Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe

There is something irresistibly cozy and heartwarming about the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes. This dish takes humble sweet potatoes and transforms them into a luscious, layered masterpiece, combining the natural sweetness with just the right balance of warm spices, buttery goodness, and a golden, toasty marshmallow topping. It’s the kind of recipe that instantly feels like a celebration, perfect for holiday gatherings or a comforting weeknight side that everyone will ask for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes plays an important role, from the creamy butter that melts into the layers to the fragrant spices that elevate the natural sweetness of the potatoes. These simple yet essential ingredients come together to deliver a dish that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.

• Sweet potatoes, 5-6 medium: Peeled and sliced into thin medallions for even cooking and layering.
• Unsalted butter, ¼ cup: Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps meld the spices with the potatoes; room temperature butter works best.
• Brown sugar, ¼ cup: Light or dark brown sugar enhances sweetness and gives a subtle caramel note.
• Water, ½ cup: Provides moisture that helps soften the sweet potatoes during baking.
• Ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: Offers warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweetness perfectly.
• Ground cloves, 1 teaspoon: Adds a slight peppery, earthy depth that balances the syrupy sauce.
• Ground nutmeg, 1 teaspoon: Brings subtle, nutty warmth that deepens the flavor profile.
• Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Chopped pecans, ¼ cup: Adds delightful crunch and a toasty, nutty contrast.
• Mini marshmallows, ½ cup: For that iconic golden, melty topping that’s pure comfort in every bite.

How to Make Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prep and Layer Your Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and slicing them carefully into thin, uniform medallions. This is key to ensuring they cook evenly and form those beautiful layers everyone loves in scalloped dishes. Arrange the slices neatly in your baking dish to create a visually appealing base ready to soak up all that luscious sauce.

Step 2: Make the Flavorful Sauce

Next, take a small to medium saucepan and combine your butter, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring gently as everything melts into a smooth, fragrant sauce. This aromatic blend is where the magic starts, infusing the sweet potatoes with cozy, spiced sweetness that’s hard to resist.

Step 3: Coat and Bake

Using a pastry brush, generously coat about three quarters of this sauce onto your layered sweet potatoes. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam and bake at 400°F for 45 to 50 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become tender and soak up the flavors.

Step 4: Add the Final Touches

When your potatoes are beautifully tender, remove the foil and brush the remaining sauce on top. Then sprinkle the chopped pecans and mini marshmallows evenly over the surface. This is where the dish begins to shine with texture and that signature sweet finish.

Step 5: Broil to Perfection

Place the uncovered dish under the broiler for just 1 to 2 minutes—watch closely so your marshmallows toast to golden perfection without burning. This quick step creates a gooey, caramelized cap that perfectly contrasts the soft, spiced layers beneath.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let your Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow everything to set slightly. This resting step locks in moisture and makes each slice hold its shape beautifully on the plate.

How to Serve Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few additional toasted pecans can add a lovely pop of color and texture. You might also drizzle a little maple syrup or a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for an extra layer of flavor that complements the sweet and savory notes.

Side Dishes

Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, ham, or chicken. A crisp green salad or steamed green beans bring freshness that balances the richness, making your entire meal feel well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive presentation, try baking the scalloped sweet potatoes in individual ramekins for personalized servings. You can also scatter dried cranberries or swap pecans for walnuts to add variety. Layering the sweet potatoes with thin slices of apples or pears offers a surprising fruity twist that your guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your dish, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy again without losing flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best texture upon thawing, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes. If reheating from frozen, bake covered at 350°F for around 45 minutes, uncovering near the end to refresh the marshmallow topping if desired.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

While regular potatoes will work, the natural sweetness and creamy texture of sweet potatoes make this dish truly special. The spices and marshmallow topping especially complement sweet potatoes, giving you that unique Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes flavor.

What if I don’t have mini marshmallows?

You can use regular-sized marshmallows, chopped into smaller pieces to distribute evenly. Alternatively, a sprinkle of brown sugar or even a crumb topping can offer a different but delicious finish.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and make sure your marshmallows are vegan if needed. The flavor remains wonderfully cozy and delightful.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the sweet potatoes and sauce, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the marshmallows and nuts right before you broil for the best texture.

How do I get the slices uniform for even baking?

A mandoline slicer is a great tool for achieving consistent, thin medallions. If you don’t have one, take your time with a sharp knife for the best results.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes a spot at your table. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, bringing everyone around the table together with its perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether it’s a holiday treat or a comforting weeknight side, this recipe will become one of your cherished favorites in no time.

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