Name: Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled; 2 tbsp avocado oil; 2 shallots, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup almond milk (or regular milk); 6 oz Gruyere cheese, shredded

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 1 review

There is nothing quite as comforting and delicious as a warm, cheesy side that toasted notes of sweet vegetables with a nutty, melty cheese top. This Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe is a shining example of cozy flavor magic, layering thinly sliced sweet potatoes with aromatic herbs, savory shallots, and a rich Gruyere cheese finish. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight yet elegant enough to serve for a holiday spread. Whether you’re a sweet potato fan or a cheese lover, this dish brings them together in perfect harmony, making every bite a little celebration of texture and taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white ceramic dish filled with three layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes arranged in a spiral pattern. Each slice is slightly overlapping the next, displaying vibrant orange flesh with darker orange edges mixed with light brown skin. The texture of the slices is smooth, with some natural skin roughness present. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, and the overall look is neat and orderly, highlighting the natural colors and shapes of the sweet potatoes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish truly irresistible. Each item contributes not only to the rich layers of flavor but also enhances the texture and color, turning simple sweet potatoes into a stunning crowd-pleaser.

3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled: The star ingredient, offering natural sweetness and a creamy texture when baked.
2 tbsp avocado oil: A neutral oil that gently sautés the shallots without overpowering flavors.
2 shallots, diced: Adds a delicate onion flavor that softens into sweetness as it cooks.
2 cloves minced garlic: Brings a fragrant punch that complements the richness of the dish.
1/2 tsp nutmeg: A warm spice that subtly elevates the sweet potatoes without being too bold.
1 tsp dried thyme: Adds an earthy, slightly minty note to balance the sweetness.
1 tsp salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors in the gratin.
1/4 tsp pepper: Just enough to give a little bite and complexity.
1/4 cup almond milk (or regular): Keeps the dish creamy and light while binding the spices and potatoes.
6 oz Gruyere cheese, shredded: The crowning glory, melting perfectly to create that irresistible golden crust.

How to Make Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Sweet Potatoes

Start by heating your oven to 350°F and greasing an 8×11 baking dish to prevent sticking. Then peel and slice your sweet potatoes very thinly—about 1/8 inch is perfect. This ensures they cook evenly and get tender without being mushy. Layer the slices close together in the dish, allowing slight overlap to build the gratin’s structure and give every bite a luscious chew.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Spices

In a saucepan over medium-high heat, warm the avocado oil and toss in the diced shallots. Sauté for about two minutes until fragrant and soft. Add the garlic, nutmeg, thyme, salt, and pepper, letting the mixture cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until everything melds into a savory base. This step breathes life into the spices and infuses the dish with delicious warmth.

Step 3: Combine Milk and Pour Over Potatoes

Turn off the heat and stir in almond milk to create a silky spiced sauce. Pour this evenly over your arranged sweet potatoes—this liquid is what will give your gratin its creamy, rich texture as it bakes.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake

Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese liberally on top of the potatoes. Cover the dish with foil to keep the moisture in, and bake for 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes to allow the top to set and the potatoes to soften fully.

Step 5: Broil for a Golden Finish and Rest

Switch your oven to broil and carefully watch as you brown the cheese for about 4 minutes until it develops a tantalizing golden crust. Keep a close eye to avoid burning. Finally, let your gratin sit for 20 minutes off the heat to let everything set up before serving. This resting period enhances the flavors and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe

A white round baking dish shows a layered sweet potato gratin with thin orange slices arranged in overlapping concentric layers, topped with melted and slightly browned pale cheese with a shredded texture, and garnished with small green parsley leaves scattered on top. The edges of the sweet potato slices are a bit crisped and browned, adding texture contrast. A silver fork rests on the right side of the dish, poking into the layers. The dish sits on a soft peach-colored cloth with subtle woven stripes, placed on a white marbled surface. In the upper right corner, a glass of deep red wine is partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten your gratin’s rich flavors with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or chopped chives on top. These add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that perfectly balances the savory and cheesy notes of the dish.

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, as well as simple green salads to contrast its richness. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside steamed greens or a hearty lentil stew.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, spoon the gratin into smaller ramekins for individual servings or add a crunchy breadcrumb topping mixed with herbs for an extra textural contrast. You could even layer thin slices of apple or pear between sweet potatoes for added sweetness and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen, making leftovers just as delicious—and sometimes even better—the next day.

Freezing

This gratin freezes well! Cover it securely with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain its texture and prevent sogginess.

Reheating

Reheat your gratin in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 20–25 minutes. If you want to revive the golden cheese topping, finish with a quick broil at the end while monitoring closely.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Absolutely! Regular milk works just as well in this Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe and will create a similarly creamy texture. Almond milk is just a great dairy-free alternative.

How thin should I slice the sweet potatoes?

Slicing about 1/8 inch thick is ideal. Thin slices ensure the potatoes cook fully while layering nicely without becoming mushy.

What can I substitute for Gruyere cheese?

If you don’t have Gruyere, try Swiss cheese, fontina, or even a mild cheddar. These cheeses melt beautifully and offer a similar nutty flavor profile.

Can I make this dish vegan?

To make a vegan version, replace the Gruyere with a plant-based cheese that melts well and use almond or any other non-dairy milk. Adjust seasonings to taste for best results.

Is this dish suitable for holidays?

Definitely! The Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe is elegant and hearty enough to be a show-stopping holiday side that everyone will ask for again.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe is your new best friend. The balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors combined with easy preparation makes it a go-to for weeknights or special occasions alike. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor every comforting bite!