Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

The first time I tried Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, it was a chilly autumn evening, and my family gathered around the table for our Thanksgiving feast. The warm, creamy layers of sweet potatoes enveloped in a rich, flavorful sauce felt like a warm hug on a cold day. Each bite was a perfect blend of sweetness and savoriness, making it clear why this dish quickly became a family favorite. As the years passed, I took it upon myself to perfect my version of this classic, ensuring it was not only delicious but also a centerpiece that everyone would remember.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
2 hr
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
100 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
320 kcal
Protein:
6 g
Diet:
Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-Free
Fat:
14 g
Tools Used:
Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet, Chef’s Knife, Large Pot, Wooden Spoon, Skillet, Whisk, Frying Pan, Oven, Peeler

Why This Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Works

Comfort Food at Its Best

There’s something incredibly comforting about Scalloped Sweet Potatoes. They’re not just a side dish; they’re a warm embrace on your plate. The creamy texture and rich flavors bring a sense of nostalgia that makes every gathering special.

Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a cozy family dinner, or just a simple weeknight meal, these scalloped sweet potatoes fit right in. They complement a variety of main dishes, from roasted turkey to grilled chicken, making them an incredibly versatile option.

Healthy and Wholesome

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They’re rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. So, indulging in Scalloped Sweet Potatoes doesn’t just satisfy your taste buds; it’s also a healthy choice for you and your loved ones.

Make-Ahead Convenience

One of the best parts about this dish is how easily it can be made ahead of time. You can prepare it a day in advance and simply pop it in the oven when it’s time to serve. This saves you valuable time in the kitchen and allows you to enjoy more moments with your guests.

Great for Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, they reheat beautifully! You can enjoy them as a side for lunch or dinner the next day, making them even more worthwhile. There’s nothing quite like savoring a dish that tastes even better the next day!

Elevate Your Dinner Table

Finally, Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are visually stunning. Their golden top and creamy layers create an inviting centerpiece for your dinner table, enticing everyone to dig in. They add a beautiful pop of color and texture, making your meal even more appealing.

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Ingredients

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

The magic of Scalloped Sweet Potatoes lies in its humble yet flavorful ingredients. The combination of sweet potatoes with rich coconut milk and roasted garlic creates a silky, creamy sauce that envelops each slice perfectly. These key players work together to elevate the dish, providing comfort and satisfaction with every bite.

  • 2 heads of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil plus additional for roasting the garlic
  • 1 cup of onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup + 1 tablespoon of full-fat coconut milk, divided
  • 1 cup + 1 tablespoon of unsweetened plain almond milk, divided
  • 1½ tablespoons of potato starch (or cornstarch)
  • 1 teaspoon of sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
  • 2 pounds of sweet potatoes, thinly sliced, about 2 very large potatoes
  • Parsley for garnish, optional

How to Assemble Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Now, let’s dive into the wonderful process of making Scalloped Sweet Potatoes. It’s a joy to prepare, and I can assure you that the results will be well worth your time. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have everyone at the table eagerly awaiting their serving.

  1. Preheat your oven to 400℉. Place two squares of foil on top of each other, shiny side up. This will be used to roast the garlic.

  2. Cut off the top of each head of garlic so that the tips of the cloves are exposed. Transfer the heads to the layers of foil. Peel off any large pieces of papery skin. Drizzle the heads with a little olive oil and rub it in.

  3. Fold and seal the foil like a packet, and place it in the oven. Roast until the garlic is tender, which should take about 45 minutes.

  4. Once the garlic has roasted, squeeze the cloves out of their skins and finely chop them. Set aside. Reduce the oven temperature to 350℉.

  5. In a large, oven-safe frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the onion until it turns golden brown and soft, which will take around 5 minutes.

  6. Add 1 cup of coconut milk and 1 cup of almond milk to the frying pan and bring the mixture to a boil. While waiting for the liquid to boil, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of almond milk, and 1½ tablespoons of potato starch in a small bowl until smooth.

  7. Once the milk mixture boils, whisk in the potato starch mixture, stirring constantly so that it dissolves into the milk. Let it boil for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.

  8. Reduce the heat to medium and add in the salt, pepper, and chopped roasted garlic. Cook the sauce for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.

  9. Add the thinly sliced sweet potatoes to the pan with the sauce, or transfer them to a greased casserole dish and pour the sauce on top. Stir until the potatoes are coated in the sauce. Arrange the potatoes into flat layers.

  10. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After this, uncover the pan, press the potatoes down so they sink into the sauce, and cook for an additional 30 to 40 minutes until fork-tender and the top is browned. If you desire, turn your oven to high broil and broil the potatoes for 3 to 4 minutes to darken the top.

  11. Let the potatoes stand for 10 minutes to set. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.

Things Worth Knowing

  • Layering: Ensure even layers of sweet potatoes and sauce for uniform cooking and flavor.
  • Roasting Garlic: Roasting enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor, so don’t skip this step.
  • Texture Check: The potatoes should be fork-tender when done. If they’re not, give them extra time.
  • Covering: Covering the pan while baking keeps the moisture in, making the potatoes tender.

