Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

The Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a delightful dish that elevates any meal. With their creamy, buttery flavor and the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, they make for an ideal side at Christmas or Thanksgiving gatherings. This recipe combines tender sweet potato medallions with a rich brown sugar sauce, topped with mini marshmallows and crunchy pecans. It’s a unique flavor experience that will impress your family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This dish requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy holiday cooking.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm and inviting taste.
• Versatile Side Dish: Pair it with turkey, ham, or any main course for an exceptional meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Sweet potatoes and marshmallows are always a hit, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.
• Festive Presentation: The colorful layers of sweet potatoes topped with toasted marshmallows are visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting your culinary adventure with the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Small saucepan
• Pastry brush
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good-sized baking dish ensures even cooking and presentation.
• Pastry brush: This tool helps you evenly coat the sweet potato medallions with sauce for maximum flavor.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing sweet potatoes quick and easy.

Ingredients

This delicious recipe features thin sweet potato medallions in a buttery brown sugar sauce spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Top it off with mini marshmallows and chopped pecans! The perfect flavor combination is an excellent addition to your Christmas or Thanksgiving menu.

For the Sweet Potatoes

• 5-6 medium sweet potatoes (Peeled & cut into thin medallions)

For the Sauce

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (see note below)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For Topping

• ¼ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
• ½ cup mini marshmallows (see note below)

How to Make Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. This step is crucial as it helps cook the sweet potatoes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thin medallions. Arrange them neatly in your baking dish to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Place a small or medium saucepan on the stovetop. Add unsalted butter, brown sugar, water, spices, and salt. Turn heat to medium and stir ingredients as they melt together until fully combined.

Step 4: Coat Sweet Potatoes

Once the mixture is fully melted, use a pastry brush to evenly distribute ¾ of your sauce onto the sweet potato medallions. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Remove the baking dish from the oven and take off the foil. Distribute the remaining ¼ of your sauce mixture onto the potato medallions. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and mini marshmallows.

Step 6: Broil for Finish

Place the baking dish back into the oven and turn it to broil. Broil for 1-2 minutes to toast the marshmallows. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious side!

How to Serve Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes can be a delightful addition to your holiday table or any special occasion. Their sweet and savory flavor pairs well with many dishes. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

As a Side Dish for Holiday Meals

• Pair these scalloped sweet potatoes with your favorite holiday proteins, like roast turkey or glazed ham, for a comforting plate.

With a Fresh Salad

• Serve alongside a crisp green salad topped with vinaigrette to balance the sweetness of the potatoes and add freshness.

As a Breakfast Option

• Reheat leftover scalloped sweet potatoes and serve them with eggs for a tasty and unique breakfast twist.

With Grilled Meats

• The sweetness of the dish complements grilled chicken or pork beautifully, making it great for summer barbecues.

In a Casserole Style

• Layer the sweet potatoes in a casserole dish and serve them as a main dish at potlucks or family gatherings.

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How to Perfect Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Perfecting your Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is key to achieving that delicious flavor and texture. Here are some tips to help you get it just right.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh sweet potatoes will give you better flavor and texture than older ones.
• Slice evenly: Make sure your sweet potato medallions are of uniform thickness for even cooking.
• Don’t rush the baking: Allow enough time in the oven to soften the sweet potatoes without losing their structure.
• Watch the broil: When broiling, keep an eye on the marshmallows; they can toast quickly.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust spices based on your taste preferences, adding more cinnamon or nutmeg as desired.
• Let it rest: Allowing the dish to cool slightly before serving helps it set up beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

To create a well-rounded meal, consider these excellent side dishes that complement Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes perfectly.

1. Roast Turkey: A classic choice that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the scalloped potatoes during festive occasions.
2. Honey-Glazed Carrots: Their natural sweetness echoes that of the sweet potatoes, creating harmony on your plate.
3. Green Bean Almondine: The crunch of almonds and freshness of green beans provide contrast and balance.
4. Cranberry Sauce: The tartness cuts through the richness of the scalloped potatoes, adding brightness to the meal.
5. Stuffing: A savory herb stuffing is an excellent match for this sweet side dish during holiday feasts.
6. Creamed Spinach: The creaminess adds another layer of flavor while still keeping things light and complementary.
7. Cornbread Muffins: These add a delightful texture and slight sweetness that works well together with scalloped sweet potatoes.
8. Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness balances out the sweetness of your dish effectively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, it’s important to avoid some common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s taste and texture.

• Using thick slices: Cutting sweet potatoes too thick can lead to uneven cooking. Aim for thin medallions for a perfect bake.
• Skipping the spices: Neglecting the spices can make the dish bland. Always include cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a rich flavor.
• Not covering while baking: Failing to cover your baking dish can cause the sweet potatoes to dry out. Use foil during the initial bake to retain moisture.
• Overbaking the marshmallows: Letting marshmallows broil for too long can burn them. Watch closely during this step to achieve a perfect golden brown.
• Neglecting storage tips: Not storing leftovers properly can diminish flavor. Follow storage instructions for the best results when reheating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

• You can freeze this dish, but it may change texture slightly.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish on medium heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes.

How do I cut sweet potatoes for scalloping?

Cut sweet potatoes into thin medallions, about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and tenderness.

Can I use different nuts in this recipe?

Yes! While pecans are traditional, walnuts or even almonds work well too. Choose what you prefer or have on hand.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and omit mini marshmallows or choose vegan alternatives.

What should I serve with Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?

These sweet potatoes pair well with savory dishes like roasted meats or green salads. They are great as part of holiday meals too!

Can I add cheese to Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?

While not traditional, adding cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella between layers can create a delicious twist on this classic recipe.

Final Thoughts

The Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a delightful side dish that brings warmth and sweetness to any meal. Their rich flavors and creamy texture make them ideal for special occasions like Christmas or Thanksgiving. Feel free to customize the recipe by adding different nuts or spices according to your taste preferences!