Scalloped Sweet Potatoes and Apple

Ingredients

• 300 g (2 cups)sweet potatoes, cut into 1.3 cm slices
• 100 g (½ cup)brown sugar
• 5 g (1 tsp)salt
• 190 g (1½ cups)tart apples, sliced
• 57 g (4 tbsp)butter

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven

   Heat the oven to 175°C (350°F).

2. 2

   Layer the potatoes

   Butter a baking dish, then arrange half of the sweet potato slices in it.

3. 3

   Add the apples

   Cover the potato layer with half of the sliced apples.

4. 4

   Season the layer

   Sprinkle over half of the salt.

5. 5

   Repeat the layers

   Make a second layer with the remaining sweet potatoes, apples and salt, following the same order.

6. 6

   Bake until tender

   Bake for 1 hour.

What are scalloped sweet potatoes?

Scalloped dishes are made by layering thinly sliced ingredients in a baking dish and cooking them until tender. This American-style version pairs sweet potatoes with tart apples and brown sugar.

The contrast between earthy potatoes and sharp fruit keeps the bake from tasting one-note, while butter helps the layers soften as they cook.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 230 calories, 1g protein, 37g carbs, 9g fat.

The sweet potatoes, apples and brown sugar provide most of the carbohydrates, while the butter supplies most of the fat. There is relatively little protein, so serve a portion with a protein-rich main and vegetables to round out the plate.

Choosing the ingredients

Sweet potatoes: Cut them into evenly sized slices, about 1.3 cm thick, so they cook at a similar rate.

Apples: Choose a firm, tart variety that will hold its shape during baking and balance the brown sugar.

Building even layers

First layer: Spread the slices across the buttered dish rather than piling them in one spot. This helps the heat reach the potatoes evenly.

Second layer: Divide the apples and salt between the layers as directed, keeping the arrangement fairly level.

Checking for doneness

The recipe gives a baking time of 1 hour at 175°C (350°F). Near the end, test a potato slice with a knife; it should be tender enough for the blade to pass through easily.

If the potatoes are still firm, continue baking until tender. The dish is ready when the fruit and potatoes have softened together.

Making the most of the butter

Butter the baking dish before adding the first layer, as the method specifies. Spread it over the base and sides to help prevent sticking.

The recipe lists 4 tablespoons of butter but does not say how to divide it between the layers. Use it to butter the dish, without adding extra unless needed.

Serving the bake

Serve it warm alongside roast meat, baked beans or a savoury main course. Its sweet fruit and sugar make it especially suited to a meal with salty or savoury flavours.

For a balanced plate, pair a portion with a protein-rich main and a green vegetable.

Recipe notes & tips

• Slice the sweet potatoes to a consistent thickness for more even cooking.
• Use firm, tart apples so the fruit keeps some structure in the oven.
• Butter the base and sides of the baking dish before assembling the layers.
• Divide the salt evenly between the two layers as directed.
• Test a potato slice with a knife before taking the dish out of the oven.

Variations

• Add cinnamon: Sprinkle a little between the layers for a warm, spiced flavour.
• Use a different apple: Choose another firm, tart variety if sour apples are unavailable.
• Add nutmeg: Dust the layers lightly with nutmeg for an aromatic note.
• Add pecans: Scatter chopped pecans over the top for a crunchy finish.
• Reduce the sweetness: Use less brown sugar for a more restrained sweet flavour.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Uneven slices: Cut the potatoes to a consistent thickness so they soften together.
• Crowded layers: Spread the slices evenly in the dish rather than piling them into a mound.
• Skipping the butter: Butter the dish first to help keep the layers from sticking.
• Assuming the timer guarantees doneness: Check a potato slice with a knife before serving.
• Using very sweet apples: Choose tart fruit to balance the brown sugar.

How to store

Cool leftovers, cover them and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a covered ovenproof dish at 160°C until hot throughout, or microwave individual portions.

Frequently asked questions