Best Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Brown Sugar Recipe for Side Dish

When the holidays roll around or you’re simply looking for a comforting, hearty side dish, nothing beats Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Brown Sugar. This deliciously creamy and sweet potato casserole is perfect for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, or even cozy weeknight dinners. Featuring a luscious brown sugar sauce and tender sweet potatoes, it’s a dish that’s not only easy to make but also vegetarian-friendly and packed with flavor. Whether you’re serving vegetarians, picky eaters, or sweet potato lovers, this side will be a hit at your table!

Before you dive in, remember: this recipe uses simple ingredients, minimal equipment, and guarantees amazing results. If you adore classic Sweet Potato Side Dish recipes or dream of Sweet Potatoes With Marshmallows, this version with a homemade sauce will be your next favorite.

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What Are Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?

Scalloped sweet potatoes are a delightful twist on the traditional scalloped potatoes. Instead of using white potatoes, we use sweet potatoes, which provide a natural sweetness and beautiful vibrant color. They are thinly sliced and baked in a rich brown sugar sauce, creating a dish that’s tender, creamy, and lightly caramelized. Often found on Thanksgiving tables, Sweet Potato Thanksgiving dishes like this one bring a touch of nostalgia and warmth to any meal.

Ingredients for Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Brown Sugar

Here’s everything you’ll need to create your Scalloped Sweet Potato Casserole masterpiece:

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 ½ pounds), peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup mini marshmallows (optional for topping)

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Before getting started, make sure you have these essentials on hand:

• Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil
• Spatula or large spoon

Using the right kitchen equipment makes preparation faster and ensures even cooking for a flawless Sweet Potato Side Dish every time.

How to Make Scalloped Sweet Potato Casserole

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Next, peel the sweet potatoes and slice them thinly, about ⅛ inch thick. Uniform slices help the sweet potatoes cook evenly. Arrange the slices neatly in the baking dish, layering them slightly.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and the sugar has fully dissolved. This luscious brown sugar sauce will make your scalloped sweet potatoes irresistible.

Pour the sauce evenly over the layered sweet potatoes, using a spatula to ensure all slices are coated well. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for about 35 minutes.

After that, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the sauce is bubbling beautifully. If you’d like, sprinkle mini marshmallows on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a gooey, golden finish!

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Tips for the Perfect Brown Sugar Sauce

Getting your brown sugar sauce just right is key. First, make sure to melt the butter completely before adding other ingredients. Stirring constantly prevents the sauce from burning or separating.

Moreover, using a good quality heavy cream ensures the sauce is rich and velvety. Don’t rush this step! Taking a few extra minutes to blend everything smoothly will reward you with a sauce that’s perfectly luscious and coats every bite of sweet potato.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Even though this recipe is straightforward, there are a few common pitfalls to steer clear of. Slicing the sweet potatoes too thick can result in uneven cooking, so aim for very thin, consistent slices.

Another mistake is underbaking. Sweet potatoes must be tender enough to cut easily with a fork, so don’t skimp on oven time. If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can tent the dish with foil again during the final minutes.

Additionally, be sure not to overdo the marshmallows. They add sweetness, yes, but too many can overwhelm the delicate balance of flavors.

Serving and Presentation Ideas for Sweet Potato Side Dish

Presentation makes all the difference, especially for holiday meals! Serve your Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Brown Sugar straight from the baking dish for a rustic, homey vibe.

Alternatively, for a more elegant presentation, you can stack the sweet potato slices vertically in a round baking dish before pouring the sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme for a pop of color that impresses your guests.

Adding a few toasted pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup can further elevate the visual appeal and flavor complexity of your Sweet Potato Side Dish.

Delicious Variations: Sweet Potatoes With Marshmallows and More

Although the original recipe is delightful as is, feel free to personalize it! If you love classic Sweet Potatoes With Marshmallows, adding more marshmallows is an easy way to make this dish even more festive.

You might also layer in some thinly sliced apples for a fruity twist, or sprinkle a bit of granola on top for a sweet crunch.

For a slightly savory variation, omit the marshmallows and add a few slices of cooked onion between the sweet potato layers. The brown sugar sauce still shines but gets a delicious depth of flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Got leftovers? Great! Let the sweet potatoes cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, they will keep fresh for up to 4 days.

When ready to reheat, place the desired portion in an oven-safe dish and warm at 300°F until heated through. For a quick option, you can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.

Adding a small splash of cream before reheating can refresh the dish and keep the sweet potatoes moist and flavorful.

Sweet Potato Thanksgiving Side Dish Pairing Ideas

Since this dish is naturally sweet, it pairs beautifully with more savory items. Try serving it alongside roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or a hearty vegetarian loaf.

Other great sidekicks include green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, and a fresh leafy salad to balance the richness.

And for drinks, light sparkling water infused with lemon or cranberry flavors complements the sweet and savory notes without overpowering the dish.

Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Recipe Tips & Shortcuts

Short on time? You can prepare the brown sugar sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Then simply slice the potatoes and assemble the dish when ready to bake.

Another helpful shortcut is using a mandoline slicer. It makes slicing super fast and ensures uniform thickness, which guarantees even baking.

Always remember to taste the brown sugar sauce before pouring it over the sweet potatoes—you can easily adjust the seasoning or sweetness to suit your preference.

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FAQs About Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Brown Sugar

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
You can, but the flavor and sweetness will be quite different. Sweet potatoes give this dish its signature taste!

How thin should I slice the sweet potatoes?
Aim for about ⅛ inch thickness. Too thick and they won’t cook through evenly.

Is it necessary to use marshmallows?
Not at all! They’re optional and purely based on preference.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Conclusion

This Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Brown Sugar recipe brings together the best flavors of fall in one easy and stunning dish. With its creamy brown sugar sauce, tender sweet potatoes, and optional marshmallow topping, it’s a true crowd-pleaser perfect for any celebration. Whether you’re preparing a full Thanksgiving feast or simply want a comforting Vegetarian Side Dish, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.

Try it out today and watch everyone at your table ask for seconds!
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