If you’re craving a comforting side that elevates sweet potatoes to a whole new level, this Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender, thinly sliced sweet potatoes bathed in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, then blanketed with melted gooey cheese to create a golden, irresistible crust. Every bite offers that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and subtly sweet flavors that simply melt in your mouth. Whether you’re making this for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites to serve and savor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small white bowls and containers arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The bowls contain different cooking ingredients, including a bowl with shredded yellow cheese, one with white cubed butter, one with chopped white onions, another with finely chopped garlic, a small bowl with diced bread pieces, one with fresh green herbs, and a bowl of white rice. Next to the bowls is a clear glass container with a light brown liquid and another with white milk. Two whole sweet potatoes, one orange and one white, are placed near the top right corner. The scene looks bright and clean, with all items carefully laid out for preparing a recipe. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create such an indulgent dish. Each one plays an essential role in layering flavor, creating creamy texture, and giving that irresistible look to this Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe.

3–4 medium sweet potatoes, thinly sliced: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and a vibrant orange color that brightens the plate.
1 cup heavy cream: This adds luxurious creaminess and helps meld all the flavors together.
1 cup shredded gruyere or cheddar: Choose your favorite cheese for that melty, savory punch that makes au gratin dishes unforgettable.
1/2 cup parmesan: Adds a sharp, nutty depth and helps create a crisp, golden topping.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the cream with aromatic flavor, balancing sweetness with savory notes.
1 tsp thyme: A touch of herbaceous warmth that complements the rich cream and sweet potatoes beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Simple but vital seasonings that bring all the elements to life.
Optional: breadcrumbs for topping: For an extra crispy texture if you love a crunchy finish.

How to Make Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to get things hot and ready. Grease your baking dish well—this not only prevents sticking but also helps develop a nice golden crust on the edges of your potatoes.

Step 2: Slice the Sweet Potatoes

Use a mandoline if you have one for perfectly uniform, thin slices. Uniform slices ensure even cooking and an elegant layered look. If not, take your time to slice them as evenly as possible by hand to avoid any pieces being undercooked or mushy.

Step 3: Layer the Sweet Potatoes

Arrange the slices in overlapping layers in your prepared dish. This layering traps flavor and allows the cream and cheese to seep between every slice for maximum creaminess and cheesiness.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream with the minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir it well to meld the flavors. Pour this aromatic cream mixture evenly over the layered sweet potatoes, making sure every slice is moistened.

Step 5: Add the Cheese Toppings

Sprinkle the shredded gruyere or cheddar evenly over the top, followed by a generous layer of parmesan. If you’re craving some crunch, now’s the moment to sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese to create that perfect crispy finish.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover your dish tightly with foil to trap the steam. Bake it for 40 minutes, allowing the sweet potatoes to soften beautifully while the cream thickens and flavors meld.

Step 7: Uncover and Finish Baking

Remove the foil and bake the dish for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. This step is crucial as it lets the cheese brown and bubble, developing that golden crust that makes a Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe so irresistible.

How to Serve Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

The dish is a round white ceramic plate filled with a layered potato casserole. Thin slices of yellow and orange potatoes are arranged in neat overlapping circles, creating a spiral pattern from the edge to the center. The top layer is golden brown, crispy, and slightly bubbly, with a sprinkle of green herbs on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or finely chopped parsley works wonders to add a fresh, green contrast against the rich, cheesy layers. You can even add a light dusting of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky kick and a pop of color.

Side Dishes

This Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey or chicken, or even alongside a vibrant green salad to balance the richness. It’s perfect for festive dinners but also makes a fantastic companion for simple weeknight meals.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in ramekins for a charming presentation, or layer the gratin in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic touch. You could even add layers of caramelized onions between the sweet potatoes for an unexpected sweetness and extra texture that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your leftover Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers a delicious treat in their own right.

Freezing

If you want to freeze portions, it’s best to do so before baking. Assemble the dish as directed, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed until bubbling and golden.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, uncovered, so the cheese topping crisps back up beautifully. Microwaving is an option but may result in a softer top layer, so for best results, stick with the oven method.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! While this recipe highlights sweet potatoes for their natural sweetness and vibrant color, regular potatoes work wonderfully as well. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly.

What cheese works best for Au Gratin?

Gruyere and cheddar are classic choices because they melt smoothly and add great flavor. Parmesan adds sharpness and helps create a crispy top. Feel free to experiment with your favorites for a unique twist.

Is this dish gluten-free?

The core recipe is gluten-free as it uses no flour or wheat ingredients. Just be cautious with the breadcrumbs topping—swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit entirely if needed.

Can I make this vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and use vegan cheese alternatives. The garlic and thyme will still shine through for great flavor.

How thin should I slice the sweet potatoes?

Slices about 1/8 inch thick work best for even cooking and layering. Using a mandoline slicer is a great way to get consistent slices effortlessly.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe is pure comfort food magic that transforms humble ingredients into a dish you’ll treasure. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, it’s guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your table. Give it a try and discover why this cheesy, creamy, and subtly sweet casserole is quickly becoming a beloved classic.

Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 62 reviews

Author: Amelia
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin is a comforting side dish featuring layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes baked in a rich, creamy garlic sauce topped with melted gruyere and parmesan cheeses. This creamy, cheesy twist on the classic au gratin delivers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, ideal for holiday dinners or family meals.

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes

3–4 medium sweet potatoes, thinly sliced

Cream Sauce

1 cup heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste

Cheese Topping

1 cup shredded gruyere or cheddar cheese
1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Optional

Breadcrumbs for topping

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Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Layer Sweet Potatoes: Arrange the thinly sliced sweet potatoes evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating an overlapping layered effect.
Make Cream Sauce: In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, minced garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly to infuse the flavors and season to taste.
Pour Cream Over Potatoes: Evenly pour the cream mixture over the layered sweet potatoes, ensuring all slices are coated to achieve a creamy texture.
Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded gruyere (or cheddar) and parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the dish for a golden, cheesy crust.
Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to let the potatoes soften and absorb the flavors.
Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, signaling the dish is ready.

Notes

Add caramelized onions for extra sweetness and depth of flavor.
Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin slices that cook evenly.
Substitute gruyere with cheddar for a sharper taste or adjust cheese types to preference.
Breadcrumbs can be added on top before the final bake for added texture.

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