Scalloped Sweet Potatoes: Delicious & Nutritious

Looking for a show-stopping side dish that’s both flavorful and nutritious? Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are the perfect choice! This creamy, cheesy, and slightly sweet dish is a crowd-pleaser for holidays, family dinners, or any special occasion.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• The health benefits of sweet potatoes
• A step-by-step recipe for scalloped sweet potatoes
• Variations and substitutions to suit different dietary needs
• Tips for perfect scalloped potatoes every time
• Serving suggestions and storage tips

Let’s dive in!

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Why You’ll Love Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Scalloped sweet potatoes combine the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rich, creamy sauce and a crispy, golden-brown topping. Here’s why this dish is a must-try:

✅ Nutrient-packed – Sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.
✅ Comfort food with a twist – A healthier alternative to traditional scalloped potatoes.
✅ Perfect for any occasion – Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or weeknight dinners.
✅ Easy to customize – Add cheese, herbs, or spices to suit your taste.

Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Before we get into the recipe, let’s explore why sweet potatoes are a superfood:

✔ Rich in Vitamin A – Supports eye health and immune function.
✔ High in Fiber – Promotes digestion and gut health.
✔ Low Glycemic Index – Better blood sugar control compared to white potatoes.
✔ Packed with Antioxidants – Helps fight inflammation.

By using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes, you’re adding extra nutritional value to this classic dish.

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 lbs sweet potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced)
• 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese (optional, for extra richness)
• 2 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Potatoes

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Peel and thinly slice sweet potatoes (about ⅛-inch thick for even cooking).

2. Make the Cream Sauce

• In a saucepan, heat heavy cream, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg over medium heat.
• Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil) and let it infuse for 5 minutes.

3. Layer the Sweet Potatoes

• Grease a baking dish with butter.
• Arrange a layer of sweet potatoes, slightly overlapping.
• Pour a portion of the cream sauce over the layer.
• Repeat until all potatoes and sauce are used.

4. Add Cheese (Optional)

• Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust.

5. Bake to Perfection

• Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and potatoes are tender.
• Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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Variations & Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Try these easy tweaks:

🔹 Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
🔹 Vegan Option – Skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
🔹 Extra Flavor – Add caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or rosemary for depth.
🔹 Spicy Kick – Sprinkle with cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.

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Tips for Perfect Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

✔ Slice Evenly – Use a mandoline for uniform thickness.
✔ Don’t Skip the Resting Time – Allows the sauce to thicken.
✔ Adjust Seasonings – Taste the cream sauce before pouring.
✔ Cover While Baking – Prevents the top from burning before potatoes soften.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with:

🍗 Roast chicken or turkey (perfect for Thanksgiving!)
🥩 Grilled steak or pork chops
🥗 A fresh green salad for balance

Storing & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze (without cheese topping) for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQ

Q: Can I make scalloped sweet potatoes ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake before serving.

Q: Can I use regular potatoes instead?
A: Absolutely—just adjust cooking time as needed.

Q: How do I prevent my scalloped potatoes from being watery?
A: Ensure your cream sauce is thick enough, and let the dish rest before serving.

Final Thoughts

Scalloped sweet potatoes are a delicious, nutritious, and versatile side dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ready to try it? Head to your kitchen and whip up this creamy, dreamy dish today!

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