As the aroma of sweet potatoes begins to fill my kitchen, I can’t help but imagine the warmth of family gatherings, laughter echoing through the halls. This Decadent Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe brings that cozy, festive comfort right to your table. Layered with thinly sliced sweet potatoes coated in a silky brown sugar sauce and hugged with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that shines as a holiday side. Not only is it easy to whip up, but you can also personalize it with toppings like crunchy pecans or fluffy marshmallows, offering a delightful twist. Whether you’re planning for Thanksgiving or Christmas feasts, this recipe will elevate your seasonal spread effortlessly. Are you ready to make your holidays even sweeter with this scrumptious side?
Why are Scalloped Sweet Potatoes a Must-Try?
Deliciously Unique: This scalloped sweet potatoes recipe is anything but ordinary, combining the rich flavors of brown sugar and warm spices to create a truly memorable dish.
Customizable Toppings: Switch up your toppings with different nuts or even extra marshmallows to match your family’s preferences and add flair to your holiday table.
Easy to Prepare: Simple steps make this recipe a breeze, ensuring you can focus on enjoying your time with loved ones while preparing a delightful side.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With its sweet and savory balance, this dish is sure to win over hearts at any gathering, just like our Coconut Shrimp Sweet or Honey Feta Sweet.
Perfect Holiday Pairing: These scalloped sweet potatoes complement a range of holiday proteins, making it an ideal addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast.
Time-Saving Delight: Prepare in advance by slicing potatoes and storing them overnight, saving you precious time on the day of your celebrations!
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need for the perfect dish!
For the Sweet Potato Layer
- Sweet Potatoes – Use medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin medallions for optimal tenderness.
- Unsalted Butter – Richness is key; if you use salted butter, adjust the added salt accordingly.
- Brown Sugar – Choose light or dark brown sugar, which helps create a rich, delicious sauce.
For the Flavorful Sauce
- Water – Essential for melding the sauce ingredients and achieving the right consistency.
- Ground Cinnamon – This warm spice is vital to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Ground Cloves – Adjust based on your preference for a deeper spice note in your scalloped sweet potatoes.
- Ground Nutmeg – Brings warmth and earthiness; feel free to modify according to your taste.
- Salt – Enhances flavor; use sparingly, especially if using salted butter.
For the Tasty Toppings
- Chopped Pecans – Adds delightful crunch and nuttiness; walnuts can be used as a substitute if desired.
- Mini Marshmallows – These create an alluring sweet, gooey topping, and you can add more for an extra toasty finish!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). This ensures the best cooking environment for your scalloped sweet potatoes, allowing them to bake evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors you’ll add. While the oven heats up, gather your ingredients and baking dish to streamline your process.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the medium-sized sweet potatoes and slice them into thin medallions, aiming for about 1/8 inch thick. Arrange the slices in a baking dish, layering them evenly for optimum cooking. You want those vibrant orange rounds to create a beautiful presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
Step 3: Make the Flavorful Sauce
In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of water. Add 1 teaspoon each of ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg, along with a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts and everything combines into a smooth, glossy sauce—about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Apply the Sauce
Once your sauce is ready, brush three-quarters of it generously over the arranged sweet potato medallions. Ensure every slice is coated, as this will enhance the flavors and help them caramelize beautifully while baking. Set the remaining sauce aside for later use.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. This gentle baking will soften the medallions while infusing them with the rich, buttery sauce.
Step 6: Add Toppings
After baking, carefully remove the foil and drizzle the remaining sauce over the sweet potatoes. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of chopped pecans and mini marshmallows on top. The dish will transform into an indulgent scalloped sweet potatoes masterpiece, ready to deliver a delightful crunch and gooey sweetness.
Step 7: Broil for Goldenness
Switch your oven to the broil setting and return the dish to the oven for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close watch to ensure the marshmallows toast to a beautiful golden brown without burning. This final step adds a toasty finish that perfectly balances with the creamy sweet potatoes beneath.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once you’ve achieved that golden perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling time will help the dish set slightly. Serve your decadent scalloped sweet potatoes warm, and watch as they become the star of your holiday table, bringing smiles with every spoonful.
Make Ahead Options
These Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can slice the sweet potatoes and store them submerged in water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to prevent browning. Additionally, you can prepare the rich brown sugar sauce and refrigerate it separately until you’re ready to bake. When it’s time to serve, simply assemble the layers in your baking dish, brush with the sauce, cover, and bake as instructed. This method not only saves you precious time on busy holiday days but keeps the sweet potatoes just as delicious and tender, ensuring a delightful addition to your festive table!
Expert Tips for Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
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Uniform Slices: Use a mandoline slicer to cut sweet potatoes evenly, ensuring consistent cooking and a beautiful presentation.
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Watch the Broil: Stay close while broiling; it only takes a minute or two for the marshmallows to turn golden brown. Too long can lead to burnt toppings.
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Prep Ahead: Slice and store sweet potatoes in water overnight to prevent browning. This makes the day of preparation a breeze.
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Optional Creaminess: For an even richer sauce, swap out the water for heavy cream. It adds depth to your scalloped sweet potatoes.
