Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

If you’re looking for a side dish that brings warmth and joy to your table, the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is the answer! This recipe combines sweet potatoes with a delightful buttery brown sugar sauce, enhanced by the comforting spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening and is sure to be a hit at any gathering—be it a cozy family dinner or festive holiday celebrations.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create something truly special that everyone will adore. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re preparing for big holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: You don’t need to be a culinary expert to make this dish. The steps are straightforward, making it accessible for everyone!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will delight in the sweet and savory flavors of scalloped sweet potatoes.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Easy peasy!
• Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of sweet potatoes with brown sugar and spices creates an irresistible taste that’s hard to resist.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this dish fits perfectly into any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! You’ll find everything you need for these Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes right here.

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

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Some Fruit: Toss in some sliced apples or pears for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Make It Nut-Free: Simply omit the nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds for crunch without allergens.
• Spice It Up: If you like things a bit spicier, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick!
• Try Different Sweeteners: Swap out brown sugar for maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer those flavors.

How to Make Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial as it ensures your scalloped sweet potatoes will cook evenly and become wonderfully tender.

Step 2: Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Peel your sweet potatoes and cut them into thin medallions. Arranging them neatly in your baking dish allows for even cooking and makes serving easier later on.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small or medium saucepan over medium heat, combine unsalted butter, brown sugar, water, spices, and salt. Stir gently as everything melts together into a luscious sauce. This step infuses your dish with all those warming flavors!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once your sauce is melted, use a pastry brush to cover about three-quarters of it over the sweet potato medallions in your baking dish. Cover it with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until they’re tender.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Take off the foil after baking; drizzle the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle with chopped pecans (or walnuts) and mini vegan marshmallows. Doesn’t that sound delicious?

Step 6: Broil for Perfection

Return the baking dish to the oven but switch to broil mode. Keep an eye on it as you broil for just 1-2 minutes—this will toast those marshmallows beautifully without burning them!

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Once golden brown and toasted, remove from the oven and let cool for about 10-15 minutes. Then serve up your Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes and watch everyone dig in with smiles!

I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—it’s sure to become a favorite at your table too! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Making the best scalloped sweet potatoes is all about the details, and these tips will help you achieve perfection!

• Use a mandoline slicer: This tool ensures your sweet potatoes are evenly sliced, which helps them cook uniformly and absorb the delicious sauce better.
• Let the sauce cool slightly: Allowing the butter and sugar mixture to cool for a few minutes before brushing it on the sweet potatoes prevents it from sliding off, ensuring a more flavorful coating.
• Cover tightly with foil: When baking, covering your dish with foil traps steam, helping to cook the sweet potatoes thoroughly while keeping them moist and tender.
• Keep an eye while broiling: Broiling can turn your marshmallows into golden perfection or burnt bits in seconds. Stay close to your oven during this step to achieve that perfect toast!
• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices according to your taste. A pinch of ginger or cardamom can take this dish to another level!

How to Serve Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

These scalloped sweet potatoes not only taste divine but also make for a beautiful presentation at any meal. Serve them warm from the oven with an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the sweetness of the dish.
• Coconut cream drizzle: Drizzling a little coconut cream over the top right before serving gives a creamy richness that pairs wonderfully with the sweet potatoes.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Caramelized Brussels sprouts bring a savory crunch that balances out the sweetness of the scalloped potatoes beautifully.
• Herb quinoa salad: Light and refreshing, this salad adds texture and freshness, making it a light complement to the rich flavors of your main dish.
• Maple-glazed carrots: These tender carrots have just enough sweetness to harmonize with your scalloped sweet potatoes while adding vibrant color to your plate.
• Green bean almondine: Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds offer a satisfying crunch and bright flavor contrast, enhancing your overall dining experience.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress at your next gathering! Enjoy every bite of these delightful Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe for Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is ideal for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious side dish with minimal fuss. You can easily prepare it ahead of time, store leftovers, or even freeze them for future meals!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer any leftover scalloped sweet potatoes to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Cool the dish fully before freezing.
• Portion out the scalloped sweet potatoes into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, thaw frozen sweet potatoes in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes.

Can I make Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes without butter?

Yes! You can substitute unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut oil or vegan margarine. This will maintain that rich flavor while keeping it plant-based.

How do I ensure my Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes don’t turn mushy?

To prevent mushiness, be sure to slice your sweet potatoes evenly and not too thin. A thickness of about 1/8 inch works best to keep them tender yet firm during baking.

Can I add other ingredients to my Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with ingredients like herbs (like rosemary or thyme) or even swap pecans for other nuts. Just be mindful of any dietary restrictions!

Final Thoughts

I hope you give these Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes a try! They’re not only a fantastic addition to any holiday meal but also perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. With their delightful combination of flavors and textures, they’re bound to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy making this dish as much as I enjoyed sharing it with you!