Every holiday season, I find myself rifling through my recipe collection, searching for that one dish that transforms the festive table. This year, it’s all about my Buttery Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, a crowd-pleasing side that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Layered with tender sweet potato medallions and drenched in a luscious, spiced brown sugar sauce, this dish brings a delightful warmth to family gatherings. Topped with crunchy pecans and caramelized mini marshmallows, it offers both the elegance of a gourmet recipe and the comfort of home-cooked goodness. Plus, it’s quick to assemble and makes your kitchen smell heavenly as it bakes. Are you ready to impress your loved ones with this irresistible side?
Why Make Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?
Rich, Decadent Flavor: This recipe combines sweet potatoes with a buttery brown sugar sauce and warm spices, creating an irresistible flavor that elevates any meal.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for holiday feasts, this dish will have friends and family coming back for seconds at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings.
Simple Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can whip this up quickly, even when you have a busy holiday schedule.
Unique Texture Contrast: Enjoy the delightful combination of soft sweet potato medallions, creamy sauce, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy pecans, making each bite a savory experience.
For an equally delightful dish, consider pairing these scalloped sweet potatoes with Sweet Harmony Honey or serving alongside a comforting Sweet Potato Taco.
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for these amazing Scalloped Sweet Potatoes—let’s create some magic in the kitchen!
For the Sweet Potato Base
- Sweet Potatoes – A flavorful foundation for the dish; peel and slice into medallions for maximum tenderness.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds a velvety richness; substitute with salted butter if needed, just reduce any added salt.
For the Sauce
- Brown Sugar – Sweetens and enriches the sauce; feel free to use light or dark sugar based on your texture preference.
- Water – Helps meld all the components of the sauce together, creating a savory blend.
- Ground Cinnamon – Infuses warmth into the sauce with its aromatic qualities.
- Ground Cloves – A hint of spice that enhances the dish’s sweetness beautifully.
- Ground Nutmeg – Introduces a warm, nutty flavor that rounds out the sauce.
- Salt – A pinch balances and complements all the sweet and spiced elements of the dish.
For the Topping
- Chopped Pecans (or Walnuts) – These add a delightful crunch; walnuts are a fantastic substitute if you prefer.
- Mini Marshmallows – Sweet and gooey, they caramelize beautifully on top for an indulgent finish.
Get ready to whisk up this dish that will surely steal the show at your holiday celebrations!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Buttery Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a perfectly baked dish right from the start, allowing the flavors of your scalloped sweet potatoes to develop while they cook. Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center to provide even heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into thin medallions, about 1/4 inch thick, for even tenderness. Arrange these slices in a greased oven-safe baking dish, layering them neatly. This will create a beautiful presentation and help the sweet potatoes cook uniformly.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of water, and your spices—1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Warm the mixture for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and well combined, creating a luscious sauce for your scalloped sweet potatoes.
Step 4: Combine the Sweet Potatoes and Sauce
Once your sauce is ready, brush three-quarters of it evenly over the arranged sweet potato medallions in the baking dish. This will coat them in that rich, buttery flavor, enhancing their natural sweetness. Reserve the remaining sauce for later, as it will add another layer of flavor during the topping step.
Step 5: Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, sealing it tightly to retain moisture. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily pierce the sweet potatoes with a fork, revealing a tender texture that pairs perfectly with your sauce.
Step 6: Add Toppings
After baking, carefully remove the foil and pour the reserved sauce over the sweet potatoes. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans and 1 cup of mini marshmallows evenly on top. These toppings will add a delightful crunch and sweetness, making your scalloped sweet potatoes even more irresistible.
Step 7: Broil for Perfection
Set your oven to broil and place the baking dish back in for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on the dish as the marshmallows can toast quickly. You’re looking for a golden-brown, gooey topping—this is where the magic happens, transforming your scalloped sweet potatoes into a show-stopping side.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once the topping is toasted to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully while giving you an opportunity to set the scene for serving your delightful scalloped sweet potatoes. Enjoy the satisfied faces around the dinner table!
Variations & Substitutions for Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Feel free to get creative with these scalloped sweet potatoes and make them truly your own!
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Heavy Cream: Substitute water with heavy cream for an ultra-rich sauce that adds a luxurious creaminess. This twist transforms the dish into a velvety delight that’s perfect for special occasions.
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Crumb Topping: Swap marshmallows for a crumb topping made from crushed graham crackers and butter. This adds a delightful crunch and a bit of toasty flavor, while also creating a unique twist for those who prefer less sweetness.
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Nut-Free: Omit the pecans or walnuts for a nut-free version. You can still add texture by incorporating seeds, like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, for a nutritious boost without any allergens.
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Spice Variation: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a subtle kick. The warmth complements the sweetness beautifully and adds an unexpected depth of flavor that will surprise your guests.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the sauce for an aromatic twist. This infusion gives a lovely herbal note that elevates the dish, making it suitable for a refined dining experience.
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Maple Syrup: Replace some or all of the brown sugar with maple syrup. This swap will introduce a unique, earthy sweetness and helps create a fabulously vibrant glaze.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes: For added depth of flavor, roast the sweet potato slices before layering them in the dish. This brings out their natural sweetness and enhances every layer of flavor in the bake.
