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Creamy Scalloped Sweet Potato Casserole

creamy scalloped sweet potato casserole - featured image

This creamy scalloped sweet potato casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving side featuring tender sweet potatoes layered with Gruyère and Parmesan, infused with garlic and thyme, and baked until golden and bubbly. It’s easy to prepare, rich in flavor, and perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
  • 1/4 cup extra Parmesan cheese, grated (optional topping)
  • Chopped parsley or chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and thinly slice sweet potatoes into 1/8-inch rounds.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, melted butter, minced garlic, chopped thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  3. Arrange a layer of sweet potato slices in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, slightly overlapping. Pour some cream mixture over the top and sprinkle with Gruyère and Parmesan. Repeat layers until all potatoes are used, finishing with cream and cheese.
  4. Cover dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes, until cream is bubbling and potatoes begin to soften.
  5. Remove foil. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs and extra Parmesan over the top. Bake uncovered for another 20-25 minutes, until top is golden and crisp and potatoes are tender. For a crispier top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  6. Check doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should glide through easily. If potatoes are still firm, cover and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
  7. Let casserole cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives for garnish.

Notes

Slice sweet potatoes evenly for best texture. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the topping. Let casserole rest before serving to thicken the sauce. You can prepare and bake ahead, then reheat before serving. Dairy-free and cheese variations are possible. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: scalloped sweet potatoes, Thanksgiving side, casserole, creamy sweet potato, holiday recipe, comfort food, easy side dish