If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines comforting creaminess, a whisper of garlic, and the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes, you’ve found it with this Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe. This recipe turns humble sweet potatoes into a luscious, cheesy bake that’s perfect for holiday tables or a cozy weeknight feast. Packed with layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes, aromatic garlic-infused cream, and two types of cheese, every bite delivers warmth, richness, and a delightful blend of flavors that’s sure to become an instant favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe lies in its simplicity; every ingredient plays a vital role, crafting a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly golden. Here’s what to gather before you start:
- Sweet potatoes (2 pounds): Make sure to select firm, evenly sized potatoes for uniform slices and consistent cooking.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the cream with a subtle pungency that perfectly balances the sweetness.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic to fragrant perfection.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): The luxurious base of the sauce that ties all flavors together into smooth decadence.
- Gruyère cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully, offering a nutty, creamy layer.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Delivers a savory crust that bakes golden and bubbly.
- Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings a hint of earthiness to the creamy sauce, elevating the flavor profile.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming the dish.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of mild heat and depth.
How to Make Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and slicing them into thin, 1/8-inch rounds. This thinness is essential because it ensures your potatoes cook evenly, resulting in tender slices that melt in your mouth. A sharp knife or mandoline slicer works best to get these perfectly uniform pieces.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Next, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and add your minced garlic. Sautéing the garlic for just about one minute releases its aroma without making it bitter or burnt, setting the stage for that garlicky cream sauce we all crave.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture heat until it reaches a gentle simmer, just enough to marry those flavors without boiling. Once it’s ready, remove from the heat to keep the cream smooth and silky.
Step 4: Layer the Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then arrange half of the sweet potato slices in overlapping layers. Pour half of your garlic cream sauce evenly over the potatoes, followed by a generous sprinkle of Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses. This layering creates pockets of cheesy goodness nestled between tender, flavorful potatoes.
Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Repeat the layering with the remaining sweet potatoes, cream sauce, and cheeses. Press down lightly to compact everything together — this helps the dish hold its shape and get nice and dense once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling, with tender potatoes underneath. The bubbling cheese and crispy edges are signs that the magic has truly happened.
How to Serve Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley over the top just before serving to add a pop of green color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness. A light dusting of extra Parmesan can also be a beautiful finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork. It also complements green vegetable sides such as sautéed green beans or garlic-roasted Brussels sprouts to cut through the richness and add crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, serve the scalloped sweet potatoes in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets to make each portion look special. Alternatively, add a sprinkle of toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for a surprising textural contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture, making it perfect for the next day’s meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to keep it longer. Cover tightly with foil and then place in a freezer-safe container. It should maintain the best quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the scalloped sweet potatoes in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. This helps retain that gorgeous baked flavor and creamy texture, better than the microwave.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with sweet potatoes for their natural sweetness, you can swap in russet or Yukon gold potatoes for a more traditional scalloped potato dish.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Sure! Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a creamy plant-based milk, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How thin should I slice the sweet potatoes?
Slicing to about 1/8 inch thick is ideal. This thickness ensures everything cooks evenly and the potatoes become tender while layering beautifully with the sauce and cheese.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Definitely. Fresh rosemary or sage can add lovely earthy notes, and a pinch of smoked paprika would bring a subtle warmth. Feel free to experiment to suit your tastes!
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
Assemble the entire dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake covered initially, then uncover to finish until golden and bubbly—just add a little extra bake time if coming out cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its luscious texture, cheesy garlic cream, and tender layers come together for a comforting food experience you’ll want to make again and again. Try this recipe soon, and watch it become a steadfast favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Print
Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is a creamy, cheesy baked dish featuring thinly sliced sweet potatoes layered with a rich garlic-infused cream sauce, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a comforting, flavorful side perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes and Cheese
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Garlic Cream Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Slice Sweet Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice 2 pounds of sweet potatoes into 1/8-inch rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline to ensure even baking.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and add 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Heat the mixture until just simmering, then remove from heat.
- Layer Potatoes and Sauce: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of the sweet potato slices in overlapping layers. Pour half of the garlic cream sauce evenly over the potatoes, then sprinkle with 1 cup shredded Gruyère and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining sweet potatoes, cream sauce, and cheeses. Lightly press down on the layers to compact them.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25–30 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and the potatoes are tender.
Notes
- For more even slicing, use a mandoline if available.
- You can substitute Gruyère with other melting cheeses like Fontina or Mozzarella.
- Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make slicing easier.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper to taste if desired.
