Crispy Accordion Sweet Potatoes with Hot Honey Butter

Imagine a sweet potato that's crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. This accordion-style preparation is a showstopper, with its dramatic fan shape and caramelized edges.

The hot honey butter, made with butter, honey, and chili flakes, seeps into every fold, creating a glaze that's both sticky and spicy. It's the kind of side dish that turns a simple dinner into an occasion.

This recipe transforms humble sweet potatoes into a spectacular side dish. The accordion cut not only looks impressive but also maximizes the surface area, so you get more crispy edges and more places for the hot honey butter to pool.

Roasting at a high temperature caramelizes the natural sugars, while the cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth. The hot honey butter, drizzled over the top, brings a delightful kick that balances the sweetness. Whether served alongside a roast chicken or as a vegetarian main, these potatoes are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Why this recipe works

The accordion cut is the secret to this dish's success. By slicing the potato in a crisscross pattern, you create a dramatic fan shape that exposes more surface area to the oven's heat.

This means more caramelization, more crispiness, and more nooks and crannies for the hot honey butter to cling to. The result is a potato that's crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every bite.

Roasting at 400°F (200°C) is the ideal temperature for achieving that perfect contrast. The high heat quickly caramelizes the sugars on the surface, creating a golden crust, while the inside steams and becomes soft.

The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the sweet potato's natural earthiness, and the sea salt flakes provide a savory counterpoint. The hot honey butter, with its combination of butter, honey, and chili flakes, is a simple yet brilliant sauce that elevates the dish to new heights.

Notes and substitutions

Choose sweet potatoes that are similar in size and shape for even cooking. Look for ones that are firm and free of blemishes. The chopsticks are essential for guiding your knife and preventing you from cutting all the way through, so make sure they are sturdy and long enough to support the potato. If you don't have chopsticks, you can use wooden skewers or even two thick pens.

The hot honey butter is a versatile sauce that can be used on roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even drizzled over cornbread. For a milder version, reduce the chili flakes, or omit them entirely for a pure honey butter. Fresh thyme adds a lovely herbal note, but you can substitute with dried thyme or rosemary if that's what you have on hand. The key is to serve the potatoes immediately after drizzling, so they stay crispy.

• sweet potatoes: regular potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold) for a less sweet version; adjust salt accordingly
• pure honey: maple syrup for a vegan option (ensure butter is replaced with vegan butter)
• red chili flakes: cayenne pepper (use less) or a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky heat
• butter: vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version

Equipment

• Sharp chef's knife
• 2 chopsticks
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small saucepan
• Pastry brush (optional)