Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

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I’ve always had a soft spot for sweet potatoes, but when I discovered how incredible they taste in a creamy, cheesy, garlic-infused scalloped bake—everything changed. Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes have quickly become one of my favorite side dishes. They’re comforting, rich, and surprisingly simple to pull together, making them perfect for both weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings.

The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with sharp cheese, fresh herbs, and golden garlic butter. Every bite is silky and flavorful, with crispy edges and melty layers that keep you going back for more. If you’re looking for a cozy dish that stands out, this is it.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe

This dish combines a beautiful blend of savory and sweet. The layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes soak up garlicky cream and cheese as they bake to tender perfection. It’s not just delicious—it’s visually stunning, too. Those golden, crisp edges and flecks of fresh herbs make it centerpiece-worthy. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian.

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What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Should I Use?

I prefer using orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Garnet or Jewel varieties. They’re sweet, tender, and hold their shape well while baking. Avoid using white sweet potatoes or yams, as their flavor and texture are quite different and may not yield the same creamy consistency.

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Options for Substitutions

• Cheese: Swap Gruyère with sharp white cheddar or even smoked gouda for a deeper flavor.
• Cream: You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and heavy cream for a lighter version.
• Garlic: Roasted garlic adds a milder, sweeter taste if you want to tone down the sharpness.
• Herbs: Thyme is classic, but rosemary or sage also pair beautifully with sweet potatoes.
• Vegan: Use dairy-free cheese and coconut cream for a plant-based version.

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Ingredients for This Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe

• Sweet Potatoes – The star of the show. Their natural sweetness and soft texture balance perfectly with the savory, creamy components.
• Garlic – Freshly minced garlic infuses the entire dish with warmth and depth. It’s key for that rich, savory flavor.
• Heavy Cream – This creates the luscious, velvety sauce that envelops every slice of potato.
• Gruyère Cheese – Melts beautifully and adds a nutty, slightly sharp flavor that elevates the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkled on top for extra flavor and a beautifully browned crust.
• Fresh Thyme – Adds a touch of earthiness and a fresh herbal note.
• Butter – Used to sauté the garlic and add richness.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential to bring all the flavors together.

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Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Wash, peel, and slice the sweet potatoes into thin, uniform rounds (about 1/8-inch thick). Using a mandoline slicer helps keep the slices even for consistent baking.

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Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Don’t let it brown—just enough to release the aroma.

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Step 3: Create the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and half of the thyme into the garlic butter. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Remove from heat.

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Step 4: Layer the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased baking dish, start layering the sweet potato slices upright (slightly overlapping), forming rows or a spiral depending on the shape of your dish.

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Step 5: Pour and Sprinkle

Slowly pour the warm cream mixture over the layered potatoes, letting it seep through all the gaps. Sprinkle grated Gruyère cheese evenly between and on top of the layers.

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Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the potatoes to soften without burning the top.

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Step 7: Uncover and Finish Baking

Remove the foil, top with Parmesan cheese, and bake for another 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. The edges should be crisp and the center fork-tender.

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Step 8: Rest and Garnish

Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with more fresh thyme for a fragrant, eye-catching finish.

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How Long to Prepare the Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Preparing this dish doesn’t take much hands-on time, but layering it beautifully and baking it to golden perfection does require some patience.

Prep Time: It takes about 20–25 minutes to peel and slice the sweet potatoes and prepare the cream sauce. Using a mandoline can help you speed through the slicing process and get consistent results.

Cook Time: Expect a total baking time of around 55–60 minutes. The first 30 minutes should be covered to soften the potatoes, followed by another 25–30 minutes uncovered to develop a golden, bubbly top.

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Tips for Perfect Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

• Slice evenly: Uniform thickness ensures the potatoes cook at the same rate. A mandoline slicer is your best friend here.
• Use full-fat cream: Low-fat alternatives can separate or become watery. Stick with heavy cream for that luxurious texture.
• Layer upright: Not only does this look beautiful, but it allows more even distribution of the cream and cheese.
• Let it rest: Giving the dish 10 minutes to settle before serving helps the sauce thicken and flavors intensify.
• Fresh herbs matter: A sprinkle of fresh thyme at the end brings brightness to this rich dish.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking garlic: Burnt garlic can make the sauce bitter. Sauté it only briefly.
• Skipping the foil: If you bake uncovered the whole time, the top may burn before the potatoes are tender.
• Undersalting: Sweet potatoes need enough salt to balance their sweetness—taste your cream sauce before pouring.
• Too thick slices: Potatoes that are too thick may not cook through and will ruin the texture.
• Not resting: Serving it straight out of the oven can result in a runny dish.

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What to Serve With Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?

1. Herb-Crusted Roast Chicken

The rich and creamy potatoes pair wonderfully with juicy, herby chicken for a hearty meal.

2. Glazed Ham

A classic holiday combo—savory ham with sweet and cheesy potatoes.

3. Garlic Butter Green Beans

Crisp-tender green beans add freshness and a pop of color to your plate.

4. Pan-Seared Salmon

The richness of the potatoes complements the flaky, buttery texture of salmon.

5. Kale and Apple Salad

A fresh, crunchy salad helps balance out the richness of the dish.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Let the scalloped sweet potatoes cool completely before storing. Cover the dish tightly or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, until warmed through—about 20 minutes. For individual portions, the microwave works fine.

Freezing: You can freeze this dish after baking. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: ~310 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 280mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it. Let it come to room temperature before baking.

Can I use regular potatoes instead?

You can substitute with Yukon gold or russet potatoes, but the flavor will be more savory than sweet.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, naturally. No flour or gluten-containing ingredients are used.

How do I make it vegan?

Use plant-based butter, coconut cream or cashew cream, and vegan cheese alternatives.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Absolutely—shredded rotisserie chicken or crumbled bacon layered in would make it heartier.

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Conclusion

Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. Whether you’re making them for a cozy weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this dish brings bold flavor, creamy texture, and visual appeal. It’s easy to customize, make ahead, and pair with your favorite mains. If you love recipes that feel indulgent but come together with minimal fuss, this one definitely deserves a spot on your table.

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