Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Name: Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5-6 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & cut into thin medallions; ¼ cup unsalted butter; 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; ¼ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts); ½ cup mini marshmallows

December 23, 2025 by Sophia Green

Deliciously baked scalloped sweet potatoes with creamy cheese

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Warm Your Heart and Home with the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

There’s something undeniably magical about the way a home fills with comforting aromas during the colder months. The sweet fragrance of caramelized sugar mingles with warm, spiced undertones wafting through the air can make any evening feel special. Imagine gathering loved ones around the dinner table, the flickering candlelight casting soft shadows, as the delicious dish of Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes makes its grand entrance. This dish is more than just a side; it’s the heart of the meal, inviting everyone to dig in and savor the comforting layer of flavors.

Perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or even a cozy weeknight dinner, these sweet potatoes exude warmth and charm, transforming any meal into a memorable occasion. With their vibrant orange hue and gooey marshmallow topping, they offer a feast for the eyes as much as for the palate. Every bite delivers a playful sweetness paired with a satisfying crunch, promising a dish that will become a cherished recipe in your home.

What You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your masterpiece. The combination of sweet and spice will sing in perfect harmony, ensuring your dish becomes an instant classic. Below is everything you need to bring the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes to life.

Ingredients

5-6 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & cut into thin medallions
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
¼ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
½ cup mini marshmallows (see note below)

Tools

You won’t need anything fancy—just some basic kitchen tools to work your culinary magic. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cutting board
Sharp knife
Large mixing bowl
Small or medium saucepan
Whisk
Baking dish
Pastry brush
Aluminum foil

How to Make It

Creating Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is a delightful journey. Each step reveals new textures and aromas that transport you closer to your finished creation. Let’s break down the process to ensure you capture every savory detail.

Prep the Base

Begin this culinary adventure by preheating your oven to 400°F. With the warm glow of the oven lighting the kitchen, peel your sweet potatoes, revealing their vibrant orange flesh hidden beneath the skin. Slice them into thin medallions, letting the colors burst forth. The tactile sensation of the soft, glossy slices in your hand gives way to a visual feast as you arrange them lovingly in your chosen baking dish, creating a gradient of warmth and healthiness.

Build the Flavor

Now, it’s time to ignite those senses further. Place a small to medium saucepan on the stovetop and add the unsalted butter, allowing it to slowly melt and fill the kitchen with its rich aroma. As you stir in the brown sugar, watch the mixture transform from solid to syrupy bliss. The addition of water helps create a smooth, rich sauce that coats your sweet potatoes with flavor. Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and just a touch of salt, and let the spices release their aromas—a harmonious blend that’s delightful enough to evoke memories of festive gatherings and cozy moments.

Once fully melted, grab your trusty pastry brush and gently paint the sweet potato medallions with three-quarters of your savory sauce. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a mini oven environment that softens the sweet potatoes during the first stage of baking. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bask for 45-50 minutes, filling your home with the tantalizing scents of caramelized sweetness.

Finish & Serve

When the time is up, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven, letting anticipation bubble over. Peel back the foil, exposing the tender medallions glistening under a thin glaze, their tops slightly golden. Drizzle the remaining quarter of your rich sauce over the potatoes, giving them a final sweet embrace. For a delightful textural contrast, sprinkle with chopped pecans and mini marshmallows—like little clouds ready to toast.

Return the dish to the oven, now cranked to broil, creating that perfectly crisp crust. Watch closely as the marshmallows puff and turn a beautiful golden brown, transforming into gooey, toasty bites of sweetness. Just 1-2 minutes will suffice, but stay vigilant; they can go from golden to charred in the blink of an eye. Once out of the oven, allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This ensures all the wonderful flavors have melded beautifully. Serve this beautiful dish right on the table, inviting everyone to experience the warmth and love embedded in the recipe.

Creative Twists

While the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes stand strong on their own, consider these delightful variations to inspire your culinary creativity:

Seasonal Twists: In fall, add a sprinkle of pumpkin spice alongside the cinnamon for a deeper autumnal flavor. As summer approaches, consider a citrusy twist by incorporating zest from an orange or lemon into the sauce, adding brightness to each bite.
Flavor Upgrades: For a savory touch, consider substituting maple syrup for brown sugar or adding a hint of heat with a dash of cayenne. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
Swaps for Protein: Turn this side dish into a main event! Layer in cooked and seasoned ground turkey or chicken for a heartier meal. Or, fold in protein-rich lentils for a vegetarian option that’s equally filling and nutritious.

Final Inspiration

As you prepare to serve the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, take a moment to appreciate the assembly of flavors, smells, and textures that you’ve created. This dish is a delicious reminder of warmth, love, and togetherness—perfectly suited for any gathering or cozy weeknight dinner. Share it with family and friends, creating treasured memories around the table while the laughter and conversation flow. With every forkful, you’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re sharing a piece of your heart. So, embrace this delightful comfort food and make it a memorable part of your seasonal traditions. The warmth it brings will linger long after the last bite has been savored, becoming a recipe to celebrate and cherish.

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