If you’re craving a side dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes Recipe. It’s a comforting, cozy blend of sweet potatoes thinly sliced and layered in a luscious, spiced butter and brown sugar sauce, topped with golden toasted marshmallows and crunchy walnuts for a delightful mix of textures and flavors. This recipe takes the classic scalloped potato idea and transforms it with that rich, orange-hued sweetness only sweet potatoes can deliver, making it perfect for holiday dinners or any occasion that calls for a special treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is surprisingly simple to make, and the ingredients are straightforward but critical for that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and buttery goodness. Each item plays a key role in creating layers of flavor and texture that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- 4-6 sweet potatoes: Peeled and thinly sliced to form the tender, hearty base of the dish.
- ¼ cup butter: Adds rich creaminess and carries the spices beautifully throughout the potatoes.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that elevates the overall flavor.
- ½ cup water: Keeps the layers moist and helps the sweet potatoes cook evenly.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the dish with warm, aromatic spice.
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty depth that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tsp ground cloves: A little goes a long way in giving the dish a cozy, festive hint.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances all the sweet and spicy notes.
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts: Provides a crunchy contrast to the soft potatoes and gooey marshmallows.
- ½ cup mini marshmallows: The absolute star topping that roasts into irresistible golden fluff.
How to Make Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
First thing’s first, preheat your oven to 400°F. Then, grab a 2-quart casserole dish and give it a light spray of nonstick cooking spray. This little prep step ensures your scalloped masterpiece won’t stick when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Layer the Sweet Potatoes
Slice your peeled sweet potatoes into thin â…›-inch slices, then arrange them standing upright, cut side down, nestled tightly in the casserole dish. This upright layering looks beautiful when baked and lets each slice soak up the spiced butter mixture.
Step 3: Make the Spiced Butter Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter. Stir in the brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Keep stirring until the mixture just begins to boil, then immediately take it off the heat. This sauce is the flavor engine of the dish, turning those simple potatoes into a holiday-worthy delight.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Pour about three-quarters of the butter and spice mixture evenly over your sweet potatoes. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep the moisture in as the potatoes cook. Bake for 45 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to soften and fully absorb all those warm flavors.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Broil
When the baking time is up, carefully remove the foil and drizzle the remaining butter mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle on the chopped walnuts and mini marshmallows in an even layer. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely, until the marshmallows puff up and toast to golden perfection without burning.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let your scalloped sweet potatoes stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This little pause helps everything set so you get those perfect, buttery slices every time.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While the toasted walnuts and marshmallows on top are fantastic on their own, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of ground cinnamon just before serving for an extra pop of color and spice that brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple green salad to balance out the richness. It’s a versatile side that adds both comfort and elegance to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try making individual servings in small ramekins for holiday dinners or potlucks. Layer the potatoes and toppings just the same, then broil until the marshmallows get that signature golden finish. It’s a charming way to serve this classic with a twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sweet potatoes will keep their flavor beautifully and reheat well for a quick side the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes Recipe for up to 2 months. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until hot throughout. If you want to refresh the marshmallow topping, broil for a minute or two at the end to regain that toasted magic.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with sweet potatoes due to their natural sweetness and color, you can use regular potatoes, but you might want to cut back on the brown sugar to avoid it becoming overly sweet.
What can I substitute for the marshmallows?
If marshmallows aren’t your thing, try topping with more chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cheese for a savory spin. Or simply omit them and enjoy the spiced sweetness on its own.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and skip the marshmallows or use vegan marshmallows. The spices and brown sugar will still deliver all the cozy flavors you love.
How thin should I slice the sweet potatoes?
Thin slices around ⅛-inch thick work best as they bake evenly and absorb the sauce beautifully. Thicker slices may take longer to cook and won’t soften as nicely.
Can I prepare this dish the day before?
You can assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, just add extra baking time since your sweet potatoes will be cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes Recipe is a true showstopper that combines spicy warmth, buttery richness, and delightful sweet toppings into one scrumptious dish. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight, it’s sure to become one of your go-to favorites. Give it a try and watch it quickly become the star of your table!
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Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes is a deliciously comforting casserole featuring thinly sliced sweet potatoes layered upright in a buttery, spiced brown sugar sauce, topped with toasted walnuts and mini marshmallows for a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. This dish makes an ideal side for holiday meals or family dinners.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4–6 sweet potatoes, peeled, halved, and sliced into â…›-inch slices
Sauce and Topping
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and grease a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Arrange Sweet Potatoes: Stand the sweet potato slices upright and arrange them tightly packed, cut side down, inside the prepared casserole dish to ensure even cooking and an appealing presentation.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Then add the brown sugar, water, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir frequently and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, remove from heat.
- First Baking: Drizzle about three-quarters of the sauce evenly over the arranged sweet potatoes. Cover the dish tightly with foil to retain moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to become tender.
- Add Toppings and Broil: After baking, remove the foil and drizzle the remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle chopped walnuts and mini marshmallows evenly over the potatoes. Place under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully, until the marshmallows become toasted and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and for the casserole to set slightly.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife or mandoline to slice sweet potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
- Adjust spices to taste, reducing or increasing cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves based on preference.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the walnuts lightly before adding.
- Watch the marshmallows closely while broiling to prevent burning.
- This dish can be prepared ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking.
