Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Comfort Food

Are you ready to discover a dish that combines heartwarming comfort with delightful flavors? Say hello to Scalloped Sweet Potatoes! This creamy, savory side is a fantastic twist on your classic scalloped potatoes, offering a mouthwatering mix of sweetness and richness that makes it a crowd-pleaser. Fun fact: sweet potatoes are often hailed as a nutritional powerhouse, making this dish not only indulgent but also healthy! With its simple preparation and quick cooking time, this recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings.

If you love the classic scalloped potatoes, you’re in for a treat! This version elevates the traditional dish by substituting regular potatoes with sweet ones, leading to a uniquely tasty experience that will leave your family asking for seconds. Trust me, whether you’re serving it on Thanksgiving or just as a comforting side on a Tuesday night, Scalloped Sweet Potatoes brings joy to the table. So, are you ready to tantalize your taste buds? Let’s dive into this deliciousness!

What Are Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?

Now, you might be wondering, “What exactly are scalloped sweet potatoes?” Picture this: creamy layers of sweet potatoes baked to perfection, enveloped in a rich and savory sauce that’s downright irresistible! It’s as if sweet potatoes decided to dress up for a fancy dinner party. Why the name, you ask? Well, “scalloped” refers to the method of slicing the sweet potatoes into thin rounds and layering them, which creates those charming, inviting layers that make your dish look as exciting as it tastes.

The classic saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, these scalloped sweet potatoes will win over just about anyone. So, put on your apron, grab your favorite baking dish, and let’s make this extraordinary dish that’s too good to keep to yourself!

Why You’ll Love Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

There are countless reasons why Scalloped Sweet Potatoes will become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Here are three key highlights that will make you fall head over heels:

1. Rich Flavors: The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes combined with creamy cheese and a hint of seasoning creates an explosion of flavor that’s hard to resist. Each bite is velvety and satisfying, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
2. Cost-Effective Cooking: Making this dish at home not only allows you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal but also saves you money. Sweet potatoes are generally inexpensive, and when you prepare this dish from scratch, you can enjoy generous portions without breaking the bank.
3. Endless Customization: This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! You can experiment with different cheeses, herbs, or even extra toppings like crispy breadcrumbs, taking your scalloped sweet potatoes to the next level. If you’re a fan of gratins, you’ll definitely appreciate this twist!

So, are you ready to get cooking and whip up a batch of these scrumptious scalloped sweet potatoes? I promise you won’t regret it!

How to Make Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Quick Overview

Making Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is easier than you might think! This dish is not only delicious but also comes together quickly, with a prep time of just about 15 minutes and a baking time of 45 minutes. With a creamy sauce and layered sweet potatoes, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Let’s get started!

Key Ingredients for Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

To create your delightful Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Layer the Sweet Potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced sweet potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Pour half of this mixture over the sweet potato layer.
4. Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the sweet potatoes and cream. Repeat the layers with the remaining sweet potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese, finishing with cheese on top.
5. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the sweet potatoes to soften and absorb the flavors.
6. Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the comforting goodness!

What to Serve Scalloped Sweet Potatoes With

Pair your Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with a variety of complementary dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are a few delicious suggestions:

• Roasted Chicken: A herb-marinated roast chicken makes the perfect protein pairing, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.
• Green Bean Almondine: This light and crunchy dish balances the creaminess of the scalloped sweet potatoes, providing a nice contrast.
• Fresh Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can brighten up your plate and add freshness to the meal.

Top Tips for Perfecting Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

To elevate your Scalloped Sweet Potatoes to perfection, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Uniform Slices: Ensure the sweet potatoes are sliced uniformly for even cooking. A mandoline slicer can help achieve even thickness easily.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors. Gruyere or gouda can add a gourmet touch, while pepper jack can introduce a bit of heat.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prep the dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers, storing your Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is a breeze! Allow the dish to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, simply place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If you have frozen leftovers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

With its creamy texture, flavorful layers, and delightful sweetness, Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite! Get ready to impress your loved ones and elevate your meal game with this fantastic recipe. Enjoy cooking and savor every delicious bite!

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

A creamy and savory side dish made with layers of sweet potatoes, cheese, and rich sauce, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 310

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the scalloped sweet potatoes

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced Ensure uniform slices for even cooking.
• 1 cup heavy cream Use more or less depending on desired creaminess.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Can substitute with your favorite cheese.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder Add more for stronger flavor if desired.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg Optional for added flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) Optional for garnish.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Arrange half of the sliced sweet potatoes in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them.

Making the Creamy Sauce

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Pour half of this mixture over the sweet potato layer.
2. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the sweet potatoes and cream. Repeat the layers with the remaining sweet potatoes, cream mixture, and cheese, finishing with cheese on top.

Baking

1. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the sweet potatoes to soften and absorb the flavors.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Serving

1. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the comforting goodness!

Notes

For perfecting the dish, ensure sweet potatoes are sliced uniformly. You can prep the dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking. If you have leftovers, store them tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.