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Scalloped Sweet Potatoes | Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin – A Holiday Favorite

Few dishes say “holiday comfort” quite like Scalloped Sweet Potatoes. Creamy, cozy, and layered with love, this classic side dish — sometimes called Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin — combines the sweetness of baked sweet potatoes with the warm embrace of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory: buttery sweet potatoes baked until tender, topped with crunchy pecans, and finished with golden, gooey mini marshmallows that melt beautifully over the top. Every layer captures the essence of holiday warmth — a dish that’s as comforting as it is elegant. Whether you serve it as a Thanksgiving side, a Christmas dinner highlight, or a weekend comfort dish, this Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin will have your guests asking for seconds (and the recipe!).
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
bake time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Here’s everything you need to make this irresistible Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin:
Main Ingredients
  • 5 medium sweet potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • ¼ cup light or dark brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup water
Toppings
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans
  • ½ cup mini marshmallows
Optional Add-Ons
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup for extra sweetness
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for warmth
  • Pinch of ginger for spice depth
  • 1 tablespoon flour to thicken the glaze if needed

✨ Kitchen Essentials You’ll Love

Quick picks I trust for better results, faster prep, and easier cleanup.

  • 🍳

    Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

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  • ⚡

    Instant Pot Duo Plus 9-in-1 Electric

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  • 🔥

    CHEFMAN Digital Air Fryer XL 10L

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Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Equipment

  • Before you start, gather the following tools to make cooking and cleanup a breeze:
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • 9x13-inch baking dish (or similar size)
  • Saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Oven mitts

Method
 

  1. Follow these easy steps to make your Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin come out perfectly every time:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
  1. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice them into thin rounds (about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick).
  2. Try to keep the slices uniform for even cooking.
  3. Arrange a single layer of sweet potato slices in the bottom of the baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Sweet Spice Glaze
  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
  2. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and water.
  3. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes a smooth glaze (about 2 minutes).
  4. Optional: Add maple syrup or vanilla extract for an extra cozy flavor.
Step 4: Layer the Sweet Potatoes
  1. Pour a few tablespoons of the glaze over the first layer of potatoes.
  2. Add another layer of sliced sweet potatoes, followed by more glaze.
  3. Repeat until all sweet potatoes and glaze are used up.
  4. Cover tightly with foil.
Step 5: Bake Until Tender
  1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  2. Remove the foil and sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly on top.
  3. Step 6: Add the Marshmallow Topping
  4. Sprinkle the mini marshmallows evenly over the top layer.
  5. Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are golden and bubbly.
  6. Watch carefully — marshmallows brown quickly!
Step 7: Cool and Serve
  1. Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
  2. Serve warm as a side or a sweet holiday treat.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin store and reheat wonderfully — and taste even better the next day!
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Cool completely before freezing.
Store in a freezer-safe dish or bag for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent over-browning.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes for a toasty top.
🥄 Variations
Give your Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin a creative twist with these variations:
1. Creamy Version
Add ½ cup of milk or cream to the glaze for a richer, scalloped texture.
2. Maple Pecan Crunch
Add 2 tablespoons maple syrup and an extra handful of pecans for a delicious crunch.
3. Spiced Pumpkin Twist
Add 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée and a pinch of ginger for a fall-flavored update.
4. Coconut Style
Substitute butter with coconut oil and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top for a tropical twist.
5. Marshmallow-Free Version
Omit marshmallows and finish with a streusel topping made from oats, brown sugar, and butter.
6. Apple Layered Sweet Potatoes
Add thinly sliced apples between the sweet potato layers for extra sweetness and texture.
7. Nut-Free Option
Skip the pecans and sprinkle granola or sunflower seeds for crunch instead.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. What’s the difference between scalloped and au gratin potatoes?
Traditional scalloped potatoes are baked in a creamy sauce, while au gratin includes a topping — in this case, sweet glaze, nuts, and marshmallows for a caramelized finish.
2. Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes — both work beautifully. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweeter, while yams are slightly starchier.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble and refrigerate (without marshmallows), then bake fresh when ready to serve.
4. Can I skip the marshmallows?
Yes — the dish is delicious even without them. Try a pecan-brown sugar crumble instead.
5. How do I slice the sweet potatoes evenly?
Use a mandoline slicer or sharp chef’s knife for uniform slices.
6. Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan butter and marshmallows (gelatin-free), and replace honey with maple syrup.
7. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes — reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and skip the marshmallow topping if you prefer a lighter version.
8. Can I add spices like ginger or allspice?
Definitely — those spices blend beautifully with the existing flavors.
9. How do I keep the marshmallows from burning?
Bake uncovered for only 8–10 minutes and keep a close eye during the last few minutes.
10. What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, beef stew, green beans, or a fresh salad.
🏁 Conclusion
Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin are everything you love about the holidays in one dish — sweet, tender, buttery, and beautifully spiced. The creamy layers of sweet potatoes absorb the cinnamon-sugar glaze, while the pecans add crunch and the marshmallows melt into a golden, gooey topping that’s pure bliss.
This recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity — it’s easy to prepare, stunning to serve, and absolutely irresistible to eat. Whether it’s the centerpiece of your holiday meal or a comforting side dish on a chilly evening, it’s bound to become a family favorite.
So preheat your oven, slice those sweet potatoes, and let the warm aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar fill your kitchen. One bite of this sweet, spiced masterpiece, and you’ll know why it’s truly a holiday favorite!