As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet, earthy aroma of baking sweet potatoes enveloped me like a warm hug. Scalloped Sweet Potatoes have become my secret weapon for holiday feasts, transforming ordinary gatherings into cherished moments. This recipe features tender layers of sweet potatoes drenched in a rich brown sugar sauce, perfectly melding with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to create irresistible comfort on your plate. Not only is this dish a visual delight, topped with gooey marshmallows and crunchy pecans, but it also boasts a quick prep time that lets you focus on the joyous occasion. Whether you're looking to impress your guests or simply savor the warmth of homemade food during Thanksgiving or Christmas, these scalloped sweet potatoes are bound to steal the show. So, are you ready to add a touch of sweetness to your holiday table?
Why are Scalloped Sweet Potatoes a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor: Indulge in the divine combination of brown sugar and warm spices that create a sweet yet savory delight.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for any gathering, these scalloped sweet potatoes are sure to impress guests during Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations.
Visual Appeal: With their stunning layers topped with gooey marshmallows and crunchy pecans, they add a festive touch to your holiday table.
Quick & Easy: This recipe is a breeze to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of friends and family.
Versatile Dish: Serve them alongside spiral ham or roasted turkey, or even enjoy them as a comforting solo dish. Trust me, once you experience these scalloped sweet potatoes, they’ll become a beloved staple in your home.
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes
• Sweet Potatoes – The star of the dish; peel and slice into thin medallions for even cooking.
For the Buttery Sauce
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness; you can use salted butter but reduce added salt.
• Brown Sugar – Provides that caramelized sweetness; light or dark both work wonders.
• Water – Helps blend the sauce to the right consistency.
• Ground Cinnamon, Cloves, and Nutmeg – Essential spices that infuse warm flavors into the dish.
• Salt – Enhances all the delightful flavors in your scalloped sweet potatoes.
For the Topping
• Chopped Pecans (or Walnuts) – Adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
• Mini Marshmallows – Creates that classic gooey topping that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements of the dish.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Savory Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Buttery Brown Sugar Bliss
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a perfectly baked dish right from the beginning. While the oven warms up, gather your tools — a sharp knife, cutting board, and a baking dish for the scalloped sweet potatoes.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into thin medallions, about 1/8-inch thick to ensure even cooking. Arrange the slices in overlapping layers inside your baking dish, creating a beautiful, colorful display. Don’t worry too much about perfection; the deliciousness will make up for it!
Step 3: Make the Buttery Brown Sugar Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine unsalted butter, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Place over medium heat and stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes. The aroma will be heavenly as the sugar dissolves and the spices meld together, creating the rich sauce for your scalloped sweet potatoes.
Step 4: Brush the Sauce on Sweet Potatoes
Once your sauce is ready, generously brush about three-quarters of it over the arranged sweet potato slices in the baking dish. Make sure each slice gets a good coat for maximum flavor. This sticky goodness will caramelize beautifully while baking, enhancing the dish's taste and texture.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap steam and help the sweet potatoes soften. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The sweet potatoes should be tender and easily pierced with a fork when done. Keep an eye on them to ensure they’re cooking perfectly!
Step 6: Add the Toppings
After baking, carefully remove the foil and let the steam escape. Drizzle the remaining buttery brown sugar sauce over the tender sweet potatoes. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch, and then pile mini marshmallows high for that irresistible gooey topping.
Step 7: Broil for Extra Gooeyness
Switch your oven to broil and return the dish to the oven, watching closely for about 1-2 minutes. The mini marshmallows will bubble and turn a lovely golden brown. Keep a close watch to prevent burning; you want them toasted, not charred!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once the marshmallows are toasted to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes. This little resting time helps the flavors settle, making your scalloped sweet potatoes even more delicious. Now, gather your loved ones and serve this beautiful dish at your holiday table!
Make Ahead Options
These Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can slice the sweet potatoes up to 24 hours in advance; simply submerge them in cold water to prevent browning. When you're ready to bake, prepare the buttery brown sugar sauce as instructed and brush it over the potatoes. If you're feeling particularly organized, you can assemble the entire dish (without the marshmallows) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Before serving, bake covered as directed, and then add the toppings, broiling them for that gooey finish. This prep method not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring delicious results with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days. This helps maintain the sweet flavors and prevent spoilage.
Freezer: For long-term storage, freeze the scalloped sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Wrap well to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare scalloped sweet potatoes a day ahead by assembling them and refrigerating without baking. Just add extra baking time if straight from the fridge!
Expert Tips for Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
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Uniform Slices: Use a mandoline slicer to achieve even potato medallions for consistent cooking. This prevents unevenly cooked pieces that can detract from the experience.
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Proper Butter Use: If you choose salted butter, skip the additional salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty dish. Balance is key for the sweet sauce!
