Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Introduction
Scalloped sweet potatoes are a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are baked in a rich, cheesy cream sauce that melts beautifully. This recipe is easy to prepare and sure to impress your family or guests.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, sliced
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and finely slice the sweet potatoes into very thin rounds to ensure even cooking.
- Step 2: In a saucepan, sauté the butter and minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the flour until fully combined to form a roux.
- Step 3: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, milk, heavy cream, sea salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a soft boil while stirring frequently. Remove from heat and let the cream sauce cool slightly before stirring in the shredded Colby Jack cheese.
- Step 4: Arrange the sweet potato slices in rows in a casserole dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the potatoes, making sure they are well coated.
- Step 5: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 8 to 10 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly top. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh thyme or rosemary on top before baking.
- To make it lighter, substitute half of the heavy cream with more whole milk.
- Try swapping Colby Jack with sharp cheddar for a tangier taste.
- If you prefer, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce for warm spice notes.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving to prevent the sauce from separating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking directly from the fridge.
What can I use if I don’t have Colby Jack cheese?
Colby Jack can be replaced with mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella depending on your preference. The key is to choose a cheese that melts well.
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Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 60-65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy scalloped sweet potatoes recipe is a comforting side dish that features thinly sliced sweet potatoes baked in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce topped with melted Colby Jack cheese. Perfectly tender and flavorful, it’s an ideal dish for holiday dinners or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Sauce
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them very thinly into rounds to ensure even baking and tenderness.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Dairy and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese, whole milk, heavy cream, sea salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly, then remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese: Once the cream sauce has cooled a bit, stir in the shredded Colby Jack cheese until melted and fully combined, creating a rich cheese sauce.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes evenly in a casserole dish, layering them neatly. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the sweet potatoes, ensuring all slices are covered.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 30-35 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 8-10 minutes to allow the top to brown and the cheese to bubble.
- Serve Warm: Let the scalloped sweet potatoes cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to set. Enjoy as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For easier slicing, use a mandoline to achieve uniformly thin sweet potato rounds.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Allow the cream sauce to cool before adding shredded cheese to prevent clumping or curdling.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking uncovered, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: scalloped sweet potatoes, cheesy sweet potatoes, baked side dish, comfort food, holiday side
