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.
