The first time I cracked open a pan of Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, it was like my taste buds threw a full-on celebration. I was at a cozy home gathering, and someone brought this spicy, cheesy, garlicky sweet potato bake that totally transformed my expectations. The creamy scalloped potatoes were layered perfectly with just the right punch of garlic, and the natural sweetness of the potatoes balanced it all out in a way that had me reaching for seconds (and thirds). This wasn’t your average sweet potato casserole—this was a flavor bomb that demanded attention.
At Cuba Queen, I’m all about fearless flavors that turn everyday meals into bold adventures. This Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes dish checks every box—rich, creamy, garlicky, and loaded with that satisfying oven roasted sweet potatoes goodness. What made it unforgettable was how the garlic mashed sweet potatoes texture melted into the cheesy layers, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. I knew right then, this recipe had to be mine to share. When you tackle this Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, you’re signing up for a flavor journey that redefines what a creamy scalloped potatoes dish can do.
After a few rounds of flavor testing, I perfected the balance—no mush, just perfectly tender slices soaked in a luscious garlic cream sauce. It’s not just side dish magic; it’s a meal-time game changer. I’m beyond pumped to pass on this Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe to any flavor adventurer ready to step up and claim their kitchen crown. Trust me, once you make this Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, it’ll become your go-to dish for turning everyday dinners into celebrations!
Ingredients You Need for This:
This Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Here’s your full lineup:
- 4 large sweet potatoes (about 3 pounds), peeled and sliced thin
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (The secret to epic Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is using fresh minced garlic instead of pre-minced—to really punch through with flavor!)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (If you want cheesier sweet potato bake vibes, double it!)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (adds a herby brightness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste

You’ll find the best ingredients for this Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes at your local farmer’s market. Those fresh sweet potatoes taste so much better than the supermarket versions, and it really shows in your final dish.
Splurge on the heavy cream here—nothing replaces the rich, creamy texture it gives that cheesy sweet potato bake vibe.
Want a budget-friendly alternative? Swap half the cheddar with a good quality mozzarella or Monterey Jack and use milk mixed with a little butter instead of cream. You’ll still get heaps of flavor without breaking the bank.
Pro tip: Slice your sweet potatoes just before cooking to avoid browning and store them in cold water if prepping ahead. This keeps your Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes spot-on fresh and ready for that kitchen magic.
If you love bold flavor adventures, check out this baked scalloped sweet potato casserole recipe for a twist on cheesy scalloped potatoes with a comforting vibe.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Ready to conquer the bold layers of this Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes? Let’s get into it.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is your ticket to creamy scalloped potatoes perfection.
- Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Don’t be shy—this layers up your Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with buttery goodness that helps everything meld.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pro tip for Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes perfection: don’t brown the garlic—it’ll turn bitter and throw off your flavor bomb.
- Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring it to a gentle simmer and remove from heat.
- Layer half of the sweet potato slices in your dish. Pour half of your garlic cream mixture over the top, and sprinkle with half the cheddar and Parmesan.
- Repeat the layers—sweet potatoes, garlic cream, cheese. Your Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes are starting to take shape!
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes to get that golden cheese crust.
- Check for tenderness by poking the sweet potatoes with a fork. If it slides in easily, you know your Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is perfectly done.
Don’t stress—your Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is going to be incredible. While it’s baking, grab your camera—this is Instagram gold with those bubbling cheese edges glistening in the oven light.
This is where your Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes transforms into pure magic—a creamy scalloped potatoes dish with a savory garlic kick that outshines typical sweet potato casserole.
If you want to dive deeper into all things sweet potato goodness, this scalloped Yukon Gold and sweet potato gratin offers a luxe variation that’s right up this flavor alley.
Presentation:
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes at dinner parties. The ooey-gooey layers and golden crust scream celebration, making it so much more than your everyday side. Serve warm, straight from the dish, scraping down to those melty bottom edges.
