Every time the holidays roll around, I find myself craving the nostalgia of family gatherings, and there’s one dish that brings it all back: buttery scalloped sweet potatoes. Imagine thinly sliced sweet potatoes soaking up a rich brown sugar sauce, spiced perfectly with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Topped with mini marshmallows that toast to gooey perfection, this recipe not only makes for a mouthwatering side but also turns any meal into a celebration. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, these scalloped sweet potatoes are an effortless crowd-pleaser, combining warmth and sweetness that invites everyone to come back for seconds. Plus, they are easy to prepare ahead of time, leaving you more moments to laugh and bond with loved ones. So, are you ready to elevate your holiday table with this delightful dish?
Why Are Scalloped Sweet Potatoes So Special?
Irresistible flavor: The fusion of buttery brown sugar, warm spices, and sweet potatoes creates an unforgettable taste that feels like a warm hug on your plate.
Crowd-pleaser: With their gooey marshmallow topping, these scalloped sweet potatoes appeal to both kids and adults, making them the perfect side for any holiday gathering.
Effortless prep: You can whip up this recipe in no time, freeing you to enjoy quality moments with family while it bakes.
Versatile serving: Pair these sweet potatoes with spiral ham or roasted turkey for a traditional festive meal that feels elevated yet comforting.
Make-ahead magic: Feel organized and ready for your gatherings by prepping these scrumptious sides ahead of time, allowing you to relish the holidays without stress.
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Ingredients
• Get ready to create this holiday classic!
For the Sweet Potato Layer
- Sweet Potatoes – Use medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin medallions for uniform cooking.
- Water – Helps achieve the right sauce consistency when melted together with the other ingredients.
For the Sauce
- Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and flavor; feel free to substitute with sea salt if needed.
- Brown Sugar – Enhances caramelization; choose light or dark based on your taste for deeper flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon – Contributes warm, aromatic flavors that beautifully complement the sweet potatoes.
- Ground Cloves – Provides a strong, sweet flavor that adds complexity to the dish.
- Ground Nutmeg – Offers a festive aroma and enhances the warming spices of the holiday season.
- Salt – Enhances all flavors in the scalloped sweet potatoes and balances the sweetness.
For the Topping
- Chopped Pecans (or Walnuts) – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor; walnuts can be used as a substitute.
- Mini Marshmallows – Creates a gooey topping that perfectly contrasts the savory aspects; you can add more for extra indulgence.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking. This temperature is perfect for achieving the tender, creamy texture of the scalloped sweet potatoes while allowing the toppings to caramelize beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Next, peel and thinly slice the medium sweet potatoes using a mandoline slicer for even thickness of about 1/8 inch. Uniform slices help them cook evenly, resulting in a delightful texture throughout the dish. Set the sliced sweet potatoes aside, ready for layering.
Step 3: Arrange in the Baking Dish
Take a pie dish or a shallow casserole dish, and begin arranging the sweet potato medallions in a single layer. Overlap them slightly for a beautiful presentation that promotes even baking and melding of flavors. This creates a delightful base for the savory brown sugar sauce.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add brown sugar, water, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture until it bubbles gently, then reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes until combined and fragrant.
Step 5: Infuse the Sweet Potatoes
Brush approximately three-quarters of the melted sauce over the arranged sweet potatoes, ensuring all slices are well-coated. The butter and brown sugar blend will penetrate the sweet potatoes, infusing them with rich and warm flavors that make your scalloped sweet potatoes irresistible.
Step 6: Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, checking halfway through. The sweet potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, ensuring they’ve absorbed all the luscious sauce and are ready to be transformed into a creamy dish.
Step 7: Add the Toppings
Once the sweet potatoes are tender, carefully remove the foil and drizzle the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle the chopped pecans (or walnuts) and mini marshmallows evenly over the dish. This adds a delightful crunch and sweetness, elevating the overall flavor profile of the scalloped sweet potatoes.
Step 8: Broil for Golden Perfection
Set your oven to broil and place the dish back in for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close eye. This step allows the marshmallows to puff up and toast, creating a golden, gooey topping that adds a beautiful contrast to the melty sweet potatoes below.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once broiled to perfection, take the scalloped sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld further, making the dish even more enjoyable. Serve warm as a delightful side that your family will love at any holiday gathering.
Make Ahead Options
These scalloped sweet potatoes are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you precious time during the busy holiday season! You can slice the sweet potatoes and submerge them in water up to 24 hours in advance to prevent browning, keeping them fresh until you’re ready to assemble. Additionally, you can prepare the brown sugar sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator; just reheat it gently before combining with the sweet potatoes. When you’re ready to serve, simply layer the ingredients in your baking dish and follow the final baking instructions. This way, you’ll have a delicious, stress-free side ready to wow your guests!
Expert Tips for Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
- Even Slices: Use a mandoline slicer to achieve uniform sweet potato slices, ensuring consistent cooking and a perfect texture throughout the dish.
- Watch the Broil: Keep a close eye while broiling the marshmallows, as they can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt in moments.
- Prep Ahead: Prepare the sweet potatoes in advance by soaking them in water to prevent browning. Reheat your sauce before layering for easy assembly.
