Why do you need to soak sweet potatoes before cooking?

Soaking sweet potatoes helps remove excess starch, which can prevent them from becoming too gummy or sticky when cooked. It also promotes even cooking and can enhance their natural sweetness.

Are scalloped potatoes supposed to be hard or soft?

Scalloped sweet potatoes should be tender and soft, with a creamy texture. If they turn out hard, it’s likely due to undercooking or slicing the potatoes too thickly.

What is the secret to crispy sweet potatoes?

The key to crispy sweet potatoes is to cut them evenly, coat them lightly in oil, and bake them at a high temperature. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can trap steam and make them soggy.

Is it better to boil or bake sweet potatoes for casserole?

Baking sweet potatoes is often preferred for casseroles because it intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a richer flavor. Boiling can make them watery, which may dilute the casserole’s texture.

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes: How To Make The Best Recipe

Description

A delightful twist on the classic scalloped dish, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rich, creamy sauce and melted cheeses. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a comforting side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Optional Additions:

A pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for added warmth

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or paprika for a subtle kick

1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into thin, uniform rounds using a mandoline slicer for consistency.

Make the Cream Mixture:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Heat until aromatic, stirring frequently, but do not let it boil.

Layer the Dish:
Grease a baking dish with butter. Arrange a layer of sweet potato slices, slightly overlapping, at the bottom of the dish. Pour a portion of the cream mixture over this layer, ensuring the potatoes are well-coated. Sprinkle a mix of Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses over the top.

Build Additional Layers:
Continue layering the sweet potatoes, cream mixture, and cheeses until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.

Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Make Ahead: Assemble the dish a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best results.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Variations: For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheeses. To add a spicy twist, incorporate cayenne pepper or paprika into the cream mixture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Category: Dinner

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8 servings
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 10g

Keywords: Scalloped Sweet Potatoes