Last Updated on November 10, 2025 by Carrie Korem, FNTP
If you’re looking for an easy and flavorful side dish, these honey-garlic roasted sweet potatoes are a must-try. They’re tender on the inside, caramelized on the outside, and coated in a buttery honey glaze that’s full of flavor from fresh thyme and roasted garlic.
This has quickly become one of our favorite ways to enjoy sweet potatoes, and it’s absolutely going on our Thanksgiving table this year. The recipe is simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for holidays and special gatherings.
Are Sweet Potatoes Healthy?
Yes, sweet potatoes are packed with nutrition. They’re rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in the body, helping support immune health and thyroid function. They also provide fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and manganese.
Unlike regular white potatoes, sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index, which means they have a gentler effect on blood sugar levels. When paired with healthy fats like ghee or butter, the absorption of beta-carotene increases, making this dish as nourishing as it is delicious.
How to Pick a Good Sweet Potato
When choosing sweet potatoes for roasting, look for ones that:
- Have smooth, firm skin with no soft spots or cracks
- Feel heavy for their size
- Are similar in size and shape so they roast evenly
Avoid sweet potatoes that have sprouts or wrinkled skin, as these are signs of age and dryness.
How to Cut a Sweet Potato for Roasting
Cutting your sweet potatoes into even pieces helps them cook evenly and caramelize beautifully. For this recipe, peel the potatoes and slice them into 1-inch-thick rounds with a sharp chef’s knife.
It’s important to remember that cutting with a sharp knife is always safer than a dull knife. Here is the knife sharpener that I’ve personally been using for over 10 years.
Try to keep each piece about the same thickness so they all roast at the same rate. If your potatoes are very large, you can cut the rounds in half.
How to Make Honey-Garlic Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch-thick rounds
- 6 tablespoons ghee, melted
- 1 ¼ teaspoons Celtic sea salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ¼ cups bone broth or meat stock
- 2 tablespoons raw honey (or maple syrup)
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder
- 6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 450°F and adjust the rack to the middle position.
- Season the sweet potatoes. In a large mixing bowl, toss the potatoes with melted ghee, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and pepper.
- Roast. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for about 30 minutes, until tender and lightly browned.
- Make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the broth, honey, arrowroot, and remaining sea salt.
- Add the garlic and glaze. Remove the pan from the oven, scatter the garlic between the potatoes, and pour the broth mixture around (not on top of) the potatoes. Roast another 15 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Finish and serve. Transfer the potatoes to a serving platter, pour the pan sauce overtop, sprinkle with thyme, and serve warm.
Recipe Tips
- Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for a cleaner, grain-free thickener.
- For a deeper flavor, try using duck fat or tallow instead of ghee.
- If you prefer your potatoes sweeter, drizzle a touch of honey over the top just before serving.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes FAQs
Should I boil sweet potatoes before roasting?
No, boiling isn’t necessary. Roasting them from raw helps develop caramelization and keeps the texture firm but creamy.
Do you have to peel sweet potatoes before roasting?
You don’t have to, but peeling them gives a smoother texture and helps the honey-garlic glaze soak in. If you prefer more fiber and a rustic feel, you can leave the skin on.
How long does it take to roast sweet potatoes?
At 450°F, it takes about 40–45 minutes total, depending on how thick you cut them. They should be fork-tender with golden edges.
More Favorite Roasted Veggies
If you’re craving more roasted veggie inspiration, you might love:
Honey-Garlic Sweet Potatoes
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6-8
- Diet: Gluten Free
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch-thick rounds
- 6 tablespoons ghee, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/4 teaspoons Celtic sea salt, divided
- 1 1/4 cups bone broth or meat stock
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder
- 6 garlic cloves peeled and smashed
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F and adjust the rack to the middle position.
Place the sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted ghee, 1 teaspoon sea salt and pepper over the potatoes and toss until coated.
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast in the oven until the bottoms are lightly browned and tender when pierced with a paring knife, about 30 minutes.
While the potatoes are roasting, whisk the broth, honey, arrowroot and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt in a small bowl.
Remove the pan from the oven and scatter the smashed garlic in-between the potatoes on the pan. Pour the broth mixture around the potatoes, avoiding the tops of the potatoes. Continue to roast until the liquid has slightly reduced, about 15 minutes. Transfer the potatoes and garlic to a serving platter and pour the sauce in the pan overtop. Sprinkle with thyme and serve.
Notes
Adapted from America’s Test Kitchen
