If you are looking to elevate a classic comfort food with a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch, this Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is going to steal your heart. The creamy mashed sweet potatoes are infused with warm cinnamon and a gentle hint of salt, then baked under a crunchy, buttery corn flakes and pecan topping that gets a delightful kick from hot honey. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration on your plate, guaranteed to bring warmth and excitement to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture in your Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. Each one plays an essential role, from the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the spicy-sweet zing of the hot honey topping.
- Sweet potatoes (3 pounds, peeled and cubed): The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and a creamy texture when mashed.
- Hot honey (¾ cup, divided): Adds a perfect blend of heat and sweetness that makes this dish stand out.
- Butter (¾ cup, divided): Brings richness and helps create the crispy topping while enhancing flavor.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon, divided): Offers warm, comforting spice that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to balance the flavors and deepen the taste of the sweet potatoes.
- Corn flakes (3 cups): Crush these to create a crunchy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling.
- Pecans (½ cup): Toasted and crushed for an earthy crunch and nutty richness.
How to Make Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Boil peeled, cubed sweet potatoes in salted water until fork tender—about 15 minutes—then drain. This step ensures your potatoes will be silky smooth when mashed, laying the foundation for creamy texture.
Step 2: Mash Sweet Potatoes with Flavor
In a large bowl or the same pot, combine the cooked potatoes with ½ cup of hot honey, ½ cup of melted butter, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. Using a hand mixer or masher, whip these together until smooth and fluffy—this is where the magic begins, as the sweet and spicy notes infuse the creamy base.
Step 3: Spread Sweet Potato Mixture in Baking Dish
Transfer the luscious sweet potato mash evenly into your prepared baking dish. This sets the stage for the irresistible topping and the final bake.
Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
Melt the remaining ¼ cup of butter in a medium bowl and stir in the remaining ¼ cup of hot honey and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Crush the corn flakes and pecans either with a food processor or by hand using a rolling pin inside a bag, then mix these crunchy bits into the butter and honey blend. This topping will add a golden, crispy contrast that elevates the entire dish.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the sweet potato layer. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the topping is bubbly and golden. For an extra drizzle of flavor, pour additional hot honey over the casserole just before serving.
How to Serve Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the beauty and flavor of your Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe with simple garnishes like fresh chopped pecans or a few sprigs of fresh thyme. These small touches can add color, texture, and an additional aromatic element that invites your guests in for a closer look.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats such as turkey, chicken, or glazed ham, making it an ideal companion for festive dinners or Sunday family meals. A crisp green salad or sautéed green beans with garlic also balance the richness perfectly, adding freshness to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins, letting each guest have their own perfectly portioned hot honey sweet potato dish. You could also layer in a bit of goat cheese or sprinkle on chopped fresh herbs before baking for a flavor boost and pretty presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors will develop even more, making for delightful next-day meals.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or holiday planning. Freeze it in a tightly sealed container or cover the baking dish well with foil and plastic wrap. It will stay good for up to 3 months, ready to bring comfort whenever you desire.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Reheating in the oven will help maintain the crispy topping; microwaving is quicker but may soften that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! The heat comes from the hot honey, so you can use regular honey if you prefer a milder sweetness or add more hot honey for extra spice depending on your taste buds.
Can I substitute corn flakes with something else for the topping?
Yes, crispy crushed pretzels, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers can replace corn flakes to provide that satisfying crunch while giving the dish a slightly different flavor profile.
Is it necessary to peel the sweet potatoes?
For the creamiest texture, peeling is recommended. However, if you prefer a rustic feel and like the added fiber, you can leave the skins on, just be sure to scrub them well before cooking.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Swap out butter for a plant-based alternative and use a vegan-friendly hot honey substitute or infused maple syrup with chili flakes to keep the spirit of the Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe intact.
How far in advance can I prepare this casserole?
You can prepare the entire casserole up to a day ahead, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and simply bake it fresh before serving. This makes Thanksgiving or holiday cooking a lot less stressful!
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is one of those beloved dishes that brings everyone to the table with eager anticipation. Its comforting sweetness paired with a spicy kick and an irresistible crunchy topping makes it a unique twist on a traditional favorite. I hope you find as much joy making and sharing it as I do eating it. Give it a try and let this recipe become a staple in your kitchen!
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Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic side dish, blending creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a spicy-sweet honey glaze, topped with a crunchy corn flake and pecan crumble. Perfect for holiday dinners or any comforting meal, this casserole offers a balance of sweetness and heat that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (divided)
Sweet Honey Butter Mixture
- ¾ cup hot honey (divided)
- ¾ cup butter (divided)
Topping
- 3 cups corn flakes
- ½ cup pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Set aside for later use.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stove. Add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes and simmer for 15 minutes or until they are fork tender. Drain the potatoes thoroughly using a colander.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes and Mix: In a large bowl or the same pot you boiled the potatoes in, combine the cooked sweet potatoes with ½ cup of hot honey, ½ cup of butter, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Use an electric hand mixer or potato masher to blend everything into a smooth and creamy mixture.
- Assemble Sweet Potato Base: Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a smooth layer as the base of your casserole.
- Make Topping Glaze: Melt the remaining ¼ cup butter in a medium bowl. Stir in the remaining ¼ cup hot honey and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon until well combined, creating a flavorful glaze for the topping.
- Prepare Crunchy Topping: Crush the corn flakes and pecans together until coarse crumbs form, either by pulsing briefly in a food processor or by placing them in a large zipper bag and using a rolling pin. Mix the crushed mixture into the honey-butter glaze until fully coated.
- Add Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes in the baking dish, covering the surface completely to create a crisp layer.
- Bake and Finish: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the topping is golden and crisp. Remove from the oven and optionally drizzle additional hot honey over the top before serving for extra sweetness and heat.
Notes
- Adjust the level of spiciness by using more or less hot honey according to your preference.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, omit the pecans and increase the corn flakes or substitute with toasted oats for crunch.
- You can prepare the sweet potatoes a day in advance and refrigerate to save time on the day of serving.
- Be sure to fully drain the sweet potatoes to avoid a watery casserole.
