These Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are a dream side dish—creamy, savory, and perfectly caramelized around the edges. Layered with fragrant garlic, fresh thyme, and melty cheese, this dish takes comfort food to a whole new level. It’s beautiful enough for holiday tables, yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight meal.

Each bite is a balance of sweet and savory, soft and slightly crispy. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes plays so well with the nuttiness of the melted Gruyère and the earthy notes of fresh thyme. Once baked, it turns into a bubbling, golden, cheesy wonder you’ll want to serve again and again.
What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Work Best?
For this recipe, use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes like Jewel or Garnet. They have a creamier texture and a natural sweetness that intensifies when baked. Avoid white-fleshed varieties, as they tend to be more starchy and less flavorful for this kind of dish.
Ingredients for the Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes: The heart of the dish, bringing color, natural sweetness, and velvety texture.
- Garlic: Adds a deep aromatic flavor that infuses into the cream.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious sauce that envelops every slice.
- Gruyère Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a rich, nutty flavor.
- Fresh Thyme: Brings earthy brightness and a pop of green.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential to balance and enhance the sweetness.
- Butter: Helps with browning and gives a silky finish to the cream.
How To Make the Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Peel and thinly slice the sweet potatoes (about 1/8-inch thick). Mince the garlic and shred the Gruyère cheese.
Step 2: Make the Cream Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not boiling. Remove from heat.
Step 3: Layer the Dish
In a buttered baking dish, arrange the sweet potato slices upright in tight rows. Pour the cream sauce evenly over them. Sprinkle shredded cheese and thyme between layers and on top.
Step 4: Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.

Serving and Storing Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Serve these scalloped sweet potatoes hot, straight from the oven for maximum creaminess. If making ahead, bake completely and reheat at 350°F until warmed through. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
What to Serve With Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?
Roasted Chicken
A juicy herb-roasted chicken is a perfect protein pairing.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Adds tang and crunch to balance the creamy potatoes.
Honey Mustard Salmon
The sweetness of the fish complements the potatoes beautifully.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
A colorful vegetarian pairing that holds its own.
Garlic Herb Pork Tenderloin
The garlicky notes will sing alongside this side dish.
Cranberry Apple Salad
Fresh and fruity with a tart crunch.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken
Doubles down on the cozy factor.
Want More Side Dish Ideas?
If you love these garlic scalloped sweet potatoes, here are a few more comforting side dish favorites to explore:
- Dad’s Creamy Cheesy Au Gratin Potatoes if you want more indulgent layers.
- Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes for a healthy twist.
- Roasted Parmesan Green Beans for a crispy, cheesy vegetable side.
- Roasted Potatoes with Baked Feta and Garlic to satisfy cheese and garlic cravings.
- Oven Fried Potatoes and Onions for a rustic, crispy option.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try different cheese blends or fresh rosemary? Did it make your Thanksgiving table shine?
I love seeing how everyone makes these recipes their own. Ask away if you need help—we’re all here to make dinner a little more delicious.
Explore more health-boosting, flavor-forward dishes at ChefAlchemy on Pinterest.
Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Looking for the ultimate comforting side dish that’s just as show-stopping as it is satisfying? These Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes deliver golden, cheesy perfection with each bite. Thin layers of sweet potatoes are bathed in garlic-infused cream and blanketed with nutty Gruyère, then baked until bubbling and caramelized. This dish checks all the boxes: perfect for quick holiday prep, elegant dinner ideas, or hearty food ideas for any occasion. Whether you’re after a cozy dinner idea or planning your next family gathering, this easy recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite.
Ingredients
2 ½ pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons butter
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a medium baking dish.
2. Peel and thinly slice sweet potatoes into 1/8-inch rounds.
3. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, butter, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, then remove from heat.
4. Arrange sweet potato slices vertically in the baking dish in tight rows.
5. Pour cream mixture evenly over the potatoes.
6. Sprinkle shredded Gruyère and thyme between layers and on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Uncover and bake another 20–25 minutes until top is golden and bubbling.
9. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Slice sweet potatoes as evenly as possible to ensure uniform baking.
Fresh thyme is best, but dried can work in a pinch—use about half the amount.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: scalloped sweet potatoes, garlic potatoes, sweet potato bake, cheesy sweet potatoes, easy recipe
