Garlic-Infused Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
There’s something deeply comforting about a bubbling dish of scalloped potatoes emerging from the oven—golden on top, creamy underneath, and perfumed with warmth. Now imagine that classic comfort elevated with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the savory depth of garlic infused gently into cream. The result is a dish that feels both rustic and refined: Garlic-Infused Scalloped Sweet Potatoes.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a layered, velvety bake that works beautifully as a holiday side, a cozy Sunday dinner companion, or even a vegetarian centerpiece. The sweetness of the potatoes balances perfectly with the mellow richness of roasted garlic and cream, while subtle herbs and cheese bring depth and structure.
Below you’ll find a comprehensive, detailed 2000-word guide to making this dish perfectly every time—from choosing the right potatoes to achieving that irresistible golden crust.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
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Creamy but not overly heavy
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Naturally sweet with savory garlic balance
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Elegant enough for holidays
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Simple pantry ingredients
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Make-ahead friendly
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Vegetarian-friendly
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
For the Sweet Potatoes
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3 pounds sweet potatoes (about 5–6 medium-large)
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic-Infused Cream
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2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup whole milk
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6 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but recommended)
For Assembly
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1 cup freshly grated Gruyère cheese (or sharp white cheddar)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Equipment Needed
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Mandoline slicer or sharp knife
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9x13-inch baking dish
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Medium saucepan
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Whisk
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Foil
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Oven
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes thoroughly.
Using a mandoline slicer (recommended for uniformity), slice into ⅛-inch thick rounds.
Uniform slices are essential for even cooking. If slices vary in thickness, some may become mushy while others remain undercooked.
Place slices in a bowl and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Toss gently.
Set aside.
Step 2: Infuse the Cream with Garlic
This is where the magic happens.
In a medium saucepan over low heat:
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Add heavy cream and milk.
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Add crushed garlic cloves.
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Stir in thyme and nutmeg.
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Add butter.
Warm gently for 8–10 minutes. Do not boil.
The goal is to allow garlic to soften and release its flavor slowly into the cream without browning.
When garlic becomes tender and fragrant, remove from heat.
Let mixture steep for an additional 5 minutes.
You can either:
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Remove garlic cloves for subtle flavor
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Or mash softened garlic into the cream for stronger infusion
Strain if desired.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly butter the baking dish to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
Step 4: Layer the Sweet Potatoes
Arrange one layer of sweet potato slices in the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping.
Sprinkle lightly with Gruyère.
Add a ladle of garlic-infused cream, just enough to coat.
Repeat layering:
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Potatoes
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Cheese
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Cream
Continue until all ingredients are used.
Finish with:
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Remaining cream poured evenly
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Parmesan sprinkled generously on top
The top layer should be slightly submerged in cream but not swimming in it.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Cover dish tightly with foil.
Bake for 45 minutes.
This allows potatoes to soften and cook through without over-browning.
Step 6: Bake Uncovered for Golden Finish
Remove foil.
Return to oven for 20–30 additional minutes.
Bake until:
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Top is golden brown
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Edges are bubbling
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Potatoes are fork-tender
If top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes.
This step is crucial.
Resting allows cream to thicken and settle, ensuring clean slices rather than runny portions.
Texture and Flavor Profile
This dish offers:
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Silky, tender layers
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Gentle sweetness
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Savory garlic depth
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Slightly nutty cheese richness
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Aromatic herb undertones
The garlic should be fragrant but not sharp. Infusing it into cream softens its intensity and enhances its sweetness.
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes
Look for:
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Firm texture
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Smooth skin
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No soft spots
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Similar size for uniform slicing
Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes provide creamier texture and vibrant color.
Cheese Options Explained
Gruyère
Nutty, melts beautifully, adds elegance.
White Cheddar
Sharper, more pronounced flavor.
Fontina
Creamy and mild.
Parmesan
Adds salty depth and golden crust.
Avoid pre-shredded cheese—it contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Flavor Variations
Add Caramelized Onions
Layer thin caramelized onions between potato layers for sweetness depth.
Add Crispy Bacon
For non-vegetarian version, sprinkle cooked bacon bits between layers.
Add Fresh Sage
Pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
Add Red Pepper Flakes
For gentle heat contrast.
Make-Ahead Instructions
You can assemble entire dish up to 24 hours in advance.
Cover tightly and refrigerate.
Before baking:
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Remove from fridge 30 minutes prior
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Add 10–15 extra minutes to baking time
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container up to 4 days.
Reheat in oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving large portions—it may separate cream.
Why Infusing Garlic Makes a Difference
Raw garlic can overpower and turn bitter when baked directly.
Infusing garlic in cream:
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Softens harshness
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Distributes flavor evenly
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Prevents burnt garlic taste
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Enhances natural sweetness
It creates depth without aggression.
Troubleshooting
Too Watery?
Sweet potatoes release moisture. Ensure:
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Thin, even slices
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Proper resting time
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Adequate baking duration
Undercooked Potatoes?
Slices may be too thick. Cover and bake longer.
Curdled Cream?
Heat was too high. Always simmer gently.
Nutritional Benefits
Sweet potatoes provide:
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Vitamin A
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Fiber
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Potassium
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Antioxidants
Though cream and cheese add richness, portion control keeps this dish balanced.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs well with:
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Roast chicken
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Baked ham
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Herb-crusted pork
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Grilled steak
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Holiday turkey
Or serve alongside:
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Simple green salad
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Roasted Brussels sprouts
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Steamed green beans
Presentation Tips
For elegant presentation:
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Garnish with chopped parsley
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Sprinkle extra Parmesan before serving
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Serve in ceramic baking dish
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Wipe edges clean before presenting
Golden edges and layered structure make this dish visually impressive.
Why This Recipe Never Fails
The success of this dish relies on:
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Even slicing
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Proper garlic infusion
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Gradual baking
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Balanced cheese ratio
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Adequate resting time
When these steps are followed, texture and flavor are consistently excellent.
Elevating the Dish for Special Occasions
For holidays or dinner parties:
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Add truffle oil drizzle
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Use a mix of sweet and Yukon gold potatoes
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Incorporate browned butter
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Top with toasted breadcrumbs for crunch
These small touches elevate flavor complexity.
Cream Alternatives
For lighter version:
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Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
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Substitute part of cream with unsweetened almond milk
Note: Texture will be slightly less rich but still delicious.
The Science Behind the Creaminess
As sweet potatoes bake, their starch softens and absorbs cream.
The cream reduces slightly, thickening naturally without flour.
Cheese melts and binds layers together.
The result is a cohesive, sliceable dish with velvety structure.
Scaling the Recipe
For smaller portions:
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Halve ingredients
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Use 8x8 baking dish
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Reduce baking time by 10–15 minutes
For large gatherings:
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Double recipe
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Use deep roasting pan
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Extend baking time accordingly
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Cutting slices too thick
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Skipping resting time
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Overheating cream
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Using low-quality cheese
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Not seasoning layers
Attention to detail ensures perfection.
Final Thoughts
Garlic-Infused Scalloped Sweet Potatoes bring together the comforting nostalgia of scalloped potatoes with the vibrant sweetness of sweet potatoes and the aromatic richness of garlic.
The gentle infusion technique ensures deep flavor without harshness, while careful layering creates a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced, rustic yet refined.
Whether served at a holiday feast, a cozy family dinner, or as an impressive potluck offering, this recipe consistently delivers warmth, elegance, and satisfaction.
Once you taste that creamy, garlicky layer beneath the golden crust, you’ll understand why this dish becomes a repeat favorite.
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