Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe

There is something absolutely magical about the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes that makes this dish stand out at any table. Creamy, tender sweet potatoes layered with a luscious spiced butter sauce, topped with crunchy pecans and perfectly toasted marshmallows, create a comforting harmony of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug from the inside. It’s a dish that turns simple sweet potatoes into a dazzling centerpiece worthy of holiday feasts, weeknight dinners, or any time you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture that defines the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes. You’ll find that the combination of aromatic spices, rich butter, and the sweet tender potatoes come together effortlessly, while the pecans and marshmallows add exciting layers of crunch and gooey delight.

• Sweet potatoes (5-6 medium, peeled and thinly sliced): The star of the dish, their natural sweetness and creamy texture provide a rich base.
• Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Adds richness and helps meld all the flavors together with a silky smooth sauce.
• Brown sugar (¼ cup, light or dark): Enhances the natural sweetness and deepens the flavor with caramel notes.
• Water (½ cup): Helps create the perfect sauce consistency that keeps the potatoes moist and tender.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings warm, cozy spice that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
• Ground cloves (1 teaspoon): Adds a bold, aromatic punch that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Ground nutmeg (1 teaspoon): Introduces a touch of earthy warmth and subtle sweetness.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances all the sweetness and spices, rounding out the taste harmoniously.
• Chopped pecans (¼ cup, or walnuts): Provides a buttery crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft layers.
• Mini marshmallows (½ cup): The pièce de résistance for a gooey, toasted topping that turns the dish into a showstopper.

How to Make Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F to get it nice and hot for baking. Meanwhile, peel those vibrant sweet potatoes and slice them carefully into thin medallions. This even slicing ensures every bite cooks uniformly and softens properly in the sauce.

Step 2: Arrange the Sweet Potatoes in Your Baking Dish

Lay the thin potato slices neatly into your baking dish. Don’t worry about stacking layers too tightly—giving them a little space helps the sauce soak into each slice perfectly, making every forkful tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Create the Spice-Butter Sauce

Next, melt the unsalted butter with the brown sugar, water, and all your fragrant spices—cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg—plus the pinch of salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir as the ingredients melt together into a glossy, aromatic sauce that will breathe life into the sweet potatoes.

Step 4: Coat and Bake the Sweet Potatoes

Brush about three-quarters of the sauce evenly over the layered sweet potatoes, making sure each medallion gets a touch of that luscious flavor. Cover the dish with foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the sauce has infused them with warmth and sweetness.

Step 5: Add the Final Touches

After baking, remove the foil and generously drizzle the remaining sauce over the potatoes. Sprinkle the chopped pecans and mini marshmallows on top for that irresistible crunch and melty sweetness that makes the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes truly unforgettable.

Step 6: Broil for a Toasted Finish

Set the oven to broil and place the dish back inside. Keep a very close eye as it only takes 1 to 2 minutes to toast the marshmallows to golden perfection. This step brings the final wow factor, creating a beautiful caramelized, slightly crisp topping.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the dish to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes so the sauce can thicken a bit and the layers set. Then, serve your Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with pride, ready to delight every guest at your table.

How to Serve Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Garnishes

While the dish already shines with its pecan and marshmallow topping, adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few extra pecan halves just before serving can add a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness that balances the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a stellar side for roast turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple grilled chicken. Try pairing them with green beans almondine or a crisp, tangy cranberry salad to cut through the sweetness, making your meal feel balanced and festive.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching twist, bake the potatoes in individual ramekins and top each with pecans and marshmallows. Alternatively, swirl in a spoonful of cream cheese before adding the sauce to introduce a subtle tang that makes the dish even more luxurious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, cool any leftovers completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making your next serving just as delightful.

Freezing

You can freeze Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes by wrapping the dish tightly with plastic and foil or transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. If microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short bursts to prevent marshmallows from melting away completely.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! While this recipe shines with sweet potatoes for their natural sweetness and vibrant color, regular potatoes work too. Just keep in mind the flavor will be less sweet and the baking time might vary slightly.

Is it okay to skip the marshmallows?

Of course. Marshmallows add that classic touch of gooey sweetness, but you can omit them for a less sweet or dairy-free version. Try sprinkling extra nuts or even coconut flakes on top instead.

Can I prepare this dish a day ahead?

Yes, it’s perfect for making ahead. Assemble the dish completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

What type of nuts work best?

Pecans are ideal for their buttery flavor and texture, but walnuts make a great substitute. For a nut-free version, simply omit or replace with toasted seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

How thin should the sweet potato slices be?

A thickness of about 1/8 inch is perfect. Thin enough to cook through evenly but thick enough to hold together and absorb the delicious sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that will quickly become a family favorite, the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes fit the bill perfectly. It’s easy to make, utterly comforting, and bursting with seasonal warmth in every bite. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try and watch it become a treasured tradition at your table for years to come!

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