1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Honey Glazed Potatoes

Sweet Glazed Potatoes

Featured in Savory Side Dishes.

These tender sweet potatoes with a honey glaze are perfect for the holidays. They feature a mix of soft sweet potatoes and zesty apples, topped with a rich honey-whiskey glaze and crunchy pecans. A touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne adds a pop of cozy flavor. This dish can be prepped in advance and delivers bold, comforting tastes sure to impress your guests.

Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
Ranah
Updated on Thu, 08 May 2025 17:51:17 GMT
A close-up view of sliced apples. Pin it
A close-up view of sliced apples. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

This rich honey-glazed sweet potato creation has been a holiday fixture at my family table for generations. The mix of sweet potatoes coated in honey with sugar-coated pecans makes a knockout side that hits all the right notes of sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite.

I whipped this up during my first time hosting Thanksgiving. Guests kept bugging me for how I made it, and now I'm always told to bring this exact dish to every family celebration.

Ingredients

  • Sweet potatoes: Our main player giving natural sweetness and gorgeous orange color
  • Pecans: Bring needed crunch and nutty taste that works well with soft potatoes
  • Honey: Makes that beautiful shiny coat while adding flowery sweetness
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg: Give those familiar cozy spice touches that remind you of home
  • Cayenne pepper: Brings surprising heat that cuts through sweetness just right
  • Whiskey: Adds layers with rich caramel undertones
  • Apples: Offer tang that balances richness plus a different texture

Delicious Step-by-Step Guide

Get Those Sweet Potatoes Ready:
Pop cleaned whole sweet potatoes on foil in a 375°F oven for 45-60 minutes till somewhat soft but not mushy. Wait till they're cool enough to touch, take off the skins, and chop them up.
Whip Up Your Pecan Coating:
Cook pecans in a medium pan for 3-4 minutes until they smell good, keep moving them so they don't burn. Drop in butter and coconut oil, then mix in honey and spices. Let it bubble away for 4-5 minutes till it gets thicker and smells amazing.
Mix In The Whiskey:
Step back from the stove and slowly pour whiskey in. Don't worry when it bubbles like crazy, that's what should happen. Let it cook down for 5 more minutes till it's a bit thicker but still pourable.
Put It All Together And Bake:
Layer chunks of sweet potato with apple pieces in a greased dish. Pour your warm whiskey pecan mix all over them. Bake at 375°F for 20-30 minutes till apples get soft but don't fall apart.
A heap of sliced apples shown up close. Pin it
A heap of sliced apples shown up close. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

The whiskey really makes this dish special in my family. My grandma was famous for cooking with booze, and whenever I make this, I think about her holiday table where this dish always had the best spot.

Prep-Ahead Perks

This dish is perfect for holidays because most work can be done early. You can prep the potatoes and apples up to a day before, store them in your baking dish covered tight in the fridge. The potatoes might brown a bit but will taste the same. Just make the glaze fresh when you're ready to bake. Or you can cook the whole thing three hours before dinner and warm it up when it's time to eat.

Whiskey Makes A Difference

The dish works with any whiskey but each type changes the flavor. Makers Mark adds sweet vanilla notes that go great with honey. Irish whiskey brings a smooth, light quality that lets you taste the spices more. Bourbon, especially Bulleit, adds deep caramel and woody flavors for a richer dish. If you don't want alcohol, try apple cider with a dash of vanilla, though it won't have quite the same depth.

Serving Ideas

These sweet potatoes go great with holiday turkey or ham, but they're just as good with a basic roast chicken for a nice Sunday meal. For a full dinner, add something green and a bit bitter like cooked Brussels sprouts or kale salad to balance the sweetness. If you have any left, they're awesome for breakfast the next day. Just warm them up and put some Greek yogurt on top.

A tasty meal shown in close-up detail. Pin it
A tasty meal shown in close-up detail. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use something instead of whiskey?

Definitely! Apple juice or cider is a great alternative. You’ll still get a tasty depth of flavor.

→ How far ahead can I prepare this?

Go ahead and prep the potatoes and apples up to a day early. Keep them covered in the fridge, then bake with the glaze when ready.

→ What apples work well for this dish?

Your best bet is tart, firm apples like Cortland or Granny Smiths. They stay firm and add a nice tang.

→ What can I use instead of pecans?

If you prefer a nut-free version, swap them for pumpkin or sunflower seeds. They'll still add great crunch!

→ How should I keep any leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven for ideal texture.

Honey Glazed Potatoes

Caramelized sweet potatoes with honey, apples, and pecans make for a cozy holiday side dish.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
100 Minutes
Total Time
115 Minutes
By: Ranah

Category: Perfect Sides

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
02 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust amounts as you like)
03 2/3 cup honey
04 3 pounds sweet potatoes (about 4 big ones)
05 2 tablespoons coconut oil
06 1/4 cup whiskey (go with Bulleit, Maker's Mark, or Irish Whiskey)
07 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
09 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
10 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
11 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced tart apples (Granny Smith or Cortland work best, about 2 medium or 3 small)

Instructions

Step 01

Heat up your oven to 375°F (190°C), with the rack in the center. Clean the potatoes without peeling them, and set them whole on some foil. Lay this foil straight on the rack. Bake them for 45 minutes to an hour, until they give a bit when pressed. Once done, cool them, peel, and cut them into chunks about 3/4-inch big.

Step 02

Grab a medium pan and put it on medium heat. Toss the pecans in and toast them until they smell great, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Add the butter and coconut oil, letting it melt. Stir in honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne, and salt. Let it bubble and cook for 4-5 minutes, then carefully pour in the whiskey. Cook another 5 minutes or so. It'll still be a little thin when you're done.

Step 03

Spray a 9x9-inch baking dish or 2-quart casserole with cooking spray. Arrange the apples and sweet potatoes in the dish, mixing them up evenly. Pour the pecan glaze over everything. Slide it into the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes, just until the apples are soft and the whole thing is nicely heated through.

Notes

  1. For the freshest taste, whip up the whiskey glaze right before using it.
  2. Slice the apples and sweet potatoes up to 1 day early. Keep them covered in the fridge with plastic wrap.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x9-inch baking dish or 2-quart casserole dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Cooking spray
  • Medium skillet
  • Oven rack

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Pecans (a tree nut)
  • Butter (contains dairy)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 341
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 54 g
  • Protein: 3 g