I have a little confession to make, fellow food lovers—my late-night kitchen experiments sometimes lead to the most delicious magic, and that’s exactly how my obsession with Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes began! It started as a simple craving for something cozy but with a bold twist. One chilly evening, I combined sweet, tender potatoes with creamy layers and a touch of cinnamon spice, hoping for a warm holiday sweet potato side dish but ended up WOW-ing myself with an unexpected baked sweet potato casserole.
The anticipation was real as this cinnamon spiced sweet potatoes creation bubbled away in the oven. When I finally took that first bite, it was pure happiness—a perfect blend of comforting creaminess and just enough spice to make your taste buds dance. This sweet potato gratin recipe turned a basic side into a star, and I knew I had stumbled on a weeknight winner I just had to share.
What I love about this Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes dish is how it turns meals into something special without tons of fuss. Each slice is creamy scalloped potatoes with cinnamon goodness wrapped up in a warm hug of flavor. Whether it’s a holiday sweet potato side dish or a cozy dinner soon-to-be favorite, this recipe has that magic of bold flavor without dull moments.
I’m thrilled to invite you into this delicious corner—come along for the ride and get ready to add some soul-satisfying, cinnamon-kissed goodness to your table! You won’t regret joining me on this flavor adventure. By the way, if you love cozy sweet potato dishes, you should peek at my Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes recipe here for another twist your taste buds will adore.
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes ingredient list is all about bold flavors that work together to create something unforgettable! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (grab these easily at your grocery store)
- 2 cups heavy cream (for that creamy scalloped potatoes with cinnamon richness)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional but highly recommended)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (the secret to that warm cinnamon spiced sweetness)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (this is the star of the show!)
- 1 tsp nutmeg (a little extra cozy spice magic)
- 1/2 tsp salt (to balance sweetness)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for an extra buttery comfort feel)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (my secret flavor booster in this baked sweet potato casserole)
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick that surprises every guest
No worries if you don’t have heavy cream—I often swap it out with half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream to lighten it up without losing that creamy texture.
If time is tight, you can prep your sweet potatoes by slicing them ahead and storing them in cold water to keep fresh. This shortcut saves precious minutes on busy weeknights when you need this Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes pronto!
This recipe reminds me of another bold comfort classic, the cheesy scalloped potatoes that I shared recently—you’ll find that its gooey cheese and creamy sauce vibe is spot-on with this cozy sweet potato gratin recipe. Also, consider checking out my cajun scalloped potatoes for a spicier take on this side dish here. Both are weeknight winners you’ll keep coming back to!
Let’s Make Some!
Ready to create magic with your Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes? Let’s cook together!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. This warms the kitchen and gets everything ready for the cozy comfort ahead.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes by peeling and slicing them thin—around 1/8 inch thick works best. Thinner slices ensure they cook through beautifully and soak in all that cinnamon spiced deliciousness.
- In a big mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This creamy scalloped potatoes with cinnamon sauce is what turns simple spuds into a flavor powerhouse.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish and start layering your sweet potatoes. Layer a few slices, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese (if using), then ladle on a bit of the cream mixture. Repeat until all your ingredients are used. This layering is the heart of the baked sweet potato casserole magic.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into your preheated oven. This is where the magic starts happening!
- Bake for about 50 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes to let the top brown beautifully and your cinnamon scalloped sweet potatoes get that golden crust.
- Your kitchen will smell incredible with all those cinnamon and creamy aromas filling the air. Your guests will want to dive right in!
- Don’t worry if your Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes dish looks a little bubbly or the top is deeply golden—that’s perfection in my book. I usually let mine rest for 10 minutes to settle before serving.
Quick tip: If you’re cooking during weeknights, prep steps 2 and 3 earlier in the day. Store your sliced potatoes in cold water (to prevent browning) and keep the cream mixture refrigerated. When ready, assemble and bake—easy, fast, and still packed with flavor!
Remember when I mentioned my late-night experiment that led to this dish? Sometimes I swap the cheddar for Gruyère or Parmesan for a different flavor twist. It’s a beautiful thing when you let your kitchen creativity run wild!
This cinnamon spiced sweet potatoes reminds me so much of the cozy Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cranberries and Honey from this amazing post here on Instagram. It’s all about that balance of sweet and spice that makes comfort food scream “yes, please!”
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes hits the table. Its creamy texture and that little kick of cinnamon spice make it an irresistible star. When I serve this holiday sweet potato side dish, it’s usually alongside roasted meats or as a centerpiece at casual family dinners.
