How to Make the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

If you’re craving comfort food with a twist, scalloped sweet potatoes are the perfect dish to elevate your dinner table. Creamy, flavorful, and just the right balance of savory and sweet, this irresistible side is a game-changer you didn’t know you needed. Ready to discover your new favorite recipe? Keep reading.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ pounds sweet potatoes
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
• Large saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Foil
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease your baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray. I like using a glass dish so you can see those beautiful layers after baking.
2. Slice the sweet potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them as thinly as possible, about one eighth inch thick. A mandoline will give you consistent slices and help the dish cook more evenly, but a sharp knife and a steady hand work just fine too.
3. Create the flavor base: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and sweetly fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step helps build the flavor base of the final dish.
4. Add garlic and flour: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. You are creating a roux as the backbone of your creamy sauce. It should look like a paste without browning.
5. Add liquids and seasonings: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring to create a smooth sauce. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and thyme. I find freshly grated nutmeg gives just the right warmth, and the thyme adds an earthy brightness I love.
6. Simmer until thickened: Simmer the mixture gently for about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but still pour easily.
7. Layer the dish: Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of your prepared dish. Add one layer of sweet potatoes, slightly overlapping like shingles. Pour sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly. Continue layering until all the potatoes and sauce are used up, ending with a final generous pour of sauce on top.
8. Add cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top. If you love cheese like I do, this is where you could also add a handful of Gruyère or white cheddar for more depth.
9. Bake covered: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes to start cooking the potatoes through.
10. Uncover and finish baking: Remove foil and continue baking for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and a knife slides easily through the center.
11. Let cool slightly: Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle and the layers to hold together beautifully.

Nutrition per serving

Description

Scalloped sweet potatoes are a mouthwatering twist on a beloved comfort food classic. Picture thin slices of tender sweet potatoes bathed in a creamy, herb-infused sauce with just the right amount of golden brown crust on top. Rich and earthy, this dish combines the familiar warmth of a fall casserole with an elegant edge that makes it equally at home on a Thanksgiving table or weeknight dinner spread.

As you take your first bite, velvety layers melt in your mouth, offering subtle natural sweetness complemented by garlic, thyme, and nutmeg. The aroma alone has a way of gathering people around the kitchen, promising a hearty and satisfying experience. Scalloped sweet potatoes invite memories of cozy evenings by the fire and festive family gatherings, making any meal feel special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This scalloped sweet potatoes recipe delivers major flavor with minimal effort. It is easy to prepare in advance and makes a beautiful statement on the dinner table. The creamy sauce is packed with flavor yet balanced, making it rich without feeling heavy. Sweet potatoes are naturally nutritious and high in fiber and antioxidants, giving this dish a healthful boost.

It is also incredibly flexible. Add cheese for extra richness, or swap herbs depending on what you have on hand. Whether served solo or alongside roasted meats, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and is perfect for holidays or everyday gatherings.

Serving and Storage Tips

Scalloped sweet potatoes can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator tightly covered. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. If the top becomes too brown, simply tent the dish lightly with foil.

Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to four days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions in airtight containers for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This dish also travels well, making it a fantastic option for potlucks or family meals.

Course, Cuisine

Side Dish, American

For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and do not skip the lemon zest. Leftovers keep well for 2 days in the fridge.

FAQ

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Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Scalloped sweet potatoes are a comforting casserole featuring thinly sliced sweet potatoes baked in a creamy, herb-infused sauce with a golden cheesy crust. This rich, balanced side dish fits festive, holiday, or weekday meals alike.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 265 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 ½ pounds sweet potatoes
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
• Peel and thinly slice the sweet potatoes to about ⅛ inch thick using a mandoline slicer or sharp knife. Set aside.
• In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
• Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Sprinkle in flour, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to form a roux.
• Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking to create a smooth mixture. Add salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and thyme.
• Simmer the sauce over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
• Arrange one layer of sweet potatoes in the prepared baking dish and pour a portion of the sauce over the layer, spreading evenly.
• Repeat layering sweet potatoes and sauce until all are used, ending with sauce on top.
• Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface.
• Cover dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and potatoes are tender.
• Let cool for 10 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSodium: 320mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8g

Keyword sweet potatoes, holiday recipes, comfort food, casseroles, Thanksgiving, side dish

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