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If you crave the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crunchy comfort food, you’re going to adore this Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe. This dish turns humble sweet potatoes into a vibrant, cozy crowd-pleaser with a luscious mash infused with warm cinnamon and a zingy drizzle of hot honey. A crunchy pecan and corn flake topping adds that extra layer of texture you didn’t even know you needed, making every bite a delightful adventure. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a special weeknight treat, this casserole brings bright, bold flavor and homestyle magic to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients, each playing a special role in crafting a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect comfort food texture. From the naturally sweet, creamy potatoes to the crunchy pecan topping and the spicy sweetness of hot honey, these essentials come together effortlessly.
- Sweet potatoes (3 pounds, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes): The star ingredient, bringing natural sweetness and a velvety texture to the casserole.
- Hot honey (¾ cup, divided): Adds a lovely kick of heat balanced with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Butter (¾ cup, divided): Keeps the mash rich and adds a luscious buttery finish to the crunchy topping.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon, divided): Offers warm, comforting spice that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweet and spicy elements.
- Corn flakes (3 cups): Provides the irresistible crunch for the topping.
- Pecans (½ cup): Adds a nutty crunch and depth of flavor to the topping, complementing the sweet potatoes perfectly.
How to Make Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Boil the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole won’t stick. Then boil those perfectly peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot of water until fork tender—about 15 minutes. This soft texture is key for that creamy mash everyone loves.
Step 2: Mash Sweet Potatoes with Flavors
Drain the potatoes, then toss them back into the pot or a large bowl. Add half the hot honey, half the butter, a pinch of cinnamon, and salt. Mash everything together with a hand mixer or potato masher until smooth and beautifully blended with those warm spices and rich butter. This creates a velvety base that’s perfect for holding the crunchy topping.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Base
Spread your sweet potato mash evenly into the prepared baking dish. Seeing that smooth, inviting orange bed ready for the topping always feels like the moment the casserole comes alive.
Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
Melt the remaining butter in a medium bowl, then stir in the rest of the hot honey and cinnamon to build a sweet and spicy glaze. Crush the corn flakes and pecans together—whether in a food processor or sealed bag with a rolling pin—until they’re chunky but not powdered. Mix this crunchy combo into the warm butter mixture to coat every bit.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle that irresistible pecan-corn flake mix evenly over the mashed sweet potatoes. Bake the whole dish for 20 minutes allowing the topping to crisp up gloriously while the flavors meld. Once out of the oven, feel free to drizzle with extra hot honey for an added punch right before serving.
How to Serve Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, a light drizzle of additional hot honey sets a beautiful shiny glaze and amps up the sweet-spicy vibe. You can also sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt to contrast textures and flavors right at the table.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted turkey or chicken, making it ideal for festive dinners or weekend feasts. It also complements green vegetable sides like garlicky sautéed kale or crisp roasted Brussels sprouts, which provide a fresh, slightly bitter balance to the sweet and spicy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate this dish beyond the classic, try layering it in individual ramekins for personal servings or spoon it over a bed of quinoa for a hearty vegetarian meal. It’s also fabulous as a filling for savory-sweet hand pies or as a topping for crisp crostini for appetizers that will impress your guests with their cozy yet adventurous flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days for maximum freshness and flavor. Simply refrigerate until you’re ready for your next comforting helping.
Freezing
This Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. After baking, cool completely and wrap the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap or store in freezer-safe containers. It will keep up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To bring your casserole back to life, warm it in a 350°F oven uncovered for about 20 minutes until heated through and the topping regains some crispiness. If in a rush, microwave portions on medium power, but the oven method keeps the texture at its best.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegan?
Absolutely! Swap out the butter for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and make sure to use a vegan-friendly hot honey alternative or infuse your own spicy syrup with maple syrup and chili flakes for a similar effect.
How spicy is the hot honey in this recipe?
The heat level is pleasantly mild to moderate, offering subtle warmth rather than overpowering spice, making it accessible for those who enjoy a little kick without the burn.
Can I use other nuts in the topping?
Definitely! Walnuts or almonds work well if pecans aren’t your favorite or if you want to vary the flavor profile. Just chop them roughly and follow the recipe as usual.
Is it okay to prepare this casserole a day ahead?
Yes! Prepare the mash and topping separately and store them in the fridge. Assemble and bake it fresh on the day you want to serve for the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for corn flakes in the topping?
Crushed crackers, toasted breadcrumbs, or even crushed tortilla chips can create a great crunchy topping if you don’t have corn flakes handy. Each will add a slightly different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe is a true celebration of flavors and textures that brings warmth, excitement, and a hint of spice to a beloved classic. It’s incredibly easy to make yet impressive enough to wow your family or friends. If you’re craving a dish that combines creamy, sweet, spicy, and crunchy all in one, don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try and watch it 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 holiday side dish, combining creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a spicy-sweet honey glaze and a crunchy cornflake-pecan topping. Baked to perfection, it’s a comforting and flavorful addition to any meal that balances warmth, sweetness, and a touch of heat.
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 (¾ cup total; ½ cup in base, ¼ cup in topping)
- ¾ cup butter, divided (½ cup in base, ¼ cup in topping)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 cups corn flakes
- ½ cup pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- 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 until fork tender. Drain them well using a colander.
- Mash Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl or the cooking pot, combine the cooked sweet potatoes with ½ cup hot honey, ½ cup butter, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mash everything thoroughly using an electric hand mixer or potato masher until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Base Layer: Spread the mashed sweet potato mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping Mixture: 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.
- Prepare Crunchy Topping: Crush the corn flakes and pecans together either using a food processor or by placing them in a large ziplock bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Mix this crumbly mixture into the melted butter and honey mixture to coat.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the crunchy corn flake and pecan topping evenly over the sweet potato layer in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from oven and optionally drizzle with extra hot honey before serving for added sweetness and heat.
Notes
- If hot honey is not available, you can make it by infusing honey with chili flakes or substitute with honey and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish.
