Looking for a side dish that feels both cozy and elegant? Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes strike that perfect balance. They’re creamy, rich, and layered with sweet-savory flavor that makes them ideal for holiday tables or weeknight dinners alike.

Imagine tender rounds of sweet potato baked until soft and golden, swimming in a garlic-infused cream sauce and crowned with a crisp, caramelized top. It’s the kind of dish that makes guests pause mid-bite and ask for the recipe. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining, this one delivers warm satisfaction in every spoonful.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with ease and efficiency, here are the essential tools you’ll need:

Mandoline Slicer or Sharp Knife: Precision is key for evenly sliced potatoes. A mandoline ensures consistency, which helps the layers cook evenly. If using a knife, be sure it’s sharp and steady.
Large Skillet or Saucepan: You’ll need this to make the creamy garlic sauce. Non-stick or stainless steel pans both work well.
Whisk: Vital for creating a smooth sauce without lumps. It helps blend the cream and garlic uniformly.
Oven-Safe Baking Dish: A medium-to-large casserole or gratin dish will give your layers room to cook properly. Ceramic or glass dishes help retain heat and promote even baking.
Aluminum Foil: Used during baking to keep moisture in before uncovering for a golden top.

Ingredients for the Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show. Their natural sweetness deepens during baking, offering balance against the savory sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth. It infuses the cream with bold, savory notes.
Heavy Cream: Delivers richness and creates the luscious sauce that binds the layers together.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and melts beautifully into the sauce.
Butter: Used to start the sauce, it brings richness and helps cook the garlic.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the sweet potatoes.
Fresh Thyme (optional): Adds an herby, earthy aroma that complements both sweet and savory tones.

How To Make the Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Step 1: Slice the Sweet Potatoes

Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice sweet potatoes into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Uniform thickness ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and whisk until well combined. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Layer and Assemble

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish. Layer half the sweet potatoes in an overlapping pattern. Pour half the garlic cream sauce over them and sprinkle half the Parmesan. Repeat with the remaining potatoes, sauce, and cheese.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Tender

Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and the flavors to meld.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

These scalloped sweet potatoes shine as a holiday side dish or hearty addition to any dinner plate. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, glazed ham, or a leafy salad for contrast. The creamy texture pairs beautifully with crisp or roasted dishes.

To store leftovers, let them cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of cream to restore the sauce’s texture. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before baking.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Whole milk can work, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Consider mixing in a tablespoon of flour to help thicken it.

What cheese can I substitute for Parmesan?

Gruyère, Asiago, or even sharp white cheddar make excellent swaps, each adding its own character.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but it’s optional if you like the rustic feel of the skin.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as you don’t add any flour or thickening agents.

Want More Comforting Side Dish Ideas?

If you love cozy vegetable-based dishes like this one, here are a few more worth trying:

The Air Fried Potato Wedges offer a crispier take on potatoes with minimal oil. Or dive into the comforting Best Mashed Potatoes Recipe for a classic creamy side.

Prefer more indulgence? The Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole brings cheesy goodness with a green twist. And for something slightly sweet and unexpected, you might enjoy the Slow Cooker Cracker Barrel Fried Apples.

For even more delicious ideas, you can explore my daily recipe shares on Pinterest at LadyPlate.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your side dish boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you layer with extra cheese? Try a different herb? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others enjoy it.

Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

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Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy, garlicky, and layered to perfection, these Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate comfort side dish. Baked in a rich parmesan cream sauce and finished with a golden crust, they’re perfect for holidays or hearty dinners.

Ingredients

2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.

2. Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the sweet potatoes into 1/8-inch thick rounds. Set aside.

3. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).

4. Stir in heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.

5. Arrange half of the sweet potatoes in an overlapping layer in the prepared dish. Pour over half of the garlic cream and sprinkle with half the Parmesan.

6. Repeat with the remaining sweet potatoes, cream, and Parmesan.

7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.

8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.

9. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.