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If you are searching for a cozy, comforting side dish that exudes warmth and rich flavor, look no further than this **Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Thyme Recipe**. The tender layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes soak up a luscious blend of creamy sauce infused with fresh thyme, sharp cheddar, and nutty Parmesan, creating a dish that is both elegantly simple and irresistibly delicious. It is perfect for gatherings or a soul-satisfying weeknight meal, promising to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of straightforward ingredients allows the true flavors and textures to shine in this dish. Each one plays an essential role, from the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the creamy, cheesy sauce that binds everything together beautifully.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: The star of the dish, offering a sweet, tender base with lovely color and texture.
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Adds subtle savory notes and a bit of crunch when baked between layers.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that bakes into the potatoes.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and melty gooeyness for cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth that complements cheddar perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Used to sauté garlic, giving a fragrant base to the cream sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the cream with savory warmth and aroma.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme): Fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all flavors without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a gentle kick and balance.
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional): Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fresh, colorful finish that complements the richness.
How to Make Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Thyme Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). While it warms, peel and meticulously slice your sweet potatoes into thin, even rounds—about 1/8 inch thick works wonders for even cooking and beautiful layering. Next, slice the onion just as thin to ensure a tender, flavorful addition throughout the dish.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter and add the minced garlic. Give it about a minute until fragrant, but be mindful not to brown the garlic too much. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in fresh thyme, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re using it. Warm this gently until it’s heated through without reaching a boil. Then, lower the heat and stir in half of your shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until they are melted smoothly into the sauce. Set it aside to keep that delicious sauce ready for layering.
Step 3: Layer the Dish
Generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. Begin your layers with a neat arrangement of sweet potato slices, followed by a layer of onions. Pour a portion of your cheesy cream sauce over that layer to soak everything in. Repeat this layering process—potatoes, onions, cream—until all your ingredients are used up, finishing with a final pour of the sauce on top. Then sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheeses across the surface for a golden, bubbly crust.
Step 4: Bake and Finish
Cover your beautiful dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow tender cooking and melding of flavors. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and you see that delicious bubbling cheese. Once out of the oven, allow your scalloped sweet potatoes to rest for 10 to 15 minutes so they set perfectly before serving.
How to Serve Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Thyme Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a vibrant green pop and fresh herbal note that beautifully contrasts the rich, creamy layers beneath. You can also add a few additional thyme leaves on top for an elegant touch and an aromatic boost.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts to balance its richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or a simple grilled steak, making the scalloped sweet potatoes the perfect indulgent sidekick.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the scalloped sweet potatoes into individual ramekins for a charming and personal presentation at dinner parties. Alternatively, cut the casserole into neat squares or wedges to create beautiful, composed plates. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted walnuts can add an exciting texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your scalloped sweet potatoes tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making for easy, tasty meals later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. For best texture, consume within 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly again. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway to warm evenly—though baking is best for preserving that crispy, golden top.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While this recipe highlights the natural sweetness and flavor of sweet potatoes, regular Yukon gold or russet potatoes would also work, though the cooking time and flavor profile will vary slightly.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes! Substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or a creamy plant-based milk, and reduce the amount of cheese slightly to decrease richness without sacrificing too much flavor.
Can I prepare this dish vegan?
To make a vegan version, use plant-based cream alternatives and vegan cheeses. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor, and olive oil or vegan butter can replace the butter for sautéing garlic.
How thin should the sweet potato slices be?
About 1/8 inch thick is ideal for this recipe. Thin slices ensure the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the cheese sauce well without becoming mushy.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
Yes, start by covering the dish with foil to allow the potatoes to steam and cook through without drying out. Removing the foil near the end lets the cheese brown and develop a delicious crust.
Final Thoughts
This **Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Thyme Recipe** is the kind of dish that makes your home feel warm and inviting and your taste buds sing with every creamy, cheesy bite. It’s straightforward to prepare yet impressively flavorful, and it has that wonderful combination of sweet and savory that everyone will adore. Don’t hesitate to add this recipe to your favorites; it’s destined to be a cherished staple at your table that you’ll return to time and again.
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Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Thyme Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is a comforting and elegant dish featuring thinly sliced sweet potatoes layered with a creamy garlic-infused cheese sauce. Baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe offers a rich and flavorful side or main dish that’s perfect for family dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Layer
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cream Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the dish evenly.
- Slice Sweet Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the sweet potatoes to about 1/8 inch thickness using a mandoline slicer for uniform layers that cook evenly.
- Slice Onion: Thinly slice the medium onion to create tender layers within the casserole.
- Sauté Garlic: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in thyme, salt, black pepper, and optional nutmeg. Heat gently without boiling to blend flavors.
- Add Cheese to Sauce: Remove the cream mixture from heat and stir in half of both the cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Set the sauce aside.
- Assemble Layers: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Layer the sweet potato slices first, then onions, and pour some cream sauce over each layer. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with the cream sauce on top.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan evenly over the final cream layer.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly for a beautiful crust.
- Rest the Dish: Let the scalloped sweet potatoes sit for 10-15 minutes after baking to set and cool slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, cut into squares or wedges, and serve warm as a delicious side or main dish.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer to achieve consistent thin slices for even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste; nutmeg adds a subtle warm flavor but is optional.
- Letting the dish rest before serving helps it hold its shape when sliced.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the dish will be less rich.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if baking from cold.
