If you have a soft spot for creamy, cheesy, and comforting side dishes, this Cheesy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. It’s a delightful twist on traditional scalloped potatoes, swapping out the usual tubers for sweet potatoes that bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. Layers of tender sweet potato slices bathed in a rich, spiced cream and loaded with melted Gruyère and Parmesan cheese create a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe adds warmth and sweetness with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each lending a unique touch of flavor, creaminess, or aroma that makes this dish unforgettable. From the tender sweet potatoes to the fragrant spices, every item plays an important role in building layers of deliciousness.
- Sweet potatoes (2 pounds): Use medium-to-large sweet potatoes peeled and sliced thinly for tender, even cooking.
- Gruyère cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): Adds a wonderfully nutty, melty richness that’s fundamental to the recipe.
- Parmesan cheese (1 cup, freshly grated): Brings a sharp, salty kick that complements the Gruyère beautifully.
- Heavy cream (2 cups): Provides the luscious liquid base that ties the layers together and creates creaminess.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses the cream with aromatic depth and savory warmth.
- Ground cinnamon (1/8 teaspoon): Offers a subtle sweet-spicy undertone that pairs perfectly with sweet potatoes.
- Ground nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon): Enhances the dish with a hint of warmth and complexity.
- Italian seasoning (4 dashes): Adds a blend of herbs for a slightly earthy, aromatic layer.
- Olive oil: Used to grease your pan, ensuring the gratin doesn’t stick and adds a subtle fruity note.
- Salt & pepper: Season to taste and balance the sweet and savory elements.
How to Make Cheesy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and position the rack in the middle, ensuring even heat distribution. Peel your sweet potatoes for smooth, tender layers. Using a mandoline slicer, slice the sweet potatoes 1/8-inch thick—thin slices allow them to cook through beautifully and absorb flavor.
Step 2: Mix Your Cheeses
Grate 1 cup each of Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses freshly, then toss them together in a bowl. This combination creates that irresistible cheesy blend with a perfect balance of nutty and sharp flavors, essential for that golden crust and gooey interior.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Sauce
In a small pan on high heat, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, and Italian seasoning. Keep a watchful eye and remove the pan from heat just before the mixture boils. This gentle warming helps infuse the cream with rich, warm flavors without curdling it.
Step 4: Grease and Layer
Grease a heavy, oven-proof skillet or large baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. Begin layering by first arranging a layer of sweet potatoes on the bottom, then spooning on some of the creamy sauce, followed by a generous sprinkle of the cheese mixture. Repeat until you have four layers, using about one-quarter of each component per layer. Slightly overlap the sweet potato slices for uniform cooking. Make sure to leave about an inch of space at the top of the dish to accommodate bubbling cream and cheeses during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your scalloped sweet potatoes for 60 to 75 minutes. The exact time will depend on your oven and dish, but aim for a luscious, dark golden cheese crust with the cream thickened to silky perfection underneath. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick—it should glide through without resistance. Once out of the oven, let the gratin rest for about 10 minutes to firm up and make serving easier.
How to Serve Cheesy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh contrast and a pop of color to your cheesy scalloped sweet potatoes, consider sprinkling finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme right before serving. A light drizzle of a high-quality olive oil can also boost the flavor and add a subtle sheen.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled proteins like chicken, pork, or beef. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a vibrant green salad or sautéed leafy greens to balance out the richness of the dish with fresh, crisp textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation at your next gathering, serve the scalloped sweet potatoes in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. You can also layer thin slices in a clear glass casserole dish to show off the beautiful orange and golden cheese layers, making it almost too pretty to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cheesy scalloped sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making leftovers just as good, if not better, than the day of baking.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well. After baking and cooling completely, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the scalloped sweet potatoes with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave portions, but the oven method preserves the dish’s creamy texture and golden topping the best.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Gruyère and Parmesan provide an ideal flavor and texture, you can substitute with cheeses like cheddar, fontina, or even mozzarella. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile and meltiness may vary slightly.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the dish won’t be as rich or creamy. Reducing the cheese slightly can also cut back on richness without sacrificing too much flavor.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, use plant-based cream alternatives and substitute the cheeses with vegan cheese options that melt well. You might also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost.
How thin should the sweet potato slices be?
Slicing the sweet potatoes about 1/8 inch thick is key. Thin slices cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce, creating that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture essential for scalloped potatoes.
Why do I need to leave space at the top of the baking dish?
Leaving about an inch of space prevents the cream and cheese from bubbling over during baking, which can make a messy oven and affect the dish’s final texture. This little tip ensures a clean bake and perfect layered cooking.
Final Thoughts
Prepare to impress your family or guests with this irresistibly rich and comforting Cheesy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but comes together easily with just a handful of ingredients and simple steps. Give it a try and enjoy the cozy, cheesy warmth that only scalloped sweet potatoes can bring to your table!
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Cheesy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe is a decadent and comforting side dish featuring thinly sliced sweet potatoes layered with a rich blend of Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned cream infused with garlic and warming spices, all baked to a bubbly, golden perfection. Ideal for holiday dinners or cozy family meals, this dish combines creamy, cheesy goodness with subtle hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and Italian seasoning for a unique twist on traditional scalloped potatoes.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes (2 medium-to-large, peeled and sliced 1/8″ thick)
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup freshly grated Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Cream Mixture
- 2 cups heavy/whipping cream
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 dashes Italian seasoning
Other
- Olive oil (for greasing the pan)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack in the middle to ensure even baking.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes and use a mandoline slicer to cut them into thin 1/8-inch slices for uniform cooking and layering.
- Grate Cheeses: Finely grate the Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses, then combine them in a bowl to mix thoroughly.
- Make Cream Mixture: In a small pan, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and Italian seasoning. Heat on high, stirring occasionally, and remove from heat just before it reaches a boil to preserve the flavors and prevent curdling.
- Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a heavy, oven-safe skillet or large baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and aid browning.
- Assemble Layers: Start with a layer of sweet potato slices in the pan, overlapping slightly. Spoon some of the warm cream mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle a portion of the combined cheese on top. Repeat this layering process three more times for a total of four layers, reserving about an inch of space at the top of the pan to prevent bubbling over.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 60 to 75 minutes. The longer baking time results in a dark golden cheese crust and thickened cream. The sweet potatoes should be tender when tested with a toothpick.
- Rest and Serve: Let the scalloped sweet potatoes rest for about 10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow the dish to set before serving. Enjoy warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- The baking time may vary depending on your oven and the type of dish used; keep an eye on the cheese browning.
- Using a mandoline slicer ensures evenly thin slices, which cook uniformly and create a better texture.
- Be careful not to boil the cream mixture to avoid separation or scorching.
- Gruyère and Parmesan provide a balanced nutty and sharp flavor; substituting with other cheeses will alter the taste and texture.
- You can prepare this dish a few hours ahead of time, keep it refrigerated, and bake just before serving, adjusting the baking time slightly.
