If you are searching for a show-stopping, cozy side to complement your favorite main courses, look no further than the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Brown Sugar Recipe for Side Dish Recipe. This dish is a velvety, sweet, and slightly spiced celebration of tender sweet potatoes layered with a luscious brown sugar and cream sauce that bakes to golden, bubbly perfection. Each bite brings a perfect balance of warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg, a hint of vanilla, and the delightful richness that only butter and cream can provide. It is pure comfort on a plate and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any holiday spread or weeknight feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is beautifully simple but utterly essential. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, creating layers of flavor, luxe texture, and that irresistible golden hue that makes scalloped sweet potatoes so special. Let’s break down what you’ll need to whip up this unforgettable side dish.
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: The star of the dish, these provide natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a rich, creamy base for the sauce and helps everything meld together.
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar: Enhances the sweet potatoes with a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Brings a warm, fragrant spice to elevate the flavors gently.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds an earthy hint that rounds out the spice profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies all flavors.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and creamy.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): A subtle floral note that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional): Offers a delightful crunch as a finishing touch.
- Cooking spray or additional butter for greasing: Ensures the dish doesn’t stick and helps develop a perfect crust.
How to Make Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Brown Sugar Recipe for Side Dish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly hot when your delicious dish is ready to bake. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter—this step is key to preventing sticking and giving your scalloped sweet potatoes that irresistible golden crust on the edges.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Brown Sugar Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until shimmering and smooth. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and heavy cream. Keep stirring gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens into a glossy, sweet-spiced mixture. If you love a subtle depth, stir in the vanilla extract off the heat—this little touch takes the flavor up a notch.
Step 3: Layer the Sweet Potatoes
Place half of the thinly sliced sweet potatoes in the greased baking dish, arranging them so the slices overlap just a bit. Pour half of the creamy sauce evenly over this first layer, allowing it to settle between the slices. Repeat this process with the remaining potatoes and sauce, then press down gently with a spatula to help everything meld beautifully together.
Step 4: Bake Covered and Then Uncovered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 35 minutes to let the potatoes soften and soak up that velvety sauce. Then, remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for another 20 to 25 minutes until the topping is golden, bubbly, and irresistibly inviting.
Step 5: Add Pecans and Let It Rest
If you want a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans over the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking. Once it’s out of the oven, let your scalloped sweet potatoes rest for 10 minutes to thicken up the sauce. This step ensures every forkful is creamy and perfectly saucy.
How to Serve Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Brown Sugar Recipe for Side Dish Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance this dish’s appearance and flavor by adding a few garnishes. A light sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thyme can introduce a lovely pop of green freshness. If you included pecans, a few extra on top right before serving will amp up the texture and add visual appeal.
Side Dishes
For a perfectly balanced meal, serve this rich and sweet scalloped sweet potatoes recipe alongside savory mains like roasted turkey, glazed ham, or pan-seared chicken. It also pairs beautifully with green vegetable sides such as steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or a crisp salad to cut through the creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow guests? Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a fancy, restaurant-style side. Alternatively, top the dish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese before baking for a tangy contrast. Another idea is swirling in a handful of dried cranberries for a festive twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This rich and flavorful dish stores well in the refrigerator. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep chilled for up to 3 days—just be sure to cover it tightly to preserve moisture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze this recipe for up to 1 month. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover it well with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze before baking. When ready, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding additional baking time if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. To keep the top from drying out, cover loosely with foil, uncovering during the last few minutes to regain that lovely golden color.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free butter or oil. It will still be creamy with a lovely richness, though the flavor will take on a subtle coconut note.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for the smoothest texture and best layering in this scalloped sweet potato dish. The skin can sometimes add bitterness and uneven cooking.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it an excellent choice for holiday meal prep or busy weeknights.
What can I use if I don’t have pecans?
Walnuts or sliced almonds make delicious substitutes and provide a similar crunch and nuttiness. You can omit nuts altogether if you prefer or have allergies.
How thinly should I slice the sweet potatoes?
Slicing to about 1/8 inch thickness is ideal—it ensures even cooking and a tender, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. A mandoline slicer is a handy tool for this step.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a warm dish of scalloped sweet potatoes, especially when infused with the delightful sweetness of brown sugar and a touch of spice. The Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Brown Sugar Recipe for Side Dish Recipe is one of those humble yet elegant dishes that never fails to bring smiles around the table. Whether you’re preparing a festive feast or simply craving a cozy side, this recipe is ready to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever celebrated without it!
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Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Brown Sugar Recipe for Side Dish Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Brown Sugar Recipe makes a rich, creamy, and comforting side dish perfect for holidays or any family meal. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are baked in a luscious brown sugar and cream sauce with warm spices, resulting in a tender, golden, and bubbly casserole topped with optional crunchy pecans. It’s a crowd-pleasing gluten-free and vegetarian dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or a festive spread.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Toppings and Others
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Cooking spray or additional butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar baking dish using cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and heavy cream. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes while stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract if using.
- Layer Sweet Potatoes: Arrange half of the sliced sweet potatoes in an even layer in the prepared baking dish, overlapping slices slightly. Pour half of the cream sauce evenly over the potatoes.
- Repeat Layers: Layer the remaining sweet potatoes on top and pour the rest of the cream sauce over them. Press down gently with a spatula to help distribute the sauce thoroughly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes to allow the potatoes to start softening.
- Bake Uncovered and Add Toppings: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes uncovered until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly. If using pecans, sprinkle them on during the last 10 minutes of baking for a crunchy finish.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken and set slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare this dish a day ahead—simply assemble, cover, and refrigerate before baking to save time on the day.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.
- The optional pecans add a wonderful texture contrast but can be omitted if preferred or for nut allergies.
