Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Few dishes say “comfort food” quite like a bubbling, caramelized pan of Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes. This dreamy casserole layers golden sweet potatoes with warm spices, gooey marshmallows, and crunchy pecans for a dish that’s both nostalgic and a touch gourmet. It’s the kind of recipe that anchors a holiday table but is easy enough to whip up for a cozy Sunday dinner. If you love sweet, spiced flavors and a balance of creamy and crunchy textures, this is absolutely the recipe to try.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is just how simple the ingredient list is—each item is a key player in creating those irresistible layers of flavor and texture. From the vibrant, naturally sweet potatoes to the toasty marshmallows and pecans, there’s nothing wasted here.

• Sweet potatoes: Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for even slicing and perfect layers—it’s the heart and soul of the dish.
• Unsalted butter: Butter adds a rich, velvety mouthfeel; use unsalted so you can control the seasoning.
• Brown sugar: This gives sweetness and a deep caramel flavor; both light and dark varieties work well.
• Water: Helps the sauce bind and keeps the potatoes moist without making things soggy.
• Ground cinnamon: Delivers warmth and a nostalgic holiday aroma—so inviting!
• Ground cloves: A little goes a long way for complexity—don’t skip it!
• Ground nutmeg: Freshly grated if possible for a nutty, aromatic boost.
• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the sweetness and brings balance.
• Chopped pecans (or walnuts): Toss these on top for crunch and buttery flavor; pecans are a Southern classic, while walnuts add earthiness.
• Mini marshmallows: These melt and brown to make the signature gooey, toasted topping everyone loves.

How to Make Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This high initial heat gives the sweet potatoes a chance to become beautifully tender in a reasonable amount of time, ensuring the top caramelizes perfectly without drying out.

Step 2: Slice and Arrange the Sweet Potatoes

Peel your sweet potatoes and cut them into thin medallions. Try to keep the thickness consistent (about 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch) so they cook evenly. Layer them snugly in your baking dish, overlapping them slightly—this not only looks gorgeous but helps catch all the sauce between each slice.

Step 3: Prepare the Spiced Sauce

In a small to medium saucepan, combine unsalted butter, brown sugar, water, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. With the heat set to medium, stir constantly as the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. The result is a glossy, fragrant syrup that will soak right into your potatoes and form the backbone of the flavor profile for these Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Use a pastry brush (or spoon) to spread about 3/4 of your warm sauce mixture evenly over the prepared sweet potato slices. Make sure each layer gets some love! Cover the baking dish with foil to trap in moisture and transfer to the oven, baking for 45 to 50 minutes. The potatoes will become blissfully soft and start to absorb all those flavors.

Step 5: Add Toppings

After about 50 minutes, carefully remove the dish from the oven and take off the foil. Brush the remaining sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle your chopped pecans (or walnuts) and a generous handful of mini marshmallows on top. This is where the magic starts to happen—those marshmallows will soon be golden and gooey!

Step 6: Broil to Finish

Return the pan to the oven, switching your setting to broil. Broil for just 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully—marshmallows toast in the blink of an eye! You want them crispy and bronzed, not charred. This short burst of high heat gives your Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes their show-stopping top.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once perfectly toasted, let your scalloped sweet potatoes cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken and gives the flavors a chance to mingle. Then, scoop out hearty portions and get ready for raves all around!

How to Serve Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Garnishes

For that picture-perfect finish, try a scattering of extra chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon over the marshmallows right before serving. If you want to feel extra special (or impress your guests), a drizzle of maple syrup or even a few fried sage leaves can really elevate things.

Side Dishes

Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes play nicely with all the classics: think roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or a crisp fall salad. For a vegetarian spread, pair them with roasted Brussels sprouts or garlicky green beans to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, portion your potatoes into individual ramekins before baking, so everyone gets their own mini casserole. Or, spoon them into hollowed-out squash halves for a dramatic (and edible!) serving dish. At potlucks, a pretty oval or vintage dish makes this casserole the star of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store any leftover Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. They’ll keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days, making them a fabulous option for meal prepping or late-night snacks.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze a batch, assemble and bake the casserole without the marshmallows and nuts—add those fresh after thawing. Wrap the cooled dish well in both plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before finishing with the toppings and a quick broil.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered in foil for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through. If the marshmallows need a touch-up, set under the broiler for a minute or two before serving. The dish stays gooey and satisfying, even the next day!

FAQs

Can I make Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes in advance?

Absolutely! Prepare and bake the dish up to a day ahead, then add marshmallows and pecans just before serving. Reheat gently and broil for that gorgeous golden top.

What’s the best way to slice sweet potatoes evenly?

Using a sharp chef’s knife or a mandoline slicer will help you get uniform slices, which is key for even cooking and gorgeous layers in your Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes.

Can I skip the marshmallows for a less sweet topping?

Definitely! If you prefer things less sweet, simply omit the marshmallows and consider a sprinkle of extra nuts or even a savory cheese like Parmesan for a delicious twist.

Are there options for making this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter alternative, and check that your marshmallows are vegan (many brands are available these days). The results are just as rich and delicious!

What kind of nuts are best for this recipe?

Pecans are classic and give a buttery crunch, but walnuts also add great texture and a more robust flavor. You can even mix the two or leave nuts off entirely for a nut-free version.

Final Thoughts

I’m so excited for you to try Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes! They hit that perfect sweet spot between classic comfort and a little bit of culinary flair. Don’t be surprised when folks race back for seconds—you might just find this recipe becomes your new go-to for holidays and special gatherings. Give it a try and let those warm, spiced aromas fill your kitchen!

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