Name: Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Americaine
Ingredients: 3 pounds (1.4 kg) sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick; 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream; 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1 1/2 cups (175 g) gruyère cheese, shredded (divided); 1/4 cup (25 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

Imagine sinking your fork into layers of tender, caramelized Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, releasing an aromatic blend of herbs, cream, and subtle sweetness that’s utterly irresistible. Unlike traditional potato dishes, these scalloped sweet potatoes offer a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, creating a sophisticated side dish that elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. The natural sweetness of the potatoes combined with creamy sauce and savory seasonings creates a harmonious dish that’s both comforting and elegant. You’ll learn how to create perfectly tender sweet potato layers with a golden, bubbling top that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes will quickly become a family favorite for several compelling reasons. First, the contrast between the slightly firm edges and the meltingly tender centers creates an incredible textural experience that standard potato dishes simply can’t match. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the savory cream sauce, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that’s both comforting and elegant.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility – it’s impressive enough for holiday gatherings yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. The make-ahead potential means you can prepare it in advance, making entertaining stress-free. Additionally, the visual appeal of the orange-hued potatoes layered with cream and herbs makes for a stunning presentation when served.

Unlike many holiday sides that feel heavy, these sweet potato scallops manage to feel simultaneously indulgent and light, leaving room to enjoy the rest of your meal. The recipe is also foolproof, with clear instructions ensuring perfect results even for less experienced cooks.

Ingredients

For the Scalloped Sweet Potatoes:

3 pounds (1.4 kg) sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8-inch thick
2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 1/2 cups (175 g) gruyère cheese, shredded (divided)
1/4 cup (25 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

The sweet potatoes should be firm and unblemished, as they form the foundation of this dish. For the dairy components, full-fat options deliver the richest flavor and creamiest texture. The gruyère cheese adds a sophisticated nuttiness that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly, while fresh thyme provides an earthy aromatic quality that elevates the entire dish beyond basic scalloped potatoes with sweet potatoes.

Pro Tips

Uniform Slicing: The secret to perfectly cooked Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes lies in consistent thickness. Use a mandoline slicer set to 1/8-inch thickness to ensure all slices cook at the same rate. If you don’t have a mandoline, take your time with a sharp knife and aim for thin, even slices. Inconsistent thickness results in some potatoes becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.

Pre-Warming Your Dairy: Heat your cream and milk mixture with aromatics before assembling your gratin. This crucial step infuses flavor throughout the dish and helps the sweet potatoes begin cooking immediately when they hit the oven. The warm liquid also prevents the starches in the potatoes from becoming glumy, resulting in a silky-smooth sauce rather than a separated or curdled one.

Proper Resting Time: Allow your sweet potato scallop dish to rest for 15-20 minutes after removing it from the oven. This patience-testing step allows the sauce to thicken and be absorbed properly by the potatoes, ensuring perfect texture. Cutting into the dish too soon results in a runny sauce that hasn’t had time to set properly around the potato slices.

Instructions

Step 1 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter. This temperature creates the perfect environment for slow cooking the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes until tender while developing a beautiful golden top.

Step 2 In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, minced garlic, butter, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Warm over medium-low heat until the mixture just begins to simmer around the edges. Remove from heat and let steep for 10 minutes to infuse the flavors. This infused cream mixture will become the luscious sauce that transforms simple sweet potatoes into something extraordinary.

Step 3 Layer one-third of the sliced sweet potatoes in slightly overlapping rows in the prepared baking dish. Pour one-third of the cream mixture over the potatoes and sprinkle with 1/2 cup of the gruyère cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times, finishing with the remaining cream mixture and cheese.

Step 4 Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This creates a steam environment that helps cook the potatoes evenly. Bake covered for 30 minutes, allowing the potatoes to begin softening in the fragrant cream mixture.

Step 5 Remove the foil and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese and remaining gruyère over the top. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling, and the potatoes are fork-tender. The exposed top layer will develop irresistible caramelized edges.

Step 6 Allow the scalloped sweet potato casserole to rest for 15-20 minutes before serving. This rest period is crucial as it allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together perfectly. The dish will still be warm when served but will hold its shape better when portioned.

Variations

Savory Herb and Cheese: Enhance the savory profile of your Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes by incorporating fresh rosemary and sage along with the thyme. Replace half of the gruyère with smoked gouda for a subtly smoky flavor that beautifully complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes. This variation creates a more complex flavor profile perfect for serving alongside roasted meats.

Holiday Spice: Embrace seasonal flavors by adding 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, a pinch of cloves, and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to the cream mixture. Top the final dish with a streusel mixture made from 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 3 tablespoons cold butter, and 1/2 cup chopped pecans for a sweet-savory sweet potato scallop that bridges the gap between side dish and dessert.

Dietary Adaptations: Create a dairy-free version by substituting the cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk (2.5 cups total) and using a dairy-free cheese alternative. For a lighter version, replace half the cream with chicken or vegetable broth and reduce the cheese by half, adding nutritional yeast for flavor depth.

Storage and Serving

These Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For best results when reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp the top. Avoid microwave reheating which can make the texture soggy.

For serving, pair these scalloped sweet potatoes with herb-roasted turkey or glazed ham for holiday meals. They’re equally delicious alongside a simple roast chicken or grilled steak for Sunday dinner. The dish also works beautifully as part of a vegetarian spread alongside roasted vegetables and a crisp green salad.

For an impressive presentation, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a light dusting of freshly grated nutmeg just before bringing to the table. Serve in the baking dish to maintain the heat and showcase the beautiful layers of potatoes and golden cheese topping.

FAQs

Can I make these Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow the dish to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, possibly adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

Why are my scalloped sweet potatoes watery?
This typically happens if the potatoes release too much moisture during baking. Make sure to use firm, fresh sweet potatoes and don’t slice them too thick. Also, allowing the baked dish to rest for the full 15-20 minutes helps the sauce thicken properly.

Can I freeze this dish?
While possible, freezing isn’t ideal as the cream sauce may separate when thawed. If you must freeze, do so before baking, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake as directed.

What’s the difference between scalloped and au gratin potatoes?
Traditionally, scalloped potatoes don’t include cheese in the layers (only in the cream sauce), while au gratin potatoes have cheese between each layer. This recipe is technically a hybrid, offering the best of both styles.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! The cooking time remains the same, but the flavor profile will be different. For a beautiful presentation, use a mix of sweet potatoes and Yukon Gold potatoes for contrasting colors and complementary flavors.

Conclusion

These Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are comfort food at its finest — creamy, aromatic layers of sweet and savory flavors that transform a humble root vegetable into something truly special. It’s the kind of dish that brings a touch of elegance to everyday meals while still delivering the satisfaction of classic comfort food. Whether served at your holiday table or alongside a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated and approachable, making it a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire. The contrast of the creamy interior with the golden, cheesy top creates an irresistible dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

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