Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

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Golden, caramelized edges with a tender, creamy center—these Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a comforting, elegant twist on a classic. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are layered with a savory garlic cream sauce, baked to bubbling perfection, and finished with a subtle touch of fresh herbs. Each bite strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and umami, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight meal or looking for the perfect side dish to complement your holiday spread, this recipe brings both visual appeal and deep flavor to the table. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes melds beautifully with the roasted garlic and velvety cream, making it an irresistible addition to your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe

• It’s an elevated, flavorful twist on traditional scalloped potatoes.
• Ideal for holiday tables, potlucks, or cozy dinners.
• Naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for dairy-free diets.
• The combination of creamy, garlicky sauce and slightly crisp top is pure comfort.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes seamlessly, having the right tools on hand makes a world of difference:

• Mandoline Slicer or Sharp Chef’s Knife: Essential for achieving uniformly thin slices for even cooking.
• Large Skillet or Saucepan: Needed to prepare the garlic-infused cream sauce.
• Baking Dish (2-quart or similar): The base for assembling and baking the layers.
• Whisk: Ensures the sauce blends smoothly without lumps.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps regulate browning by covering during part of the baking process.

Each of these tools helps streamline the process and guarantees evenly cooked, flavorful results.

Preparation Tips

Use a mandoline for consistently thin slices, which ensures even cooking across all layers. Don’t skip preheating the oven—this allows the sauce to start bubbling and thickening immediately. Fresh garlic is key to a rich, aromatic flavor, so avoid substituting with garlic powder. If you’re prepping ahead, you can slice the sweet potatoes a few hours early and store them submerged in water to prevent oxidation. Just make sure to pat them dry before layering.

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Ingredients for This Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe

• 2 lbs sweet potatoes (about 3 large), peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream (or use half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• Optional garnish: fresh thyme sprigs or chopped parsley

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel the sweet potatoes and use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice them into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Uniformity is key for even baking, so take your time to ensure consistent slices.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the cream, add nutmeg, salt, and black pepper, then stir in the grated Parmesan. Let the mixture gently simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Layer the Potatoes

Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish. Arrange half of the sweet potatoes in an overlapping, shingled pattern on the bottom of the dish. Pour half of the garlic cream sauce over the potatoes and sprinkle with half the thyme. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and thyme.

Step 4: Bake Covered

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This step helps the potatoes soften and soak up the creamy garlic sauce without drying out.

Step 5: Bake Uncovered for a Golden Finish

Remove the foil and sprinkle extra Parmesan on top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.

Step 6: Let It Rest Before Serving

Allow the dish to rest for 10–15 minutes after baking. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the layers to set, making it easier to serve without falling apart.

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Notes

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be customized based on your preferences. For a cheesier version, add shredded Gruyère or mozzarella between the layers. If you’re aiming for a lighter variation, substitute the heavy cream with a mix of milk and a bit of Greek yogurt. You can also prepare this dish a day ahead and reheat it gently in the oven before serving—the flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Slicing Too Thick: Thick slices take much longer to cook and can result in uneven texture.
• Underseasoning: Sweet potatoes need a good balance of salt and herbs to enhance their natural flavor.
• Skipping the Resting Time: Cutting into the dish immediately after baking can lead to a runny mess. Letting it rest helps everything set.
• Overbaking Without Cover: If left uncovered for too long, the top can dry out or burn while the inside remains undercooked.
• Using Cold Cream: Warm the cream mixture before layering to ensure even cooking from the start.

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Storage Instructions

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the portion in a baking-safe dish and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. For freezing, wrap the entire (baked and cooled) dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving, approx. 6 servings)

• Calories: 310
• Total Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g
• Protein: 5g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk and substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

You can! The cooking method remains the same, but the flavor will be less sweet and more traditional.

How do I prevent the dish from being too runny?

Ensure you let it rest after baking and don’t add extra liquid beyond what’s listed.

What herbs pair well with sweet potatoes?

Thyme, rosemary, sage, and parsley all complement the sweet and savory notes beautifully.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients (like Parmesan) are certified gluten-free.

Can I assemble this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Just allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

Do I need to boil the potatoes first?

No, the thin slices cook fully in the oven thanks to the garlic cream sauce.

What can I serve with scalloped sweet potatoes?

They pair wonderfully with roasted meats, green beans, kale salad, or a citrusy slaw.

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Conclusion

Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes offer the perfect balance of elegance and comfort. With their creamy texture, rich garlic flavor, and gorgeous golden top, they make an impressive addition to any table—whether you’re cooking for the holidays or just craving a cozy side dish. Easy to make ahead and endlessly customizable, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your seasonal rotation.

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