The Ultimate Creamy Garlic Herb Scalloped Sweet Potatoes: A Savory Twist on a Holiday Classic

Prepare to be amazed by these incredibly rich, cheesy, and super creamy scalloped sweet potatoes. Forget the usual sugary casseroles; this show-stopping side dish features tender, thinly sliced sweet potatoes generously smothered in a luscious garlic herb cream sauce, perfectly seasoned with fresh thyme, and crowned with a golden, bubbly layer of melted Parmesan cheese. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet and savory that will redefine your perception of holiday sweet potato dishes. Your family and guests won’t be able to get enough of this irresistible casserole.

Close, angled shot of a large oval casserole dish filled with cheesy scalloped sweet potatoes and green garnish, showcasing the golden-brown top. — A close-up view of our delectable creamy scalloped sweet potatoes, ready to be served.

🍠 Why These Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Are a Must-Make

A Refreshing Savory Spin: Are you weary of traditional sweet potato dishes that taste more like dessert than a wholesome side? We’re talking sticky brown sugar, warm cinnamon, and an overwhelmingly sweet marshmallow topping. If so, you’re in for a treat! Our unique scalloped sweet potato recipe offers a delightful departure, pairing inherently sweet potatoes with a robust, garlicky cream sauce and a topping of golden, irresistible Parmesan cheese. The natural sweetness of the potatoes is beautifully balanced and elevated by the rich, savory depth of the sauce, creating a side dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
Effortless Elegance for Any Occasion: This isn’t just a holiday dish; it’s a simple yet elegant side that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. While its casserole-style nature means a little baking time, it’s mostly hands-off, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal preparation. Pop it in the oven, and it transforms into a gorgeous, flavorful showstopper that’s ready to impress without demanding constant attention. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or even a special Sunday dinner.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of tender sweet potatoes, aromatic garlic, fresh thyme, and sharp Parmesan creates a flavor profile that appeals to nearly everyone. It’s rich without being heavy, savory with just the right hint of sweetness, and incredibly satisfying. Expect rave reviews and requests for the recipe!

🥔 What’s the Difference Between Scalloped Potatoes and Au Gratin Potatoes?

Many people use the terms “scalloped” and “au gratin” interchangeably, but historically, they refer to two distinct potato preparations. And to be perfectly precise, our recipe for cheesy sweet potatoes technically leans more towards au gratin than traditional scalloped potatoes.

Traditionally, scalloped potato recipes are characterized by thin slices of potatoes baked in a creamy sauce, often made with milk or cream, flour, and seasonings. The defining feature is the absence of cheese, allowing the unadorned edges of the potato slices to peek through, creating that classic “scalloped” appearance. The focus is entirely on the tender potatoes and the velvety, unctuous cream sauce. However, modern culinary trends have blurred these lines, and it’s now common to find cheese incorporated into many recipes labeled as “scalloped potatoes,” which is why we proudly embraced it in our delicious dish.

Au gratin potatoes, on the other hand, emphatically include cheese. The French term “au gratin” literally means “with a crust,” referring to the browned, cheesy topping that is a hallmark of the dish. Typically, cheese is layered throughout the potatoes and generously sprinkled on top to create a golden, bubbly crust. Furthermore, potatoes for au gratin dishes are often sliced even thinner than their scalloped counterparts, ensuring quicker cooking and a more delicate texture. It’s also not uncommon for au gratin dishes to feature a crunchy topping of breadcrumbs or crumbled crackers, adding another layer of texture to the creamy ensemble. Our recipe, with its generous Parmesan topping and thin potato slices, perfectly embodies the spirit of an au gratin dish, offering a rich, cheesy, and utterly satisfying experience.

