Description

Scalloped Sweet Potato Casserole is a comforting baked dish featuring tender layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Topped with golden Parmesan, this casserole offers a perfect balance of natural sweetness and savory flavors, making it ideal for holidays or family dinners. Easy to prepare and versatile to adapt, it brings warmth, vibrant flavor, and an impressive presentation to any table.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

3 to 4 fresh sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
4 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
2 cups milk or cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Herbs and Garnishes

Fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (optional, for adding to sauce or garnish)
Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)

Variations (Optional Enhancements)

Plant-based milk and vegan cheese for vegan version
A pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for spice
Toasted pecans or walnuts for crunchy topping
Sage or additional fresh thyme for herb infusion
1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup for enhanced sweetness

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them uniformly to about 1/8 inch thickness to ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.
Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Whisk in the flour to make a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk or cream, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat, then stir in the sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish and arrange a layer of sweet potato slices evenly on the bottom. Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the potatoes. Repeat layering sweet potatoes and cheese sauce until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of sauce. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top to create a golden, crispy crust.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden, bubbly, and the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set, making it easier to serve.

Notes

Use fresh, firm sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
Slice the potatoes evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
Let the casserole rest after baking to help it hold its shape when serving.
Choose sharp cheddar cheese for balanced flavor and meltability.
Cover the dish while baking to prevent drying out and promote even cooking.
Add fresh herbs just before serving to preserve their aroma and brightness.

Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approximate)
Calories: 280
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: scalloped sweet potato casserole, creamy sweet potato bake, cheesy sweet potato dish, holiday casserole, gluten-free casserole, comforting side dish, vegetarian casserole