Growing up, I can still remember the aroma of Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin wafting through the kitchen on holidays. My grandma would spend all day prepping and baking this beloved casserole, and the anticipation was almost too much to bear. The way the creamy sauce enveloped the tender sweet potato slices, topped with a golden, cheesy crust – it was pure comfort food heaven.
Whenever she’d pull that bubbling dish out of the oven, I’d practically be drooling. And the first bite? Absolute bliss. The flavors just danced on my tongue – the sweetness of the potatoes, the richness of the cream, the sharp cheddar, the earthy thyme. I can still feel the warmth spreading through me with each delightful forkful.
It’s been years since I’ve had Grandma’s Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin, but the craving never really goes away. That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you today. It captures all the magic of the original, with a few tweaks to make it even more irresistible. Trust me, this is going to become your new go-to side dish – the one that has everyone asking for seconds (and thirds!).
Why This Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
The key to making Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin that’ll have your family raving lies in a few simple techniques. First, it’s all about getting the sweet potato slices just right. You want them thin enough to cook through, but not so thin that they become mushy. That’s why we’re slicing them into 1/4-inch rounds – the perfect balance of tender and sturdy.
And the sauce? Oh, it’s heavenly. The heavy cream provides an unbelievably rich and creamy base, while the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses add a beautiful melty factor and subtle nuttiness. The garlic and thyme? They’re the secret flavor boosters that take this dish to the next level.
Put it all together, layer it up, and bake until golden brown and bubbly. The result is a scalloped sweet potato casserole that’s going to become a new staple in your household.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin recipe, you’ll need:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds – The sweet potatoes are the star of the show, and you want them to be the perfect texture. Slicing them to 1/4-inch thickness ensures they’ll cook through while still maintaining their shape.
- 2 cups heavy cream – This rich, velvety cream is the foundation for the creamy sauce that coats the sweet potato slices. It adds an unparalleled level of indulgence.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – The cheddar melts beautifully, creating pockets of cheesy goodness throughout the casserole.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – The Parmesan lends a savory, nutty note that balances the sweetness of the potatoes.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is a flavor powerhouse that infuses the entire dish with its aromatic essence.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Earthy, fragrant thyme complements the sweet potatoes perfectly, adding depth and warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – A sprinkle of salt brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – A touch of pepper provides a subtle kick that ties all the flavors together.
Step-by-Step Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Instructions
Preparing Your Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
Prep time for this Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin recipe is just 15 minutes, and the total cooking time is 45 minutes, for a total time of 60 minutes. To get started, you’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a sharp knife, and a mandoline slicer or food processor with a slicing blade.
1- Begin by peeling the sweet potatoes and slicing them into 1/4-inch rounds. This uniform thickness ensures even cooking throughout the casserole.
2- In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato slices, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated.
3- Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking dish, arranging the slices in an even layer. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
4- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
5- Let the Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the creamy sauce to thicken up slightly.
6- Serve this irresistible casserole hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh thyme, if desired. Enjoy the perfectly cooked sweet potatoes nestled in a dreamy, cheesy sauce – it’s a true comfort food masterpiece.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use a mandoline slicer or the slicing blade of your food processor to get those sweet potato rounds evenly thin. This ensures they cook through at the same rate.
- Don’t be afraid to get generous with the cheese – the cheddar and Parmesan create an unbelievably gooey, melty topping that’s simply divine.
- For an extra flavor boost, try roasting the garlic before adding it to the mix. Roasted garlic has a sweeter, more mellow profile that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- If you want to save some time, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled dish.
Serving and Storing Your Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
Perfect Pairings for Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
This Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin recipe serves 6 people, making it a wonderful side dish for any holiday gathering or cozy weeknight meal. It pairs perfectly with roasted meats like turkey, ham, or chicken, and it also complements vegetarian main dishes like lentil stews or roasted portobello mushrooms.
For a complete meal, serve the Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin alongside a fresh green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crusty loaf of bread. And don’t forget a glass of crisp white wine or a rich, full-bodied red – the flavors will sing together in perfect harmony.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
For long-term storage, this casserole also freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
You can even assemble the entire casserole in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. This makes it a great option for busy holiday meal planning or when you want to get a head start on your meal prep.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
Creative Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Variations
While the classic version of this dish is simply divine, there are plenty of ways to mix things up. For a seasonal twist, try swapping in butternut squash or pumpkin in place of the sweet potatoes. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations, like gouda and fontina, or even a sprinkling of crumbled feta or queso fresco.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, add some diced ham or crumbled bacon for a savory, smoky note. Or, stir in some chopped spinach or kale for a pop of color and extra nutrients. The possibilities are endless when it comes to this versatile dish.
Making Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Diet-Friendly
For a gluten-free version of Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of the regular flour. This will ensure the sauce thickens up beautifully without any wheat-based ingredients.
Looking to cut down on the carbs? Swap out half the sweet potatoes for thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant. The vegetables will still absorb all that creamy, cheesy goodness, but with fewer net carbs.
And for a dairy-free option, you can use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk in place of the heavy cream, and opt for dairy-free shredded cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of potato instead of sweet potatoes?
A: While you can certainly substitute regular russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, the end result won’t be quite the same. Sweet potatoes lend a natural sweetness and creamier texture that’s integral to this dish.
Q: How long does it take to prepare and bake the Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin?
A: This recipe has a total time of 60 minutes – 15 minutes for prep and 45 minutes of baking time. The key is thinly slicing the sweet potatoes to ensure they cook through evenly.
Q: Can I make this Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time to account for the chilled dish.
Q: How many servings does this Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 6 servings, making it a great side dish for a family or small gathering. If you need to feed a larger crowd, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.
Q: What should I do if the Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin seem undercooked?
A: If the sweet potato slices aren’t quite tender after the initial baking time, cover the dish with foil and return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes. The foil will help the potatoes steam and finish cooking through.
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
- Total Time: 60
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin – a comforting and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
– 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
– 2 cups heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
– Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
– Arrange a layer of sweet potato slices in the prepared baking dish.
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
– Pour the cream mixture over the sweet potato layer.
– Repeat the layers of sweet potatoes and cream mixture until all the ingredients are used up.
– Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
– Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
– Let the dish stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of butter to the cream mixture. You can also experiment with different cheese combinations, such as Gruyère or Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin is a comforting, flavor-packed casserole that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its creamy sauce, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked sweet potato slices, it’s a dish that brings back all the nostalgia of the holidays while still being an impressive side any time of year.
I hope this recipe inspires you to gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy the deliciousness of Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin. Don’t be surprised if everyone goes back for seconds – or even thirds! And be sure to let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
