If you’re looking to elevate your sweet potato game, this Creamy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender, thinly sliced sweet potatoes baked gently in a velvety cream sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of cheese that melts beautifully on top. The result is a comforting, silky dish that balances natural sweetness with savory notes, perfect for holiday dinners or cozy weeknights alike. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients come together to make this dish shine. Each element plays a key role, from the rich cream that brings luscious texture to the subtle herbs and spices that add depth. The ingredients list might be short, but every item is essential for delivering the full-bodied flavor and beautiful presentation of this classic side.
- Sweet potatoes: 3 to 4 medium-sized, peeled and thinly sliced for even, tender layers.
- Heavy cream: 1½ cups to create that irresistibly creamy base, locking in moisture.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons to add richness and help develop the flavor in the sauce.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, bringing a subtle savory bite without overpowering the sweetness.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon to balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon for a gentle hint of spice that complements the creaminess.
- Onion powder: ½ teaspoon to add depth and complexity without the texture of actual onions.
- Fresh thyme: 1 teaspoon (or ½ teaspoon dried) infuses an earthy herbal note that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
- Shredded cheese (optional): 1 cup of cheddar or Gruyère, for those of you who want to take the dish’s richness to another level.
How to Make Creamy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish. This simple prep step ensures your scalloped sweet potatoes won’t stick and will cook evenly, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce
Melt your butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, which creates a warm subtle base without overpowering the dish. Next, pour in the heavy cream alongside salt, pepper, onion powder, and thyme. Heat gently, just until it starts to simmer. This creamy, flavorful sauce brings richness and a delicate herby aroma that perfectly complements the sweet potatoes.
Step 3: Layer the Sweet Potatoes
Arrange half of your thinly sliced sweet potatoes in the greased baking dish. Pour half of the cream sauce evenly over the potatoes, ensuring each slice is coated. Repeat with the remaining sweet potatoes and the rest of the cream sauce to create lovely layers ready to bake into tender perfection.
Step 4: Add Cheese for Extra Creaminess (Optional)
If you love that golden, melty cheese topping, sprinkle a cup of shredded cheddar or Gruyère over the top. This optional step adds an irresistible richness and beautiful color as it bakes, turning your scalloped potatoes into a show-stopping side dish everyone will adore.
Step 5: Bake Your Dish to Perfection
Cover your dish with foil to trap moisture and bake for 35 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden, bubbling, and just the right amount of crispy around the edges. This method guarantees tender, evenly cooked sweet potatoes with a delightfully creamy sauce that clings to each slice.
Step 6: Let It Cool and Prepare to Serve
After baking, let your scalloped sweet potatoes rest for at least 10 minutes. This pause helps the sauce thicken up, ensuring every bite is perfectly creamy rather than runny. You can garnish with a little fresh thyme at this stage to add a pop of color and fragrant finish.
How to Serve Creamy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme sprigs are an elegant finishing touch that beautify the dish and reinforce the herbal flavor. You can also sprinkle a tiny pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of freshly cracked black pepper for a subtle kick that wakes up the creamy sweetness.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. It’s also a fantastic addition to a vegetarian holiday table served alongside green beans almondine, crisp salads, or roasted brussels sprouts for a balance of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish straight from the baking dish for a comforting family-style presentation, or transfer portions into individual ramekins for a refined touch at dinner parties. You can even sneak some crispy fried sage leaves on top to double down on that warm herbaceous aroma and add texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your creamy scalloped sweet potatoes, allow any leftovers to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, just waiting to be reheated for a quick comforting meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save some for later. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It is best consumed within 2 months to retain that creamy texture and flavor integrity after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly, usually about 20 minutes. Microwaving is faster but may affect the creamy consistency, so the oven is preferred to preserve that baked goodness.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While this recipe celebrates the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, you can substitute with regular potatoes for a more classic scalloped potato dish. Keep in mind the baking time and seasoning may vary slightly.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream and butter?
Yes, you can swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a rich non-dairy creamer, and use a plant-based butter substitute. The flavor will shift slightly, but you can still achieve a creamy and delicious result.
What kind of cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar and Gruyère are excellent choices because they melt nicely and add a nutty, rich flavor. Feel free to experiment with mozzarella or Parmesan, depending on your taste preferences.
Can I prepare this dish in advance and bake it later?
Definitely! Assemble the scalloped sweet potatoes and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking to save time on the day you want to serve it.
How thin should the sweet potato slices be?
Thin slices, about â…›-inch thick, work best for even cooking and creating those tender, luscious layers. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve consistent thickness quickly and safely.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Creamy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe enough for anyone craving a side dish that feels special without requiring complicated ingredients or techniques. It balances simplicity and elegance perfectly and is sure to bring warmth and comfort to any meal. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in making and eating it as I do!
Print
Creamy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy scalloped sweet potatoes recipe is a comforting and delicious side dish featuring tender, thinly sliced sweet potatoes baked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce and topped with melty cheese. Perfect for holiday dinners or cozy weeknight meals, this dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with savory herbs and a luscious texture.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3–4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Cream Sauce
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
Topping (Optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Gruyère)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9 or 8×8 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Make Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and thyme. Heat the mixture gently until it just begins to simmer, then remove from heat.
- Layer the Potatoes: Arrange half of the thinly sliced sweet potatoes evenly in the baking dish. Pour half of the cream sauce over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining sliced sweet potatoes and cream sauce, creating two layers.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top layer for a creamy, golden crust.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then uncover and continue baking for an additional 20–25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cream is bubbling.
- Cool & Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired before serving.
Notes
- For thinner slices, use a mandoline slicer to ensure even cooking.
- Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
- Optional cheese adds richness; Gruyère offers a nuttier flavor, while cheddar delivers sharper taste.
- Letting the dish rest before serving helps the sauce set and improves texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
