The warm scent of Scalloped Sweet Potatoes wafts through the kitchen, wrapping you in an embrace of buttery goodness and sweet earthiness. sweet potato au gratin recipe Each layer of thinly sliced sweet potatoes bakes into creamy perfection, inviting you to take that first delectable bite. finger food ideas for Thanksgiving perfect Thanksgiving side dish. You might also enjoy this Thanksgiving Sweet Potato Au Gratin recipe.
Picture this: a family gathering where laughter echoes, and everyone’s taste buds are tingling with anticipation. Scalloped Sweet Potatoes grace the table, and suddenly, all conversation halts as the first forkful is savored. cozy comfort food recipes This dish isn’t just food; it’s a memory maker.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation lets you whip up this dish even on busy nights
- The flavor profile balances sweetness and creaminess, creating a comforting masterpiece
- Its visual appeal turns heads with golden layers glistening in the light
- Versatile enough for holidays or weeknights, it pairs beautifully with any main course
Sharing a plate of Scalloped Sweet Potatoes once turned my skeptical cousin into a fan for life; he even asked for a second helping.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm sweet potatoes for the best texture; they should feel heavy for their size.
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Heavy Cream: Opt for rich heavy cream to achieve that luscious creaminess we all crave.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the seasoning; it adds richness to each layer.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will infuse your dish with aromatic flavors that elevate every bite.
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Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding depth and color to your scalloped layers.
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Thyme: Fresh thyme offers a lovely herbaceous note that complements the sweetness of the potatoes perfectly.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all those delicious flavors—don’t skip these!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your Scalloped Sweet Potatoes cook evenly and develop that gorgeous golden top.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish generously with butter. This prevents sticking and adds extra flavor to those delightful edges.
Slice Sweet Potatoes: Thinly slice your sweet potatoes using a sharp knife or mandoline. Aim for about 1/8-inch thickness so they cook evenly and absorb all that creamy goodness.
Mix Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme. Whisk until well blended—this creamy sauce is what dreams are made of!
Layer It Up!: Begin layering the sweet potato slices in the baking dish. Pour some creamy sauce over each layer, followed by a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Enjoy that heavenly aroma filling your kitchen!
You Must Know
- Scalloped sweet potatoes are a delightful twist on a classic dish
- Their creamy texture and sweet flavor make them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering
- Pair them with a savory protein for a satisfying meal or enjoy them as a comforting side
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the sweet potatoes evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. Layer them with cream and cheese in a greased baking dish, then cover with foil for the first half of baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different cheeses like Gouda or add herbs such as rosemary for extra flavor. A sprinkle of nutmeg can enhance the sweetness, while crispy bacon bits add a savory crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, ensuring it stays creamy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, use fresh sweet potatoes instead of canned ones; they caramelize beautifully
- Always taste the cream mixture before layering—adding salt can elevate the dish significantly!
- Finally, let it rest after baking for perfect slicing
My first attempt at scalloped sweet potatoes was met with skeptical looks from my family. The aroma eventually won them over and now it’s their favorite holiday side!
FAQ
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, but the flavor and texture will differ from scalloped sweet potatoes.
How do I prevent my scalloped sweet potatoes from being watery?
Ensure you slice them thinly and drain excess moisture before assembling.
What seasonings pair well with scalloped sweet potatoes?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and paprika can enhance the dish’s flavor profile beautifully.
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a delightful side dish, perfect for family gatherings and holiday feasts. This creamy, cheesy casserole features tender layers of sweet potatoes baked to golden perfection, enveloped in a rich garlic-infused cream sauce. With each forkful, you’ll experience a wonderful balance of sweetness and savory flavors that will leave everyone at the table craving more. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes (about 4 medium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 2 tsp fresh thyme (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Thinly slice sweet potatoes (about 1/8-inch thick).
- In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Layer half of the sweet potato slices in the baking dish; pour half of the creamy sauce over them, then sprinkle with half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
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