Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food with a vibrant twist, you’re going to fall in love with Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes. This dish transforms humble sweet potatoes into golden, creamy layers with a hint of savory richness and that irresistible caramelized top. Whether gracing a holiday table or stealing the spotlight at a casual weeknight dinner, Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes promise warmth, excitement, and an unforgettable sweet-savory balance in every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients to make Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, but every single one plays an important part in making this classic feel indulgent, colorful, and deeply flavorful. Here’s what brings the beautiful layers together:

• Sweet Potatoes: Pick firm, bright orange sweet potatoes for sweetness and color; peeling is optional, but makes for an elegant finish.
• Heavy Cream: This ensures the layers bake up silky and luxurious, balancing the potatoes’ natural sweetness.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the cream with a subtle sharpness that really wakes up the whole dish.
• Gruyère Cheese: Its nutty, melty character adds depth and that irresistible browned cheese top.
• Butter: Just a few pats contribute flavor and encourage browning for those gorgeous crispy edges.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer; don’t be shy, it brings out the best in sweet potatoes.
• Fresh Thyme: A sprinkle of thyme leaves brightens the creamy richness and creates the perfect aroma as the casserole bakes.

How to Make Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by scrubbing your sweet potatoes thoroughly and peeling them if you like a smooth look. Slice them thinly (about 1/8-inch thick) with a sharp knife or a mandoline to keep the layers tender and even. Mince your garlic, gather your cheese, chop the fresh thyme, and get everything within arm’s reach to make assembling a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Cream Mixture

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, a generous pinch of salt, black pepper, and half of the fresh thyme. Warm gently for a minute or two—just until the flavors meld, but don’t let it boil.

Step 3: Layer the Sweet Potatoes

In a greased baking dish, arrange a single layer of sweet potato slices, overlapping them slightly. Drizzle a bit of the warm cream mixture over the slices, then sprinkle a handful of Gruyère. Repeat, layering sweet potatoes, cream, and cheese, finishing with a hearty layer of cheese on top for that golden crust everyone fights over.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and let it bake for another 20 to 30 minutes, until the cream is bubbling, the sweet potatoes are tender, and the top is beautifully browned. A knife should slip easily through the layers.

Step 5: Let Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, give your Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes at least 10 minutes to settle. This helps everything firm up for perfect slices and gives the flavors time to mellow together, making every bite worth the wait.

How to Serve Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of fresh thyme or finely chopped chives adds the right pop of color and a gentle herbal note on top of the rich, crispy cheese. For extra flair, scatter a few toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds for crunch at the table just before serving.

Side Dishes

Though Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are show-stopping on their own, they’re especially dreamy alongside simply roasted meats like chicken or pork loin. For a vegetarian meal, try a crisp green salad with citrus and toasted walnuts to cut through the richness and bring everything into harmony.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stylish twist, bake individual portions in ramekins for dinner parties, or use a ring mold to cut out rounds and stack them on plates for a restaurant-worthy look. You can even serve leftovers as the base for a poached egg at brunch or tuck a square between layers of a veggie sandwich!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers of Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prep or late-night cravings.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it well with plastic and foil before freezing. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through. If you want to re-crisp the top, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes—just keep an eye so it doesn’t over-brown.

FAQs

Can I substitute another cheese for Gruyère?

Absolutely! Fontina, sharp white cheddar, or even a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella all add great melt and flavor. Feel free to use what’s easy to find or tailor the dish to your taste.

How thin should I slice the sweet potatoes?

Slices that are about 1/8-inch thick will cook evenly and layer beautifully. A mandoline makes this quick work, but a sharp knife does the trick—with thin slices, the creamy sauce can soak through every bite.

Is it possible to prepare Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the whole casserole and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a wonderful option for holidays or entertaining. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

What’s the best way to prevent a watery casserole?

Making sure the sweet potatoes are sliced thinly and baked until luscious and tender is key. Using heavy cream (not milk) helps the sauce thicken and coat the potatoes instead of separating.

Can I add extra flavors or toppings?

No rules here! A sprinkle of smoked paprika, minced rosemary, or even crispy bacon crumbles ups the flavor ante. You can also stir a little Dijon mustard into the cream for tangy zing or swap thyme for sage for an autumnal touch.

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes a spot on your table. They’re always a hit in my kitchen, whether as a comforting centerpiece or a unique addition to a holiday feast. I promise once you try these creamy, golden, flavor-packed layers, you’ll want to share this recipe with everyone you love. Let me know how yours turn out!

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