There’s something magical about the way scalloped sweet potatoes transform a simple dinner into an elegant feast. Imagine layers of tender sweet potatoes, kissed by a creamy, dreamy sauce, bubbling away in the oven, filling your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Maple Dijon Chicken and Sweet Potato Bowls It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds, promising a delightful balance of sweetness and savory goodness that’ll leave you reaching for seconds – or thirds if nobody’s watching. Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo.
I remember the first time I served scalloped sweet potatoes at a family gathering. My cousin, who usually only eats pizza and fries, took one bite and exclaimed, “Wow! This is what dreams are made of!” Little did he know he was about to dive headfirst into a world of deliciousness that would have him trading in his beloved fast food for this gourmet side dish. Thanksgiving Crescent Ring Perfect for holiday dinners or Sunday family meals, scalloped sweet potatoes elevate any occasion to extraordinary.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to impress guests without breaking a sweat
- The flavor profile combines sweetness with savory elements for an unforgettable experience
- With its beautiful golden layers, it’s sure to be the centerpiece of any dinner table
- Versatile enough to complement roasted meats or stand alone as a vegetarian delight
I once made these for Thanksgiving, and my grandmother couldn’t stop raving about them for days. For more inspiration, check out this Thanksgiving stuffed mini pumpkins recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Sweet Potatoes: Opt for firm and vibrant sweet potatoes; they add natural sweetness and stunning color.
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Heavy Cream: Use full-fat heavy cream for that luscious texture that makes every bite heavenly.
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Butter: A generous amount of butter enhances richness and flavor; I prefer unsalted to control seasoning.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; choose plump cloves for maximum flavor impact.
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Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar gives a delightful tang; feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyere.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together; don’t skimp on these!
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Thyme: Fresh thyme offers an aromatic herbaceous note; dried thyme works too if fresh isn’t available.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your scalloped sweet potatoes will bake evenly and beautifully golden.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and slice your sweet potatoes into thin rounds. Aim for uniform thickness so they cook evenly; about 1/8-inch thick works perfectly.
Create the Creamy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme until well combined. The aroma should already be enticing!
Layer It Up: In a greased baking dish, layer half of your sweet potato slices. Pour half of the creamy mixture over them before adding another layer of sweet potatoes followed by the remaining cream.
Add Cheese on Top: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of your final layer. This creates that irresistible cheesy crust everyone craves when digging in.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Enjoy the mouthwatering scent wafting through your home!
Now you have a scrumptious dish that’s sure to steal hearts (and stomachs) everywhere it goes! Prepare yourself for compliments galore as people marvel at both its taste and beauty!
You Must Know
- Scalloped sweet potatoes are not just delicious; they create a warming aroma that fills your kitchen
- The creamy, cheesy layers offer a comforting texture that pairs well with any main dish
- Make sure to slice the sweet potatoes evenly for perfect cooking
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Layer your sliced sweet potatoes with cheese and cream in a baking dish, then cover with foil. Bake for about 40 minutes before uncovering, allowing the cheese to brown beautifully for another 15 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist. You can also swap out regular cheese for goat cheese or add a sprinkle of nutmeg to elevate the flavor profile and surprise your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, place in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, ensuring you maintain that delightful creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly scalloped sweet potatoes, ensure even slicing to guarantee uniform cooking
- Avoid overcooking by checking tenderness with a fork after the initial baking time
- Adding a pinch of salt between layers enhances flavor dramatically and keeps it balanced
Creating scalloped sweet potatoes brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air while savoring every cheesy bite together. Deviled Eggs for Gatherings.
FAQ
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, but sweet potatoes add a unique sweetness and creaminess that enhances flavor.
What type of cheese works best in scalloped sweet potatoes?
Cheddar is popular, but Gruyère or even goat cheese can add delicious depth.
How long can I keep leftovers?
Leftovers last up to four days in the refrigerator when stored properly.
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Scalloped sweet potatoes are a delightful twist on a classic side dish, transforming any meal into a gourmet experience. With layers of tender sweet potatoes enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. The balance of sweetness and savory flavors creates an irresistible comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs), peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Grease a baking dish and layer half of the sweet potato slices at the bottom.
- Pour half of the creamy mixture over them and repeat with another layer of sweet potatoes followed by the remaining cream.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes; then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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