If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful side dish that will wow your taste buds, this easy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, tender sweet potatoes baked to perfection with a luscious sauce make this dish a perfect addition to any meal. Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering, these scalloped sweet potatoes bring warmth and deliciousness to your plate with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples that come together easily without fuss.
Creamy Texture: The smooth, cheesy sauce beautifully complements the naturally sweet potatoes for a dreamy bite.
Versatile Dish: Fits perfectly alongside proteins like chicken, pork, or even vegetarian mains.
Festive Appeal: Its golden-brown top and inviting aroma make it a showstopper on holiday tables.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and reheat without losing that fresh-baked taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients, this recipe delivers rich flavor and vibrant color. Each component plays a key role in balancing sweetness, creaminess, and texture for a truly indulgent dish.

Sweet Potatoes: Choose fresh, firm sweet potatoes for sweetness and a tender bite.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce that coats the potatoes beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the creamy sauce with just the right consistency.
Milk or Cream: The base for the savory sauce, making it luxuriously smooth.
Garlic and Onion Powder: Enhance the savory depth without overpowering the sweet potatoes.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors perfectly.
Cheese (Optional but recommended): Sharp cheddar or gruyere add a delightful savory kick and golden crust.

Variations for Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Feel free to customize this Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe! It’s incredibly adaptable depending on your taste preferences, dietary choices, or what you have on hand.

Vegan Version: Substitute butter with olive oil and use plant-based milk along with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for subtle heat and complexity.
Herb Infusion: Mix fresh rosemary or thyme into the sauce for an aromatic twist.
Extra Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or breadcrumbs on top before baking for texture contrast.
Mixed Roots: Combine sweet potatoes with carrots or parsnips for varied color and flavor dynamics.

Easy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe to Try

How to Make Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Begin by peeling the sweet potatoes and slicing them into thin, uniform rounds. This helps them cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce better.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a smooth roux. Gradually add milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens into a luscious base. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheese if using, allowing it to melt completely.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Layer a portion of sweet potato slices in a greased baking dish, then spoon over some creamy sauce. Repeat layers until all are used, finishing with sauce on top. This layering ensures every slice is coated and flavorful.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving

Allow the scalloped sweet potatoes to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce settle for easier slicing and enhances the flavors.

Pro Tips for Making Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Uniform Slices: Using a mandoline helps achieve even slices for consistent cooking.
Low and Slow Baking: Baking at a moderate temperature ensures creamy tenderness without burning.
Season Gradually: Taste your sauce as you go to balance salt and spices perfectly.
Add Cheese Last: Stir cheese in off heat to avoid curdling and keep the sauce silky.
Use Heavy Cream: For extra richness, replace milk with heavy cream but watch baking times as it might brown faster.

How to Serve Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a burst of color and freshness that brightens each serving.

Side Dishes

Pair with roasted chicken, glazed ham, or sautéed greens to round out a hearty and balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving scalloped sweet potatoes in individual ramekins for elegant single portions that make special occasions even more memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight.

Freezing

Scalloped sweet potatoes freeze well when stored in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, perfect for prepping meals ahead.

Reheating

Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! While this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, you can swap in regular potatoes for a classic scalloped potato dish.

Do I have to use cheese in the sauce?

No, cheese is optional but adds richness and a golden crust. You can omit it to keep the dish simpler or make it vegan.

How thin should I slice the sweet potatoes?

Aim for slices about 1/8 inch thick so they cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce wonderfully without falling apart.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as a thickener to keep the sauce smooth without gluten.

What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar or gruyere are fantastic choices because they melt nicely and complement the sweet potatoes with their nutty, tangy notes.

Final Thoughts

This Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe offers an easy yet impressive way to enjoy sweet potatoes that are creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or guests, give this dish a try and watch it become a beloved staple at your table. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s both simple to make and delightfully delicious.

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Author: Mary
Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This easy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe features tender, thinly sliced sweet potatoes baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. With simple pantry ingredients, it delivers a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings. The golden-brown crust and rich sauce create a warm and inviting addition that pairs well with poultry, pork, or vegetarian meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes

3 to 4 large fresh, firm sweet potatoes

Sauce

4 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour/cornstarch for gluten-free)
2 to 2 ½ cups milk or cream (heavy cream for extra richness)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 to 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar or gruyere cheese, shredded (optional but recommended)

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into thin, uniform rounds about 1/8 inch thick to ensure even cooking and maximum sauce absorption.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Gradually add the milk or cream, stirring continuously until thickened to a luscious sauce. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in cheese if using, allowing it to melt fully without curdling.
Assemble the Dish: Grease a baking dish and layer half of the sweet potato slices. Spoon over a portion of the creamy sauce. Repeat the layers with remaining potatoes and sauce, finishing with sauce on top so every slice is well coated.
Bake Until Golden: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Rest Before Serving: Let the scalloped sweet potatoes rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to settle, which helps with slicing and intensifies the flavors.

Notes

Use a mandoline slicer for perfectly even sweet potato slices.
Bake at a moderate temperature to maintain creamy tenderness without burning.
Taste the sauce as you make it to adjust seasoning gradually.
Stir cheese in off the heat to avoid curdling and ensure a silky sauce.
For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil, use plant-based milk, and add nutritional yeast for cheesiness.
Add spices like cayenne or smoked paprika for a spicy twist.
Enhance flavor by adding fresh rosemary or thyme to the sauce.
Top with toasted pecans or breadcrumbs before baking for added crunch.
Combine sweet potatoes with other root vegetables such as carrots or parsnips for varied texture and color.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: scalloped sweet potatoes, creamy sweet potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, holiday side dish, cheesy sweet potatoes, gluten-free scalloped potatoes, vegetable side dish