Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

The Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a delightful blend of flavors, making them an excellent addition to your holiday menu. Perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving, this dish features thinly sliced sweet potatoes drenched in a buttery brown sugar sauce that’s spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The sweetness of the potatoes is balanced by the crunch of pecans and the soft texture of mini vegan marshmallows, creating a truly unique side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip this up in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet and spicy flavors elevates the humble sweet potato to a new level.
• Versatile Side Dish: Suitable for any occasion, from family dinners to festive feasts.
• Vegan-Friendly Option: Using mini vegan marshmallows makes this recipe accessible for various dietary preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, it’s sure to impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will make your cooking experience seamless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Small saucepan
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good-quality baking dish ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
• Small saucepan: Ideal for melting butter and mixing ingredients without taking up too much space on your stovetop.
• Pastry brush: Perfect for evenly distributing the sauce over the sweet potatoes, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Ingredients

To create the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, gather the following ingredients:

• 5-6 medium sweet potatoes (Peeled & cut into thin medallions)
• 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
• ¼ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
• ½ cup mini vegan marshmallows (see note below)

How to Make Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking.

Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potatoes

• Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into thin medallions.
• Arrange these medallions in a baking dish, layering them neatly.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan:
1. Add unsalted butter, brown sugar, water, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt.
2. Turn the heat to medium and stir until all ingredients melt together into a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Combine Sauce with Sweet Potatoes

Once melted:
* Use a pastry brush to spread about three-quarters of the sauce evenly over the sweet potato medallions.
* Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for approximately 45–50 minutes.

Step 5: Add Toppings

After baking:
1. Remove from the oven and take off the foil.
2. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the sweet potatoes.
3. Sprinkle chopped pecans and mini vegan marshmallows on top.

Step 6: Broil for Finish

Place back in the oven:
* Switch to broil setting and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until marshmallows are toasted. Keep an eye on them!

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Allow to cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes!

How to Serve Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a delightful addition to any meal, especially during festive occasions. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Standalone Dish

• Serve on their own as a comforting side that highlights the natural sweetness of the potatoes.

With a Protein

• Pair with grilled chicken or turkey for a balanced meal. The savory meat complements the sweet flavors beautifully.

Alongside Fresh Salads

• Accompany with a light salad for a refreshing contrast. A spinach or arugula salad with vinaigrette works well.

With Vegetable Medleys

• Serve alongside roasted or steamed vegetables. Green beans or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrients to your plate.

Topped with Extra Crunch

• Enhance texture by adding crispy shallots or fried onions on top just before serving.

How to Perfect Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

To achieve the most delicious Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, follow these tips for optimal results.

• Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Select firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
• Cut Even Medallions: Slice the sweet potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
• Don’t Skip the Soaking: Soaking sliced sweet potatoes in water for about 30 minutes can help remove excess starch and improve creaminess.
• Use Fresh Spices: Always opt for fresh ground spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to elevate flavor.
• Monitor Broiling Closely: When broiling, keep a close eye on the dish to prevent burning—the marshmallows should be golden brown.
• Let it Rest: Allow the dish to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period helps set the layers and enhances flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Pairing side dishes with Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Grilled Chicken Breast: A simple seasoned grilled chicken breast makes a great protein partner that balances sweetness.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness complements the sweetness of scalloped sweet potatoes perfectly.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes add richness; consider using garlic for extra flavor.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs and lemon dressing brings freshness to your plate.
5. Sautéed Green Beans: Quick sautéed green beans with almonds add crunch and nutrition.
6. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli maintains its vibrant green color and adds health benefits.
7. Cornbread Muffins: Fluffy cornbread muffins provide a lovely contrast in texture and flavor.
8. Cranberry Sauce: A tart cranberry sauce offers a wonderful counterbalance to the sweetness of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes can be simple, but a few common mistakes might hinder your results. Here are some tips to steer clear of these pitfalls.

• Not slicing potatoes evenly – If the sweet potatoes are not cut into uniform medallions, they will cook unevenly. Use a sharp knife or mandoline for consistent thickness.
• Skipping the foil cover – Covering the baking dish with foil during the first part of baking helps steam the potatoes, ensuring they soften properly. Don’t skip this step!
• Overcooking or undercooking – Pay attention to cooking times; overcooked sweet potatoes can become mushy, while undercooked ones will be hard. Check for tenderness before broiling.
• Neglecting to toast marshmallows – Broiling adds a delightful crispiness to the mini vegan marshmallows. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly!
• Using too much butter or sugar – While butter and brown sugar enhance flavors, too much can overpower the dish. Stick to the recommended amounts for balance.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and reheat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat in intervals of 1 minute on medium power until hot.
• Stovetop – Warm over low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other types of sweet potatoes?

Yes! While orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are traditional, you can experiment with purple or white varieties for different flavors and textures.

How do I make this recipe healthier?

You can reduce the amount of butter and brown sugar or substitute with healthier options like coconut oil and maple syrup for a lighter version.

Can I prepare these sweet potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can slice and layer them ahead of time, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

What alternatives can I use instead of pecans?

If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, walnuts or even pumpkin seeds work well as substitutes in this recipe.

Final Thoughts

The Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are not only delicious but versatile enough to fit any gathering. With their sweet and savory flavor profile, they pair wonderfully with various main dishes. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite spices or nuts!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, a dish that will elevate any holiday meal or family gathering. With layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes surrounded by a rich, buttery brown sugar sauce infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this recipe creates a harmonious balance of sweetness and texture. Topped with crunchy pecans and mini vegan marshmallows for an extra touch of indulgence, these scalloped sweet potatoes are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, this dish is destined to become a favorite on your dinner table!

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Ingredients

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• 5–6 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & cut into thin medallions
• ¼ cup unsalted butter or vegan alternative
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• ½ cup mini vegan marshmallows

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and slice sweet potatoes into thin medallions; layer them in a baking dish.
3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt until melted into a smooth sauce.
4. Brush three-quarters of the sauce over the sweet potato layers. Cover with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes.
5. Remove foil; drizzle remaining sauce on top and sprinkle with pecans and mini marshmallows.
6. Broil for 1–2 minutes until marshmallows are toasted.
7. Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 15mg