Imagine a comforting, luscious dish that combines the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with a rich, creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. That is exactly what this Scalloped Sweet Potatoes au Gratin Recipe offers—an irresistible celebration of layers of flavor, texture, and warmth that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re planning a festive holiday meal or a special family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy everyone gathered around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Scalloped Sweet Potatoes au Gratin Recipe truly shine. Each item plays a crucial role, from the creamy dairy elements that create the rich sauce, to the spices that enhance the natural sweetness and depth of the potatoes. Together, they transform simple ingredients into something spectacular.
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: The star of the dish, their natural sweetness and vibrant orange color make each bite delightful.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Adds a gentle savory balance to the sweet potatoes, softening as it cooks.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats every slice perfectly.
- 1 cup milk: Lightens the cream slightly for the perfect sauce consistency and helps melt the cheese smoothly.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a bold, tangy flavor that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty depth and helps form that irresistible golden crust.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and a mild bite.
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme): Brings subtle herbal notes that brighten the dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Used for sautéing and enriching the sauce with a silky texture.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for highlighting all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional): Adds a whisper of warmth that elevates the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup bread crumbs (for topping): Creates a crunchy, golden topping that contrasts the creamy layers underneath.
How to Make Scalloped Sweet Potatoes au Gratin Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This gentle heat level is perfect for slow baking the layers until tender and bubbly. Meanwhile, parboil your thinly sliced sweet potatoes in boiling water for about 5 minutes. This little step helps soften the potatoes just enough so the final baking doesn’t take forever but still lets them hold their shape beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
While the potatoes are cooking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the sliced onions and sauté them until they turn soft and translucent, around 3 to 4 minutes. Then add your minced garlic, cooking just a minute more to release that wonderful fragrant aroma without burning it.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic. Season the mixture with chopped thyme, salt, pepper, and the optional nutmeg. Let this gently simmer to marry all those flavors, then remove from heat. This sauce is where all the magic happens—it clings to the sweet potatoes and adds richness to every bite.
Step 4: Layer the Dish
Grease your baking dish to prevent sticking, then start layering. Begin with half of the sweet potato slices, followed by half of the onion-cream sauce. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. Repeat these layers with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese. Layering carefully like this ensures every forkful has that ideal balance of creamy, cheesy, and sweet.
Step 5: Add the Crispy Topping and Bake
Top everything with a cup of bread crumbs for a crunchy finish, drizzling with a little olive oil or melted butter if you like to help them brown beautifully. Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for a further 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown—the unmistakable sign your scalloped sweet potatoes au gratin are ready.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the layers settle and makes slicing easier while allowing the flavors to deepen. The result is a delectably creamy, flavorful side that’s both visually stunning and deeply satisfying.
How to Serve Scalloped Sweet Potatoes au Gratin Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped thyme or parsley over the top just before serving. A light dusting of paprika can add a pop of color and a gentle smoky hint. These simple garnishes add freshness and interest, complementing the rich, cheesy potatoes perfectly.
Side Dishes
Scalloped sweet potatoes au gratin pair wonderfully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork tenderloin. Their creamy sweetness stands up well against savory mains, and adding a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables balances the meal. For a festive spread, they make an excellent alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning holiday centerpiece, bake the scalloped sweet potatoes in individual ramekins for personalized servings. Or, serve it family-style in a beautiful casserole dish right from the oven, encouraging everyone to dig in with anticipation. You might also try adding a sprinkle of toasted pecans to the breadcrumb topping for an unexpected crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even better overnight, making for a delicious next-day side.
Freezing
This scalloped sweet potatoes au gratin recipe freezes beautifully. After assembling but before baking, cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, bake it covered straight from the freezer, adding extra baking time until heated through and bubbling.
Reheating
To reheat, place portions in an oven-safe dish and warm at 350°F (180°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. A quick zap in the microwave works well too but may sacrifice some of the crisp topping’s texture. For best results, reheat uncovered towards the end to revive that golden crust.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of cheddar and Parmesan?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Parmesan give this dish its classic flavor, you can experiment with Gruyere, mozzarella, or even a mild gouda. Just keep in mind the melting properties and flavor strength of your chosen cheeses to maintain a good balance.
Do I have to parboil the sweet potatoes?
Parboiling isn’t mandatory, but it helps speed up baking time and ensures the potatoes are tender without overcooking. If you skip this step, you may need to bake the dish longer, and the texture might be firmer.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or a creamy non-dairy alternative, and swap butter for a plant-based margarine. Use dairy-free cheese options that melt well to keep that au gratin richness.
Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead for a holiday meal?
Definitely. You can assemble the dish a day before, store it in the fridge, and bake it fresh on the day you want to serve. This makes entertaining much easier and lets the flavors meld overnight.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Drizzling the bread crumbs with a little melted butter or olive oil before baking is key for crispiness. You can also mix the crumbs with some grated Parmesan for an even richer, crisper crust.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to add a dish that’s equal parts cozy and elegant to your next meal, you simply must try this Scalloped Sweet Potatoes au Gratin Recipe. It’s a wonderful way to showcase sweet potatoes in a whole new light, layered with creamy cheese and spices that delight every taste bud. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for gatherings or a comforting treat on any night.
Print
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes au Gratin Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe, also known as Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin, features layers of tender sweet potatoes baked in a creamy mixture of heavy cream, milk, sautéed onions, garlic, and aromatic thyme. Topped with a blend of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses along with a crispy breadcrumb crust, this comforting casserole is perfect as a hearty side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried thyme)
Dairy
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Other
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup bread crumbs (for topping)
- Olive oil or melted butter for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for baking the dish evenly.
- Parboil Sweet Potatoes: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the thinly sliced sweet potatoes and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Sauté Onions: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant, creating a flavorful base.
- Add Garlic and Dairy: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then add the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Season Cream Mixture: Season the cream mixture with fresh thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Bring it to a gentle simmer and then remove from heat to preserve the delicate flavors.
- Layer Ingredients: Grease a baking dish and create the first layer by spreading half of the sweet potato slices evenly. Pour half of the onion-cream mixture on top, then sprinkle with half of the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
- Add Second Layer: Repeat layering with the remaining sweet potatoes, cream mixture, and cheeses, ensuring even coverage.
- Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the top with bread crumbs for a crunchy crust. Optionally, drizzle with olive oil or melted butter to enhance browning.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly, golden brown, and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Let the scalloped sweet potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving so the casserole sets properly for neat slices and optimal flavor.
Notes
- Parboiling the sweet potatoes ensures they cook fully and evenly in the oven without becoming mushy.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, but the dish will be less rich.
- Fresh thyme offers the best flavor but dried thyme is a convenient substitute.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg enhances the warmth and complexity of the creamy sauce but can be omitted if preferred.
- If gluten-free breadcrumbs are needed, substitute regular breadcrumbs accordingly.
- This dish can be prepared a day ahead, stored covered in the fridge, and baked before serving.
