Easy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe Perfect for Thanksgiving Dinner
A simple, cozy, and creamy sweet potato gratin that is perfect for Thanksgiving or any comforting meal. Layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes, sharp cheddar, Gruyère cheese, and rich cream baked to a golden crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 2–3 mm thick)
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- A pinch of ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter your 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish generously, coating the bottom and sides well.
- Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into thin rounds, about 2-3 mm thick. Use a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife for uniform slices.
- In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream with garlic powder, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Whisk gently until blended.
- Layer the sweet potatoes in the baking dish, slightly overlapping. After every 3-4 layers, sprinkle a portion of the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses evenly over the potatoes.
- Once all potatoes and cheese are layered, slowly pour the cream mixture evenly over the top. Use a spoon to gently press down on the potatoes to help soak in the cream.
- Brush the top layer with melted butter to encourage a golden, crispy crust during baking.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
- Let the gratin rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the cream to thicken and the layers to set.
Notes
Cover the dish with foil for the first 40 minutes to prevent the top from browning too quickly. Let the gratin rest before serving to help it set and slice cleanly. Use fresh shredded cheese for better melting and texture. For a crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed pecans before baking. This recipe can be made vegan by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk and using plant-based cheese alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (200 gra
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: sweet potato gratin, Thanksgiving side dish, creamy sweet potatoes, cheesy gratin, holiday recipes, easy gratin recipe