Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Looking to impress your guests this holiday season? The Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a delightful side dish that will elevate any meal. With thin medallions of sweet potatoes enveloped in a rich buttery brown sugar sauce and topped with mini vegan marshmallows, this recipe is not only tasty but visually stunning. Perfect for Christmas or Thanksgiving gatherings, these scalloped sweet potatoes are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor – The combination of brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm and inviting taste.
• Easy to Prepare – With simple steps and minimal prep time, this dish can be made by cooks of all skill levels.
• Versatile Side Dish – Ideal for holiday feasts or family dinners, these sweet potatoes pair well with various main courses.
• Crowd-Pleaser – The unique flavors and textures appeal to both adults and kids alike, making it a fantastic addition to your menu.
• Plant-Based Twist – Topped with mini vegan marshmallows, this recipe caters to diverse dietary preferences without compromising on flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Small or medium saucepan
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish – A good quality baking dish ensures even cooking and makes serving easier.
• Pastry brush – Helps evenly coat the sweet potato medallions with the delicious sauce for maximum flavor.
• Sharp knife – A sharp knife allows for precise cutting of the sweet potatoes into thin medallions.

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Ingredients

To make the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, you’ll need the following 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.

Step 2: Prepare Sweet Potatoes

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into thin medallions. Arrange them neatly in your baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Place a small or medium saucepan on the stovetop. Add unsalted butter, brown sugar, water, spices, and salt. Turn heat to medium and stir ingredients as they melt together until fully combined.

Step 4: Coat the Sweet Potatoes

Once the mixture is melted, use a pastry brush to evenly distribute three-quarters of your sauce onto the arranged sweet potato medallions. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Step 5: Add Toppings

After baking, remove the baking dish from the oven and take off the foil. Distribute the remaining quarter of your sauce mixture over the potato medallions. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and mini vegan marshmallows.

Step 6: Broil for Toasting

Place the baking dish back into the oven, setting it to broil. Broil for just 1-2 minutes until vegan marshmallows are toasted; watch closely as they can cook quickly!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 10-15 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious side dish!

How to Serve Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a delicious addition to any meal, especially during holidays. Their sweet and spiced flavor profile pairs well with numerous dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Standalone Dish

• This dish can be served alone as a comforting side that highlights the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

With a Protein

• Pair the scalloped sweet potatoes with roasted chicken or turkey for a balanced meal that combines savory and sweet flavors.

Alongside Green Vegetables

• Serve with steamed green beans or sautéed spinach to add freshness and a pop of color on your plate.

On a Festive Table

• Include them as part of your holiday spread, next to cranberry sauce or stuffing, for a traditional touch.

With Gravy

• Drizzle some homemade or store-bought gravy over the scalloped sweet potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Perfect Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

To make your Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes without blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
• Slice Evenly: Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform medallions. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb the sauce effectively.
• Mind the Temperature: Bake initially covered to allow steam to soften the sweet potatoes before uncovering for browning.
• Watch the Broiling Time: Keep an eye on them while broiling; vegan marshmallows can toast quickly, so avoid burning.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences. Adding ginger or allspice can provide a unique twist.
• Let Them Rest: Allowing the dish to cool slightly before serving helps set the layers, making it easier to serve.

Best Side Dishes for Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Pairing your Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with complementary sides can create a delightful meal. Here are some perfect options:

1. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   These crispy sprouts offer a savory crunch that balances the sweetness of the scalloped potatoes.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide additional comfort and richness alongside this dish.

3. Maple Glazed Carrots
   The natural sweetness of carrots glazed in maple syrup enhances the overall flavor profile of your meal.

4. Crispy Kale Chips
   A light, crunchy snack that adds texture and is easy to prepare alongside your main dish.

5. Quinoa Salad
   A refreshing salad with quinoa, cucumbers, and herbs can offer a light contrast to the rich scalloped potatoes.

6. Stuffed Bell Peppers
   Filled with rice, beans, and spices, these peppers bring color and nutrition while complementing other flavors on your plate.

7. Grilled Vegetable Skewers
   Seasonal vegetables grilled until tender add vibrant colors and smoky flavors that pair nicely with sweet potatoes.

8. Cornbread Muffins
   These fluffy muffins provide a delightful bread option that balances out the meal’s sweetness and adds texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, it’s easy to make some common errors that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the peeling step: Leaving the skin on sweet potatoes can result in a tough texture. Always peel your sweet potatoes for a smoother, creamier dish.
• Not slicing evenly: Uneven medallions lead to inconsistent cooking. Use a sharp knife or mandoline to ensure uniform slices for even baking.
• Ignoring the resting time: Serving immediately can cause the dish to fall apart. Allow your scalloped sweet potatoes to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
• Overbaking the dish: Keeping it in the oven too long can dry out the sweet potatoes. Follow recommended baking times closely to maintain moisture.
• Forgetting the toppings: Skipping mini vegan marshmallows and nuts diminishes flavor complexity. Always add these toppings for added sweetness and crunch.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months.
• Label with date for quick reference.

Reheating Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts (1-2 minutes), checking frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these the Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?

These scalloped sweet potatoes stand out due to their rich buttery brown sugar sauce combined with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating an irresistible flavor profile.

Can I use other types of sweet potatoes?

Yes! While this recipe uses orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, you may also try purple or white varieties for different flavors and colors.

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs, such as ginger or rosemary, or mix in other vegetables like carrots or parsnips for added variety.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything up until baking a day in advance. Just cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Final Thoughts

The Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a delightful side dish perfect for holiday gatherings or any family meal. With their rich flavor and creamy texture, they are sure to please everyone at your table. Plus, you can easily customize them with various toppings or spices to suit your taste!