Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

This recipe for Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is a delightful twist on a classic dish. Featuring thinly sliced sweet potatoes bathed in a rich buttery brown sugar sauce, this side dish is perfect for festive occasions like Christmas and Thanksgiving. The warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create an inviting aroma that fills your home. Topped with mini vegan marshmallows and crunchy pecans, it’s sure to impress family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal prep time, making scalloped sweet potatoes is a breeze.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, brown sugar, and spices creates a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
• Versatile Side Dish: This recipe pairs well with various main courses, making it suitable for any gathering or celebration.
• Festive Appeal: The colorful presentation and unique toppings make it an eye-catching addition to your holiday table.
• Plant-Based Option: By using vegan marshmallows, this recipe is friendly for those following plant-based diets.

Tools and Preparation

To create the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, you’ll need some essential tools. These items will help streamline the cooking process and ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Medium saucepan
• Pastry brush
• Vegetable peeler
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good baking dish ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect texture.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for melting the butter and mixing the sauce ingredients without splattering.
• Pastry brush: Perfect for applying the sauce evenly over the sweet potatoes for enhanced flavor.

Ingredients

This delicious recipe features thin sweet potato medallions in a buttery brown sugar sauce spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Top it off with mini vegan marshmallows and chopped pecans! The perfect flavor combination and excellent addition to your Christmas or Thanksgiving menu.

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 vegan marshmallows (see note below)

How to Make Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your scalloped sweet potatoes cook evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Peel the sweet potatoes. Cut them into thin medallions. Arrange these medallions in your baking dish in an even layer.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Place a medium saucepan on the stovetop. Add the unsalted butter, brown sugar, water, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt. Turn heat to medium. Stir until all ingredients melt together into a smooth sauce.

Step 4: Coat Sweet Potatoes

Once the mixture is fully melted, use a pastry brush to evenly distribute three-quarters (¾) of your sauce onto the sweet potato medallions. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Distribute the remaining one-quarter (¼) of your sauce mixture over the potato medallions. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and mini vegan marshmallows.

Step 6: Broil Marshmallows

Return the baking dish to the oven but switch to broil mode. Broil for about 1-2 minutes to toast the vegan marshmallows until they turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly!

Step 7: Serve

Remove from oven and allow cooling for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy this delightful side dish at your next holiday gathering!

How to Serve Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are versatile and can complement various meals. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Festive Side Dish

• Pair with your favorite holiday roast for a comforting side that balances the flavors of meat and sweet potatoes.

With a Green Salad

• Serve alongside a fresh green salad dressed with vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast to the rich sweetness of the dish.

At Family Gatherings

• These scalloped sweet potatoes make an excellent addition to potlucks or family gatherings, bringing warmth and comfort to shared meals.

With Grilled Chicken

• Combine with grilled chicken for a deliciously balanced meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.

On a Brunch Table

• Include them in your brunch spread; they pair wonderfully with eggs and fruit for a sweet-savory combination.

How to Perfect Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor in Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, consider these handy tips:

• Slice Sweet Potatoes Thinly: Ensure even cooking by cutting the sweet potatoes into thin medallions, allowing them to absorb flavors better.

• Melt Butter and Sugar Together: This step creates a smooth sauce that coats the sweet potatoes evenly, enhancing their taste.

• Cover When Baking: Use foil during baking to trap steam, which helps cook the sweet potatoes thoroughly without drying them out.

• Broil Carefully: Watch closely while broiling. The mini vegan marshmallows can brown quickly, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

• Let Cool Before Serving: Allowing the dish to cool for 10-15 minutes helps it set and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

These scalloped sweet potatoes pair beautifully with various side dishes. Consider adding one or more of these options to your meal:

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and bell peppers enhances color and nutrition.

2. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with quinoa or rice, these add a hearty element that complements the sweetness of the scalloped potatoes.

3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting combination on any plate.

4. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus brings freshness and crunch that balance the richness of the sweet potatoes.

5. Cornbread Muffins: These slightly sweet muffins add texture and can be easily enjoyed alongside the main dish.

6. Quinoa Salad: A light salad featuring quinoa mixed with herbs and vegetables provides protein and freshness.

7. Sautéed Spinach: Quick sautéed spinach dressed with lemon juice adds bright flavor while keeping it healthy.

8. Vegetable Stir-Fry: A colorful stir-fry rounds out your meal with vibrant flavors that harmonize with the scalloped sweet potatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes truly shine. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not slicing sweet potatoes evenly – Uneven slices can lead to inconsistent cooking. Use a mandoline or sharp knife for uniform medallions.
• Skipping the spices – The spices bring flavor! Don’t skip cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves; they elevate the dish significantly.
• Overbaking without checking – Keep an eye on your dish while baking. Overcooking can make sweet potatoes mushy instead of tender.
• Using low-quality butter – The butter impacts the sauce’s richness. Choose high-quality unsalted butter for the best results.
• Neglecting to broil carefully – Broiling can go quickly; monitor closely to avoid burning the marshmallows.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover scalloped sweet potatoes in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

• Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and bake covered with foil until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe dish covered with a lid or wrap. Heat in short intervals until warm, stirring occasionally.
• Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?

The combination of buttery brown sugar sauce and fragrant spices creates a unique flavor that complements sweet potatoes perfectly.

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts are an excellent substitute if you prefer them or have allergies to pecans.

How do I customize this Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe?

Feel free to add different spices, such as ginger or allspice, or incorporate layers of caramelized onions for added depth.

Are there alternatives to mini vegan marshmallows?

You can top with toasted coconut flakes or omit marshmallows entirely if you prefer a less sweet finish.

Final Thoughts

The Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe is not only flavorful but also versatile, making it perfect for any festive occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite nuts or spices, ensuring it fits your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a beloved addition to your holiday table!