Scalloped sweet potatoes are a delightful combination of sweet and savory that elevates any meal. This dish features layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes, each enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, and topped with a decadent brown sugar glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Perfect as a comforting side dish at gatherings and holiday feasts, this recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The smooth texture and sweet flavor profile make scalloped sweet potatoes a standout dish that pairs well with numerous main courses. Let’s dive into the ingredients and cooking process that will make your scalloped sweet potatoes a memorable addition to your dining table.

Ingredients

• For the Sweet Potatoes:
  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 2 pounds). Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and free from blemishes for the best flavor.
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced. A yellow onion works well, but you can also use a sweet onion for a milder flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice depth of flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon salt. Kosher salt is recommended for better flavor absorption.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground black pepper will enhance the overall taste.
• For the Creamy Sauce:
  • 2 cups heavy cream (or coconut milk for a vegan alternative). Coconut milk adds a hint of sweetness that complements the dish.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or vegan butter). Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy melting.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Use fresh garlic for a more robust flavor if desired.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder. This enhances the savory notes of the creamy sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme). Fresh herbs yield a more vibrant flavor.
• For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar. Light or dark brown sugar can be used; dark sugar will impart a deeper flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch. This helps thicken the glaze; ensure it’s gluten-free if necessary.
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Adds acidity to balance the sweetness.
  • 1/4 cup water. This will help dissolve the sugar and cornstarch.

Note: For a gluten-free version, ensure that the cornstarch is certified gluten-free. You can substitute with arrowroot powder if desired. You can learn more about this topic and discover the history behind this comforting dish.

Steps / Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray, ensuring to cover all corners to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced sweet potatoes and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Layer half of the sweet potato mixture in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, arranging them in an even layer for uniform cooking.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Stir until well combined and heated through, but do not boil. The mixture should be warm and fragrant, which indicates it’s ready.
4. Pour half of the creamy sauce over the first layer of sweet potatoes. Repeat with the remaining sweet potato mixture and pour the rest of the sauce on top, ensuring every slice is well coated.
5. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it is tightly sealed to trap steam. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This step allows the sweet potatoes to soften before the final baking.
6. While the sweet potatoes are baking, prepare the brown sugar glaze. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, cornstarch, apple cider vinegar, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly, about 5-7 minutes. The glaze should be smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and set aside.
7. After 30 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish and carefully pour the brown sugar glaze over the sweet potatoes. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and caramelized. A fork should easily pierce the sweet potatoes.
8. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. The layers should be beautifully set, with a glossy glaze over the sweet potatoes that glistens invitingly.

Tips & Tricks

To achieve the best results with your scalloped sweet potatoes, consider the following tips: Check out our related guide for more tips. These will help you enhance the flavors and texture of your dish.

• Slice Evenly: Use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices, which ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation. Uneven slices can lead to some pieces being overcooked while others remain firm.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the dish a day ahead, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Increase baking time by about 10-15 minutes when cooking from cold. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This method retains the creamy texture without making it mushy.
• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the sweet potatoes during the last baking phase to prevent burning the glaze. A golden brown color is ideal, indicating caramelization has occurred.

Variations

If you want to customize your scalloped sweet potatoes, here are a few ideas:

• Cheesy Variation: Add 1-2 cups of shredded cheese (like Gruyère or cheddar) to the creamy sauce for a richer flavor. This addition creates a gooey texture that melts beautifully.
• Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts on top of the dish before the final baking to add a crunchy texture. This will also introduce a nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the creamy sauce for a bit of heat. The warmth will complement the sweetness and bring a new depth to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

These scalloped sweet potatoes can be served as a comforting side dish for a variety of occasions:

• Pair them with roasted meats like turkey or chicken for a classic holiday meal. Their sweetness contrasts nicely with savory meats.
• Serve alongside a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. The combination enhances the meal’s overall flavor profile.
• For a cozy dinner, enjoy them with a bowl of cream-based soup. This pairing offers a satisfying and hearty experience on cooler evenings.

Print

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Caramelized With Brown Sugar Glaze

Recipe by Laila

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 from 1 vote

Course: Dinner Cuisine: American Difficulty: Easy

🍽️

Servings

− 6 +

⏱️

Prep Time

20 min

🍳

Cook Time

1 hr

🔥

Calories

—

Scalloped sweet potatoes are a delightful combination of sweet and savory that elevates any meal. This dish features layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes, each enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, and topped with a decadent brown sugar glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

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Ingredients

US Metric

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 2 pounds)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups heavy cream (or coconut milk for a vegan alternative)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water

Directions

1.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced sweet potatoes and onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Layer half of the sweet potato mixture in the baking dish.

3.

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Stir until well combined and heated through.

4.

Pour half of the creamy sauce over the first layer of sweet potatoes. Repeat with the remaining sweet potato mixture and pour the rest of the sauce on top.

5.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

6.

Prepare the brown sugar glaze by combining brown sugar, cornstarch, apple cider vinegar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.

7.

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and pour the brown sugar glaze over the sweet potatoes. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 25-30 minutes.

8.

Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts