There’s nothing quite like the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crunchy in a warm, comforting side dish. If you’re looking for a show-stopper to bring to your next family gathering or holiday feast, this Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines creamy mashed sweet potatoes with the irresistible zing of hot honey and a delightfully crisp, buttery pecan and corn flake topping. Every bite feels like an inviting hug of warmth and flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem simple, but trust me, each one plays a crucial role in making this Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe sing. From the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the spicy-sweet kick of the hot honey and the satisfying crunch from the topping, it all comes together perfectly.
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes: Peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes, these are the creamy base of our casserole, offering natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- ¾ cup hot honey (divided): This unique ingredient provides the signature sweet heat—half mixed with the potatoes and half in the topping for layered flavor.
- ¾ cup butter (divided): Adds richness and smoothness, melting into both the mashed potatoes and the crunchy topping.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (divided): Brings a subtle warmth that perfectly enhances the sweet potatoes without overpowering the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Just enough to balance and elevate all the flavors without making it salty.
- 3 cups corn flakes: Crushed up for an unexpected and addictive crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
- ½ cup pecans: Adds a buttery, nutty crunch that takes the topping to the next level.
How to Make Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9 by 13-inch baking dish—this ensures your casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup easier. Then, boil the peeled, cubed sweet potatoes until they’re fork-tender, about 15 minutes. This soft texture is essential for silky mashed potatoes later on.
Step 2: Mash and Season the Sweet Potatoes
Drain those tender potatoes and toss them back into a large bowl or the cooking pot. Add half the hot honey, half the butter, a pinch of cinnamon, and salt. Use a hand mixer or potato masher to combine everything until smooth and creamy. This step is where the magic happens as the hot honey infuses every bite with that distinct sweet and spicy flavor.
Step 3: Spread the Filling
Once mashed, spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s level so the topping can bake perfectly on top and create that irresistible golden crust.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping
Melt the remaining butter in a medium bowl, then stir in the rest of the hot honey and cinnamon. In another bowl or a zipper bag, crush the corn flakes and pecans until you have a coarse crumble. Combine the crushed mixture with the buttery hot honey mix, then sprinkle this delicious topping evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes. This is the component that brings texture and a little surprise crunch to the dish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop your casserole into the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy. Once out of the oven, take a moment to drizzle extra hot honey over the top if you want to elevate the sweet heat even more. This final touch really brings out the full flavor of the Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe.
How to Serve Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or rosemary add a lovely contrast of color and a mild freshness that complements the rich casserole beautifully. You can also sprinkle a few extra pecans on top for that wow factor when serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs remarkably well with savory, protein-packed mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even grilled chicken. The contrast of spicy sweetness and hearty protein is what makes this dish a star on any dinner plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, serve individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a cozy, rustic look. You could also customize the topping by adding shredded coconut or a pinch of smoked paprika to give a twist on the classic Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before baking or after it’s cooled completely post-bake. Use an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil and freezer-safe plastic wrap. It keeps well for up to 3 months without losing that wonderful flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm it up in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly. To restore crispiness, you can broil the top for a couple of minutes, watching carefully so it doesn’t burn.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil and make sure to use a plant-based hot honey alternative or a spicy agave drizzle for a vegan-friendly version that still delivers on flavor.
What kind of hot honey works best?
A good quality hot honey with a balance of heat and sweetness works wonders here. If you’re unsure, try a milder version for less heat or a stronger one for a bold, spicy kick in your Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe.
Can I prepare this recipe without corn flakes?
If you’re out of corn flakes, crushed crispy rice cereal or panko breadcrumbs work well as substitutes for that crunchy topping texture.
Is this casserole very spicy?
Not at all! The heat from the hot honey is subtle enough to complement the dish without overwhelming the sweetness of the potatoes, making it enjoyable for most palates.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Simply swap out corn flakes for a gluten-free crunchy cereal or crushed nuts-only topping. Make sure the hot honey brand you choose is certified gluten-free to keep everything safe.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is one of those rare dishes that delights with every forkful — creamy, spicy, sweet, and crunchy all in one. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday or as a comforting weeknight side, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Go ahead, whip it up, and watch it disappear before your eyes!
Print
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 a classic comfort dish, combining creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a spicy-sweet honey glaze and a crunchy pecan and cornflake topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this recipe balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors with a satisfying texture contrast.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Base
- 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 as ½ cup for base, ¼ cup for topping and extra for drizzling)
- ¾ cup butter (divided as ½ cup for base, ¼ cup for topping)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (divided as ¼ teaspoon for base, ¼ teaspoon for topping)
- 3 cups corn flakes
- ½ cup pecans
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9 inch by 13 inch baking dish 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 and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes thoroughly using a colander.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl or back in the pot, combine the cooked sweet potatoes with ½ cup of hot honey, ½ cup of butter, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Use an electric hand mixer or potato masher to mash the mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Spread Sweet Potato Mixture: Transfer the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Prepare Topping Base: In a medium bowl, melt the remaining ¼ cup butter. Stir in the remaining ¼ cup hot honey and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon until well combined.
- Make Crunchy Topping: Crush the corn flakes and pecans together using a food processor or by placing them in a large zipper bag and crushing with a heavy rolling pin. Mix the crushed corn flakes and pecans into the melted butter and hot honey mixture until evenly coated.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the crunchy topping mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes in the baking dish, ensuring full coverage for a crispy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and drizzle with extra hot honey before serving if desired for an additional layer of spicy sweetness.
Notes
- Hot honey can be substituted or made by mixing honey with a small amount of chili flakes or hot sauce to taste.
- Make sure to drain the sweet potatoes well to avoid excess water making the casserole soggy.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the pecans lightly before crushing.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving to save time.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the oven.
