If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that brings vibrant color and rich flavors to your table, you’ve got to try this Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It’s a beautiful twist on the classic scalloped potatoes, swapping in naturally sweet and creamy sweet potatoes that soak up every bit of the cheesy, garlicky sauce. This recipe creates luscious layers of tender sweet potatoes beneath a golden, crunchy topping that’s bound to become a beloved favorite whether it’s for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner. The blend of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, fragrant thyme, and a hint of nutmeg makes each bite mouthwatering and unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of everyday ingredients that combine to deliver incredible flavor and texture. Each one plays a key role, from the creamy cheeses that add sharpness and depth, to the aromatic herbs and spices that elevate the dish beyond ordinary.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: The star of the dish, offering natural sweetness and a beautiful orange hue.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Provides richness and a silky base for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to perfectly coat the potatoes.
- 1 cup milk: Adds creaminess while keeping the sauce light.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Enhances the sauce’s velvety texture.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild kick for balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle warmth that pairs wonderfully with sweet potatoes.
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese: Gives the sauce a bold, tangy flavor that melts beautifully.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty dimension to the cheese blend.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant savory note.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped: Brings an earthy, herbal brightness to each layer.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Tops the dish with a delightful golden crunch.
How to Make Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, grease the baking dish with butter so the sweet potatoes don’t stick and bake evenly. This little prep step makes all the difference in achieving that perfect tender yet firm texture.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until you can smell that lovely aroma filling your kitchen. Then, whisk in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux, which will thicken your sauce and give it body.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg for a warm, comforting flavor profile. Keep whisking for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, just enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted completely, creating a smooth, cheesy sauce that’s rich and flavorful. This sauce is the magic that ties the layers of sweet potatoes into a cohesive, indulgent dish.
Step 5: Layer the Sweet Potatoes and Sauce
Begin layering by placing half of the sliced sweet potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes and sprinkle half of the fresh thyme. Then repeat with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and thyme to build those luscious layers.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Sprinkle breadcrumbs all over the top for a crunchy, golden finish. Cover the entire dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then, take off the foil and return the dish to the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes or until the top is perfectly browned and the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, let your beautiful scalloped sweet potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving. This pause helps the sauce set just right and makes it easier to serve those perfect slices.
How to Serve Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme leaves sprinkled on top right before serving add a burst of color and an herbal aroma that complements the richness beautifully. For a touch of elegance, you can also add a few crispy fried sage leaves or a drizzle of browned butter.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs exceptionally well with roasted or grilled meats like turkey, pork tenderloin, or a simple herb-roasted chicken. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a fresh green salad tossed with tangy vinaigrette or some sautéed greens to balance the creamy texture and rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely presentation at a dinner party, prepare the scalloped sweet potatoes in individual ramekins. This makes each serving feel special and helps control portions. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted pecans between layers for an unexpected crunch and nutty depth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your scalloped sweet potatoes tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days and still taste fantastic reheated, making them an excellent option for meal prep or next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. After baking and cooling completely, wrap the dish securely with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or divide it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also use a microwave for a quicker option, but the oven will help maintain the crispy breadcrumb topping and rich texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Regular potatoes will work fine, though the flavor will be less sweet and more neutral, which can be delicious but different from the cozy warmth of sweet potatoes that this recipe highlights.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this recipe?
You can substitute the milk and cream with plant-based alternatives like oat or almond milk, and use dairy-free butter and cheese substitutes to keep things creamy while making it suitable for dairy-free diets.
How thin should I slice the sweet potatoes?
Thin slices about 1/8 inch thick are ideal. This thickness allows the potatoes to cook evenly and absorb the cheese sauce without becoming mushy or undercooked.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With some ingredient swaps like vegan cheese, plant-based milk, and butter alternatives, you can definitely transform this dish into a vegan delight. Just keep the layering and baking instructions the same for a hearty result.
What’s the best cheese combination for this recipe?
The sharp cheddar and Parmesan combo is classic and delicious because cheddar offers sharpness and meltability while Parmesan adds saltiness and nuttiness. Feel free to experiment with Gruyère or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
Final Thoughts
This Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside. It’s simple enough to whip up any day but special enough to impress guests or family around the table. Once you taste the blend of creamy cheese, tender sweet potatoes, and crispy topping, it’s sure to become a staple you’ll make again and again. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing, and your loved ones will thank you with every bite!
Print
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 25m
- Cook Time: 0h 50m
- Total Time: 1h 15m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced sweet potatoes baked in a creamy cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and aromatic seasonings. Topped with breadcrumbs and fresh thyme, this casserole is rich, comforting, and perfect as a hearty side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
Topping
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish thoroughly with a little butter to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter slowly to avoid burning.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the sauce’s aroma.
- Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, allowing it to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream carefully to ensure the mixture is smooth without lumps.
- Season Sauce: Add salt, ground black pepper, and ground nutmeg to the sauce, combining the flavors well.
- Thicken Sauce: Continue whisking the sauce for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the whisk.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted smoothly into the sauce.
- Layer Potatoes: Place half of the sweet potato slices evenly in the greased baking dish as the first layer.
- Pour Sauce: Pour half of the cheese sauce over the sweet potatoes, spreading it evenly to cover the slices.
- Add Thyme: Sprinkle half of the chopped fresh thyme leaves over the sauced potatoes to add fragrance and flavor.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat with the remaining sweet potatoes, cheese sauce, and thyme to create a second layer.
- Top with Breadcrumbs: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top of the layered casserole for a crispy topping.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes to cook the potatoes gently.
- Remove Foil and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Take the dish out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving to set the layers and enhance flavors.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, ensure to whisk constantly when adding milk and cream.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme, but use about 1 teaspoon dried.
- Breadcrumb topping can be replaced with crushed crackers for extra texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before layering the potatoes.
- Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking for easier slicing and serving.
