Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

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This dish has been a beloved side at my family’s holiday gatherings for years, and I can honestly say it’s one of the coziest and most nostalgic things I make. The creamy sweet potatoes, baked to perfection with layers of cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter, are topped with toasted marshmallows and crunchy pecans. It’s a comforting blend of textures and flavors that always has people going back for seconds.

What I love most about this dish is its versatility. It feels festive enough for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, yet it’s simple enough to make any time you’re craving something a little sweet and a little savory. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table and sparks conversation—just the way food should.

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Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe

This recipe brings together everything people love about sweet potatoes: warmth, sweetness, and a hint of spice. The addition of cinnamon and brown sugar creates a caramel-like glaze as the dish bakes, while the marshmallows melt into gooey perfection. A final sprinkle of toasted pecans gives a delightful crunch, balancing the softness of the potatoes.

Whether you’re serving it as a holiday side or enjoying leftovers the next day, this dish delivers comfort in every bite. It’s crowd-pleasing, easy to make, and always beautiful on the table.

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What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?

Look for firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Beauregard or Garnet varieties. These types are naturally sweet and have a creamy texture that softens beautifully when baked. Avoid white sweet potatoes, which can be too dry and starchy for this dish.

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Options for Substitutions

No pecans on hand? Try walnuts or sliced almonds for a similar crunch. If you’re avoiding nuts altogether, a sprinkle of granola or crushed graham crackers can work as a fun alternative.

For a dairy-free version, swap the butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based milk or cream. You can also skip the marshmallows and just drizzle maple syrup over the top before baking for a more natural sweetness.

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Ingredients for this Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe

• Sweet Potatoes – The heart of the dish. Choose orange-fleshed varieties for their natural sweetness and creamy texture.
• Butter – Adds richness and helps create that buttery glaze when melted between the layers.
• Heavy Cream – Gives the dish a luxurious, velvety base that binds the flavors together.
• Brown Sugar – Brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and caramelizes during baking.
• Ground Cinnamon – The warming spice that defines the flavor of the dish.
• Salt – A pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the overall flavor.
• Mini Marshmallows – Toasted on top, they create a gooey, golden layer that kids and adults love.
• Chopped Pecans – Offer a toasty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy and soft textures.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a subtle depth and sweet aroma.

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Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a round or rectangular baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and give a richer flavor to the edges.

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Step 2: Slice the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into thin, uniform rounds, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking and a lovely layered presentation.

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Step 3: Create the Creamy Cinnamon Mixture

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat gently until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is warm but not boiling.

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Step 4: Layer the Sweet Potatoes

Arrange half of the sweet potato slices in the prepared dish, overlapping slightly. Pour half of the creamy cinnamon mixture over the top. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and pour the rest of the sauce evenly over the top.

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Step 5: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

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Step 6: Add Toppings and Finish Baking

Remove the foil. Scatter mini marshmallows and chopped pecans generously over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes more, or until the marshmallows are golden and toasty.

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Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, creamy sweetness with a hint of crunch.

Ingredients for this Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe

• Sweet Potatoes – The heart of the dish. Choose orange-fleshed varieties for their natural sweetness and creamy texture.
• Butter – Adds richness and helps create that buttery glaze when melted between the layers.
• Heavy Cream – Gives the dish a luxurious, velvety base that binds the flavors together.
• Brown Sugar – Brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and caramelizes during baking.
• Ground Cinnamon – The warming spice that defines the flavor of the dish.
• Salt – A pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the overall flavor.
• Mini Marshmallows – Toasted on top, they create a gooey, golden layer that kids and adults love.
• Chopped Pecans – Offer a toasty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy and soft textures.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a subtle depth and sweet aroma.

---

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a round or rectangular baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and give a richer flavor to the edges.

---

Step 2: Slice the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into thin, uniform rounds, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking and a lovely layered presentation.

---

Step 3: Create the Creamy Cinnamon Mixture

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat gently until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is warm but not boiling.

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Step 4: Layer the Sweet Potatoes

Arrange half of the sweet potato slices in the prepared dish, overlapping slightly. Pour half of the creamy cinnamon mixture over the top. Repeat with the remaining potatoes and pour the rest of the sauce evenly over the top.

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Step 5: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

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Step 6: Add Toppings and Finish Baking

Remove the foil. Scatter mini marshmallows and chopped pecans generously over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes more, or until the marshmallows are golden and toasty.

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Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the rich, creamy sweetness with a hint of crunch.

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How Long to Prepare the Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Prep Time: Slicing the sweet potatoes and preparing the cream mixture takes about 20 minutes. This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking and balanced flavor. You can save time by using a mandoline slicer if you have one.

Cook Time: The dish bakes for about 50 to 55 minutes total—40 minutes covered to tenderize the potatoes, and an additional 10–15 minutes uncovered to toast the marshmallows and brown the top layer.

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Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

• Use a mandoline for uniform slices to help the potatoes cook evenly.
• Don’t skip preheating the oven—an accurate baking temperature helps with caramelization.
• Taste the cream mixture before pouring over the potatoes; adjust cinnamon or sweetness as needed.
• Let the dish rest before serving—it helps the sauce thicken and flavors settle.
• Toast the marshmallows under a broiler for just 1-2 minutes for extra color, but watch closely to avoid burning.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Slicing potatoes too thick: This leads to uneven cooking and longer bake time.
• Using too little sauce: You want enough to coat all the layers; otherwise, the dish can turn out dry.
• Adding marshmallows too early: They will burn if baked for too long. Only add them at the end.
• Skipping the salt: Even sweet dishes need a touch of salt to enhance overall flavor.
• Not covering the dish during the first bake: This traps moisture and ensures the sweet potatoes cook through.

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What to Serve With Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?

1. Roasted Turkey or Chicken

The natural sweetness of the dish complements savory roasted meats perfectly.

2. Green Bean Almondine

A fresh, crisp vegetable side helps balance the richness of the sweet potatoes.

3. Honey Glazed Ham

The sweet and savory notes of ham pair beautifully with this cinnamon-scented dish.

4. Cranberry Sauce

Its tartness adds a vibrant contrast to the creamy sweetness.

5. Garden Salad with Vinaigrette

A light, tangy salad can help cut through the richness and round out the meal.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F to retain texture, or microwave individual portions for convenience.

Freezing: While this dish can be frozen, the texture of the marshmallows may change upon thawing. If freezing, do so before adding the marshmallows and pecans. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding toppings fresh.

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Estimated Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)

• Calories: 290
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Sugars: 21g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Cholesterol: 25mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Add the marshmallows and pecans just before baking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a 325°F oven for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. Cover loosely with foil to prevent marshmallows from over-browning.

Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Canned sweet potatoes are too soft and may turn mushy. Fresh sweet potatoes work best for this layered dish.

Are there vegan alternatives?

Absolutely. Use plant-based butter and cream, and skip the marshmallows or use vegan marshmallows.

What’s the difference between scalloped and mashed sweet potatoes?

Scalloped sweet potatoes are thinly sliced and layered with cream, while mashed versions are boiled and blended into a purée. This dish offers a more elegant texture and presentation.

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Conclusion

Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate side dish for holidays and cozy dinners alike. The creamy, cinnamon-infused layers of sweet potato, toasted marshmallows, and crunchy pecans make each bite unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to elevate your weeknight meal, this dish brings comfort and elegance to the table. It’s sweet, savory, and deeply satisfying—the kind of recipe you’ll come back to year after year.

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