Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Scalloped sweet potatoes are a warm, cozy side dish that feels elegant yet approachable. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are layered and baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce until golden and bubbling. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the rich cream, savory cheese, and subtle seasoning, making it the perfect complement to roasted meats, holiday spreads, or even a weeknight dinner. I once added a hint of smoked paprika to the sauce, and it gave the dish a subtle smokiness that paired wonderfully with turkey. Unlike traditional scalloped potatoes, this version offers a naturally sweet and colorful twist that elevates any table.
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Scalloped Sweet Potatoes – A Creamy and Comforting Side Dish
- Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dish made with thinly sliced sweet potatoes layered with a rich cream sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or cheddar, divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Arrange half of the sliced sweet potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cream mixture over them and sprinkle with half of the cheeses.
- Layer remaining sweet potatoes, then pour over remaining cream mixture and top with the rest of the cheeses.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until potatoes are tender and top is golden brown.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
- Use a mandoline for evenly thin slices.
- Can be made ahead and reheated the next day.
- Swap Gruyère for mozzarella, cheddar, or fontina based on preference.
- Pairs perfectly with roasted meats or holiday dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Sweet potatoes – Thinly sliced into rounds for even baking and tender texture.
Butter – Adds richness and forms the base of the creamy sauce.
All-purpose flour – Whisked with butter to create a roux that thickens the sauce.
Milk or cream – Provides a silky base that coats the sweet potatoes.
Garlic – Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with savory depth.
Cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar balances the sweetness of the potatoes with tangy richness.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty note to the sauce and topping.
Salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
Fresh thyme or rosemary – Earthy herbs that add fragrance and freshness.
Nutmeg (optional) – A pinch enhances the cream sauce with warmth.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add milk or cream, whisking until smooth and thickened. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat and mix in half the cheddar cheese and a little Parmesan until melted.
Layer half of the sliced sweet potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cream sauce over them, spreading evenly. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and sauce. Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Add thyme or rosemary sprigs on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6–8 as a side dish. Total cooking time is about 1 hour, including prep and baking.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for convenience. This dish can also be made ahead—assemble, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Variations and Customizations
Gruyère Upgrade – Swap cheddar for Gruyère for a nutty, sophisticated flavor.
Garlic Cream Only – Skip the cheese for a lighter, cream-focused dish.
Bacon Twist – Add crispy bacon crumbles between the layers.
Spicy Kick – Stir in chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the cream sauce.
Sweet-Savory Blend – Add a drizzle of maple syrup to highlight the potatoes’ sweetness.
Vegan Version – Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheese.
Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan for extra texture.
Herb Lovers’ Dish – Add fresh sage or parsley alongside thyme.
Individual Servings – Bake in ramekins for personal portions.
Low-Carb Twist – Swap half the sweet potatoes for rutabaga or turnips for balance.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet?
Yes, but the sweetness of sweet potatoes makes this dish unique.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional—skin adds texture and nutrients.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar and Parmesan are classic, but Gruyère is a great upgrade.
How do I slice the potatoes evenly?
A mandoline slicer works best for thin, uniform slices.
Can I freeze scalloped sweet potatoes?
Freezing isn’t recommended as the cream sauce may separate.
How do I know when it’s done?
The potatoes should be fork-tender and the top golden brown.
Can I make this lighter?
Yes, use milk instead of cream and reduce the cheese.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, thinly sliced parsnips, carrots, or butternut squash work well.
Is nutmeg necessary?
No, but it adds subtle warmth to the sauce.
Conclusion
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a creamy, comforting side dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. With layers of tender potatoes, rich cheese sauce, and fragrant herbs, this dish is perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or simply elevating a weeknight meal. Whether you keep it classic or experiment with fun variations like bacon or Gruyère, this recipe is a delicious and versatile addition to your table.
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