There is something truly magical about a well-made scalloped potato dish, but when you use sweet potatoes, it elevates the experience to a whole new level. The Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe brings together tender, thinly sliced sweet potatoes smothered in a creamy, garlicky, cheesy sauce that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Each bite offers the perfect balance of sweetness from the potatoes and the rich, savory elements of the cheese and cream, creating a side dish that can easily steal the spotlight at any meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside a holiday roast or a weeknight dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients, each thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From buttery garlic to creamy dairy and the natural sweetness of the potatoes, everything works in harmony to create this comforting classic.
- Sweet potatoes (3 lbs): Use firm, fresh sweet potatoes for the best texture and natural sweetness in every slice.
- Unsalted butter (4 Tbsp): Adds richness and a luscious base for sautéing the garlic.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Infuses the dish with a fragrant, savory depth.
- All-purpose flour (1 Tbsp): Helps thicken the creamy sauce for that perfect velvety texture.
- Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup): Brings a sharp, nutty finish that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Adds creaminess without overwhelming the flavors.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and decadent.
- Sea salt (1 tsp): Enhances the natural flavors and balances sweetness.
- Ground black pepper (¼ tsp): Provides a subtle, warming spice.
- Colby Jack cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts beautifully to give a gooey, cheesy finish that pulls it all together.
How to Make Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling the sweet potatoes and slicing them into thin, even rounds. Thin slices ensure the potatoes cook evenly and absorb all the creamy sauce, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture that is quintessential to the Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Roux
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. Then whisk in the flour, cooking it briefly to eliminate the raw taste. This combination forms the base that will thicken your sauce, ensuring it coats every slice perfectly.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Pour in the Parmesan cheese, whole milk, heavy whipping cream, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture continuously until it reaches a soft boil, which activates the thickening process. Remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly before stirring in the shredded Colby Jack cheese. This cooling step helps the cheese melt smoothly and prevents the sauce from becoming grainy.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Arrange the thinly sliced sweet potatoes neatly in rows inside a baking dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the sweet potatoes so every slice is generously coated. This layering ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor and luscious texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake at 400°F for 30 to 35 minutes. This allows the potatoes to become tender and absorb the sauce. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 8 to 10 minutes to let the top bubble and golden cheese form a delicious crust. Serve warm to enjoy the full comforting effect!
How to Serve Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped thyme or rosemary adds a fragrant herbal note that contrasts delightfully with the creamy dish. Alternatively, a handful of toasted pecans provides a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the scalloped sweet potatoes.
Side Dishes
This dish shines wonderfully beside simply roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. It also pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or steamed veggies, bringing a comforting balance to the meal without overpowering any flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, plate individual servings in small ramekins to create elegant, personal portions. You could also top the finished casserole with a drizzle of maple syrup for a subtle sweetness that plays up the natural sugars of the sweet potatoes, making it perfect for festive occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover scalloped sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, so leftovers often taste even better the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or stored in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, until warmed through. For quicker reheating, microwave covered portions in short intervals, stirring gently to distribute heat evenly without separating the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Regular potatoes work well in scalloped dishes but expect a different flavor profile. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and vibrant color that make this recipe uniquely delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, though the creamy texture will differ. Use plant-based milk and butter substitutes, and choose dairy-free cheese alternatives to keep the dish creamy and flavorful without dairy.
How thin should the sweet potato slices be?
Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick or thinner. Even thin slices ensure they cook evenly and soak up the sauce perfectly.
Can I prepare the dish ahead and bake it later?
Definitely! Assemble it fully, cover tightly, and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add extra baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What if I want a crispier top layer?
For a crunchier top, sprinkle extra shredded cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking and broil briefly until golden and bubbly. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy and crowd-pleasing side, the Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe should be your go-to. It’s wonderfully easy to make but yields an impressive dish that everyone will rave about. Once you’ve tasted that perfect combination of creamy cheese and naturally sweet potatoes, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe over and over again. So grab your ingredients and get ready to create something truly special!
Print
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy, cheesy scalloped sweet potatoes recipe featuring thinly sliced sweet potatoes baked in a rich Parmesan and Colby Jack cheese sauce. This comforting side dish is perfect for any holiday meal or weeknight dinner, combining sweet and savory flavors with a luscious, velvety texture.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Sauce
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into very thin rounds to ensure even cooking and tenderness in the final dish.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, sauté the unsalted butter and minced garlic until fragrant but not browned. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth paste, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Add Dairy and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, whole milk, and heavy cream along with sea salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to thicken the sauce. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before stirring in the shredded Colby Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange the thinly sliced sweet potatoes evenly in a casserole dish in rows or layers. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the sweet potatoes, ensuring all slices are well coated.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 30-35 minutes to cook the potatoes through and meld flavors.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 8-10 minutes to allow the top to brown and the sauce to thicken into a bubbly golden crust.
- Serve: Let the scalloped sweet potatoes cool slightly before serving warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, slice sweet potatoes as uniformly thin as possible.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce.
- You can substitute Colby Jack cheese with cheddar if preferred for a sharper taste.
- Covering the dish during initial baking helps steam and cook the potatoes through.
- Letting the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps thicken the sauce for easier serving.
