Have you ever stumbled upon a dish that instantly transforms your holiday table into a feast for the eyes? Buttery scalloped sweet potatoes take center stage in my kitchen during Thanksgiving and Christmas, and for good reason! This sweet potato recipe combines thin medallions of creamy sweet potatoes with a rich brown sugar sauce that’s perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Topped with toasted mini marshmallows and crunchy pecans, it’s a showstopper that strikes a beautiful balance between sweetness and savory goodness. Not only does it come together quickly, but it also stands out as a crowd-pleasing side that will surely delight your guests. Curious how to make this stunning dish? Let’s dive in!
Why Choose Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?
Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of buttery sweet potatoes and a rich brown sugar sauce infused with warm spices creates a taste sensation that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Visually Stunning: Topped with toasted mini marshmallows and crunchy pecans, this dish adds both color and texture to your holiday table, making it an eye-catching centerpiece.
Quick & Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip this up in no time—ideal for busy holiday cooking!
Versatile Side: Perfectly complements a variety of main dishes, from spiral ham to roasted turkey, making it a must-have for any festive occasion.
This recipe is sure to elevate your holiday meals, so if you love delightful side dishes, you might also enjoy our Sweet Chili Chicken or the Comfort Garlic Potatoes.
Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Ingredients
• Dive into the delightful flavors of these scalloped sweet potatoes!
For the Sweet Potatoes
- Medium-Sized Sweet Potatoes – Peel and slice into thin medallions for the perfect texture and sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter – This rich ingredient creates the luscious sauce base. If needed, use salted butter and skip the extra salt.
- Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and depth; you can swap light or dark brown sugar as you desire.
- Water – Essential for dissolving and blending the sauce ingredients smoothly.
For the Spice Blend
- Ground Cinnamon – This warm spice enhances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- Ground Cloves – Offers a cozy flavor that complements the dish’s main ingredients.
- Ground Nutmeg – Adds a nutty, slightly sweet note that rounds out the spice profile.
- Salt – A pinch balances the sweetness and elevates the overall taste.
For the Topping
- Chopped Pecans – Provides nuttiness and a delightful crunch. If you prefer, walnuts can be used instead.
- Mini Marshmallows – Sweeten the dish and add a chewy, gooey finish when toasted.
This recipe for best scalloped sweet potatoes is sure to impress at your holiday gathering!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that once your buttery scalloped sweet potatoes are ready to bake, they will enter a perfectly heated environment for even cooking. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and prep your baking dish for a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and carefully slice medium-sized sweet potatoes into thin medallions, aiming for a uniform thickness of about 1/8 inch. This ensures they cook evenly and meld beautifully with the rich sauce. Once sliced, layer the medallions in a pie dish, creating an artful arrangement that showcases their lovely colors and textures.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of water. Add in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until the butter melts and the ingredients blend into a smooth, glossy sauce.
Step 4: Coat the Sweet Potatoes
Brush approximately 3/4 of the melted sauce over the sliced sweet potatoes in the pie dish. Ensure each medallion is well-coated to absorb the rich flavors. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil, which will trap steam and promote tender, perfectly cooked scalloped sweet potatoes. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 5: Add the Toppings
After baking, carefully remove the foil from the dish and drizzle the reserved sauce over the sweet potatoes. Sprinkle the chopped pecans and mini marshmallows evenly on top, creating an inviting contrast in both flavor and texture. This step gives the dish a beautiful finishing touch while adding a delightful crunch.
Step 6: Broil for a Perfect Finish
Switch the oven setting to broil and return the scalloped sweet potatoes to the oven. Broil for 1-2 minutes, monitoring closely until the mini marshmallows turn golden brown and slightly toasted. This step enhances their sweetness and adds that appealing, gooey texture that pairs so well with the sweet potatoes.
Step 7: Let Cool Before Serving
Once toasted to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and allow the scalloped sweet potatoes to cool for 10-15 minutes. This cooling period helps the flavors settle and the dish to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy serving this stunning side dish as a highlight of your holiday feast!
What to Serve with Buttery Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallows and Pecans
Buttery scalloped sweet potatoes create a beautifully balanced meal when paired with complementary sides and delightful beverages.
- Spiral Ham: This savory and smoky centerpiece adds a meaty contrast, enhancing the natural sweetness of the scalloped potatoes.
- Roasted Turkey: A classic holiday pairing, tender turkey drizzled with rich gravy beautifully offsets the creamy sweet potatoes.
- Green Beans Almondine: Crisp-tender green beans tossed with butter and almonds introduce freshness and a satisfying crunch to your plate.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of homemade cranberry sauce brightens the meal and offers a refreshing contrast to the dish’s sweetness.
A light and zesty salad, such as a mixed greens salad with a citrus vinaigrette, can also create a nice balance, introducing a burst of freshness to each bite.