🥘 Chef’s Tips for Perfect Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Precision Slicing is Key: The thickness of your sweet potato slices directly impacts the baking time and overall texture. Thicker slices will naturally require a longer bake, while uneven slices will cook at different rates, potentially leading to a mix of overcooked and undercooked potatoes in the same dish. For consistently perfect results – tender potatoes that cook uniformly – we highly recommend using a mandoline slicer. It will yield beautifully thin, uniform ⅛-inch discs far more effectively than a sharp knife. When using a mandoline, always prioritize safety; use a cut-resistant glove or the safety guard to protect your fingertips, especially during busy holiday cooking!
Elevate and Customize Your Casserole: This recipe is a fantastic base, but don’t hesitate to make it your own!
- Herbal Delights: Experiment with different fresh herbs. Besides thyme, fresh rosemary, sage, or a blend of Italian herbs would be divine. A touch of finely chopped chives added at the end can also brighten the flavors.
- Cheese Variations: While Parmesan is classic, consider adding a layer of Gruyere or sharp white cheddar for an even more complex cheesy flavor. A blend of cheeses can also create a deeper taste profile.
- Smoky and Savory Additions: For an extra layer of savory richness, sprinkle on some crispy crumbled bacon or diced ham right before baking. The smoky notes pair wonderfully with the sweet potatoes and creamy sauce.
- Ultra-Creamy Coating (Chef’s Secret): For an absolutely decadent, over-the-top creamy potato experience where every single bite is drenched in sauce, try this technique: instead of layering the potatoes and then pouring the sauce, prepare the cream sauce first. Then, add the raw sweet potato slices directly into a large bowl with the warm sauce. Toss gently to ensure every potato slice is thoroughly coated. Once coated, arrange the potatoes as desired in your baking dish and pour any remaining sauce over the top. This method guarantees maximum sauciness and flavor saturation.
Don’t Skimp on Drying: Patting the sweet potato slices thoroughly dry with paper towels is a crucial step. Excess moisture can dilute your sauce and prevent it from becoming as rich and thick as desired.
Room Temperature Cream: Using heavy cream that’s at or close to room temperature helps it blend more smoothly into the roux, preventing lumps and ensuring a silky, consistent sauce.

Overhead view of a large, oval casserole dish containing melty, cheesy, browned scalloped sweet potatoes, with a golden crust. — An inviting overhead shot of the golden-brown, cheesy scalloped sweet potatoes fresh from the oven.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

Beyond being simply delicious, these Creamy Garlic Herb Scalloped Sweet Potatoes offer several compelling reasons to become your new favorite holiday side:

Unique Flavor Profile: It breaks away from the expected, offering a sophisticated savory alternative to overly sweet potato dishes.
Simple Ingredients, Incredible Taste: Using fresh, quality ingredients ensures a profound depth of flavor that tastes gourmet but is surprisingly easy to achieve.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare parts of this dish in advance, saving precious time on busy cooking days (see “Make Ahead & Storage” below).
Perfect for Entertaining: Its impressive presentation and delectable taste make it ideal for holiday feasts, dinner parties, or any special gathering.
Comfort Food Elevated: It provides all the warmth and comfort you expect from a casserole, but with an elevated, refined touch.

Make Ahead & Storage Instructions

Planning ahead for a big meal? These scalloped sweet potatoes are a fantastic make-ahead dish!

To Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the sweet potatoes and sauce as instructed, pour the sauce over the potatoes in the baking dish, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for 30 minutes while your oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the initial covered baking time if needed to ensure potatoes are tender.
Storage: Leftover scalloped sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or cover the casserole dish with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

More Sweet Potato Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of sweet potatoes, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes that celebrate this versatile root vegetable:

Hasselback Sweet Potatoes – A beautiful and delicious side.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes – Quick and easy for a weeknight.
Sweet Potato Waffles – A unique breakfast or brunch option.
Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer – The ultimate crispy shortcut.
Sweet Potato Soufflé – A lighter, fluffier take on the classic casserole.

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Creamy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Prep:

15 minutes

Cook:

50 minutes

Total:

1 hour

5 minutes

Thinly sliced sweet potatoes smothered with a creamy garlic herb sauce and topped with melty, bubbly parmesan.

Sam Guarnieri

Sam Guarnieri

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10
servings

Ingredients

▢ 3 pounds sweet potatoes peeled, sliced into uniform ⅛-inch thick discs
▢ ½ cup butter
▢ 3 cloves garlic minced
▢ ¼ cup all-purpose flour see Notes
▢ 2 ½ cups heavy cream at or close to room temperature
▢ 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
▢ ½ teaspoon salt more or less to taste
▢ ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper more or less to taste
▢ ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese see Notes
▢ sprigs of fresh thyme optional, for garnish

