If you’re craving a cozy, luscious side dish that’s bursting with flavor and elevates any meal, this Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe will quickly become your new favorite comfort food. Imagine tender, thinly sliced sweet potatoes bathed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, then topped with a golden, bubbly layer of Gruyere and parmesan cheese—each bite is a perfectly balanced blend of sweetness, savory depth, and a touch of fresh thyme aroma. It’s simple to prepare but feels truly special, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to contribute distinct flavors and textures that blend harmoniously in the final dish. From the naturally sweet, velvety sweet potatoes to the creamy, garlicky sauce and savory, nutty cheeses, you’ll see how these humble components come together to create something extraordinary.
- 3 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: Thin slices cook evenly and soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2½ cups heavy whipping cream: This enriches the dish, providing a silky, luscious texture that carries the flavors.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic adds a warm, aromatic punch that brightens the cream.
- 1½ tsp salt, or to taste: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the potatoes.
- ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste: Adds just a subtle hint of heat for complexity.
- 1½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese: This cheese melts to a creamy, slightly nutty topping that’s simply irresistible.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan: Adds a salty depth and helps form that beautiful golden crust.
- Fresh thyme, for garnish: A few leaves scattered on top introduce a fresh, herbal note to finish the dish.
How to Make Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400ºF. Meanwhile, lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks and cleanup stays simple. This step sets the foundation for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Layer the Sweet Potatoes
Carefully arrange the thinly sliced sweet potatoes in an even layer inside your prepared pan. Taking your time here ensures that each slice cooks evenly and the cream can work its magic on every piece.
Step 3: Mix and Pour the Cream Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pour this luxurious mixture evenly over the layered sweet potatoes. This creamy sauce will infuse the potatoes with flavor while they bake, making every bite rich and silky.
Step 4: Bake and Stir
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. About halfway through, gently stir the potatoes to ensure even cooking and coating with the cream. This little step helps keep the potatoes nicely tender and the sauce evenly distributed.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After the initial baking, sprinkle the shredded Gruyere and grated parmesan evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden brown crust that you’ll be eager to dive into.
How to Serve Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves right before serving adds a gorgeous aromatic touch that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the dish. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference in flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Scalloped sweet potatoes make a perfect companion for roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. They also pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables, balancing the creamy richness with fresh, vibrant textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish touch, bake the scalloped sweet potatoes in individual ramekins to create personal servings that look elegant and inviting. Alternatively, try layering in a clear glass casserole dish to showcase the beautiful layers of sweet potato and cheese sauce—a real feast for the eyes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this comfort food more than once without any hassle.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish successfully by placing cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container. It’s best eaten within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through to preserve the crispy cheese topping. Alternatively, microwave reheating works for convenience but may soften the crisp crust. Adding a few fresh thyme leaves after reheating helps revive the fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes in this recipe, but the natural sweetness and vibrant color of sweet potatoes provide a unique flavor profile that makes this dish special.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try using coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream alternative and a dairy-free cheese substitute, though the texture and flavor will vary from the classic version.
How do I make sure the potatoes cook evenly?
Thin, uniform slicing is key to even cooking, and stirring the potatoes halfway through baking helps ensure every slice is coated and tender.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the dish is cold from the fridge.
What makes Gruyere cheese a good choice here?
Gruyere melts beautifully into a smooth, creamy layer with a slightly nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the potatoes perfectly. Its rich character is what gives this scalloped sweet potatoes recipe that irresistible touch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting and indulgent about this Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe that always feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy enough to make any day of the week but impressive enough to serve when you want to wow your guests. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becomes a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire, bringing joy and flavor to your table every time.
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Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This delicious Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe features thinly sliced sweet potatoes baked in a creamy garlic-infused heavy cream sauce, topped with melted Gruyere and Parmesan cheese for a rich, golden, and bubbly finish. Perfect as a comforting side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
- 3 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 1½ cups shredded Gruyere cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Sweet Potatoes: Arrange the thinly sliced sweet potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a layered base for the creamy sauce.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: In a bowl, stir together the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered sweet potatoes, ensuring all slices are coated.
- Bake Initially: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. Halfway through baking, gently stir the potatoes to evenly distribute the cream and promote even cooking.
- Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the pan carefully from the oven and sprinkle the shredded Gruyere and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let the dish cool slightly before garnishing with fresh thyme. Serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- For easier slicing, you can use a mandoline to get uniform thin sweet potato slices.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk, though the texture will be less rich.
- Ensure potatoes are thinly sliced to cook evenly within the baking time.
- Stirring halfway through baking helps to prevent sticking and ensures even distribution of the cream.
- Gruyere cheese adds a nutty flavor; you can substitute with sharp cheddar if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
