If you are craving a comforting yet wonderfully flavorful side dish that brings a cozy touch to your meal, you simply must try this Smoked Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Sugar Butter Recipe. The smoky aroma seeps deeply into tender sweet potatoes, elevating their natural sweetness, while the luscious cinnamon sugar butter melts into every bite, creating an irresistible contrast of warm spices and creamy richness. This dish is the perfect blend of simplicity and soul-warming goodness that will quickly become a favorite on your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three large sweet potatoes with rough orange skin placed on a white marbled surface. Below the sweet potatoes, there are three small white bowls arranged in a loose triangle. The left bowl contains several chunks of yellow butter. The top right bowl holds light brown sugar, slightly uneven in texture. The bottom bowl has a small pile of dark brown cinnamon powder. The setup is simple with natural light, and everything is placed neatly in a clean style. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering just a few straightforward ingredients, each one plays a vital role in achieving the perfect harmony of flavor and texture in this recipe. From the vibrant, naturally sweet potatoes to the silky cinnamon-spiced butter, every element is essential to making this dish shine.

3 sweet potatoes, halved: Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for even cooking and a naturally sweet base.
1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the potatoes crisp slightly on the edges during smoking.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Enhances flavor, balancing sweetness with savory notes.
6-8 tablespoons butter, softened (regular or plant-based): The foundation of the cinnamon sugar butter, lending creamy richness.
3 tablespoons brown sugar: Delivers deep, caramel-like sweetness for an indulgent touch.
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses warm spice that complements the smoky potatoes perfectly.
Pinch of allspice: Adds a subtle depth and complexity to the butter’s flavor.
Pinch of kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the spices’ full notes.

How to Make Smoked Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Sugar Butter Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Smoker

Start by setting your smoker to a steady 225 degrees Fahrenheit. This low-and-slow approach ensures that the sweet potatoes absorb that signature smoky flavor while cooking gently until perfectly tender.

Step 2: Prepare and Season the Sweet Potatoes

Cut your sweet potatoes in half lengthwise and place them cut-side down on a sheet pan. Drizzle each half with extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to massage the oil and seasoning all over the surface, which not only coats them well but also helps unlock flavor during smoking.

Step 3: Smoke the Sweet Potatoes

Place the prepared sheet pan directly on the smoker rack. Allow the sweet potatoes to smoke undisturbed for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The goal is to achieve an internal temperature of around 205 degrees Fahrenheit, which means they’re tender through and through and infused with that incredible smoky essence.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Butter

While the sweet potatoes are working their smoky magic, mix together your softened butter with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, a pinch of allspice, and kosher salt. Stir until everything is combined into a smooth, fragrant spread that will take these potatoes to the next level.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once smoked to tender perfection, flip the sweet potatoes cut-side up. Dollop generous spoonfuls of your homemade cinnamon sugar butter on top and watch it melt deliciously into every nook. The sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors combine into a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to beat.

How to Serve Smoked Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Sugar Butter Recipe

The image shows six orange sweet potato halves, each roasted with a slightly wrinkled and shiny surface. They lie on a textured, white marbled background with some spots of dark seasoning around. Each half has a small dollop of soft brown butter melting in the center, surrounded by a light glaze with a sprinkle of coarse salt and black pepper. The sweet potatoes' edges are slightly browned, giving them a roasted look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a bit of crunch and visual appeal, consider topping the potatoes with toasted pecans or chopped walnuts. A sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped parsley also adds a refreshing herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the sweet and smoky layers.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with grilled meats like brisket or chicken, a crisp green salad, or even a festive roasted vegetable platter. The richness of the cinnamon sugar butter makes these sweet potatoes a fantastic companion to more savory or smoky mains.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your smoked sweet potatoes as individual servings in small cast iron skillets or even stuffed into warm tortillas with a drizzle of honey and a pinch of chili flakes for a sweet-spicy twist. These ideas turn a simple side into a show-stopping star.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover smoked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cinnamon sugar butter separate and add fresh each time you reheat for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the smoked sweet potatoes by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, place the sweet potatoes in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. Adding the cinnamon sugar butter just before serving keeps that fresh, melty appeal alive.

FAQs

Can I use a regular oven instead of a smoker?

Absolutely! While smoking adds a unique depth of flavor, roasting sweet potatoes in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until tender will still produce delicious results. You can even add a touch of smoked paprika to mimic that smoky vibe.

What if I don’t have allspice? Can I leave it out?

Yes, the pinch of allspice adds subtle warmth but isn’t essential. If you skip it, you can try substituting a tiny amount of nutmeg or cloves to maintain complexity.

Is plant-based butter a good substitute?

Definitely. Using a plant-based butter works beautifully and keeps the recipe dairy-free while still delivering that creamy cinnamon sugar coating everyone loves.

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are done?

The best way is to check their internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should read around 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Alternatively, pierce them with a fork or skewer; they should feel soft and tender inside.

Can I make the cinnamon sugar butter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the butter mixture a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature and give it a quick stir before serving to keep it spreadable.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Smoked Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon Sugar Butter Recipe enough. It’s simple to make, yet the flavors are anything but ordinary. Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or something special to impress guests, these smoked sweet potatoes deliver warmth, comfort, and a touch of indulgence in every bite. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with a new twist on a classic side dish!