Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

If you’re looking for a side dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table, let me introduce you to my favorite recipe: Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes. This dish is a delightful blend of sweet, buttery goodness with just the right hint of spice. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or even cozy weeknight dinners. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!

What makes this recipe truly special is the combination of tender sweet potato medallions and a rich brown sugar sauce infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Topped with mini vegan marshmallows and crunchy pecans, it’s a flavor experience everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip this dish up in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet flavors and fun textures.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare it in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
• Perfect for holidays: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, this dish fits right in with your festive menu.
• Deliciously comforting: The warm spices and creamy texture make this a go-to comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be pleased to know that these ingredients are simple and wholesome. Gather them up to create your delicious Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes!

For the Sweet Potatoes

• 5-6 medium sweet potatoes (Peeled & cut into thin medallions)

For the Sauce

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (see note below)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For Topping

• ¼ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
• ½ cup mini vegan marshmallows (see note below)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some easy ways to switch it up:

• Add some fruit: Toss in thinly sliced apples or pears for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Mix up the nuts: If you don’t have pecans on hand, walnuts or even almonds can add a delightful crunch.
• Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
• Use different sweeteners: Maple syrup can be used instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

How to Make Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures that your scalloped sweet potatoes cook evenly and develop that lovely golden crust on top.

Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel your sweet potatoes and slice them into thin medallions. Arranging them nicely in your baking dish helps them cook uniformly. Plus, it looks beautiful when served!

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small or medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, water, spices, and salt. Stir as everything melts together; this sauce is what brings all those warm flavors to life!

Step 4: Assemble Everything

Once your sauce is melted and combined well, use a pastry brush to evenly spread about three-quarters of the mixture over the sweet potato medallions. Cover your baking dish with foil — this helps steam the potatoes — then bake for 45-50 minutes until tender.

Step 5: Finish Baking

After baking, remove the foil and drizzle on the remaining sauce mixture. Now sprinkle chopped pecans and mini vegan marshmallows over everything. Broil for just 1-2 minutes until those marshmallows are toasted — keep an eye on them; they can burn quickly!

Step 6: Cool Down & Serve

Let your scalloped sweet potatoes cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This little wait allows flavors to meld beautifully! Enjoy each bite of this comforting dish.

Now that you have all these details at hand, I can’t wait for you to try making these Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes! They’re sure to become a beloved addition to your meals!

Pro Tips for Making Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Creating the perfect scalloped sweet potatoes is easier than you think! Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your dish comes out delicious every time.

• Slice Evenly: Cutting your sweet potatoes into even medallions ensures they cook at the same rate, preventing some from becoming mushy while others remain firm.
• Don’t Skimp on the Sauce: Make sure to coat all the medallions generously with the sauce. This not only enhances flavor but also helps in achieving that beautiful caramelization on top during broiling.
• Add a Crunch: Mixing in a few extra chopped nuts or using a nut-based topping can add a delightful crunch and texture contrast against the creamy sweet potatoes.
• Keep an Eye While Broiling: When broiling, stay close and watch your marshmallows closely. They can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in just seconds!
• Let it Rest: Allowing your dish to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving lets the flavors meld together, resulting in an even richer taste experience.

How to Serve Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

These scalloped sweet potatoes make a stunning centerpiece for any meal, especially during festive occasions. Present them hot from the oven in a beautiful dish, and watch your guests’ eyes light up!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme on top gives a pop of color and freshness that balances the sweetness of the dish.
• Cinnamon Sprinkles: A light dusting of cinnamon over the top just before serving can enhance the warm spiced flavor profile.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts complements the sweetness of scalloped sweet potatoes beautifully, making them an ideal pairing.
• Maple-Glazed Carrots: These tender carrots add another layer of sweetness and color to your plate, elevating your holiday spread.
• Quinoa Salad with Cranberries: A refreshing quinoa salad packed with tart cranberries adds texture and brightness, balancing out the richness of this dish.
• Garlic Green Beans: The crunchiness of garlic sautéed green beans provides a nice contrast to the creamy sweet potatoes while adding a savory note.

Enjoy crafting this delightful side dish that’ll surely impress everyone at your table! Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or just a cozy family dinner, these Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are bound to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious flavors even on busy days. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it for later, ensuring you always have a delightful side dish ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the scalloped sweet potatoes to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool down completely.
• Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• For refrigerated leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F and heat until warmed through (about 20-25 minutes).
• If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• You can also microwave individual portions on medium power until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes:

Can I make the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving for a quick and delicious side.

What if I don’t have mini vegan marshmallows?

If you can’t find mini vegan marshmallows, you can either omit them or use another favorite topping, like shredded coconut or extra chopped nuts, for added texture and flavor.

How do I ensure my sweet potatoes are cooked evenly?

Slice your sweet potatoes into even medallions to promote uniform cooking. The thinner they are cut, the faster they will cook through.

Can I use other types of potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

While this recipe is specifically for sweet potatoes, you can experiment with other varieties like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe brings joy and warmth to your table! It’s a delightful addition that combines sweetness with a touch of nostalgia—perfect for any festive occasion or simply as a comforting side dish. Enjoy making this recipe and sharing it with your loved ones; I’m sure they’ll love it just as much as you do! Happy cooking!