Irresistible Brown Sugar Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe!
There’s something magical about autumn evenings curled up with cozy, comforting food that warms the heart and the soul. I can still recall my grandmother bustling around the kitchen, the smell of sweet potatoes roasting away in the oven. She would pull them out just as the sun was setting, the glow of the golden orange flesh wrapped in her gentle laughter. Those memories are interwoven with one of my favorite dishes: Irresistible Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar. It’s a dish that brings warmth to any table and fills every corner of your home with sweetness—both in flavor and in nostalgia.
This recipe is an ode to those delightful fall moments, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you take a bite of these tender, caramelized layers of sweet potato, you’ll understand why it holds such a special place in my heart. Let’s dive into the delightful world of scalloped sweet potatoes together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect even for beginner cooks.
- Budget-Friendly: Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also easy on the wallet!
- Comforting Flavors: The warmth of brown sugar and spices brings a cozy touch that everyone loves.
- Great for Sharing: This dish serves well at gatherings or family dinners, and it feeds a crowd!
- Versatile: It pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes or can shine on its own.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make your very own Irresistible Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds) – the sweeter the better!
- 1 cup heavy cream – feel free to use half-and-half for a lighter option.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed) – light or dark works here; both bring that caramel note.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted – don’t skimp on this; it adds richness!
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – if you love it, feel free to add a bit more.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg – freshly grated is always preferred.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – it deepens the sweetness beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste – balanced seasoning will elevate the flavors.
- Optional: 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese – for a savory twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to create some kitchen magic? Let’s make these scalloped sweet potatoes step by step!
- Preheat your oven: Kick things off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures perfect cooking right from the start.
- Prep the sweet potatoes: Peel the sweet potatoes (this is where your kitchen tends to smell heavenly) and slice them into thin, even rounds. Aim for about 1/8-inch thick. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline for consistency.
- Make the cream mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, salt, and pepper. This luscious mixture will bring all the flavors together beautifully. Take a moment to appreciate the aroma!
- Layer it up: In a greased baking dish, start layering the sweet potato slices. Pour a little of the cream mixture over the first layer and then sprinkle with a bit of your optional cheese if you’re using it. Continue this process until all the sweet potatoes are in the dish, finishing with a generous pour of the remaining cream on top.
- Get it baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil, crimping the edges to seal in that moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes.
- Uncover and caramelize: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like a warm hug!
- Time to rest: Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This gives it a chance to set up a bit and makes serving easier.
Pro Tips & Variations
Cooking should be fun and flexible! Here are some creative twists and tips:
- Herbs & Spices: Consider adding thyme or rosemary for an earthy note.
- Nutty Flavor: Include a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and flavor.
- Cheesy Delight: If you love cheese, mixing in some Gruyère or blue cheese can add an unexpected savory depth.
- Vegan Version: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and butter for coconut oil for a delicious plant-based take.
- Add Fruit: Thinly sliced apples or pears can be layered in for a touch of tartness.
- Make It Savory: Before layering, sprinkle some cooked bacon or sausage for a meaty flavor twist!
Serving Suggestions
How you serve this dish can take your dinner to the next level! Here are some ideas:
- Pair it with a herb-roasted chicken or pork tenderloin for that comforting meat-and-potatoes feel.
- A side salad with a citrus vinaigrette cuts through the richness and makes for a balanced meal.
- For a cozy brunch, serve this dish alongside poached eggs and crispy bacon.
- Don’t forget dessert! A slice of homemade pumpkin pie feels right at home next to the sweet potatoes.
Storage Tips
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep them tasty:
- Refrigerate: Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze cooked scalloped sweet potatoes for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.
- Reheat Without Losing Flavor: To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Add a splash of cream or a bit of butter to keep it creamy!
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
While you can use regular potatoes, they won’t provide the same sweetness and creaminess that sweet potatoes do. If you’re looking for a savory option, feel free to experiment—but the dish will taste quite different.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish ahead of time, up to the point of baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic, cover with foil, and bake as directed. It might take a little longer, so be patient!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Scalloped sweet potatoes are naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy them without any concerns if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Sure! Feel free to mix in layers of thinly sliced carrots, butternut squash, or even parsnips for added flavor and nutrition. Just keep in mind that different vegetables may require different cooking times!
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
No problem! You can use whole milk, half-and-half, or even almond milk. Just ensure that whatever substitute you choose can create a creamy texture to maintain the integrity of the dish.
Conclusion
And there you have it! Your very own Irresistible Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar is ready to grace your table. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and hopefully create as many wonderful memories as I have. Feel free to reach out in the comments and let me know how yours turned out! Happy cooking, my friend!
Irresistible Brown Sugar Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe!
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Discover this mouthwatering brown sugar scalloped sweet potatoes dish! Perfectly baked with rich flavors, it’s a delightful addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A nostalgic and comforting autumn dish featuring tender layers of scalloped sweet potatoes baked with brown sugar, cream, and spices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12 grams
- Fat: 11 grams
- Carbohydrates: 36 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
Keywords: scalloped sweet potatoes, brown sugar, autumn recipe, comfort food, holiday side dish