Recipe Notes about Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

When making Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, there are several tips that can enhance your cooking experience. Here are some insights to keep in mind.

  • Storage: After cooking, allow the dish to cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to two months. Just cover tightly and thaw in the fridge before baking.
  • Pairing: These scalloped sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted meats, stews, or even simply a side salad.
  • Variations: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, festive twist.

Serving Options for Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Serving Scalloped Sweet Potatoes can be a delightful experience with a variety of options to enhance your meal. Here are some suggestions:

  • Holiday Feasts: Serve these scalloped sweet potatoes as a luxurious side dish during Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
  • Casual Gatherings: Pair them with your favorite grilled proteins for a laid-back cookout meal.
  • Lunch Box: Use leftovers as a hearty addition to your lunch, providing warmth and comfort during busy days.
  • Picnics: These potatoes can be enjoyed cold or reheated, making them a perfect dish for outdoor gatherings.
  • Seasonal Vegetables: Complement with seasonal vegetables for a colorful plate, such as green beans or roasted carrots.
  • Garnish Options: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the presentation and flavor.

FAQ

If you’re looking for a substitute for coconut milk in Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, you might consider using cashew cream or a dairy-free alternative like oat milk or soy milk. These options can provide a similar creamy texture, although they may slightly alter the flavor. Make sure to choose unsweetened versions to maintain the balance of flavors in the dish.

The best way to know if your Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are done is to check their tenderness. Use a fork to pierce the potatoes; they should be fork-tender and easy to break apart. If they’re still firm in the middle, continue baking and check every 10 minutes until they reach the desired consistency.

Absolutely! One of the great things about Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is that you can prepare them a day in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes pair excellently with various main dishes. For a classic meal, try serving them alongside roasted turkey, chicken, or even a hearty stew. They also complement seasonal vegetables beautifully, making your plate colorful and nutritious. Don’t forget to add a fresh salad for a balanced meal!

Conclusion

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are truly a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Their creamy texture and rich flavors make them a beloved favorite, especially during the holiday season. I encourage you to try this recipe and share it with your family and friends. You’ll find that it not only satisfies the taste buds but also creates lasting memories around the dinner table.

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

The ultimate comfort food, Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are layers of tender sweet potatoes enveloped in a creamy, savory sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. With rich flavors and a perfect blend of textures, it's an easy weeknight dinner that feels indulgent enough for special occasions. Make this dish tonight and impress your loved ones!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Course Side Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Chef's Knife
  • Large Pot
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Frying Pan
  • Oven
  • Peeler

Ingredients
  

  • 2 heads garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil plus additional for roasting the garlic
  • 1 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup + 1 tablespoon full-fat coconut milk, divided
  • 1 cup + 1 tablespoon unsweetened plain almond milk, divided
  • tablespoons potato starch (or cornstarch)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes, thinly sliced, about 2 very large potatoes
  • Parsley for garnish, optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400℉. Place two squares of foil on top of each other, shiny side-up.
  • Cut off the top of each head of garlic so that the tips of the cloves are exposed, and transfer the heads to the layers of foil. Peel off any large pieces of papery skin. Drizzle the heads with a little olive oil and rub it in. Fold and seal the foil like a packet, and transfer it to the oven. Cook until the garlic is tender, about 45 minutes.
  • Once the garlic has roasted, squeeze the cloves out of their skins and finely chop. Reduce the oven temperature to 350℉.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the onion until golden brown and soft, about 5 minutes.
  • Add 1 cup of coconut milk and 1 cup of almond milk to the frying pan, and bring to a boil. While you wait for the liquid to boil, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of coconut milk, 1 tablespoon of almond milk, and 1½ tablespoons of potato starch in a small bowl until smooth.
  • Once the milk mixture boils, whisk in the potato starch mixture, stirring constantly so that it dissolves into the milk. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
  • Reduce the heat to medium, and add in the salt, pepper, and chopped roasted garlic. Cook the sauce for an additional 5-6 minutes, until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
  • Add the thinly sliced sweet potatoes to the pan with the sauce, or add them to a greased casserole dish and pour the sauce on top. Stir around until the potatoes are coated in the sauce. Then, move the potatoes around with your spoon until they are in flat layers.
  • Cover the pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover the pan, press the potatoes down so they sink into the sauce, and cook for an additional 30-40 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the top is browned. Optional: Turn your oven to high broil, and broil the potatoes for 3-4 minutes to darken the top.
  • Let the potatoes stand for 10 minutes. Serve immediately, garnished with parsley.

Notes

  • Tip 1: After cooking, allow the dish to cool completely. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
  • Tip 2: You can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to two months. Just cover tightly and thaw in the fridge before baking.
  • Tip 3: These potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted meats, stews, or even simply a side salad.
  • Tip 4: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Tip 5: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, festive twist.
Keyword creamy sweet potatoes, easy sweet potato casserole, scalloped sweet potatoes recipe, thanksgiving side dishes

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