If you’re searching for a comforting, beautifully layered dish that combines creamy textures with the natural sweetness of root vegetables, look no further than Sweet Potato Gratin. This dish elevates humble sweet potatoes into something truly special, with layers of tender slices bathed in a luscious cream and cheese mixture that bake until golden and bubbling. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or festive occasions, guaranteed to delight anyone lucky enough to dig in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet bring so much depth to the dish. Each component plays a crucial role, from the velvety cream to the nutty cheeses and fragrant herbs, ensuring every bite of this Sweet Potato Gratin bursts with flavor and rich texture.
- 3 large sweet potatoes peeled and sliced ⅛ inch thick: Thin slices ensure even cooking and a delicate layered texture.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme roughly chopped: Adds a gentle herbaceous note that complements the richness beautifully.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese shredded: Brings a sharp, savory bite that melts into the creamy layers.
- 1 ½ cups shredded Gouda cheese: Soft and buttery, it adds a luscious melting quality with a mild smoky twist.
- ¾ cup milk: Lightens the cream and helps create the perfect silky sauce.
- ¾ cup heavy cream: Provides richness and helps bind the gratin together with indulgent creaminess.
How to Make Sweet Potato Gratin
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a cast iron skillet to prevent sticking and ensure the gratin develops a wonderful crust. The choice of cast iron is perfect for even heat distribution and that golden browned top we all adore.
Step 2: Combine Cream and Milk
Mix together the heavy cream and milk in a bowl until blended smoothly. This creamy mixture will soak into the sweet potato layers, resulting in a tender and luscious texture with every bite.
Step 3: Layer the Sweet Potatoes
Arrange a layer of thin sweet potato slices evenly in the skillet. Drizzle a few tablespoons of the cream mixture over the potatoes, then season with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme. Dust this layer with a portion of the shredded parmesan and Gouda cheeses. Repeat this layering process, building up 6 to 8 layers in total. Press down gently on the layers to ensure the sweet potatoes are fully submerged in the cream mixture, helping them cook evenly and absorb maximum flavor. Top with extra cheese for an irresistibly cheesy crust.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover the skillet and bake for 30 minutes. This step steams the potatoes to fork-tender perfection while preventing the top from browning too soon.
Step 5: Uncover and Brown
Remove the cover and continue to bake for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, or until all the cream has been absorbed, the layers are cooked through, and the surface is beautifully browned and bubbling. This final phase creates that signature golden crust that makes a Sweet Potato Gratin so irresistible.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the gratin to rest for 15 minutes. This little pause helps everything set up nicely, making it easier to cut perfect slices and enhancing the flavors as they meld together.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Gratin
Garnishes
Keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a handful of chopped parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of browned butter on top can also add an unexpected richness that deepens the cozy vibe of this dish.
Side Dishes
Sweet Potato Gratin pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, adding a creamy, sweet contrast that balances savory mains. For a vegetarian spread, serve alongside sautéed greens or a crisp arugula salad to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, try baking individual portions in small ramekins or cast iron skillets. Layered neatly, these personal gratins make a stunning centerpiece for dinner parties and let everyone enjoy their own perfectly cheesy helping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Sweet Potato Gratin tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or holiday meals.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your gratin gently in a 350-degree oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top again, bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While this recipe shines with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, using regular potatoes will give you a more traditional gratin with a different but equally delicious flavor.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives like coconut cream and dairy-free cheese, but keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary slightly from the classic version.
Can I prepare the gratin the day before baking?
Yes, assembling the gratin in advance and refrigerating it overnight can actually help the flavors meld. Just remember to bake it a bit longer if it’s cold from the fridge.
What type of cheese works best in Sweet Potato Gratin?
Using a combination of parmesan for sharpness and Gouda for creaminess creates the perfect balance. You can experiment with Gruyère or mozzarella, but the original blend offers the best melt and flavor.
How do I avoid the gratin from being watery?
Make sure your cream-to-potato ratio is balanced and press the layers gently to ensure the potatoes absorb the liquid. Also, baking uncovered for the final phase helps evaporate excess moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Gratin has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it combines simplicity with pure deliciousness in such a comforting way. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a special occasion side, I can’t recommend giving it a try enough — it’s one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Potato Gratin is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting casserole featuring thinly sliced sweet potatoes layered with thyme, Parmesan, and Gouda cheeses, all soaked in a rich cream and milk mixture. Baked to golden perfection in a cast iron skillet, this dish makes a perfect side for holiday dinners or cozy family meals.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced ⅛ inch thick (about 2 pounds)
Seasonings
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, roughly chopped
Cheeses
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ cups Gouda cheese, shredded (preferably Roth Gouda wedges)
Dairy Mixture
- ¾ cup milk
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Skillet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a cast iron skillet to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Mix Cream and Milk: In a bowl, combine the heavy cream and milk; set this mixture aside for layering.
- Layer Sweet Potatoes: Arrange a layer of sliced sweet potatoes evenly in the skillet. Drizzle several tablespoons of the cream mixture over the potatoes. Season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and sprinkle some fresh thyme. Dust with a portion of both Parmesan and Gouda cheeses.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering the sweet potatoes, cream mixture, seasonings, and cheeses, forming 6 to 8 layers total. Press down firmly on the layers to ensure the potatoes are fully submerged in the cream mixture. Top the final layer with additional cheese if desired.
- Bake Covered: Cover the skillet and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the potatoes to start softening.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, until the cream is mostly absorbed, the sweet potatoes are tender, and the top is nicely browned and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the gratin from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes to set before serving. This will help the layers hold together and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- Use a mandoline for uniform sweet potato slices to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste—sweet potatoes pair well with a bit of salt and herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving.
- To make it gluten-free, confirm that the cheeses used do not contain any additives with gluten.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
