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