Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

If you’re looking for a cozy side dish that warms the heart and delights the taste buds, you’ve found it! The Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is a recipe that has graced our family gatherings for years. It combines sweet potato medallions with a rich, buttery brown sugar sauce that’s perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Every bite is a delicious hug on your plate, making it a must-have for holidays or even busy weeknights when you need something special.

This dish is not just about flavor; it’s also incredibly easy to prepare! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a beautiful side ready to impress your family and friends. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a regular dinner at home, these scalloped sweet potatoes will steal the show!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: No complicated techniques here! Just slice, mix, and bake.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet flavors and creamy texture.
• Make ahead convenience: You can prepare it in advance and simply reheat before serving.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of spices brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes beautifully.
• Perfect for any occasion: Great for parties, holidays, or cozy dinners at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this delightful dish is super simple! You probably already have most of them in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to make the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes:

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 wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add some greens: Toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
• Experiment with nuts: Try using slivered almonds or hazelnuts instead of pecans for a different crunch.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Try different sauces: Swap out the brown sugar sauce for maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This step is crucial because it ensures your sweet potatoes cook evenly and get that lovely golden color when baked.

Step 2: Slice Your Sweet Potatoes

Peel those sweet potatoes and cut them into thin medallions. A sharp knife will help you achieve even slices, which means they will cook uniformly. Arrange these beautiful medallions in your baking dish; they should overlap slightly for the best presentation.

Step 3: Create the Sauce

In a small or medium saucepan over medium heat, combine unsalted butter, brown sugar, water, spices, and salt. Stir until everything melts together into a smooth sauce. This mixture is what adds that magical flavor to the sweet potatoes!

Step 4: Bake It Up

Once your sauce is ready, brush about three-quarters of it over the sweet potato medallions in your baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes. The foil helps steam the potatoes so they become tender while absorbing all those wonderful flavors.

Step 5: Final Touches Before Broiling

After baking, remove the foil and drizzle the remaining sauce over the medallions. Sprinkle chopped pecans and mini vegan marshmallows on top. This adds texture and sweetness that perfectly complements the savory notes of cinnamon and cloves.

Step 6: Broil to Perfection

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

Step 7: Cool Down & Serve

Once done, remove from oven and let cool for about 10-15 minutes. This allows everything to set nicely before serving. Dish up those Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes and enjoy every last bite!

Pro Tips for Making Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Making the best scalloped sweet potatoes is all about attention to detail and a few handy tricks.

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Opt for medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes. This ensures even cooking and a sweeter taste, enhancing the overall flavor of your dish.

• Slice evenly: Cutting your sweet potatoes into uniform medallions allows them to cook at the same rate. This way, you won’t end up with some pieces overcooked while others are still crunchy.

• Layer strategically: When arranging your sweet potato medallions in the baking dish, alternate between layers for an eye-catching presentation. This not only looks beautiful but also helps to distribute the sauce evenly throughout, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

• Monitor the broiling time: Broiling can quickly turn from golden brown to burnt. Keep a close watch during this step to achieve perfectly toasted marshmallows without any charred bits.

• Let it rest: Allow your dish to cool for 10-15 minutes after broiling before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together and makes serving easier as it firms up slightly.

How to Serve Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Serving this delectable dish can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to make your presentation shine.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and freshness that complements the sweetness of the dish.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: A light drizzle of maple syrup just before serving adds an extra layer of sweetness and enhances the flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: The slight bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts pairs beautifully with the sweetness of scalloped sweet potatoes, creating a balanced plate.
• Cranberry sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce can act as a refreshing contrast, cutting through the richness and bringing brightness to your meal.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad loaded with veggies can be a nutritious addition that complements the flavors without overpowering them.
• Green bean almondine: Sautéed green beans with almonds add crunch and a savory appeal that beautifully offsets the creamy texture of the scalloped sweet potatoes.

With these tips, garnishes, and side dishes, your Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes will surely be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy creating delightful moments around your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, which makes holiday gatherings or busy weeknights a breeze. Here’s how to store any leftovers or prepare them in advance.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing

• If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze it before broiling the marshmallows.
• Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the dish (cover if needed) in the oven and reheat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• If frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

Can I use other vegetables in place of sweet potatoes?

While this recipe is specifically for Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, you could experiment with other root vegetables like butternut squash or carrots. Just remember that cooking times may vary.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any wheat products. However, always check your ingredients (like butter and sugar) to ensure they are certified gluten-free if necessary.

Can I make Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes without nuts?

Absolutely! If you have nut allergies or prefer not to use them, feel free to omit the pecans. You can also replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes! This dish brings warmth and sweetness that perfectly complements any holiday table. The combination of spices and textures will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy creating this wonderful recipe, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences with me!