoes before baking.
- This dish pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, glazed ham, or a fresh salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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