My grandma’s scalloped sweet potatoes were always the talk of the Thanksgiving table. The way the creamy, cheesy sauce enveloped the tender, caramelized sweet potatoes was nothing short of heavenly. Even as a kid, I couldn’t get enough of this dish – it was the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and indulgent. To this day, it’s the one recipe I crave every fall season.
Why This Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
The secret to perfectly cooked scalloped sweet potatoes is all in the technique. By thinly slicing the potatoes and layering them with a rich, creamy sauce, you end up with a dish that’s crispy on top, meltingly tender throughout, and bursting with flavor in every bite. The key is to cook the potatoes low and slow, allowing the flavors to meld together seamlessly.
The use of both cheddar and Parmesan cheeses adds a delightful complexity, while the fragrant thyme and garlic provide the perfect aromatic backdrop. And by brushing the top with melted butter, you create a beautifully caramelized crust that takes this dish to the next level.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this scalloped sweet potatoes recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll need just a handful of high-quality ingredients to create something truly special:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced – The star of the show! Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a creamy, velvety texture when cooked low and slow.
- 2 cups heavy cream – This rich, velvety cream forms the base of the sauce, adding unparalleled richness and creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For that classic cheesy flavor that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Parmesan lends a savory, nutty depth that balances the sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – Brushing the top with melted butter is the secret to achieving that irresistible golden-brown crust.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic adds an aromatic backbone that elevates the entire dish.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Thyme provides a warm, earthy note that ties all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – A pinch of salt enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – A touch of pepper provides a subtle heat that balances the richness.
Step-by-Step Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Instructions
Preparing Your Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
Prep time for this recipe is just 15 minutes, and the total cook time is 50 minutes, for a total time of 65 minutes. You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a sharp knife, a mandoline slicer (if you have one), and a mixing bowl.
1- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Peel and thinly slice the sweet potatoes using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for even, uniform slices.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced sweet potatoes, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are well coated.
3- Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
4- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
5- Let the scalloped sweet potatoes rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken up nicely.
6- Serve the scalloped sweet potatoes hot, garnished with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this comforting, cheesy dish as a side or a main course.
Pro Tips for Success
- Slice the sweet potatoes as thinly as possible for even cooking. A mandoline slicer can be a real time-saver here.
- Resist the urge to stir or disturb the potatoes while they’re baking. This can break up the layers and prevent that crispy top from forming.
- For extra richness, consider using half-and-half or even a combination of heavy cream and whole milk in the sauce.
- Feel free to mix up the cheese blend – try adding some gruyère or fontina for a different flavor profile.
- Sprinkle some crushed toasted nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the top before baking for a delightful crunch.
- If you want to make this dish a little lighter, substitute some of the heavy cream with low-fat or non-fat milk.
Serving and Storing Your Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
Perfect Pairings for Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
This scalloped sweet potato dish serves 8 people, making it the perfect side for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, baked ham, or grilled pork chops. For a vegetarian main, it would be delicious alongside a fresh green salad and a crusty loaf of bread.
As for beverages, a crisp white wine or a bold red would complement the rich, creamy flavors. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing sparkling cider or a spiced apple cider would be lovely.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Scalloped sweet potatoes are the perfect make-ahead dish. Once baked, let the potatoes cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the scalloped potatoes. Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
Creative Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Variations
- For a seasonal twist, try adding diced apples or pears to the sweet potato mixture.
- Swap out the thyme for fresh rosemary or sage for a more earthy, herbal flavor.
- Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts over the top for a delightful crunch.
- Experiment with different cheese blends, such as a combination of cheddar, gruyère, and Parmesan.
Making Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Diet-Friendly
To make this dish more diet-friendly, you can try the following substitutions:
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers in place of the Parmesan cheese.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use a vegan shredded cheese.
- For a lower-carb option, replace half of the sweet potatoes with sliced zucchini or eggplant.
- To reduce the fat content, use low-fat or non-fat milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of butter used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato instead of sweet potatoes?
A: While you can certainly substitute regular potatoes for the sweet potatoes, the end result will be quite different. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and creamier texture that is integral to this dish.
Q: How long does it take to bake the scalloped sweet potatoes?
A: The total baking time for this recipe is 50 minutes. The first 30 minutes are with the dish covered in foil, and the final 20 minutes are uncovered to achieve that golden-brown, crispy top.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Scalloped sweet potatoes are the perfect make-ahead dish. You can prepare the entire recipe, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This scalloped sweet potato recipe serves 8 people, making it the perfect side dish for a holiday gathering or a family dinner.
Q: What if my potatoes are not cooked through after the recommended baking time?
A: If the potatoes are not yet tender after the full 50 minutes of baking, cover the dish with foil and continue baking in 10-minute increments until they reach the desired doneness. The key is to slice the potatoes thinly for even cooking.
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
- Total Time: 65
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin is a creamy and cheesy side dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. Tender sweet potatoes are layered with a rich and flavorful cream sauce, then baked to perfection with a golden-brown, bubbly topping.
Ingredients
– 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced sweet potatoes, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the sweet potatoes evenly.
3. Spread the sweet potato mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
6. Let the scalloped sweet potatoes cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
– For a creamier texture, use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream.
– Sprinkle the top with additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness.
– Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Scalloped sweet potatoes, or sweet potatoes au gratin, are a quintessential comfort food that will have your family and guests asking for seconds. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender sweet potatoes, and crispy, golden-brown topping, this dish is sure to become a new holiday tradition in your household.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try – it’s sure to become a go-to in your repertoire. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you, and don’t forget to share your own family-favorite variations. Enjoy!
