If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling for an easy side dish that feels special but doesn’t demand a culinary degree, let me introduce you to these Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes. They’re sweet, tangy, and caramelized to golden perfection—basically, the side dish equivalent of that little black dress that works for every occasion.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday tables, or anytime you crave a little Healthy Comfort Food, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients and turns them into oven roasted vegetables you’ll want to eat straight off the pan (no judgment here).
And the secret? A zesty Lemon Honey Glaze that makes these sweet potatoes sing. Let’s get roasting!
Why You’ll Love These Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
You know how some side dishes quietly sit on the plate, overshadowed by the main course? Yeah, this isn’t one of them. These sweet potatoes bring bold flavors—honey for natural sweetness, a punch of lemon for brightness, and a buttery glaze that makes every bite irresistible.
They’re simple enough for a Tuesday night but fancy enough to serve at Thanksgiving. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients, making them a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your comfort food cravings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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900g (2 pounds) sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
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1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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Juice and zest of 1 lemon
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¼ cup honey
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Salt to taste
How to Make Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes (Step-by-Step)
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Preheat & Prep: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a half-sheet baking pan with parchment paper. You’ll want plenty of space for those sweet potatoes to roast and get all those crispy edges.
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Chop the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Try to keep the sizes even so they cook uniformly. No one wants a tray of half-burnt, half-raw cubes.
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Make the Lemon Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the melted butter and olive oil. Let them mingle over medium heat until emulsified. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, zest, and honey. Let it simmer on low for about a minute to marry the flavors.
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Toss to Coat: Pour the glaze over the sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Toss thoroughly until every piece glistens like it’s ready for a magazine cover.
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Roast to Perfection: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even caramelization. They should be fork-tender and golden brown. If you’re a fan of extra crispy bits (who isn’t?), let them roast an additional 5 minutes.
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Serve & Savor: Serve these beauties hot, and watch them disappear. They’re sweet, tangy, buttery, and downright irresistible.
Tips for the Best Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Here’s a little tip from my kitchen to yours: don’t overcrowd your pan. Give those sweet potatoes some breathing room to roast instead of steam. It’s the key to getting those crave-worthy caramelized edges.
Also, feel free to adjust the glaze sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a more subtle honey flavor, reduce the honey by a tablespoon. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a sweet-and-spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the lemon zest.
And one more thing—fresh lemon juice makes all the difference here. Bottled juice just doesn’t bring the same bright, zesty magic.
A Little Story About My Sweet Potato Obsession
This recipe was born out of a “what do I have in the fridge?” moment on a busy weeknight. I had a few lonely sweet potatoes and a half-used lemon, and, in true Olivia fashion, I couldn’t resist adding a drizzle of honey. One bite later, I knew this wasn’t just a fridge-clearing side—it was a keeper.
Now, it’s a staple on my dinner table, and it’s made more appearances at family gatherings than I can count. There’s something about that honey-lemon glaze that makes everyone go, “What’s in these?!” (Spoiler alert: simplicity at its best.)
What to Serve with Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
These sweet potatoes are the ultimate team player when it comes to meal pairings. They shine next to roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even a juicy steak. For a vegetarian vibe, serve them alongside a hearty quinoa salad or stuffed bell peppers.
And if you’re planning a holiday feast, these make a fantastic alternative to the usual marshmallow-laden sweet potato casserole—still sweet, but fresher and lighter.
How to Store and Reheat Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and pop them back into a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. They’ll crisp up again and taste just as delicious.
You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes if you’re in a hurry. Bonus tip: toss leftovers into a salad with goat cheese and candied pecans for a next-day lunch that feels gourmet.
FAQs About Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Roast them a day ahead, store in the fridge, and reheat in the oven just before serving.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes! Maple syrup gives a deeper, earthier sweetness that’s just as delicious.
What other vegetables can I roast with these?
Carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts pair beautifully with the honey-lemon glaze. Just keep an eye on cooking times to ensure everything roasts evenly.
Is this dish considered Healthy Comfort Food?
Definitely! Sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins and fiber, and this recipe uses natural sweeteners and healthy fats—comforting without the guilt.
If you’re looking for an easy side dish that brings together sweet, tangy, and savory in every bite, these Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes will not disappoint. They’re the kind of dish that feels special but is simple enough to whip up on a whim. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or just need a flavorful veggie fix, this recipe will become a fast favorite.
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Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes are an easy and flavorful side dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with a bright and zesty lemon honey glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or when you need a healthy comfort food fix.
Ingredients
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900g (2 pounds) sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
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1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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Juice and zest of 1 lemon
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¼ cup honey
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Salt to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Peel and chop sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes of uniform size.
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In a small saucepan, combine melted butter and olive oil over medium heat. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and honey. Simmer gently for 1 minute to blend flavors.
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Toss the sweet potatoes with the glaze in a large bowl until evenly coated.
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Spread sweet potatoes in a single layer on the baking sheet.
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Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized. For crispier edges, roast an additional 5 minutes.
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Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the baking pan to ensure even roasting and caramelization.
Adjust glaze sweetness by reducing or increasing honey to taste.
Add chili flakes for a sweet-spicy twist.
Fresh lemon juice is essential for a bright, fresh flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days and reheat in oven or skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sides
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