Here’s what I love pairing it with for bold flavor:
- Roasted turkey or baked ham for holiday tables
- Grilled chicken or steak for weeknight comfort
- A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness
Presentation-wise, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of extra cinnamon on top right before serving to give it that WOW factor. Serve it in a beautiful ceramic dish or a rustic cast iron pan for that homey feel guests always appreciate.
Leftovers? Level up next-day meals by turning your Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes into sweet potato pancake bites or reheated as a creamy side for sandwiches. I’ve even experimented with fusing this with some smoky flavors from my Cajun Scalloped Potatoes recipe, adding a pinch of smoked paprika—total winner!
If you love dishes that combine familiar comforts with unexpected flair, check out this baked sweet potato casserole post I found from a fantastic community over on Facebook right here. It’s full of ideas to inspire your next flavor adventure.
FAQs:
1. Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?
Absolutely! This recipe is super user-friendly. Your slices don’t have to be perfect—comfort food is about satisfying the soul, not about perfect edges. Plus, the creamy sauce forgivingly binds it all together.
2. What if I mess up my Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?
Spoiler alert: it’ll still taste incredible! If the top gets too brown, cover with foil next time. If slices feel a bit thick, bake a bit longer. Each batch teaches you something new. I love hearing from readers who played with this and ended up with their own signature versions.
3. How can I prep this Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes for busy weeknights?
Slice the sweet potatoes ahead and store submerged in water in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Combine your cream and spice mixture in advance, then assemble and bake only when you’re ready for dinner. This cuts down active cooking time to under 15 minutes.
4. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
For sure! Swap the heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free butter or olive oil. Choose a dairy-free cheese or skip it. The cinnamon spiced sweet potatoes flavor will shine through beautifully.
5. Does this recipe work as a holiday sweet potato side dish?
It’s perfect for holidays! The cinnamon and nutmeg flavors make it a festive baked sweet potato casserole everyone raves about. I shared my take on a similar dish in this sweet potato gratin recipe (see here) that’s all about luscious layers and rich cream.
6. Can leftover Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes be frozen?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven. Make sure to cover with foil while reheating to prevent drying.
7. Any tips for adding a little savory edge?
Love that question! I often sprinkle cooked bacon or caramelized onions between layers for a smoky, sweet-savory balance. You might also enjoy a dash of cayenne pepper in the cream mixture for a subtle heat surprise.
Cooking this Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes has been a joy, and the feedback from taste testers—my friends at game nights and potlucks—has been priceless. They often ask for the recipe to bring to their own kitchens!
For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out my fellow favorite cheesy scalloped potatoes recipe right here. Both dishes prove that comfort food with a twist is a beautiful thing!
CONCLUSION:
This Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes brings me so much joy because it’s a celebration of cozy without boring—a warm, creamy dish bursting with bold flavor. Its balance of sweet and spice makes every bite irresistible and perfect for holiday tables or simple weeknight dinners that need a special touch.
My Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Flavor Secrets:
1. Always add vanilla extract to your cream mixture—it lifts the entire dish with warmth and depth.
2. Don’t be shy with cinnamon and nutmeg; they transform ordinary scalloped potatoes into a holiday sweet potato side dish superstar.
3. Let the dish rest after baking. It helps all those creamy layers set beautifully so you get perfect slices every time.
Some fun variations I’ve tested include swapping cheddar for Parmesan with thyme for a savory twist, adding chopped pecans and maple syrup for extra sweetness, and mixing in spicy Cajun seasonings inspired by my Cajun Scalloped Potatoes fame.
This recipe shines on Thanksgiving tables, cozy winter dinners, or anytime you want that bold comfort food with a twist. I encourage you to trust your taste buds and make this dish your own. Play with spices, cheeses, or toppings and see what happy accidents you create!
I’m so excited for you to try this Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes and invite the same joy it brings me straight to your kitchen. Let’s keep creating delicious magic together—your next flavor adventure is just a slice away!
If you want to see more cozy sweet potato creations, here’s a tasty sweet potato gratin recipe for another comforting take right here. Happy cooking, friends!
Cinnamon Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
This creamy and cinnamon-spiced scalloped sweet potatoes dish offers a comforting, naturally sweet side perfect for cozy meals and holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
- In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, whole milk, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium heat until butter melts and mixture is warm but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Arrange half of the sliced sweet potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Pour half of the cream mixture over the sweet potatoes.
- Repeat layering the remaining sweet potatoes and cream mixture.
- If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and a pinch of cinnamon over the cheese before baking without foil for the final 15 minutes.