For max impact, pair with bold mains like Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes—the sweet meets savory combo is unbeatable. Or, throw down some grilled steak with roasted veggies for an unbeatable flavor journey.
Want to make it Instagram-worthy? Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, then serve on a sleek white platter for that restaurant vibe.

This Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes absolutely slays at holiday tables too—think Thanksgiving or Christmas. I’ve also tested a spicy jalapeño version for summer cookouts, adding fresh heat to a creamy classic.
Got leftovers? No shame here. Transform your Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes into savory breakfast hash by crisping up individual cubes in a skillet and topping with eggs—flavor magic all over again!
If you’re hungry for more bold potato plates, check out these Garlic Steak Bites with Potatoes for a meaty, garlicky hit alongside your creamy scalloped potatoes.
FAQs:
Can I make this Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes spicier?
Absolutely! Add finely diced jalapeños to your cream mixture or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes between layers. I’ve tested this spicy twist, and it adds the perfect heat without overpowering the sweet potato’s natural flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic for my Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes?
Fresh garlic is the real MVP here. But if you must, use high-quality garlic powder sparingly—start with 1 tsp to avoid bitterness. Your flavor won’t be as bold, but it’ll still pack a punch.
How do I know when my Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is perfectly done?
Fork test is your best friend. When the sweet potatoes slide through without resistance, you’re golden. The cheese should be bubbly and golden, with contrasting creamy layers.
Can I prepare Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake directly from the fridge—add 10-15 extra minutes to your cook time for that dreamy creamy scalloped potato texture.
Is there a dairy-free option for this creamy recipe?
Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream and use vegan cheeses. The texture changes but the garlicky layers still deliver.
Why do some sweet potato casseroles get watery, and how do I avoid that here?
Slice the potatoes thin and dry them on paper towels before layering. The thick cream and cheese sauce here prevents wateriness, but prep is key for that melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Can I mix regular potatoes with sweet potatoes?
Definitely! This is a delicious twist to try. You’ll get a mix of creamy scalloped potatoes textures and sweet undertones. Test out recipes like this layers of sweet potatoes, cream, and a kiss of maple—like your favorite casserole that riff on similar layering magic.
My community has raved about these tweaks, and I’m confident you’ll nail them too!
Conclusion:
This Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes stands tall as a testament to Cuba Queen’s fearless flavor philosophy. It’s bold, satisfying, and soaked in the flavors that turn routine meals into unforgettable experiences. Whether you stick to the classic or try bold variations like jalapeño heat, cheesy sweet potato bake overload, or mix in oven roasted sweet potatoes for texture contrast, you’re building a signature dish waiting for applause.
My Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes Power Tips:
- Use fresh garlic to blast flavor layers.
- Don’t skip the two-step bake for melt-in-your-mouth creaminess and crisp cheese topping.
- Thinly slice your potatoes for perfect doneness without mush.
I’ve created creamy, cheesy bakes and tangy herb versions that all get standing ovations. The original Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes, though, always grabs the loudest cheers. It’s your time to make this recipe your joyful kitchen anthem.
Your success with this Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes is guaranteed—you’ve got clear steps, flavor hacks, and a bold recipe that makes magic every time.
Start cooking, start creating memories, and share your results with me! Let’s keep the flavor adventures going together. Remember, bold flavors bring bold celebrations—no excuse for boring dinners here!
Oh, and if this Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try my Chili Garlic Sweet Potatoes next to keep that flavor fire burning.
Garlic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Creamy, garlicky scalloped sweet potatoes baked to perfection, making a flavorful and comforting side dish perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and minced garlic. Warm over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Layer half of the sliced sweet potatoes in the baking dish. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the thyme.
- Pour half of the garlic cream over the sweet potatoes, then sprinkle with half of the Parmesan and Gruyère cheeses.
- Repeat layering with the remaining sweet potatoes, seasonings, cream, and cheeses.
- Dot the top with butter pieces for added richness.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until the top is golden and the potatoes are tender.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra thyme if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk, and consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the warm flavors.