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Equipment

Paper towels
Cooking spray
9×13 baking dish
Small saucepan
Whisk
Aluminum foil
Mandoline slicer (optional, but recommended for even slices)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400° Fahrenheit (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
After peeling your sweet potatoes, slice them into uniform ⅛-inch thick discs. This consistency is crucial for even cooking. Lay the slices out and pat them completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Arrange the sweet potato slices neatly in your lightly greased baking dish as desired (refer to Notes for creative arrangement ideas). Set the dish aside.
Place a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the saucepan is warm, add the butter and allow it to melt completely, swirling the saucepan occasionally to ensure the bottom is evenly coated with the melted butter.
Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic to the saucepan. Sauté the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes wonderfully fragrant but not browned.
Evenly sprinkle the ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the garlic butter mixture in the saucepan. Whisk quickly and continuously until the flour is fully incorporated, forming a thick paste known as a roux. Continue whisking for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the roux to cook and develop a light golden-brown color, which enhances the flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly to ensure no lumps form. Return the saucepan to the heat and continue whisking until the heavy cream and roux are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth. Reduce the heat under the saucepan to low and gently simmer the cream mixture for approximately 5 minutes, or until it has noticeably thickened to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
Once the cream sauce has reached the desired thickness, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh thyme, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk well until all the spices are fully incorporated, tasting and adjusting seasoning as needed.
Carefully pour the rich cream sauce evenly over the arranged sweet potato slices in the baking dish, ensuring all the potatoes are covered. Cover the dish securely with aluminum foil.
Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and generously sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese all over the top. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly crispy. To check for doneness, gently insert a fork into the center of the sweet potatoes; they should be fork-tender and yield easily and smoothly.
Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Allow the dish to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to set and prevents it from being too runny. Garnish with a few fresh sprigs of thyme if desired for an extra touch of elegance, and serve warm.

Notes

Mandoline Magic: For super easy and consistently uniform potato slicing, a mandoline slicer is your best friend. Just remember to always watch those fingers and use the safety guard!
Creative Sweet Potato Arrangements: Feel free to get creative with how you arrange your sweet potato slices! They can be placed horizontally in neat rows, vertically in columns, in a beautiful large spiral, or overlapping concentric circles. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even create an intricate design. You can also lay them flat for a more traditional look or line them upright and leaning against each other for a slightly different texture. If you plan to stack the potatoes or overlap them significantly, we highly recommend an extra step: first, add all the sweet potato slices to a large bowl with the prepared cream sauce and stir until every potato piece is fully coated. After this, arrange them as desired in your baking dish. This ensures that every bit of the potatoes is enveloped in the rich sauce, leading to a more flavorful and evenly cooked dish.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your chosen blend contains xanthan gum or add a small pinch separately for optimal thickening.
Parmesan Pointers: For the absolute best flavor and melt, grate your own Parmesan cheese directly from a block. Pre-packaged grated and shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents and other fillers that can prevent them from melting smoothly and impart a slightly chalky texture. Freshly grated Parmesan offers superior taste and a beautifully creamy, bubbly finish.
Seasoning to Taste: Remember that salt and pepper amounts are guidelines. Always taste your sauce before pouring it over the potatoes and adjust to your preference.

Nutrition Information

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about making these delicious scalloped sweet potatoes:

Can I use different types of potatoes? While this recipe is designed for sweet potatoes, you could adapt it for regular Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes. Keep in mind that the cook time might vary slightly, and the flavor profile will be less sweet. For white potatoes, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free? Yes, with some modifications. You would need to use a dairy-free butter substitute, a plant-based heavy cream alternative (like full-fat canned coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute), and a good quality dairy-free Parmesan cheese. The texture and flavor might be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent my potatoes from being too hard or mushy? The key is consistent slicing (mandoline is best!) and monitoring them during baking. If they feel too firm after the initial covered baking time, cover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes before adding cheese. Over-baking can lead to mushy potatoes, so check for fork-tenderness around the 40-minute mark.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole? Absolutely! Thinly sliced onions or leeks could be layered with the sweet potatoes for added flavor. For green vegetables, consider stirring in some blanched spinach or kale into the sauce before pouring, or topping with fresh parsley after baking.
What kind of baking dish should I use? A standard 9×13 inch casserole dish works perfectly. An oval dish, as shown in the photos, also presents beautifully. Any oven-safe dish of a similar capacity will do.

This Creamy Garlic Herb Scalloped Sweet Potato recipe offers a delightful and savory twist on a beloved holiday staple. Its rich flavors, creamy texture, and cheesy topping make it a truly unforgettable side dish that will earn a permanent spot on your festive table. Enjoy!