- Apple Cider: Serve chilled or warm with spices; this refreshing drink complements the flavors of the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- Pumpkin Pie: End your holiday meal on a sweet note with this classic dessert, echoing the seasonal flavors found in your scalloped sweet potatoes.
Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Variations
Feel free to mix things up with these exciting twists to your scalloped sweet potatoes!
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Lighter Version: Reducing the brown sugar or using a natural sweetener can keep the dish delicious without the guilt. Your holiday guests will appreciate a healthier option without sacrificing flavor!
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a surprising heat that perfectly complements the sweetness of the potatoes. It’s a creative way to add dimension to your dish!
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Whipped Cream Delight: Swap mini marshmallows for crème fraîche or whipped cream for a unique creamy finish. This change will yield a luscious texture that’s simply irresistible.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the sauce for a fragrant twist. This adds an aromatic layer that transforms your sweet potato dish into something extraordinary.
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Creamy Touch: Mix in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier base. This custardy twist results in a decadent experience for your taste buds.
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Nutty Variations: If pecans aren’t your favorite, substitute with walnuts or even slivered almonds for a different nutty flavor and texture. Each option brings its unique character to your scalloped potatoes.
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Flavor Adventure: Infuse the brown sugar mixture with orange or maple syrup for an exciting boost! This slight shift elevates the overall taste profile, weaving sweet citrus or deep caramel notes into the dish.
Don’t forget, while you’re at it, to explore our Sweet Escape Charm for a breakfast treat or try the Parmesan Chicken Potatoes for another comforting side!
Make Ahead Options
These Irresistibly Creamy Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can slice the sweet potatoes and soak them in water up to 24 hours in advance to prevent browning. Prepare the buttery brown sugar sauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply layer the soaked sweet potato medallions in the dish, brush with the sauce, cover with foil, and bake as directed. This method ensures that your dish is just as delicious with fresh flavors while saving you precious time during busy holiday cooking. Enjoy stress-free holiday meals without sacrificing taste!
Expert Tips for Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
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Even Slices: Using a mandoline slicer ensures uniform thickness of sweet potato medallions, leading to even cooking and better texture.
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Prevent Browning: If you’re prepping in advance, soak the sweet potato slices in water to stop them from browning before baking.
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Watch the Broil: Keep a close eye on the mini marshmallows while broiling; they can go from golden to burnt in seconds!
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Taste Adjustments: Feel free to reduce the brown sugar for a lighter version, or swap in a natural sweetener to suit your preferences.
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Nut Variations: If you’re out of pecans, walnuts make a delicious alternative that still delivers delightful crunch in the best scalloped sweet potatoes.
How to Store and Freeze Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Fridge: Leftover scalloped sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Ensure they are cooled to room temperature before sealing.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the scalloped sweet potatoes in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will retain good quality for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Microwaving is also an option for quick reheating, but the oven helps maintain that lovely texture.
Avoid Overcrowding: When reheating, make sure to avoid crowding the dish. This will ensure even heating and preserve the delightful texture of your best scalloped sweet potatoes.
Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Look for sweet potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free of dark spots or soft spots. Those with rough skin or any signs of sprouting or blemishes should be avoided. Medium-sized sweet potatoes are ideal for this recipe, as they ensure even cooking when sliced.
What’s the best way to store leftover scalloped sweet potatoes?
Very! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. It’s best to cool the dish to room temperature before sealing. Reheat in the microwave for best results, or warm in the oven at 350°F for a more gentle reheating method.
Can I freeze scalloped sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! To freeze your scalloped sweet potatoes, allow them to cool completely. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat as directed.
What should I do if my sweet potatoes seem mushy after baking?
That’s a common concern! If your sweet potatoes have become mushy, they might have been overcooked. Next time, check for fork-tenderness around the 45-minute mark, since cooking times can vary based on thickness. If they are too soft, avoid covering the dish too tightly with foil to allow some steam escape.
Are scalloped sweet potatoes safe for pets?
While sweet potatoes are generally safe for dogs and other pets, it’s best to avoid the added butter and sugar. Always consult with your vet regarding your pets’ dietary needs before introducing any new foods. For a pet-friendly treat, you can offer them plain cooked sweet potato in moderation!
Irresistibly Creamy Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes for Holidays
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Gather your ingredients and prep your baking dish.
- Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into thin medallions, then layer them in a pie dish.
- In a saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Heat until the butter melts.
- Brush 3/4 of the melted sauce over the sweet potatoes and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 45-50 minutes.
- After baking, drizzle reserved sauce over sweet potatoes and sprinkle with pecans and mini marshmallows.
- Switch to broil and broil for 1-2 minutes until mini marshmallows turn golden brown.
- Allow the dish to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.