Hot Honey Sweet Potatoes: Roasted to Perfection

Hot Honey Sweet Potatoes: Roasted to Perfection

Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and earthy, making them the perfect canvas for bold flavors. Add a drizzle of hot honey, and you’ve got a side dish that’s sweet, spicy, and absolutely irresistible. Hot Honey Sweet Potatoes combine the caramelized goodness of roasted sweet potatoes with the fiery kick of hot honey, making them the perfect addition to any meal—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive holiday spread. These roasted sweet potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with a sweet heat that’ll keep you coming back for more.

In this post, we’ll show you how to roast sweet potatoes to perfection and elevate them with a simple yet flavorful hot honey glaze.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for a warm spice)

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1-2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust based on spice preference)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

Optional Garnishes:

• 2 tbsp toasted pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme or parsley (for a fresh finish)
• Crumbled feta or goat cheese (for a creamy contrast)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roasting at a high temperature helps caramelize the sweet potatoes, giving them a crispy exterior and soft, flavorful interior.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. Uniformly sized cubes ensure even roasting. Place the sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika (if using), and cinnamon (if desired). Toss until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated.

Step 3: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on a large baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded (this helps them crisp up instead of steam). Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even browning. The sweet potatoes should be golden brown and fork-tender when done.

Step 4: Make the Hot Honey Glaze

While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir continuously until the mixture begins to simmer, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Toss the Sweet Potatoes in Hot Honey

Once the sweet potatoes are perfectly roasted, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the sweet potatoes and toss gently to coat each piece evenly in the sweet and spicy glaze.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the glazed sweet potatoes to a serving dish. If desired, garnish with toasted pecans or walnuts for added crunch, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for brightness, or crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy contrast. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Sweet Potatoes

• Roast at High Heat: The secret to perfectly roasted sweet potatoes is high heat. It caramelizes the natural sugars and creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.
• Hot Honey Heat Levels: Adjust the heat level of your hot honey glaze by adding more or less hot sauce. For a milder version, use a gentler hot sauce like Sriracha, or for a bigger kick, try a spicier sauce like habanero or ghost pepper sauce.
• Add Extra Crunch: Toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts not only add texture but also complement the sweet and spicy flavors of the dish. Don’t skip this step if you want to add a nutty crunch.

Serving Suggestions

• Main Course Pairing: These Hot Honey Sweet Potatoes are a perfect side dish for roasted chicken, grilled pork, or a holiday ham. They also complement hearty mains like roasted lamb or beef tenderloin.
• Salad Topper: Add these roasted sweet potatoes to a fall-inspired salad with greens, dried cranberries, and goat cheese for a warm, flavorful contrast.
• Holiday Side Dish: Hot Honey Sweet Potatoes are a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu. The spicy-sweet glaze pairs beautifully with classic holiday flavors like turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Variations on Hot Honey Sweet Potatoes

• Hot Honey Sweet Potato Fries: For a fun twist, cut your sweet potatoes into wedges or fries and roast them at the same high temperature. Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the fries right before serving for a spicy-sweet snack or side dish.
• Spicy Maple Sweet Potatoes: Substitute some or all of the honey with maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness that pairs beautifully with the heat from the hot sauce.
• Hot Honey Sweet Potato Mash: If you prefer mashed sweet potatoes, roast them as directed and then mash them with a bit of butter and the hot honey glaze for a sweet and spicy twist on classic mashed sweet potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Hot Honey Sweet Potatoes are everything you want in a side dish—easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for adding a sweet and spicy kick to any meal. The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes combined with the sticky, spicy honey glaze creates a mouthwatering contrast that makes this dish truly irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just as part of a weeknight dinner, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your sweet potato game, these Hot Honey Sweet Potatoes are the answer. Roasted to crispy perfection and glazed with a sweet and spicy sauce, they’re a versatile side dish that pairs well with just about anything. Plus, they’re easy enough to make for weeknight dinners but special enough to serve during the holidays.

Let us know in the comments how your hot honey sweet potatoes turned out, and don’t forget to share your favorite variations! We’d love to see your creations, so be sure to tag us on social media when you make this recipe.