Imagine a dish that combines the creamy, velvety texture of sweet potatoes with a golden, crispy cheese topping that melts in your mouth. Our Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin is not just a side dish—it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and peel them using a vegetable peeler. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the sweet potatoes into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick.
- In a small bowl, mix the heavy cream with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
- Layer the sweet potato slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice to create an even, organized pattern. Pour the seasoned cream mixture evenly over the sweet potato layers.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the top of the sweet potato layers, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Slice Uniformity is Key: Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to ensure your sweet potato slices are consistently thin (about 1/8 inch). This guarantees even cooking and a beautiful layered presentation.
- Cream Matters: Use full-fat heavy cream for the richest, most luxurious texture. The higher fat content helps create a smoother, more decadent sauce.
- Cheese Selection: While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, experiment with a blend like Gruyère and sharp cheddar for a more complex flavor profile.
- Prevent Burning: Covering the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes prevents the top from browning too quickly while ensuring the sweet potatoes cook through.
- Resting Time is Crucial: Allow the gratin to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes cutting and serving much easier.
- Optional Enhancements: Sprinkle some fresh thyme or rosemary between layers for an aromatic twist, or add crispy bacon bits for extra indulgence.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 391kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 100mg
