Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe

If you are craving a dish that combines creamy sweetness with a touch of cozy spice, look no further than the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes. This recipe takes humble sweet potatoes and elevates them with a luscious buttery sauce flavored with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, then topped with toasted marshmallows and crunchy pecans for an unforgettable texture experience. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want a comforting side that’s bursting with warmth and flavor, these scalloped sweet potatoes will quickly become your go-to recipe to impress and delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an important role, contributing to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes so irresistible. From the rich butter that builds the base sauce to the spices that provide aromatic depth, every item is essential to create this classic, soul-satisfying dish.

• 5-6 medium sweet potatoes: Peeled and sliced thinly into medallions, the star ingredient providing natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• ¼ cup unsalted butter: Creates a rich and silky base for the sauce—salted can be used but adjust salt accordingly.
• ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
• ½ cup water: Helps melt the butter and sugar into a smooth sauce that coats every slice beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds rich, slightly smoky undertones to the flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle nutty fragrance that elevates the whole dish.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• ¼ cup chopped pecans: Offers a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy potatoes.
• ½ cup mini marshmallows: Melted and toasted on top, these create a gorgeous golden crust and add a touch of fluffy sweetness.

How to Make Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

After preheating your oven to 400°F, start by peeling your sweet potatoes and slicing them into thin, even medallions. Using a mandoline slicer is a game changer here—it helps you get uniform slices quickly and safely, making sure the potatoes cook evenly and look picture perfect.

Step 2: Make the Butter and Spice Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and water. Stir in the ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt, letting the sugar dissolve fully to create a fragrant, glossy sauce. This mixture will coat each potato slice with a sweet and spiced hug that’s simply irresistible.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Arrange the sweet potato slices evenly in a baking dish. Using a pastry brush, paint about three-quarters of the sauce over the potatoes, making sure every slice gets a bit of that liquid gold. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, which allows the potatoes to become tender and soak up all those wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Broil

Once baked, carefully remove the foil and brush on the remaining sauce. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly across the top and add mini marshmallows for that signature gooey topping. Set your oven to broil and pop the dish back in for 1 to 2 minutes, just long enough to toast the marshmallows to a perfect golden brown. Keep a close eye so they don’t burn!

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow your Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps the sauce thicken slightly and the dish to set perfectly, so every bite will be creamy, tender, and delicious. Then, dig in and enjoy your creation!

How to Serve Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Garnishes

For an elegant finishing touch, consider sprinkling a few fresh chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to add a pop of color and fresh notes that cut through the sweetness. You could also drizzle a little extra melted butter on top for shine and richness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, making it a fantastic choice for holiday meals. It also complements savory green vegetable sides like steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans, creating a well-rounded and satisfying plate that balances sweet and savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes in individual ramekins for a charming presentation that’s great for dinner parties. Alternatively, layer the sweet potatoes in a clear glass casserole dish to show off the beautiful orange layers glazed with the warm sauce—pure eye candy for your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more as it rests, making the next day’s meal just as delicious, if not better.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked scalloped sweet potatoes by placing them in a freezer-safe container or wrapping tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a covered dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture and prevent drying out. For a quicker option, use the microwave but cover the dish to keep moisture locked in.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! While this recipe shines with sweet potatoes due to their natural sweetness and creamy texture, you can substitute regular potatoes—just note the flavor and spices might taste different but still delicious.

Is it necessary to use mini marshmallows?

The mini marshmallows create that classic toasted topping everyone loves, but if you’re not a fan, you can skip or replace them with a crumble of brown sugar and chopped nuts for a different crunch.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and omit marshmallows or use vegan marshmallow alternatives. The flavors will remain just as delightful.

How thin should the sweet potato slices be?

Ideally, slices should be about 1/8 inch thick. Thin slices ensure even cooking and allow the sauce to soak into every layer perfectly.

What if I don’t have all the spices on hand?

Ground cinnamon is a must, but if you’re missing cloves or nutmeg, you can omit one or both, keeping in mind the flavor will be less spiced but still tasty thanks to the butter and brown sugar.

Final Thoughts

The Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are more than just a side—they are a celebration of sweet, spicy, creamy goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making them for the holidays or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfied appetites. Give it a try, and get ready to fall in love with sweet potatoes all over again!

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