Honey Mustard Potatoes: The Perfect Sweet and Tangy Side Dish.

Sometimes the best recipes come from happy accidents in the kitchen. I was roasting potatoes for Sunday dinner when I realized I was out of my usual rosemary and olive oil combination. Scanning the pantry, I spotted honey and Dijon mustard sitting next to each other, and something just clicked. What if I combined the sweet richness of honey with the sharp tang of mustard to create a glaze for roasted potatoes? That experiment turned into one of our most requested side dishes.

These honey mustard potatoes hit that perfect sweet-savory balance that makes them irresistible. The honey caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a gorgeous golden coating, while the mustard adds complexity and prevents the sweetness from becoming overwhelming. The result is crispy-edged potatoes with creamy centers, all coated in a glaze that somehow makes them taste both familiar and completely new.

What makes this recipe particularly brilliant is its versatility and visual appeal. These potatoes pair beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to grilled pork, and they look elegant enough for company but are simple enough for weeknight dinners. Plus, they’re made with ingredients most people already have in their pantry, making them an easy go-to when you need something special but don’t want to make a trip to the store.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

3 pounds small potatoes (baby potatoes, fingerlings, or red potatoes), halved
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey Mustard Glaze:

1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Flaky sea salt for finishing

The combination of Dijon and whole grain mustard creates the perfect texture and flavor balance—smooth tanginess from the Dijon with little pops of mustard seeds from the whole grain variety. If you only have one type, you can use all Dijon, but the whole grain adds great texture.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. This temperature is crucial for getting crispy edges while ensuring the interiors become perfectly tender.

Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them completely dry. Cut them in half lengthwise—if you’re using larger potatoes, cut them into uniform chunks about 1-2 inches in size. The key is keeping them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

In a large bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until every piece is well coated. The oil helps create those crispy edges we’re after, while the salt seasons the potatoes from the outside in.

Arrange the potatoes cut-side down on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, which prevents proper browning and crisping.

Roast for 25-30 minutes without disturbing them. This initial roasting time allows the cut surfaces to develop a golden, crispy crust. Resist the urge to flip them early—patience here pays off with better texture.

While the potatoes are roasting, make your honey mustard glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, melted butter, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if using). The mixture should be smooth and well combined, with a consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

After the initial roasting time, carefully flip the potatoes so the other cut side is now facing down. Brush or drizzle about half of the honey mustard glaze over the potatoes, making sure each piece gets some coverage.

Return to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork. The glaze should be caramelized and bubbly, creating a beautiful glossy coating.

Remove from the oven and immediately brush with the remaining honey mustard glaze while the potatoes are still hot—this ensures maximum flavor absorption and creates that gorgeous shiny finish.

Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with chopped chives, parsley, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The fresh herbs add color and brightness that complements the rich glaze perfectly.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy. These potatoes are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the glaze is still slightly sticky and the edges are at their crispiest.

Flavor & Texture Notes

These honey mustard potatoes deliver a perfect balance of flavors that keeps you coming back for more. The honey provides natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the high heat, creating depth and richness without being cloying. The mustard adds sharp tanginess and slight heat that cuts through the sweetness, while the apple cider vinegar provides bright acidity that makes the whole dish feel balanced and fresh.

The texture is absolutely perfect—crispy, caramelized edges give way to fluffy, creamy interiors. The glaze creates a slightly sticky, glossy coating that clings to every surface, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite. The smoked paprika adds subtle smokiness and gorgeous color, while the fresh thyme provides earthy, aromatic notes that complement both the honey and mustard.

Each potato piece offers multiple textures and flavors: the crispy exterior, creamy interior, and that incredible sweet-tangy glaze that intensifies as it caramelizes. The combination is both comforting and sophisticated, familiar yet exciting enough to make people ask for the recipe.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispy potatoes, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before roasting, then pat them completely dry. This removes excess starch and helps achieve maximum crispiness.

Try different mustard varieties for varied flavor profiles. Spicy brown mustard adds heat, while honey mustard creates a milder, sweeter result. Beer mustard adds complexity and pairs beautifully with the honey.

Add fresh rosemary or sage along with the thyme for a more herbaceous flavor. Strip the leaves from the stems and chop them finely to prevent overpowering the dish.

For a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of chipotle powder for smoky heat. You can also brush the potatoes with sriracha mixed into the glaze.

Make this recipe work with larger potatoes by cutting them into wedges or chunks. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—larger pieces may need an extra 10-15 minutes.

For meal prep, you can roast the potatoes without the glaze up to 2 days ahead. Reheat in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes, then brush with the glaze and roast for 5 more minutes.

Storage & Make-Ahead

These potatoes are definitely best served fresh and hot from the oven when the glaze is sticky and the edges are crispy. However, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, spread leftover potatoes on a baking sheet and warm in a 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through and slightly crispy again. The glaze may darken a bit, but the flavor remains excellent.

The honey mustard glaze can be made up to a week ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just whisk it together again before using, as the ingredients may separate slightly.

You can prep the potatoes by washing, cutting, and tossing with oil and seasonings up to 4 hours ahead. Keep them covered at room temperature until ready to roast—don’t refrigerate oiled potatoes as they won’t crisp as well.

Serving Suggestions

These honey mustard potatoes pair beautifully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or grilled salmon. The sweet-tangy flavor complements both white and dark meats perfectly, while adding visual appeal to any dinner plate.

For holiday meals, these potatoes make an excellent alternative to traditional mashed or scalloped potatoes. They’re more elegant and flavorful while still being comforting and satisfying.

Serve alongside roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans for a complete side dish spread. The different flavors and textures create an interesting and varied plate.

These work wonderfully for brunch alongside eggs and bacon. The sweetness pairs surprisingly well with breakfast foods, and they add sophistication to a casual morning meal.

For entertaining, serve these potatoes in a cast-iron skillet or rustic serving bowl. The caramelized glaze looks gorgeous and rustic, perfect for casual dinner parties or family gatherings.

FAQ

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Sweet potatoes work wonderfully with this glaze and complement the honey beautifully. Cut them slightly smaller since they cook faster than regular potatoes, and reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes. Check for tenderness with a fork.

My glaze is burning before the potatoes are done. What should I do? If the glaze darkens too quickly, tent the potatoes loosely with aluminum foil and continue cooking. You can also reduce the oven temperature to 400°F and extend the cooking time slightly. Different honeys caramelize at different rates.

Can I make these without honey? You can substitute maple syrup or brown sugar mixed with a little water, but honey provides the best flavor and consistency for this recipe. Agave nectar also works, though it’s slightly less flavorful than honey.

The potatoes aren’t getting crispy. What’s wrong? Make sure your potatoes are completely dry before oiling, don’t overcrowd the pan, and ensure your oven is fully preheated. Also, resist flipping them too early—let them develop that golden crust before moving them.

Can I use pre-made honey mustard dressing? While homemade glaze tastes much better, you can thin store-bought honey mustard with a little melted butter and apple cider vinegar. Add the garlic, thyme, and paprika to boost the flavor. You’ll need about 1/2 cup of dressing plus 2 tablespoons melted butter.

These honey mustard potatoes prove that the simplest combinations often create the most memorable flavors. The sweet-tangy glaze transforms ordinary roasted potatoes into something special enough for company but easy enough for everyday dinners. With their gorgeous caramelized appearance and irresistible flavor, they’re the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight—in the best possible way. Give them a try, and I think you’ll find they become one of your most requested recipes too.