Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Scalloped sweet potatoes are a delightful dish that combines sweet and creamy layers, making them a comforting side for any meal.
Ingredients
For the dish
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for greasing the baking dish and for the sauce
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for the roux
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare a baking dish by greasing it with a little butter.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
Assembly
- Layer half of the sweet potato slices in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour half of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the chopped thyme over the sauced potatoes.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining sweet potatoes, cheese sauce, and thyme.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the dish.
Baking
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Layer the sweet potatoes evenly for a nice texture. Adjust cheese types for different flavor profiles; Gouda can be a delicious swap. Make it ahead of time; it holds well in the fridge before baking. Adding some cooked bacon or ham can give a nice twist. Watch the bake time; ovens vary, so check for tenderness.