If you’re looking for a luscious, comforting dish that shines with layers of flavor and richness, the Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Thyme Recipe is just what your dinner table needs. Combining the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the sharp punch of cheddar and the nutty aroma of Parmesan, all infused with fragrant thyme, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and subtlety. It’s a gorgeous side or a cozy main that feels like a warm hug in every bite, making it an instant favorite for gatherings or a special family meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet powerful – each one plays a crucial role in delivering the creamy, cheesy, and flavorful layers that make this recipe stand out. From aromatic thyme and nutmeg to the combination of sharp cheddar and Parmesan, every component adds depth to this classic comfort food.
- Sweet potatoes: 4 medium, peeled and thinly sliced for even cooking and that tender bite.
- Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced to bring a mild sweetness and soft texture that complements the potatoes.
- Heavy cream: 2 cups, providing the rich, velvety base that binds everything together beautifully.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup shredded, offering a bold, tangy flavor that cuts through the creaminess.
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup grated, adding a nutty complexity and lovely crust when baked.
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing garlic and enriching the cream sauce.
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced, infusing the dish with a subtle pungency that brightens every layer.
- Fresh thyme leaves: 1 teaspoon (or ½ teaspoon dried), bringing an earthy, herbal note that elevates the flavors.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, essential to enhance all the natural tastes.
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon, adding gentle heat and depth.
- Nutmeg (optional): ½ teaspoon, a warm spice that rounds out the savory and sweet elements perfectly.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, for greasing the dish and helping develop that golden crust.
- Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish to add a pop of vibrant green and fresh flavor at the end.
How to Make Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Thyme Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly heated when you’re ready to bake. This sets you up for an even cooking experience and that irresistible golden crust on top.
Step 2: Slice Sweet Potatoes and Onions
Peel and thinly slice your sweet potatoes to about 1/8 inch thickness. Using a mandoline slicer here is a game-changer for uniform slices that cook evenly. Then, thinly slice the onion, which will soften and add natural sweetness throughout the dish.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
Over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic just until fragrant—about a minute. Don’t let it brown, as you want that gentle garlic aroma. Next, pour in the heavy cream, stirring in thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if you’re using it. Heat through the mixture without letting it boil to keep the creamy texture smooth.
Step 4: Add Cheese to the Sauce
Remove the cream sauce from heat and melt in half of your cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until smooth and luscious. This cheesy cream will coat your layers and deliver the rich flavor we’re aiming for.
Step 5: Layer the Ingredients
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Begin layering with sweet potato slices, then onions, and pour some of the creamy cheese mixture over each layer. Repeat this process until all components are used, making sure to finish with the cream sauce on top for that lovely bubbling cheesy finish.
Step 6: Add Remaining Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan evenly over your final layer. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to soften and meld with the sauce. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and bubbling.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, let your Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Thyme Recipe rest for 10–15 minutes. This resting time helps everything set so you can slice perfect squares or wedges. Finish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful touch that brightens the entire dish.
How to Serve Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Thyme Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley to add a pop of green and a refreshing taste that balances the richness. A few extra thyme leaves on top can enhance the herbal aroma and make the dish look irresistible on the table.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted or grilled meats like chicken, pork, or beef, because its creamy and cheesy notes create contrast and complement savory flavors. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed green beans for freshness and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the scalloped sweet potatoes in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch at your next dinner party. Alternatively, layer the dish in a shallow tart pan and cut into elegant wedges for a refined presentation that’s both rustic and refined.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, cover any remaining scalloped sweet potatoes tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days while keeping all those delicious flavors intact.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze it before baking or after it has completely cooled post-baking. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty foil, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through, which helps maintain the creamy texture and avoids drying out. Microwave reheating also works if you’re pressed for time, but cover loosely and heat in short bursts to keep the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely. While this specific Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Thyme Recipe highlights sweet potatoes for their unique flavor and color, regular white or Yukon gold potatoes will work well for a more traditional take.
Is it necessary to use both cheddar and Parmesan cheese?
Using both cheeses creates a perfect balance of sharpness and nuttiness that defines the flavor profile of this recipe. However, if you only have one, you can still achieve a tasty dish but it may lack some of the depth the combination provides.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
You can experiment with plant-based creams and cheese alternatives, though the original richness comes from the heavy cream and real cheeses. For best results, use high-quality dairy-free products designed for baking and creamy sauces.
How thin should I slice the sweet potatoes?
Slicing the sweet potatoes about 1/8 inch thick ensures they cook evenly and absorb the creamy sauce nicely without becoming mushy. A mandoline slicer makes this task quick and easy.
Is fresh thyme better than dried thyme for this dish?
Fresh thyme offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor, but dried thyme works well too and is a great pantry backup. Adjust the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated; this recipe accounts for both options.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried the Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Thyme Recipe, it’s hard to go back to plain side dishes. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe that feels both special and wonderfully approachable. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weeknight treat, this dish transforms humble sweet potatoes into something truly spectacular. I can’t wait for you to make it and discover just how comforting and delicious it can be!
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Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Cheddar, Parmesan, and Thyme Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Scalloped Sweet Potatoes dish is a creamy and cheesy baked casserole featuring thinly sliced sweet potatoes layered with sautéed onions and a rich garlic-infused cream sauce, topped with sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, it makes a comforting side ideal for family meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Dairy
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Others
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the scalloped sweet potatoes.
- Slice the sweet potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the sweet potatoes about 1/8 inch thick using a mandoline slicer for even cooking and uniform layers.
- Slice the onion: Thinly slice the medium onion to add sweetness and texture between the layers.
- Sauté garlic: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, enhancing the cream sauce’s flavor.
- Prepare the cream sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in thyme, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg if using. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, but do not allow the mixture to boil.
- Add cheese to sauce: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in half of the cheddar and half of the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble the layers: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Layer sweet potato slices, followed by onions, and pour a portion of the cream mixture over each layer. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cream on top.
- Add remaining cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the final cream layer for a golden cheesy crust.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes to allow the sweet potatoes to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest the dish: Let the scalloped sweet potatoes sit for 10-15 minutes after baking to set, making it easier to cut and serve.
- Serve and garnish: Cut into squares or wedges, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- If fresh thyme is not available, dried thyme can be used at half the quantity.
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin slices which help cooking evenly.
- You can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if you prefer a lighter version, but expect less richness.
- Nutmeg is optional but adds a warm, subtle spice to the sauce.
- Allow the dish to rest before serving to let it set and make slicing easier.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
