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
Scale
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.
