Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and Savory Balance – The sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy, savory cheese sauce.
Creamy and Comforting – The creamy texture of the sauce combined with the soft, tender sweet potatoes makes every bite irresistible.
Perfectly Crispy Top – The golden, bubbly cheese crust adds a satisfying crunch to the creamy layers beneath.
Great for Holidays or Special Occasions – This dish makes an impressive addition to any holiday meal or gathering.
Easy to Prepare – While it may seem fancy, this recipe is simple to make and uses basic ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
Heavy cream
Milk
Butter
Garlic, minced
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Gruyère cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Cream Sauce – In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the heavy cream, milk, and fresh thyme or rosemary (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Layer the Sweet Potatoes – Arrange a layer of sliced sweet potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour a portion of the cream sauce over the top and sprinkle with a mix of cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the process until all the sweet potatoes are layered, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Bake – Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve – Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like sage or rosemary for a more fragrant dish.
Cheese Choices: Try using different cheeses like fontina, mozzarella, or even a smoky gouda for different flavors.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutmeg: A dash of nutmeg in the cream sauce adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
Add-ins: For added texture, you can mix in sautéed onions, leeks, or spinach.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Let the dish cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes, but the flavor and texture will be different. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that regular potatoes do not.

Can I make Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking.

What type of cheese is best for this dish?

A blend of cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan gives a good balance of sharpness, creaminess, and saltiness. However, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, fontina, or even goat cheese for a unique twist.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream and milk with non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk. For the cheese, try a dairy-free cheese blend or nutritional yeast.

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are cooked?

To check if the sweet potatoes are tender, insert a fork or knife into the center. If it goes in easily, they are done. The top should also be golden and bubbly.

Can I freeze Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing, and store it in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How can I make the top extra crispy?

For a crunchier topping, sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese on top in the last 10 minutes of baking, or broil it for a few minutes at the end for a golden, crispy finish.

Can I use other root vegetables with sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can mix in other root vegetables like parsnips, carrots, or butternut squash for a unique twist. Just make sure to slice them thinly so they cook evenly.

Can I add meat to Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin?

Yes, you can add cooked bacon, sausage, or even ground beef to the layers for a more substantial dish.

What should I serve with Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin?

This dish pairs well with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or ham, as well as a crisp green salad.

Conclusion

Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. This dish is aforting weeknight dinner. With its rich flavor and golden, crispy top, it’s sure to be a favorite in your recipe collection

Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin is a decadent and comforting dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Topped with a golden, crispy cheese crust, this dish is perfect for special occasions, holiday dinners, or as a delicious side for any meal. Simple to prepare yet full of flavor, Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Cream Sauce – In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, milk, and fresh thyme or rosemary (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Layer the Sweet Potatoes – Arrange a layer of sliced sweet potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Pour a portion of the cream sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the process until all sweet potatoes are layered, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Bake – Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve – Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Herb Variations: Try using sage or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
Cheese Choices: You can experiment with other cheeses like fontina, mozzarella, or gouda for different flavors.
Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cream sauce for some heat.
Add-ins: Mix in sautéed onions, leeks, or spinach for extra texture.

Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American