Oh, how I love a good sweet potato! And if you've ever been to Texas Roadhouse, you know their sweet potato isn't just good—it's legendary. That warm, buttery, cinnamon-sugar goodness is more than just a side dish; it's a comforting hug on a plate. For years, I've been obsessed with recreating that exact flavor at home, and after countless attempts, I've finally cracked the code. Today, I'm thrilled to share my easy copycat Texas Roadhouse Sweet Potato recipe with you, complete with that irresistible cinnamon butter topping. Get ready to bake this deliciousness in under an hour with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. This recipe promises to bring the taste of your favorite steakhouse right into your kitchen, making every meal feel a little more special.
Why This Copycat Recipe is a Must-Try
What makes the Texas Roadhouse sweet potato so incredibly special? It's that perfect harmony of a tender, fluffy baked sweet potato paired with a rich, sweet, and spiced cinnamon butter. My version captures that magic perfectly. I've focused on techniques that ensure a perfectly cooked potato every time, whether you prefer it from the oven or even an air fryer. This isn't just about replicating a dish; it's about bringing that comforting, satisfying experience to your own table with minimal fuss. It's a healthy and delicious side that complements almost any meal, and trust me, it's a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for more.
Ingredients You'll Need for Your Texas Roadhouse Sweet Potato
Gathering your ingredients for this delightful dish is simple. You won't need anything fancy, just fresh, quality produce and a few pantry staples. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how a few key ingredients transform a humble sweet potato into something extraordinary.
For the Baked Sweet Potatoes
- 2 medium to large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 to 2 pounds total), firm and unblemished
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for rubbing the skin)
- Pinch of sea salt
For the Texas Roadhouse Cinnamon Butter Sweet Potato Topping
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons honey (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds wonderful depth)
- Pinch of salt
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Sweet Potatoes at Home: Step-by-Step
Making these sweet potatoes is surprisingly easy, and I'll walk you through each step to ensure you get that perfect fluffy interior and slightly crisp skin, just like at the restaurant. Patience is key, especially when baking!
Step 1: Prepare Your Sweet Potatoes for Baking
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This higher temperature helps the sweet potatoes cook through evenly and develop that desirable texture.
- Wash and Pierce: Thoroughly wash your sweet potatoes under cold running water, scrubbing off any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Using a fork, pierce the sweet potatoes several times all over. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing them from bursting and ensuring they cook perfectly.
- Rub with Oil and Salt: Lightly rub each sweet potato with olive oil or melted butter. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully and adds a subtle richness. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over each potato. This simple step enhances their natural sweetness.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the prepared sweet potatoes directly on the oven rack. If you're concerned about any drips, you can place a baking sheet on the rack below. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are very tender when squeezed gently. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your sweet potatoes. A good test is to insert a fork; it should slide in easily with no resistance.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cinnamon Honey Butter
While your sweet potatoes are baking, this is the perfect time to create the star of the show: the Texas Roadhouse cinnamon butter sweet potato topping. This butter is what truly elevates the dish and gives it that signature flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, honey, ground cinnamon, and the optional nutmeg and salt. Make sure your butter is at room temperature; this is crucial for achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Mix Until Creamy: Using a fork, a small whisk, or even a hand mixer, mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined and beautifully creamy. You can taste it at this point and adjust the sweetness or cinnamon to your liking. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more honey. If you want more spice, add a touch more cinnamon.
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy Your Easy Texas Roadhouse Sweet Potato Copycat
Once your sweet potatoes are baked to tender perfection, it’s time for the grand finale! Carefully remove them from the oven. Slice each sweet potato lengthwise down the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through. Fluff the inside with a fork, creating a soft, inviting bed for the butter.
Generously spoon the homemade cinnamon honey butter into the center of each sweet potato. Watch as it melts beautifully into the warm, fluffy potato, creating a luscious, flavorful bite. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!
Tips & Variations for the Best Sweet Potato Recipe Like Texas Roadhouse
- Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes. Medium-sized ones tend to bake more evenly and cook faster.
- Don’t Overbake: While you want them tender, overbaking can make them mushy. Test for doneness by gently squeezing or piercing with a fork. They should yield easily.
- Softened Butter is Key: I can’t stress this enough! For the cinnamon honey butter, ensure your butter is truly softened. Cold butter won’t mix smoothly and will result in a lumpy topping.
- Adjust Sweetness: The amount of honey in the butter can be adjusted to your personal preference. Some like it sweeter, some prefer less. Feel free to experiment!
- Optional Air Fryer Method: For a quicker bake, you can use an air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the sweet potatoes as in Step 1. Air fry for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender. Cooking times may vary by air fryer model.
- Make Ahead: The cinnamon honey butter can be made a few days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best consistency.
- Savory Twist: For a savory version, omit the honey and cinnamon. Instead, mix the softened butter with minced fresh rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of garlic powder. Delicious!
FAQ
What’s in the Texas Roadhouse sweet potato topping?
The classic Texas Roadhouse sweet potato topping is a delicious blend of butter, cinnamon, and sugar. My copycat recipe uses softened unsalted butter, honey, ground cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg for that signature sweet and spiced flavor.
Can I make Texas Roadhouse sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can bake the sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave. The cinnamon honey butter can also be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator; just bring it to room temperature before serving.
Do I need to wrap sweet potatoes in foil before baking?
No, you don’t need to wrap them in foil! I prefer to bake them directly on the oven rack after rubbing them with oil and salt. This helps the skin get slightly crispy, which adds a lovely texture. Wrapping them in foil tends to steam them, resulting in a softer skin.
What are the best sweet potatoes to use for this recipe?
Look for medium to large sweet potatoes that are firm and have smooth skin. Varieties like Beauregard or Jewel sweet potatoes work wonderfully due to their sweet flavor and moist texture.
Nutritional Information
While I’m not a certified nutritionist, here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (one medium sweet potato with 2 tablespoons of cinnamon honey butter). Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Total Fat | 20-25g |
| Saturated Fat | 12-15g |
| Cholesterol | 40-50mg |
| Sodium | 50-70mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 40-50g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6-8g |
| Sugars | 20-25g |
| Protein | 4-6g |
Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber, making this a delicious and relatively healthy indulgence!
Conclusion
There you have it—my perfected recipe for Texas Roadhouse-style sweet potatoes. This dish is more than just food; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a reminder of good times, and a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. I hope you enjoy making and devouring this recipe as much as I do. It’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive holiday spread. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Happy cooking!