These Easy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a quick and delicious side dish, perfect for any occasion, especially holiday gatherings. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are baked in a creamy herb sauce, then topped with parmesan cheese and broiled to a golden brown. This one-pan dish is both flavorful and simple, making it a great addition to any weeknight meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream

• 1 tbsp butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or ½ tsp dried thyme)

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×9-inch or similar size baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Make the Creamy Herb Sauce:
   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

3. Layer the Sweet Potatoes:
   Arrange the thinly sliced sweet potatoes in layers in the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy herb sauce over the potatoes, ensuring they are evenly coated.

4. Bake the Sweet Potatoes:
   Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35-40 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Top with Cheese and Broil:
   Remove the foil and sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven and broil for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

6. Serve:
   Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrients (Estimated per serving, makes 4 servings)

• Calories: 300 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Protein: 8g

• Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Fiber: 4g

Why Sweet Potatoes?

Sweet potatoes are a beloved ingredient for their natural sweetness, rich texture, and numerous health benefits. Unlike regular potatoes, sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a great addition to any meal. They provide a subtle sweetness that works beautifully in savory dishes like this one, especially when paired with the creamy sauce and savory parmesan.

The soft, tender texture of sweet potatoes makes them perfect for a dish like scalloped potatoes, where they can soak up all the creamy sauce and melt into a smooth, flavorful bite. Plus, the bright orange color adds a vibrant pop to your plate, making this dish not only delicious but visually appealing as well.

The Creamy Herb Sauce: A Flavorful Base

The creamy herb sauce is what takes this dish from simple to extraordinary. Made with just a few ingredients—heavy cream, garlic, butter, thyme, salt, and pepper—this sauce is rich, fragrant, and comforting. The garlic provides a savory depth of flavor, while the thyme adds an earthy, aromatic note that complements the sweet potatoes perfectly.

Heavy cream is the base of the sauce, providing a rich, velvety texture that binds everything together. It also helps the flavors meld, creating a cohesive dish. The addition of butter enhances the creaminess, while the thyme brings a fresh, herbal flavor that lifts the richness of the sauce.

Once the creamy herb sauce is made, it’s poured over the thinly sliced sweet potatoes, ensuring that each layer is coated in the luscious sauce. As the potatoes bake, they absorb the creaminess, becoming tender and flavorful while maintaining their structure.

The Parmesan Cheese: A Golden, Crispy Finish

No dish is complete without a sprinkle of cheese, and parmesan is the perfect choice for this scalloped sweet potato recipe. Once the sweet potatoes have baked in the creamy sauce, a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan is added on top. As the dish broils, the cheese melts and becomes golden brown, creating a crispy, savory topping that adds both texture and flavor to the dish.

The sharp, nutty flavor of parmesan contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the potatoes and the richness of the cream sauce. The golden crust that forms as the cheese bakes adds an irresistible crunch, making every bite a delightful combination of creamy and crispy.

Easy to Prepare, Perfect for Any Occasion

Easy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes may sound like a fancy dish, but it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple steps, you can create a dish that’s both flavorful and impressive. Here’s why it’s so easy:

• Minimal Prep Time: The hardest part of this dish is peeling and slicing the sweet potatoes. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, you can quickly slice the sweet potatoes into thin, even rounds. This ensures that they cook evenly and soak up the creamy sauce.

• One Pan Wonder: This dish is made in a single 9×9-inch baking dish, so cleanup is a breeze. Layer the potatoes, pour over the sauce, and top with cheese—it’s that simple!

• Quick Cooking Time: The sweet potatoes bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until tender. Then, just a few minutes under the broiler gives the dish that golden, crispy finish. This dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without a lot of effort.

Why This Dish is Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

While Easy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are quick and simple enough for a weeknight meal, they’re also an excellent choice for special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, a family gathering, or a potluck, this dish is sure to impress.

Here’s why it’s perfect for holiday gatherings:

• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes it easy to plan ahead and reduce stress on the day of the event. Simply pop it in the oven and broil it just before serving.

• Crowd-Pleasing: Sweet potatoes are a favorite at holiday dinners, and this dish takes them to the next level. It’s a great way to serve vegetables in a way that’s both indulgent and flavorful, and the crispy parmesan topping adds a touch of elegance.

• Versatile: Easy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes can be paired with a variety of main courses, from roasted turkey and ham to grilled chicken or beef. The creamy, cheesy potatoes act as a perfect side dish to balance out richer main courses.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own but also makes a great accompaniment to a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for serving:

• With Roasted Meat: Pair the scalloped sweet potatoes with roasted meats such as turkey, chicken, or pork. The creamy potatoes provide a delicious contrast to the savory meat and make for a well-rounded meal.

• With Grilled Vegetables: For a lighter meal, serve the scalloped sweet potatoes with a side of grilled vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers. The smokiness of the grilled veggies complements the richness of the sweet potatoes.

• With a Fresh Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, citrus dressing, or balsamic vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy potatoes. The acidity from the dressing helps balance out the richness of the dish.

• As a Standalone Dish: If you’re craving comfort food, Easy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes can be enjoyed as a main dish. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread and a glass of white wine for a simple, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Easy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a perfect blend of flavor, texture, and ease. With the rich creaminess of the sauce, the crispy parmesan topping, and the tender sweet potatoes, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing option that’s both delicious and simple to prepare.

The best part? It’s a healthy, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress your guests without requiring hours of prep work. Try it today and enjoy a comforting, indulgent side dish that will make any meal feel like a special occasion.