Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

If you’re looking for a delightful side dish that brings warmth and flavor to your table, you’ve come to the right place! The Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is a recipe that truly shines during family gatherings. This dish combines the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with a buttery brown sugar sauce, spiced just right. It’s the perfect addition to your Christmas or Thanksgiving menu, but it’s also cozy enough for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without too much fuss.

What makes this recipe special is not just the taste, but also how easy it is to prepare. With simple ingredients and an approachable cooking method, you’ll find that this dish quickly becomes a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delicious dish ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves the sweet and buttery flavor! It’s sure to please both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready. Perfect for holiday feasts!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of spices elevates the sweet potatoes into something extraordinary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this recipe. Gather these items, and let’s get cooking!

For the Sweet Potatoes

• 5-6 medium sweet potatoes (peeled & cut into thin medallions)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter (see note below)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
• ½ cup mini vegan marshmallows (see note below)

Variations

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to adjust it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Add Some Greens: Toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrients and color.
• Sweeten the Deal: If you love extra sweetness, drizzle a bit of maple syrup on top before baking.
• Nutty Twist: Swap pecans for walnuts or even sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like ginger or cardamom to give it your own twist.

How to Make Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. This sets the stage for perfectly baked sweet potatoes that will be creamy on the inside while slightly crisp on top.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel your sweet potatoes and cut them into thin medallions. Arrange them neatly in your baking dish. This step is crucial because even slices ensure even cooking, giving you that lovely texture throughout.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

In a small or medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, water, spices, and salt. Stir until everything melts together beautifully. This sauce is what makes our scalloped sweet potatoes so irresistible!

Step 4: Bake with Love

Once your sauce is ready, use a pastry brush to evenly distribute ¾ of it over the sweet potato medallions. Cover your baking dish with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes. The foil helps steam the potatoes so they become tender and flavorful.

Step 5: Add Toppings

After baking, remove the foil and pour the remaining sauce over your medallions. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and mini vegan marshmallows for that extra touch of sweetness and crunch.

Step 6: Broil for Perfection

Pop the baking dish back into the oven on broil for just 1-2 minutes to toast those marshmallows. Keep an eye on them; they can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in no time!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow your scalloped sweet potatoes to cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This little wait will help set up those layers of flavor beautifully. Enjoy this warm dish with loved ones around your table!

Pro Tips for Making Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Creating the perfect scalloped sweet potatoes is all about attention to detail, and these pro tips will ensure your dish turns out wonderfully every time!

• Use fresh sweet potatoes: Fresh, firm sweet potatoes will give you the best texture and flavor. Look for ones that are smooth and free from blemishes for a delicious result.
• Slice evenly: Aim for consistent thickness in your medallions (around 1/8 inch). This ensures they cook evenly, resulting in tender, perfectly cooked sweet potatoes.
• Don’t skip the foil: Covering your baking dish with foil during the initial baking helps steam the sweet potatoes, making them soft and tender before adding those delicious toppings.
• Watch the broiling time: Broiling can be tricky; it only takes a minute or two to toast up those vegan marshmallows. Keep a close eye to avoid burning!
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to cool for about 10-15 minutes after broiling helps set the flavors and makes serving easier. Plus, it’s a great way to let everyone’s taste buds anticipate that deliciousness!

How to Serve Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

These scalloped sweet potatoes make a stunning centerpiece on any table! Their rich colors and delightful aroma will surely impress your guests while providing comfort on chilly days.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the sweetness beautifully.
• Extra pecans: A handful of toasted pecans on top not only enhances the crunch but also intensifies the nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

• Green Bean Almondine: This classic dish features sautéed green beans with almonds, adding a crunchy contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes.
• Quinoa Salad with Cranberries: The nutty quinoa mixed with tart cranberries provides a refreshing balance, making it a perfect complement.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their crispy edges and earthy flavor pair well with the sweetness of scalloped sweet potatoes, creating an irresistible combination.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For those who can’t get enough of potatoes, creamy garlic mashed potatoes offer a comforting texture alongside our scalloped version.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes will be the highlight of any meal. Enjoy sharing this delightful dish with friends and family!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is ideal for meal prep, making it easy to serve a delicious side dish during busy holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners. With just a bit of foresight, you can enjoy this comforting dish without any last-minute stress.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-5 days for the best flavor and texture.
• If the sauce thickens, you may want to add a splash of water or vegetable broth when reheating.

Freezing

• To freeze, allow the scalloped sweet potatoes to cool completely.
• Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring as much air as possible is removed.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date so you remember when you made them!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• For faster reheating, use a microwave; be sure to cover your dish to keep moisture in.

FAQs

Have questions about making the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes? Here are some common queries:

Can I make the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

What are some good substitutes for butter in this recipe?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter works beautifully in place of traditional butter. Both will give your sauce that rich flavor without compromising on texture.

Can I use different types of sweet potatoes?

Yes! While orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are traditional, you can experiment with purple or white varieties. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary slightly.

How do I ensure my Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes cook evenly?

Slice your sweet potatoes uniformly thin—about 1/8 inch thick is ideal—to ensure even cooking. Layer them neatly in your baking dish and make sure they’re covered with sauce for best results.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing these Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes! They’re not just a side dish; they’re a celebration of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to delight everyone. Enjoy making it, and remember: cooking is all about sharing love through food!