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Watch the Broil: Keep a careful eye while broiling the mini marshmallows. They can go from beautifully toasted to burnt in just a blink, so stay close!
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Make Ahead: Prep the sweet potatoes a day in advance by soaking sliced potatoes in water to prevent browning. Just warm up the sauce when you're ready to bake for easy prep.
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Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave to keep the flavors intact.
What to Serve with Buttery Brown Sugar Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?
Elevate your holiday feast by pairing these luscious scalloped delights with complementary sides that enhance their sweet and buttery charm.
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Spiral Ham: The savory, smoky notes of spiral ham balance beautifully with the sweetness of the scalloped sweet potatoes, creating a delightful contrast.
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Roasted Turkey: Juicy roasted turkey adds a classic touch to your holiday table, perfectly complementing the rich flavors of the scalloped sweet potatoes.
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Corn Casserole: This creamy, cheesy side brings a comforting texture that harmonizes with the velvety layers of the sweet potatoes, making each bite irresistible.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy mashed potatoes infused with garlic offer a savory base that pairs perfectly with the sweet notes of the scalloped sweet potatoes.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slightly bitter crunch beautifully counteracts the richness of the sweet potatoes, providing a fresh, earthy taste that brightens the plate.
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Cranberry Sauce: A bright, tangy cranberry sauce introduces a vibrant flavor, cutting through the sweetness and adding a festive flair to your meal.
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Homemade Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm dinner rolls are ideal for scooping up saucy bites, providing a comforting touch that’s sure to please family and friends at your table.
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Apple Cider: Serve freshly warmed apple cider as a delightful drink pairing that echoes the warmth and sweetness of the sweet potatoes while adding a festive touch to your holiday gathering.
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and make these scalloped sweet potatoes your own, infusing them with flavors and textures that your family will love!
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Nutty Twist: Substitute walnuts for pecans if you prefer a different nutty flavor. Walnuts add a rich, earthy tone that complements the sweetness beautifully.
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Coconut Crunch: Mix in shredded coconut with the marshmallows for a tropical twist. The toasted coconut adds a delightful crunch and a hint of paradise to your dish.
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Extra Sweetness: Add more mini marshmallows on top for a sweeter topping. They’ll get beautifully toasted in the oven, making every bite feel like a dessert.
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Spice It Up: Incorporate a touch of cayenne pepper to the brown sugar sauce for a little heat. The balance of sweet and spicy makes for a tantalizing flavor profile.
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Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to cater to your gluten-sensitive friends or family. Sweet potatoes naturally fit this dietary need, making this dish a great choice!
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Creamy Addition: Stir in some heavy cream into the brown sugar sauce for an ultra-rich texture. This creates a velvety finish that envelops the sweet potatoes in luxurious comfort.
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Herb Infusion: Add a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist. These herbs bring an unexpected depth of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
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Maple-Glazed: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a different sweetener. The warm, maple flavor will add a lovely complexity and a cozy feeling, perfect for holiday gatherings.
For even more ways to enjoy sweet potatoes, check out Smoky Sweet Potatoes or try a comforting Sweet Potato Casserole for your next celebration!
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe FAQs
What type of sweet potatoes should I use for scalloped sweet potatoes?
I recommend using firm, smooth sweet potatoes without any dark spots or blemishes. Look for medium to large-sized ones, as they tend to be sweeter and cook evenly.
How should I store leftover scalloped sweet potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. This helps maintain their delightful flavor and prevents spoilage. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven when you're ready to enjoy them again!
Can I freeze scalloped sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! To freeze scalloped sweet potatoes, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you're ready to serve, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
What should I do if my scalloped sweet potatoes are coming out too watery?
If your dish ends up too watery, it might be due to excess moisture from the sweet potatoes. To prevent this, slice the potatoes thinly so they cook evenly. If needed, you can also add a touch of cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Make sure to let them bake uncovered near the end to help evaporate extra liquid.
Are scalloped sweet potatoes suitable for different dietary needs?
Yes! For a gluten-free option, just ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free. If you’re concerned about allergies, substitute nuts in the recipe or eliminate them entirely. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens, especially if serving guests with dietary restrictions.
Can I prepare scalloped sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Certainly! You can assemble the dish a day in advance by slicing the sweet potatoes and layering them in the baking dish. Just cover and refrigerate without baking. When ready to serve, warm your sauce and bake directly, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold from the fridge.
Savory Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Buttery Brown Sugar Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and gather your tools.
- Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into thin medallions, then arrange them in overlapping layers in a baking dish.
- In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Brush three-quarters of the buttery brown sugar sauce over the sweet potato slices in the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove the foil, drizzle with remaining sauce, and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts and mini marshmallows.
- Switch the oven to broil and broil for 1-2 minutes until marshmallows are bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle.
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