Herbed Sweet Potato Au Gratin

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

This Herbed Sweet Potato Au Gratin is the perfect comfort food for the fall season. With creamy layers of sweet potatoes and fragrant herbs, it's a dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table.

Ingredients for Herbed Sweet Potato Au Gratin

Sweet potatoes are the star of this dish, providing natural sweetness and vibrant color. Heavy cream brings richness, making the gratin indulgent. Fresh rosemary and thyme add earthy, aromatic notes that complement the sweetness. Garlic gives a savory depth, while salt and black pepper balance the flavors. Parmesan cheese creates a crispy, cheesy layer on top. Butter is used to grease the dish, preventing sticking and adding flavor. Finally, a touch of nutmeg enhances the creaminess with a subtle warmth.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a mandoline slicer for even sweet potato slices; it saves time and ensures uniform cooking.
  • Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor; dried can be used in a pinch, but reduce the quantity by half.
  • If you like a little extra crunch, add breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan for the last 15 minutes of baking.
  • Make it a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat before serving. The flavors meld beautifully overnight.

Serving Suggestions

This gratin pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or turkey, making it an excellent side for holiday meals. For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside a hearty green salad or a platter of roasted vegetables. A crisp white wine or a light-bodied red complements the dish beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can, but the flavor profile will change significantly. Regular potatoes are less sweet, so you may want to add a touch more nutmeg or even a pinch of sugar.
Can I substitute another cheese for Parmesan?
Certainly! Gruyère or cheddar would work well. Keep in mind they will alter the flavor slightly.
Is there a dairy-free version?
You can use coconut cream or a cashew cream as a substitute for heavy cream, and nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor, but the texture will be different.

Herbed Sweet Potato Au Gratin Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it's warming up, take a moment to grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with some softened butter. This helps prevent sticking and adds a bit of flavor.

In a bowl, combine the heavy cream with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. This mixture will be the flavorful base for your gratin.

Now, layer half of your thinly sliced sweet potatoes in the prepared baking dish. Overlap them slightly, like you’re dealing out a deck of cards. Pour half of your cream mixture over these slices, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle half of the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

Repeat the process with the remaining sweet potatoes, cream mixture, and Parmesan. Once everything is layered, cover the dish with foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly.

Bake in the oven for 45 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and let it bake for another 15 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown, bubbly top that signals deliciousness!

Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help everything settle and make it easier to slice.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines savory herbs with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes.
  • Easy to prepare and perfect for holiday gatherings.
  • Rich and creamy, but not overly heavy.
  • A beautiful golden crust that adds a delightful crunch.
  • Can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining.

Ingredients

Sweet potatoes
3 lbs
Thinly sliced
Heavy cream
2 cups
Fresh rosemary
1 tsp
Chopped
Fresh thyme
1 tsp
Chopped
Garlic
3 cloves
Minced
Salt
1 tsp
Black pepper
1/2 tsp
Parmesan cheese
1 cup
Grated
Butter
2 tbsp
Softened
Nutmeg
1/4 tsp

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a bowl, mix heavy cream, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
3. Arrange half of the sliced sweet potatoes in the baking dish, overlapping slightly.
4. Pour half of the cream mixture over the sweet potatoes and sprinkle with half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Layer the remaining sweet potatoes on top and repeat with the remaining cream mixture and Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!