- Butter Substitutes: If you don’t have unsalted butter, feel free to use sea salt, but adjust added salt accordingly to maintain flavor balance in your scalloped sweet potatoes.
- Taste Adjustments: Taste the sauce before pouring over the sweet potatoes; you can always tweak the sweetness by adding more brown sugar or spices to fit your preference.
What to Serve with Buttery Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?
Create an unforgettable holiday feast with delightful dishes that beautifully complement the rich flavors of scalloped sweet potatoes.
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Spiral Ham: A classic pairing that balances the sweetness of the scalloped potatoes with savory, smoky flavors, creating a harmonious plate. The glaze on the ham complements the luscious brown sugar sauce beautifully.
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Roasted Turkey: Tender and juicy turkey provides a savory element that counterpoints the creamy sweetness of the potatoes. This duo is perfect for any festive gathering, evoking warm family memories together.
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Corn Casserole: This creamy and slightly sweet side dish adds a pop of color and texture to your table, creating a delightful contrast to the scalloped sweet potatoes. Together, they form a comforting base for your holiday spread.
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Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the rich sweetness of the potatoes, providing a refreshing burst of flavor. A scoop of each on your fork creates a symphony of tastes for your taste buds.
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Green Bean Almondine: Lightly sautéed green beans with toasted almonds add a crunchy texture and a touch of earthiness, balancing the rich sweetness of the scalloped sweet potatoes. Their freshness brightens your holiday plate.
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: Sweet and tender, these carrots enhance the natural flavors of your meal while mirroring the sweet elements in the scalloped potatoes. Plus, their vibrant color brings cheer to the overall presentation.
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Festive Punch: Serve alongside a fruity holiday punch to cleanse the palate between bites. The effervescent nature of the drink pairs beautifully with the creamy texture of the scalloped sweet potatoes, uplifting the festive spirit.
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Pumpkin Pie: Finish your meal with a slice of warm pumpkin pie. The spices echo those in the scalloped sweet potatoes while the creamy filling adds a comforting end to your holiday feast.
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and swap ingredients or add unique twists to make this dish your own!
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Creamy: Swap water for heavy cream for a richer, silkier sauce that elevates the sweet potatoes’ natural flavors.
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Nutty: Substitute pecans with slivered almonds for a different crunch and a touch of delicate flavor; it’s a delightful surprise for the palate.
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Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a surprising kick that perfectly balances the sweetness. This will transform your scalloped sweet potatoes into a flavor adventure!
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Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter and maple syrup in place of brown sugar for a plant-based version that retains all the delightful flavors while catering to vegan diets.
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Fruit-Infused: Toss in some diced apples or pears in between the layers for a fruity twist that compliments the sweet potatoes beautifully.
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Herbal: Sprinkle in fresh rosemary or thyme alongside the cinnamon and nutmeg to introduce aromatic depth; it’s a fragrant surprise that will leave everyone wondering about your secret ingredient!
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Gluten-Free: All the ingredients listed are gluten-free, so you can enjoy these scalloped sweet potatoes without worry!
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Make it a Meal: Add cooked sausage or crumbled bacon into the layers for a heartier dish that transforms this side into a savory delight, perfect for brunch or dinner.
Explore even more varieties with dishes like these [Chili Garlic Roasted Sweet Potatoes](#) or [Sweet Potato Casserole](#) for delectable inspiration!
How to Store and Freeze Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days. This will retain their creamy texture and delightful flavor for your next serving.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze scalloped sweet potatoes in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, ensuring the marshmallows stay gooey. You can add a splash of water or butter to maintain moisture.
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right sweet potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting sweet potatoes, look for medium-sized ones that are firm and free of dark spots or blemishes. The skin should be smooth and shiny, indicating freshness. Avoid any that have soft spots, which may indicate overripeness.
What is the best way to store leftover scalloped sweet potatoes?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Make sure to let them cool to room temperature first to prevent condensation. This way, the creamy texture and delicious flavor remain intact for your next meal!
Can I freeze scalloped sweet potatoes? If so, how?
Definitely! To freeze, first let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer the scalloped sweet potatoes to a tightly sealed container or freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming them in the oven or microwave until heated through.
What should I do if my sweet potatoes are still firm after baking?
No worries! If your sweet potatoes are still firm, they might need a little more time. Cover the dish again with foil and return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. Keep checking until they are fork-tender. Baking times can vary depending on thickness, so patience is key!
Are there any dietary considerations with scalloped sweet potatoes?
Very! If you have dietary restrictions, you can modify the recipe. For nut allergies, simply omit the pecans or walnuts and use sunflower seeds for crunch. For a dairy-free version, try coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk or a non-dairy cream to create your sauce. Adjust spices to maintain that wonderful flavor!
Irresistibly Creamy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes for Cozy Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel and thinly slice the sweet potatoes using a mandoline slicer.
- Arrange the sweet potato medallions in a baking dish, overlapping slightly.
- Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan, then add brown sugar, water, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt.
- Brush three-quarters of the sauce over the arranged sweet potatoes.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes until tender.
- Remove foil, drizzle with remaining sauce, and top with pecans and mini marshmallows.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes until marshmallows are golden and puffy.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
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