Description

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish featuring thinly sliced sweet potatoes baked in a rich sauce of cream, milk, garlic, herbs, and cheese. Perfect for holiday dinners and family gatherings, this dish offers a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors with a golden, bubbly topping.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes

3–4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced

Sauce and Cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk (or additional cream)
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Gruyère, or a blend)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Garnish

Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even cooking of the scalloped sweet potatoes.
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the sweet potatoes about 1/8-inch thick, using a mandoline slicer if available for uniform slices that will cook evenly.
Make the Cream Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, minced garlic, thyme, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Stir in the shredded cheese until well combined to create a flavorful, creamy sauce.
Assemble the Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Layer the sweet potato slices in the dish, slightly overlapping them, then pour a portion of the cream and cheese mixture over the layer. Repeat layering sweet potatoes and cream mixture until all are used, finishing with the cream mixture on top. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to cook the potatoes and set the sauce.
Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender, and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.

Notes

Use a mandoline slicer to ensure even, thin slices of sweet potatoes for uniform cooking.
For a richer dish, substitute milk with additional heavy cream.
Mix different cheeses such as cheddar and Gruyère for more depth of flavor.
Optional nutmeg adds a warm, subtle spice but can be omitted.
The dish can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated; add a few extra minutes to baking time if baking chilled.
Leftovers store well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator; reheat in oven or microwave before serving.
Additions like onions or leeks can be layered with sweet potatoes for extra flavor and texture.
Spice up the dish with a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for heat and complexity.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: scalloped sweet potatoes, creamy sweet potato recipe, cheesy sweet potato side dish, holiday side dish, baked sweet potatoes