Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
This easy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe delivers a comforting and flavorful side dish featuring thinly sliced sweet potatoes layered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for holidays or cozy weeknights, it balances natural sweetness with savory sharp cheddar and aromatic herbs for a visually stunning and nutritious casserole.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour substitution)
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 2 1/2 cups milk or cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (optional, about 1 teaspoon)
Optional Toppings and Variations
- Breadcrumbs or extra shredded cheese for topping
- Pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika (for spicy variation)
- Toasted pecans or walnuts (for nutty crunch)
- Drizzle of maple syrup or honey (for sweet and savory balance)
- Plant-based butter, dairy-free milk, and vegan cheese (for vegan version)
- Prepare the sweet potatoes: Wash, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes thinly and evenly—about 1/8 inch thick—to ensure even cooking and a tender bite throughout the dish.
- Make the creamy sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour until combined. Slowly add milk or cream while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, then stir in cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Add fresh thyme or rosemary if using.
- Layer the casserole: In a greased baking dish, layer a third of the sweet potato slices in an even layer. Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading it evenly. Repeat this process two more times, finishing with the sauce on top. Optionally season each layer lightly for balanced flavor.
- Bake to perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly and the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. For extra crispiness, sprinkle breadcrumbs or extra cheese on top before the final bake.
- Let it rest: Once out of the oven, allow the dish to cool and set for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers hold together beautifully.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for consistent, even slices to ensure uniform cooking.
- Remove the sauce from heat once thickened to avoid it becoming too gelatinous.
- Lightly season between layers for balanced flavor throughout the casserole.
- Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps it set and makes it easier to cut.
- For extra crispy topping, add breadcrumbs or additional cheese before the final bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: scalloped sweet potatoes, cheesy sweet potato casserole, holiday side dish, baked sweet potatoes, creamy sweet potato recipe, gluten free sweet potato casserole