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Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle some grated cheese—like Gruyère or cheddar—over the sweet potatoes before adding the marshmallows. This savory twist melds beautifully with the sweetness, creating an irresistible combo that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
As you explore these variations, consider pairing each dish with the comforting flavors of Sweet Harmony Honey or enjoy the warmth of Honey Feta Sweet alongside your scalloped sweet potatoes. Happy cooking!
What to Serve with Buttery Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?
Every holiday table deserves a symphony of flavors, and these sweet potatoes demand delicious companions to shine alongside them.
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Herb-Roasted Turkey: This classic centerpiece features moist turkey infused with herbs, perfectly balancing the richness of the sweet potatoes. The savory meat pairs harmoniously with the sweetness, creating a comforting and festive touch.
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Honey-Glazed Ham: The sweetness of a honey-glazed ham complements the buttery scalloped sweet potatoes beautifully. Each bite is a delightful contrast of flavors that transports you to holiday bliss.
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Green Bean Almondine: Crisp and fresh, green beans sautéed with almonds add a nice crunch and a pop of color to your plate. The simple, nutty flavor enhances the richness of the sweet potatoes.
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Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For a truly indulgent feast, serve creamy garlic mashed potatoes. Their velvety texture and garlicky notes provide a delicious contrast to the sweet elements of the sweet potatoes.
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Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce brings a delightful acidity to your meal, brightening the palate with its vibrant flavors. It balances the richness of the scalloped sweet potatoes splendidly.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Sip on warm spiced apple cider alongside your meal. The fragrant spices and sweetness of the cider echo the warm spices of the sweet potatoes, creating a cozy dining experience.
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Pumpkin Pie: End your feast on a sweet note with a slice of pumpkin pie. The rich custard filling mirrors the warmth of the scalloped sweet potatoes, making for a remarkable dessert pairing.
Let these suggestions guide you in crafting a delightful holiday meal that will be remembered long after the last bite!
Make Ahead Options
These Buttery Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify meal prep! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and the rich, buttery brown sugar sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Simply slice the sweet potatoes and layer them in the baking dish, then whisk together the sauce and pour it over the potatoes, covering tightly with plastic wrap. To maintain quality, refrigerate the assembled dish, which prevents browning and keeps everything fresh. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven for the baking time of 45-50 minutes, then add your toppings and broil for a few minutes for that golden finish. You’ll have a scrumptious side dish with minimal last-minute effort!
Helpful Tricks for Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
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Uniform Slices: Use a mandoline slicer to cut your sweet potatoes into even medallions. This ensures consistent cooking and prevents any slices from being undercooked or mushy.
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Prevent Browning: If you prep your sweet potatoes early, keep them submerged in cold water. This will prevent browning and keeps them fresh until you’re ready to bake.
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Reheat with Care: When reheating leftovers, do so gently in the microwave or oven to maintain the creamy texture of your scalloped sweet potatoes without drying them out.
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Watch the Broil: Keep a close eye on your mini marshmallows while broiling; they can go from toasted to burnt in seconds. Aim for a golden-brown hue for the best flavor and visual appeal.
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Make Ahead: You can assemble your dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How to Store and Freeze Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Fridge: Store any leftover Scalloped Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days. Simply reheat gently in the microwave until warmed through.
Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze the dish! Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the scalloped sweet potatoes in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated thoroughly.
Assembly: If preparing in advance, complete steps until just before the broiling stage. Cover and refrigerate, then broil the marshmallows just before serving for optimal freshness and texture.
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without dark spots or blemishes. The thicker and heavier they are for their size, the sweeter they’ll tend to be. For a richer flavor, opt for those with a vibrant orange hue; these are generally sweeter and creamier when cooked.
What’s the best way to store leftovers of scalloped sweet potatoes?
Store any leftover Scalloped Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them gently in the microwave until warmed through, taking care not to overcook and dry them out.
Can I freeze scalloped sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap the dish tightly in aluminum foil or transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll last for up to 3 months in the freezer. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. When ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated thoroughly.
What should I do if my sweet potatoes are browning before baking?
To prevent browning, soak the sliced sweet potatoes in cold water for up to an hour before baking. Make sure to drain and pat them dry thoroughly before assembling the dish. This step helps keep them fresh and allows for maximum tenderness when baked.
Are there any dietary considerations with scalloped sweet potatoes?
Yes! If you’re accommodating allergies, the originally included pecans and marshmallows can easily be substituted. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace with seeds. Additionally, if you’re avoiding refined sugar, you can use maple syrup or coconut sugar for a healthier twist without compromising flavor.
Deliciously Buttery Scalloped Sweet Potatoes for Festive Feasts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into thin medallions, about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat and stir in 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Brush three-quarters of the sauce evenly over the sweet potato medallions.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45-50 minutes.
- After baking, pour the reserved sauce over the sweet potatoes and sprinkle with chopped pecans and mini marshmallows.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes until marshmallows are golden-brown.
- Let the dish cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
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