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Topping Variations: Experiment with different nuts or even crushed graham crackers for unique textures and flavors that suit your holiday table.
How to Store and Freeze Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick and comforting meal, ensuring the marshmallows retain their gooey texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze scalloped sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to enjoy at your convenience.
Reheating: Reheat portions in the microwave or oven, covered with foil, to prevent drying out. If reheating from frozen, allow extra time to warm through completely.
Final Note: Embrace the joy of leftovers, as these scalloped sweet potatoes taste delightful even after a few days!
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Variations
Feel free to get creative with your scalloped sweet potatoes to elevate them even further!
- Nut-Free: Omit pecans and marshmallows for a simple yet flavorful dish. Instead, sprinkle with breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
- Syrupy Sweet: Drizzle maple syrup before baking for added sweetness and a delightful maple flavor. It pairs beautifully with the spices!
- Herb-Infused: Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist. This brightens the dish and complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. This adds a delightful heat that contrasts with the sweet sauce, just like our zesty Coconut Shrimp Sweet.
- Creamy Twist: Replace the water in your sauce with heavy cream for a richer, more decadent dish. This variation indulges every palatable desire!
- Chocolatey Delight: For a surprising twist, mix in chocolate chips before topping with marshmallows. The sweet chocolate complements the flavors beautifully.
- Savory Delight: Add crispy bacon bits as a topping, which gives a smoky flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Graham Cracker Crunch: Replace marshmallows with crushed graham crackers for a s’mores-inspired dish that’s perfect for gatherings. It’s a sweet surprise that everyone will love!
Embrace these variations to create a dish that’s uniquely yours! For more sweet inspiration, try serving your scalloped sweet potatoes alongside our Honey Feta Sweet for an unforgettable holiday spread.
What to Serve with Decadent Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?
Nothing completes a delightful holiday dinner like the perfect accompaniments to your sweet, savory scalloped potatoes.
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Roast Turkey: The mild savory flavor of roast turkey pairs beautifully, balancing the sweetness of the scalloped sweet potatoes.
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Spiral Ham: Juicy, glazed spiral ham delivers a hearty contrast, making each bite a celebration of flavors that harmonize beautifully with your sweet dish.
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Sautéed Green Beans: Bright and crisp, sautéed green beans add a refreshing crunch and vibrant color to your holiday plate, enhancing the meal’s visual feast.
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Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their slightly bitter and nutty taste, create an exciting flavor contrast to the rich sweetness of the scalloped sweet potatoes.
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Cranberry Sauce: A tangy, vibrant cranberry sauce lends a luscious, tart twist that beautifully complements the buttery sweetness, creating a contrast that sings.
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Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender maple-glazed carrots echo the flavors in your scalloped sweet potatoes while providing a delightful pop of color.
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Sparkling Cider: To drink, pair with a chilled sparkling cider; its effervescent nature will cleanse your palate between bites and add a festive touch.
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Pumpkin Pie: For dessert, pumpkin pie offers a classic finish with warm spices that resonate with your scalloped sweet potatoes, bringing the holiday spirit full circle.
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best sweet potatoes for scalloped sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm and free of dark spots or blemishes. The skin should be smooth, with no soft spots indicating freshness. If possible, choose those with a vibrant orange color, as they usually have the best flavor and texture for baking.
What’s the best way to store leftovers from the scalloped sweet potatoes?
For sure! Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Just make sure they are completely cooled before sealing. When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave will bring them back to life, allowing those gooey marshmallows to regain their delightful texture!
Can I freeze scalloped sweet potatoes, and how?
Absolutely! To freeze, transfer your cooled scalloped sweet potatoes into a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to enjoy! For reheating from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 30-40 minutes.
What if my sweet potatoes turn mushy while baking?
Very good question! If you notice your sweet potatoes becoming mushy, it might be due to slicing them too thin. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness to ensure they maintain a firm texture. Also, avoid overbaking: keep an eye on them during the final broiling step to achieve that perfect balance of tenderness without mushiness!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Yes! If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, you can adapt this recipe by using dairy-free butter and coconut sugar for a vegan version. Additionally, if anyone at your gathering has nut allergies, you can simply skip the pecans or substitute with a suitable topping like crushed graham crackers for some added crunch.
Can I make scalloped sweet potatoes ahead of time?
You absolutely can! You can peel and slice your sweet potatoes a day in advance and keep them submerged in water in the fridge to prevent browning. Just drain and pat them dry before layering. This will save you precious time on the day of your holiday plans, allowing you to enjoy every moment with your loved ones!
Delicious Scalloped Sweet Potatoes for Cozy Holiday Feasts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Gather ingredients and baking dish.
- Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into thin medallions. Arrange slices in a baking dish.
- In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and water. Add spices and salt. Heat until melted and smooth (about 5 minutes).
- Brush three-quarters of the sauce over the sweet potato slices. Set aside the remaining sauce.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes until tender.
- Remove foil, drizzle remaining sauce, and sprinkle with pecans and marshmallows.
- Switch to broil for 1-2 minutes to toast marshmallows. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Cool for about 10 minutes before serving warm.
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