There is something utterly magical about the warm, cozy layers of Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes with Walnuts and Marshmallows Recipe. This dish combines the natural sweetness of thinly sliced sweet potatoes with a mouthwatering blend of buttery brown sugar, fragrant spices, crunchy walnuts, and gooey toasted marshmallows. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive holiday dinner or simply craving a comforting side that feels like a treat, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite. It offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that make every bite a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes with Walnuts and Marshmallows Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays its part in building flavor, adding texture, or enhancing the overall color of the dish, culminating in a comforting masterpiece.
- Sweet potatoes: Peel and slice into very thin â…›-inch slices to ensure tender layers that cook evenly.
- Butter: Provides a rich and creamy base that helps meld all the flavors together.
- Brown sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and helps caramelize the potatoes during baking.
- Water: Keeps the dish moist and prevents the sweet potatoes from drying out.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings warm, fragrant spice that perfectly complements the natural sweetness.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthy depth to the flavor profile.
- Ground cloves: A pinch intensifies the spiced aroma without overpowering the dish.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- Chopped walnuts: Introduce a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft potatoes.
- Mini marshmallows: Melt to a golden, toasted topping giving a delightful gooey finish.
How to Make Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes with Walnuts and Marshmallows Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lightly greasing a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick spray. This ensures your scalloped potatoes won’t stick to the pan, making serving and cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Arrange the Sweet Potato Slices
Take those beautifully thin sweet potato slices and arrange them upright, cut side down, packing them tightly side by side in your casserole dish. This creates a stunning layered effect that looks as impressive as it tastes.
Step 3: Prepare the Spiced Butter Mixture
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Cook gently just until the mixture begins to boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar and distribute the spices evenly. Then remove it from the heat to keep that buttery aroma vibrant.
Step 4: Pour and Bake Covered
Drizzle about three-quarters of the warm spiced butter mixture evenly over the arranged sweet potatoes. Cover the dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, allowing the potatoes to become tender and soak up all those lovely flavors.
Step 5: Add Walnuts and Marshmallows, Then Broil
Once baked, remove the foil and carefully drizzle the remaining butter mixture over the top. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts and mini marshmallows generously on the surface. Place the casserole under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to achieve a beautifully toasted golden-marshmallow topping without burning.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving; this allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to portion out. This final pause is key to enjoying every luscious bite perfectly.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes with Walnuts and Marshmallows Recipe
Garnishes
While the toasted marshmallows and walnuts provide plenty of visual appeal, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of cinnamon can elevate the dish further. These small touches brighten the presentation and add a hint of freshness that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines alongside roasted meats like turkey, ham, or pork tenderloin, especially at holiday feasts. It pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or steamed green beans to add contrasting textures and colors to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or small gratin dishes for personal servings. Alternatively, layer the sweet potato scalloped potatoes in a clear glass baking dish for a striking layered look that invites admiring glances before the first forkful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sweet potatoes will retain their moisture and flavor well, making for easy next-day reheating or quick meal additions.
Freezing
To freeze this dish, cool it completely then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps preserve the toasted marshmallow topping and prevents sogginess, keeping each serving just as delightful as the first.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes in this recipe?
While regular potatoes can be used, the charm of this recipe is in the natural sweetness and vibrant color that sweet potatoes provide. If swapping, consider adjusting the spices and sugar to balance the flavors accordingly.
What type of walnuts work best?
Raw or lightly toasted walnuts work wonderfully here. Toasting the walnuts beforehand can deepen their flavor, but even raw walnuts add a lovely crunch that contrasts the softness of the potatoes.
Are the marshmallows necessary?
Marshmallows add the iconic gooey, toasted finish that makes this dish feel special. However, if you prefer, you can omit them or substitute with a crunchy topping like pecans or a sprinkle of brown sugar for a different texture.
Can I prepare this dish vegan?
To make a vegan version, use vegan butter substitutes and ensure your marshmallows are free from gelatin. You can also replace marshmallows with coconut flakes toasted lightly for sweetness.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays only?
Although it’s fantastic for holiday gatherings, the Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes with Walnuts and Marshmallows Recipe is great any time you want a comforting, slightly indulgent side dish. Its sweet and spiced flavors make it equally suitable for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something heartwarming about making and sharing this Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes with Walnuts and Marshmallows Recipe. Its layers of tender sweet potatoes soaked in spiced butter, topped with crunchy walnuts and perfectly toasted marshmallows, create a dish that’s as festive as it is comforting. I encourage you to try this recipe the next time you want to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a delicious, cozy side. Trust me, it’s bound to become a treasured staple in your kitchen.
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Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes with Walnuts and Marshmallows Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet Potato Scalloped Potatoes recipe features tender sweet potato slices baked in a rich, spiced brown sugar and butter sauce, topped with crunchy walnuts and toasted mini marshmallows. A delightful blend of warmth and sweetness perfect for holiday dinners or comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 4–6 sweet potatoes, peeled, cut in half, and sliced into â…›-inch slices
Sauce
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
Toppings
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and grease a 2-quart casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Arrange Sweet Potatoes: Place the sweet potato slices upright with the cut side down, tucking them tightly together in the casserole dish to create an even layer for baking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, water, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Stir frequently and cook until the mixture just begins to boil, then remove it from the heat.
- Add Sauce and Bake: Drizzle about three-quarters of the spiced butter mixture evenly over the arranged sweet potatoes. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes to allow the potatoes to soften and absorb the flavors.
- Top and Broil: Remove the dish from the oven and uncover. Drizzle the remaining butter mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle chopped walnuts and mini marshmallows on top. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely, until the marshmallows are golden and toasted.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes after removing from the oven to set slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Use fresh sweet potatoes for best texture and flavor; older potatoes may be less sweet and softer.
- Watch marshmallows closely during broiling to avoid burning.
- For a nut-free version, omit walnuts or substitute with pecans or leave them out completely.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake before serving.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preference for more or less sweetness or warmth.
