Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a dish of scalloped sweet potatoes. This recipe brings warmth and joy, turning the humble sweet potato into a delightful experience that the whole family can enjoy. For me, there is no better side during a holiday gathering or family meal. The creamy, buttery layers of sweet goodness evoke memories of shared laughter and good times.

At the heart of this recipe are the fresh sweet potatoes, sliced into thin medallions that cook down to a tender bliss. The flavor blends of unsalted butter, brown sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg create a medley that transforms the sweet potatoes into a mouthwatering dish. And if that wasn’t enough, the added crunch of pecans or walnuts and the soft, sweet marshmallows provide delightful texture and contrast.

The simplicity of this dish makes it a favorite among home cooks. You just preheat your oven, layer the sweet potatoes, and create a delicious sauce to drizzle over them. Once baked to perfection, all that’s left to do is top with pecans and marshmallows for a final minute in the broiler. Easy as that!

These scalloped sweet potatoes are especially perfect for chilly nights when you’re looking for pure comfort food. Whether it’s a holiday table or a family dinner, this dish will surely bring warmth and happiness to your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

• Quick and Easy: The recipe involves simple steps that don’t take much time.
• Homey and Comforting: Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
• Flexible Ingredients: Options for substitutions accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Festive Appeal: The combination of flavors makes it a festive favorite.
• Delicious Leftovers: These sweet potatoes taste even better the next day.

Sweet Potato Tips

When selecting sweet potatoes for this recipe, look for medium-sized ones that feel firm without any soft spots or blemishes. The best ones have smooth skin and a vibrant orange color, indicating they are fresh and sweet. For the best results, avoid oversized sweet potatoes, as they tend to be starchier and less flavorful. Peel them carefully, ensuring to remove the outer skin, so the natural sweetness shines through in the final dish.

Options for Substitutions

• Sweet Potatoes: You can use butternut squash for a different flavor profile.
• Unsalted Butter: Coconut oil is a great dairy-free alternative.
• Brown Sugar: Honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a natural sweetness.
• Chopped Nuts: Swap in sunflower seeds for an allergy-friendly option.
• Mini Marshmallows: Use crushed graham crackers for a crunchy topping instead.
• Spices: Try cardamom or ginger for a unique twist.

Watch Out for These Mistakes

One common pitfall when making scalloped sweet potatoes is overcooking. If the potatoes are left in the oven too long, they can become mushy rather than fork-tender. Keep an eye on the baking time and check for doneness around the 45-minute mark.

Another mistake is not melting the butter mixture thoroughly. Make sure to dissolve the sugar completely in the butter before adding it to the sweet potatoes. This ensures even flavor distribution.

Avoid adding the pecans and marshmallows too early in the baking process. These toppings should only be added for the last broil to prevent them from burning, allowing them to achieve that perfect golden color.

Lastly, don’t skip the cooling time after the dish is out of the oven. Letting it sit for 10-15 minutes helps the flavors to settle and makes serving much easier.

What to Serve With Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?

These scalloped sweet potatoes pair beautifully with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad. They also complement savory dishes like roasted chicken or glazed ham. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a delicious green bean casserole or creamy macaroni for that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Storage Instructions

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze: You can freeze scalloped sweet potatoes for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.

Reheat: For stovetop reheating, warm on low heat in a pan, stirring occasionally. In the microwave, cover and reheat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 6-8

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1,500-1,800
• Protein: 12-15 grams
• Fat: 60-70 grams
• Carbohydrates: 250-300 grams

Ingredients

• 5-6 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin medallions
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 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 marshmallows

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F. While the oven warms up, prepare your baking dish by lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer Sweet Potatoes

Layer the sweet potato medallions in the greased baking dish. Spread them out evenly for consistent cooking.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, water, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Allow this mixture to bubble and become syrupy, which will enhance its flavors.

Step 4: Coat the Sweet Potatoes

Pour most of the melted butter sauce over the sweet potato medallions, making sure to coat them well. Reserve a small amount of the sauce for later.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check for fork tenderness; the sweet potatoes should be soft but not mushy.

Step 6: Final Touches

Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, remove them from the oven and drizzle the reserved sauce on top. Sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts and mini marshmallows. Broil for just 1-2 minutes until the marshmallows are golden brown, then let cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

In summary, this recipe for scalloped sweet potatoes is a delightful treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. I encourage you to try it yourself. Give it a go, share your experiences in the comments, and explore more of my other recipes. I look forward to seeing how you make this dish your own!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh ones?

You can, but fresh sweet potatoes provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe. Canned ones may not hold up as well during baking.

How long can I keep leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them gently to maintain their texture.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and sauce the day before, then bake them when you’re ready to serve. Just add the toppings before broiling.

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