If you’re craving comfort food that walks the line between scrumptiously creamy and delightfully vibrant, Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are about to become your new go-to. This dish elevates the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes into something spectacular: thin slices enveloped in a velvety, cheesy sauce, with a golden, bubbly crust that begs you to dive in. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday spreads, these Scalloped Sweet Potatoes offer a wonderful twist on the classic, pairing melt-in-your-mouth richness with an irresistible pop of color and flavor.

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Scalloped Sweet Potatoes starts with simple, real ingredients. Each component brings its own charm, whether it’s contributing creaminess, color, or those crave-worthy cheesy layers. Let’s walk through what you’ll need and why each piece matters.

Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness and vibrant orange hue create the base and beauty of the dish.
Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor to the cheese sauce, and helps golden things up in the oven.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for thickening the sauce, resulting in that classic, luscious texture.
Milk: Lightens the cream while still making a dreamy, pourable sauce.
Heavy Cream: Brings indulgent silkiness and helps the sauce cling to every slice.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers deep, tangy flavor and gorgeous meltability.
Ground Nutmeg: A dash elevates the sweet potato’s natural flavor—don’t skip this!
Salt: Balances sweetness and sharpness, tying everything together.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and a little depth to each bite.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Crowns the top with a salty, golden crust you’ll fight over.
Chopped Fresh Thyme or Rosemary (optional): These herbs are like jewelry for your Scalloped Sweet Potatoes—fresh, aromatic, and utterly inviting.

How to Make Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Start by melting your unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and let them mingle—cook for about one to two minutes, whisking constantly, until it turns a soft golden color. Slowly whisk in your milk and heavy cream, and keep stirring as the magic happens and the sauce starts to thicken up, which takes about five minutes. Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until it’s rich, smooth, and completely luscious.

Step 2: Layer the Sweet Potatoes

Now for the fun part! Grease your favorite baking dish and arrange half of your gorgeous sweet potato slices in a neat, even layer. Pour half of the warm, cheesy sauce over the potatoes, letting it trickle into all the nooks and crannies. Repeat the layering—add the remaining sweet potatoes followed by the rest of the sauce, gently smoothing everything out.

Step 3: Add Parmesan and Herbs

Shower the top with grated Parmesan cheese for incredible flavor and a toasty finish. If you’re using chopped thyme or rosemary, scatter those on as well. They bring a woodsy freshness that truly sets these Scalloped Sweet Potatoes apart.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover your masterpiece with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil to let the top get golden and bubbly—bake for about 20 minutes more. The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender and the cheesy top irresistibly browned. Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before you dig in so the flavors can settle.

How to Serve Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Garnishes

The finishing touch makes all the difference! Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary look beautiful and bring just the right pop of flavor. Try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or even a dusting of finely chopped chives for a punch of color. A swirl of freshly ground black pepper right before serving brings visual drama and a little aromatic lift that everyone loves.

Side Dishes

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes shine alongside main courses like roasted turkey, baked ham, or juicy pork tenderloin. For a lighter pairing, try them with a crisp green salad or a side of simple steamed vegetables. Their creamy, cheesy richness plays well with everything from holiday feasts to weeknight dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

For a striking presentation, you can bake these beauties in individual ramekins—every guest gets their own golden crown. Want to show off those lovely orange layers? Use a clear glass or ceramic dish. Top each serving with a small, elegant herb sprig or arrange the slices in a lovely shingled pattern before baking for a showstopper effect.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a dream for next-day meals. Store any extras in an airtight container and refrigerate; they’ll keep happily for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making each bite somehow even more delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked dish for make-ahead ease. Allow the Scalloped Sweet Potatoes to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or tightly wrap the baking dish. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the potatoes with foil and warm them in a 350 degree oven until heated through—about 20 to 30 minutes. For individual portions, a quick turn in the microwave works, but do so in short bursts to avoid overcooking. If you want the top extra crispy, finish under the broiler for a couple of minutes.

FAQs

Can I make Scalloped Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake as directed (you may need to add a few extra minutes since it’ll be starting from cold).

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite unsweetened dairy-free milk (like coconut milk or cashew milk), and use a good quality vegan cheese. The result is still creamy and delicious, so no one feels left out.

Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?

Definitely. For a smoky touch, add a handful of cooked bacon bits. For sweetness and depth, caramelized onions are fantastic. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

How thin should the sweet potato slices be?

Aim for about 1/8 inch thick for even cooking and beautiful layering. A mandoline slicer makes this super easy—just be careful with your fingers.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

You sure can. If you’re after the cozy familiarity of classic scalloped potatoes, Yukon golds or russets work perfectly—just follow the same steps. But once you’ve tried Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, you might find yourself hooked on their subtle sweetness!

Final Thoughts

I hope these Scalloped Sweet Potatoes bring as much joy to your table as they do to mine. With each bite, you get that soothing, cheesy comfort and a little taste of celebration—no matter the occasion. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe, and don’t forget to sneak a second helping for yourself!

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe

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4.9 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and comforting goodness of Scalloped Sweet Potatoes. Layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes are smothered in a rich cheese sauce, baked to perfection, and topped with a golden crust. This side dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes:

3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour, whisk in milk and cream until thickened. Remove from heat, add cheddar, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Layer the sweet potatoes: In a baking dish, layer sweet potatoes and cheese sauce.
Add toppings: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and herbs.
Bake: Cover and bake for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake for 20 more minutes until golden brown.
Rest and serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.