My favorite side dish to make during fall and winter is honey-roasted sweet potatoes. They’re warm, golden, and full of natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Every bite is soft inside with slightly crisp, sticky edges that make them so comforting.

I have made this recipe many times for both family dinners and holidays. I use olive oil, honey, and a touch of cinnamon to bring out that cozy flavor. Always roast them hot so the edges turn golden, it’s the secret to getting that perfect honey glaze.

Serving them is always easy—just add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of extra honey for shine. Some like them with a pinch of sea salt, while others love pairing them with roasted chicken or salmon. However you serve them, they always disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Naturally sweet with a golden, caramelized glaze.
• Perfect mix of crispy edges and soft, tender centers.
• Simple ingredients and ready in just 30 minutes.
• Works for both everyday dinners and holiday tables.
• Easy to customize with spices like cinnamon or paprika.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1-inch pieces)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a sweet-spicy flavor)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large cutting board for peeling and chopping
• Sharp knife for cutting even cubes
• Large mixing bowl for tossing with honey and oil
• Measuring spoons for seasonings and honey
• Baking sheet or roasting pan
• Parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup
• Spatula or tongs for flipping while roasting

How to make these roasted Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the potatoes: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into even 1-inch pieces. Place them in a large bowl.
3. Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and paprika. Pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes and toss well until evenly coated.
4. Roast: Spread the cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and caramelized on the edges.
5. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle with extra honey if desired. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for color and freshness.

Tips for Making the Best Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

• Cut evenly sized cubes – keeping the pieces the same size helps them cook evenly. Smaller cubes roast faster and caramelize better. Uneven ones may burn or stay undercooked.
• Use real honey – natural honey gives the best flavor and glossy texture. Processed or syrup-style honey can burn too quickly. A drizzle of good-quality honey makes all the difference.
• Roasting at high heat – 425°F (220°C) helps the honey and oil create crispy, caramelized edges. Lower heat will soften the potatoes, but won’t give that golden finish.
• Toss well before baking – coat each cube completely with honey and oil. This helps them roast evenly and develop that shiny glaze everyone loves.
• Flip halfway through – turning them once ensures all sides get color and caramelization. It also prevents the honey from pooling or burning in one spot.
• Add spices carefully – a little cinnamon or paprika goes a long way. You want the warm spice to enhance the flavor, not overpower the natural sweetness.

Optional Ingredients

• Butter – adds richness and makes the honey glaze extra glossy and flavorful.
• Maple syrup – swap or mix with honey for a deeper, woodsy sweetness.
• Cinnamon – gives a warm, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with honey.
• Chili flakes – add a little heat that balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Pecans or walnuts – toss them in during the last 5 minutes for crunch and nuttiness.
• Fresh rosemary – adds a savory, aromatic twist that smells amazing while roasting.

How to serve Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Easy to serve and full of flavor, these honey-roasted sweet potatoes make the perfect side dish for almost any meal. They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, baked salmon, or even a holiday turkey. The sticky-sweet glaze and golden edges make every plate look special.

You can also serve them over salads or grain bowls for a healthy, filling meal. The natural sweetness of the potatoes adds balance to savory ingredients like feta cheese, spinach, or quinoa. They work well for both lunch and dinner.

If you like a touch of freshness, drizzle a little extra honey and sprinkle chopped parsley before serving. Some people love adding a pinch of flaky salt or crushed pecans for texture. However you serve them, these sweet potatoes always bring warmth and comfort to the table.

Variations and Substitutions

Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes – replace honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness. The flavor is rich and perfect for fall meals. Great with cinnamon or nutmeg.

Savory Herb Version – skip the honey and toss with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. It turns the sweet potatoes into a savory, aromatic side dish. Delicious with roast chicken or fish.

Sweet and Spicy Twist – add a sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper with the honey. The heat balances the sweetness perfectly. Ideal for taco nights or BBQ dinners.

Butter-Glazed Potatoes – mix melted butter with honey instead of olive oil. The butter gives a richer flavor and helps the glaze stick beautifully. Perfect for holiday feasts.

Cinnamon Sugar Roasted – add cinnamon, a pinch of brown sugar, and honey. The edges caramelize beautifully, making these taste like dessert and dinner in one bite.

Balsamic Honey Roasted – add a teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to the honey glaze. It adds tang and depth, making the flavor more complex and slightly smoky.

Nutty Honey Potatoes – sprinkle chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts before baking. The nuts toast in the oven and give an irresistible crunch and warmth.

Air Fryer Version – roast at 380°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through. They cook faster and get even crispier. Great for smaller portions or quick sides.

How to Store

Let the sweet potatoes cool completely before storing them to keep them from turning mushy. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you want to store them longer, freeze them on a tray first, then move to a freezer bag. This keeps the pieces from sticking together.

How to Reheat

To bring back that caramelized texture, reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes until warm and slightly crisp again. You can also reheat in an air fryer for a faster result. For softer potatoes, the microwave works too—just heat in short intervals and drizzle with a touch of fresh honey before serving.

FAQ

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes! Maple syrup works beautifully and gives a deeper, earthy flavor. It also helps the potatoes caramelize just like honey does.

Should I peel the sweet potatoes?
It’s up to you. Peeled potatoes get a smoother texture, but leaving the skin adds fiber and helps them hold their shape better while roasting.

How do I keep the honey from burning?
Roast at 425°F and flip the potatoes halfway through. The olive oil and short cooking time help the honey caramelize instead of burning.

How do I make them spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the honey mixture. It gives the dish a nice balance of sweet and heat.

Can I make them vegan?
Yes! Simply swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. The flavor stays sweet and delicious while keeping the recipe 100% plant-based.

Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Recipe by Wasian CookeryCourse: SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

These Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes are perfectly caramelized on the outside and soft on the inside. Coated in olive oil, honey, and a hint of cinnamon, they’re sweet, golden, and full of cozy flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 1-inch pieces)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for warmth)

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for a sweet-spicy flavor)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Directions

• Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
• Prepare the potatoes: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into even 1-inch pieces. Place them in a large bowl.
• Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, salt, pepper, cinnamon, and paprika. Pour the mixture over the sweet potatoes and toss well until evenly coated.
• Roast: Spread the cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and caramelized on the edges.
• Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle with extra honey if desired. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for color and freshness.