Savory Herb and Goat Cheese Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a dish that looks as soothing as a cozy blanket but tastes bright and alive with herbs. Savory herb and goat cheese scalloped sweet potatoes is exactly that kind of recipe — a creamy, fragrant bake that celebrates the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes while adding tangy, aromatic layers from goat cheese and fresh herbs. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight, yet special enough to serve to guests or at a holiday table. In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step, share tips to customize it to your tastes, and even offer a quick nutrition snapshot so you can plan your plate with confidence.

What you can expect from this recipe: a creamy, herb-forward gratin with buttery notes, a gentle garlic lift, and a delicate crust on top. The goat cheese brings a subtle tang that doesn’t overwhelm the dish, while the herb blend — rosemary and thyme in particular — brightens each bite. It’s a dish you can assemble quickly and bake while you finish up other sides, or you can prepare in advance and bake when you’re ready to eat. Either way, you’ll taste a balance of earthy sweetness and savory depth that makes this scalloped sweet potato dish a crowd-pleaser.

Table of contents

Why You’ll Love This Savory Herb and Goat Cheese Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
What You’ll Need in the Kitchen: Ingredients for Savory Herb and Goat Cheese Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Savory Herb and Goat Cheese Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
Timing & Preparation Details
Nutritional Snapshot
Frequently Asked Questions
Savory Herb and Goat Cheese Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Why You’ll Love This Savory Herb and Goat Cheese Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

This variation on classic scalloped potatoes leans into the seasonal glow of sweet potatoes while introducing a refined herb profile and creamy, tangy goat cheese. Here’s what makes it special and why it tends to become a favorite in households that enjoy comforting, flavorful sides:

Flavor harmony: The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs beautifully with the tangy goat cheese and the warm, earthy notes of rosemary and thyme, creating a well-rounded bite in every forkful.
Creamy texture with a touch of crust: A rich dairy base soothes the starch, while the final bake creates a light, golden top that adds texture without being heavy.
Versatile pairing: This dish works alongside roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or a holiday feast with cranberry and roasted vegetables.
Make-ahead friendly: You can assemble, refrigerate, and bake later in the day, which makes entertaining easier and less rushed.
Herb-forward brightness: The herbs lift the dish from comforting to memorable, making it feel special without needing a long list of ingredients.

Whether you’re cooking for a small family dinner or preparing a festive side, this recipe offers a warm, approachable method to deliver something a little luxurious with everyday ingredients. The steps are straightforward, and the results are consistently satisfying, with the right balance of creamy, crisp, and herbaceous notes.

What You’ll Need in the Kitchen: Ingredients for Savory Herb and Goat Cheese Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Here’s a complete lineup of ingredients, with a quick note on what each brings to the dish. If you’re missing one element, you can often improvise with a similar herb or a touch more cheese to keep the balance.

Sweet potatoes — the star of the show. Their natural sweetness is mellowed by the creamy layers and herbs; slice them as thin as you can for even cooking.
Goat cheese — adds tang and creaminess that brightens the dairy base without overpowering the dish. Crumble evenly to distribute flavor in every bite.
Heavy cream and milk — create a silky, binding sauce that keeps the potatoes tender and coats each layer with richness. A 1:1 ratio gives a velvety mouthfeel.
Butter — a little goes a long way to add gloss and flavor; helps the top brown nicely when baked uncovered.
Garlic — a gentle lift that pairs with the herbs and enhances depth without stealing the show.
Fresh rosemary and thyme — the fragrant duo that gives the dish its signature herbal perfume. Fresh is best for vibrancy.
Salt and pepper — essential seasoning to bring out sweetness in the potatoes and balance the tang of goat cheese.
Nutmeg (optional) — a light pinch adds warmth that echoes fall flavors, but feel free to skip if you’re not fond of nutmeg.
Parmesan (optional) for topping — a final crusty lattice of flavor that many people adore for the extra color and savoriness.

If you’re short on time, you can pre-slice the sweet potatoes and have everything ready in the fridge. The layering is forgiving, and the dish keeps well if you need to pause before baking.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Savory Herb and Goat Cheese Scalloped Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium baking dish with a bit of butter or oil.
In a small saucepan, gently warm the cream, milk, and melted butter until you see tiny bubbles. Do not bring to a boil; you just want a smooth, warm base.
Stir in garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg. Let the flavors mingle on low heat for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Arrange a single layer of thinly sliced sweet potatoes in the dish. Lightly salt and pepper this layer for even seasoning.
Pour a portion of the warm dairy mixture over the potatoes, then sprinkle with a third of the goat cheese. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of dairy and goat cheese. If you like, finish with parmesan for extra crustiness.
Cover with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes until the potatoes are tender when pierced.
Remove the foil, increase the oven to 400°F (200°C), and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to settle.

Timing & Preparation Details

Active prep time: about 15 minutes to slice the potatoes, mix the dairy base, and measure seasonings.
Hands-off bake time: 45–55 minutes total (including covered and uncovered phases).
Make-ahead option: Assemble up to the point of baking, refrigerate covered, then bake when ready. It will take a bit longer in the oven, so plan for 60–75 minutes total if starting from cold.
Ready to enjoy: After the final 10–15 minute uncovered bake, let the dish rest briefly and serve warm for the best texture and flavor release.

Nutritional Snapshot

Per serving (about 1/4 of the dish): roughly 320 calories, 9 g protein, 28 g carbohydrates, 18 g fat, 2 g fiber, and 6 g sugar. This balance provides a comforting portion without being overly heavy. If you adjust the dairy or cheese quantity, you can tailor the richness to your preference while keeping a similar flavor profile. For a lighter version, consider using part-skim milk and reducing the goat cheese slightly, then adding a squeeze of lemon at the end to brighten the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead and bake it later?

Yes. You can assemble the layers and dairy mixture, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake longer to account for the chill in the dish, typically 60–75 minutes at 375°F (190°C) with the foil on, then uncover and finish as directed.

What if I don’t have goat cheese on hand?

Grated mozzarella or a mild feta can be good substitutes, offering creaminess or tang in a slightly different way. If you use feta, reduce the salt a touch since feta can be saltier. For a lactose-free option, use a plant-based cream and a tangy almond-based cheese with herbs.

Can I add additional vegetables or herbs?

Absolutely. Slices of parsnip or thinly sliced fennel can add sweetness and perfume. If you’re adding additional greens like spinach, layer them between the potato slices and adjust the dairy slightly to ensure there’s enough moisture for even cooking.