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If you are looking for a comforting, cozy dish that brings together the warmth of sweet potatoes with a delightful hint of spice and crunch, this Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a perfectly balanced spicy-sweet honey kick, then tops it all off with a buttery, crunchy pecan and cornflake crust. Whether it’s for a family gathering, holiday feast, or just because you deserve something delicious, this casserole will quickly become a favorite that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from building creamy texture to layering on sweet and spicy flavors, finishing with an irresistible crunchy topping that brings it all home.
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes: Peeled and cubed, they create the creamy and naturally sweet base of the dish.
- ¾ cup hot honey (divided): Adds a spicy-sweet depth that makes this casserole unforgettable—dividing it helps infuse flavor in both the mash and the topping.
- ¾ cup butter (divided): Brings rich creaminess and helps everything bind together, giving a silky mouthfeel.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (divided): Provides gentle warmth that complements the sweet potatoes and hot honey perfectly.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: A pinch is key for enhancing all the flavors without overwhelming the natural sweetness.
- 3 cups corn flakes: Crushed for that satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft potatoes.
- ½ cup pecans: Adds buttery crunch and a nutty aroma that rounds out the casserole’s flavor profile.
How to Make Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9 inch by 13 inch baking dish—it’s going to hold all the deliciousness perfectly. Next, boil the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes until fork tender, about 15 minutes. This step ensures a creamy mash that’s the heart of the casserole.
Step 2: Mash the Sweet Potatoes with Flavor
In a large bowl or the pot where you cooked the potatoes, combine half the hot honey, half the butter, a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt with the cooked sweet potatoes. Use an electric hand mixer or potato masher to create a smooth but slightly textured mash that’s bursting with subtle spice and sweetness.
Step 3: Assemble the Potato Base
Spread this luscious sweet potato mash evenly into your prepared baking dish. This sets the creamy foundation you’ll build on with the crunchy honey topping.
Step 4: Mix the Crunchy Topping
Melt the remaining butter and stir in the remaining hot honey and cinnamon, gently marrying that spicy sweetness with rich butter. Then, crush the corn flakes and pecans until you have a coarse crumb. Mix these crunchy bits into the butter and honey glaze, making a topping that’s full of contrasting textures.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the crunchy pecan and cornflake topping evenly over the sweet potato layer. Bake the casserole for 20 minutes so the topping gets golden and crisp, the perfect balance against the creamy base. When it comes out of the oven, feel free to drizzle a little extra hot honey on top for that final punch of heat and shine.
How to Serve Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted pecan halves or a few fresh thyme leaves can add a lovely fresh note and extra visual appeal. A light drizzle of additional hot honey right before serving also amps up that amazing spicy-sweet flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or simple grilled chicken. Bright, crisp green beans or a fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette make for fantastic balances to all the warmth and richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins, topped with pecan halves and a drizzle of hot honey. It’s charming and perfect for dinner parties. Alternatively, spoon it alongside a cozy bowl of chili or stew to add creaminess and subtle heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, but you’ll want to keep the crunchy topping separate if possible to stay crispy.
Freezing
You can freeze this Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe before baking. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to keep the topping crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain that lovely crunchy texture.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spiciness of the hot honey?
Absolutely! Hot honey varies in heat levels depending on the brand or how it’s made. You can control spiciness by adjusting the amount you add or drizzling on more or less according to your taste buds.
What can I substitute for corn flakes in the topping?
If you want a gluten-free option or just a different crunch, crushed gluten-free cereal, crushed pretzels, or even panko breadcrumbs make great alternatives.
Can I make this casserole vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and choose a vegan-friendly hot honey or a honey alternative with chili infused to keep that signature flavor.
Is this casserole sweet or savory?
This dish walks the line beautifully between sweet and savory, with the natural sweetness of the potatoes and honey paired with the buttery, salted crunch, and a hint of warm spice from cinnamon and the heat in the honey.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time for holiday meals?
Definitely! You can prepare the whole casserole a day before baking, cover it tightly, and keep it refrigerated. Then bake on the day you want to serve it. It’s a perfect make-ahead side for busy holiday celebrations.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a true celebration of cozy comfort food with a joyful twist that brightens up any meal. I encourage you to dive into making it for your next dinner—it’s a dish that wraps you in warmth, has just the right amount of spicy-sweet magic, and delivers unforgettable crunch with every bite. Trust me, this casserole will become one of your go-to favorites, warming hearts and plates all season long.
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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 traditional sweet potato dish, combining the natural sweetness of tender mashed sweet potatoes with a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze. Topped with a crunchy corn flakes and pecan mixture, this casserole offers a perfect balance of creamy and crispy textures, making it an ideal side for holiday meals or comfort food dinners.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
- ½ cup hot honey
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- ¾ cup hot honey, divided
- ¾ cup butter, divided
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon, divided
- 3 cups corn flakes
- ½ cup pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9 inch by 13 inch baking dish thoroughly and set it aside for later use.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil on the stovetop. Add the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes to the boiling water. Let them simmer for about 15 minutes or until they are fork tender. Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes using a colander and set aside.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the drained sweet potatoes to a large bowl or use the cooking pot again. Add ½ cup hot honey, ½ cup butter, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Using an electric hand mixer or a potato masher, mash the mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Spread Sweet Potato Mixture: Evenly spread the mashed sweet potato mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: In a medium bowl, melt the remaining ¼ cup butter. Stir in ¼ cup hot honey and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon until well combined.
- Crush and Mix Topping: Crush the corn flakes and pecans together using a food processor or place them in a large plastic zipper bag and crush with a heavy rolling pin. Mix the crushed corn flakes and pecans into the butter and hot honey mixture until thoroughly combined.
- Add Topping to Casserole: Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the layer of sweet potatoes in the baking dish, covering the entire surface.
- Bake Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. If desired, drizzle additional hot honey on top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and heat.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of hot honey used according to your preferred spice and sweetness level.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- Ensure sweet potatoes are cut uniformly for even cooking.
- Use unsalted butter if you want better control on salt content.
- This casserole can be made a day ahead and reheated before serving.
