Name: Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
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 pepper; 1/4 cup almond milk (or regular milk); 6 oz Gruyere cheese, shredded

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 89 reviews

If you’re craving a comforting dish that brings together creamy, savory, and subtly sweet flavors, this Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes marry perfectly with a luscious blend of spiced shallots, garlic, and nutmeg, all topped with rich, melting Gruyere cheese. Each bite is a delightful mix of velvety texture and cheesy goodness that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, this gratin steals the show with its beautiful golden crust and irresistibly creamy interior.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round dish filled with thinly sliced orange sweet potatoes arranged in overlapping circular layers. The slices show the natural smooth texture of the sweet potato with their peel edges visible, forming a spiral pattern that starts from the center and goes to the edges. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe lies in its simple but purposeful ingredient list. Every component adds a crucial note to the overall harmony—whether it’s the natural sweetness of the potatoes, the aromatic punch from the spices, or the creamy texture from the cheese and almond milk.

3 lbs sweet potatoes: The star of the dish, providing sweetness and a tender texture when baked.
2 tbsp avocado oil: A mild, healthy oil that helps soften the shallots and garlic without overpowering their flavor.
2 shallots, diced: Adds a delicate onion flavor with a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the potatoes.
2 cloves minced garlic: Gives a subtle but essential depth to the savory profile.
1/2 tsp nutmeg: Introduces warm, nutty undertones that perfectly complement the sweet potato’s flavor.
1 tsp dried thyme: Brings a light herbal note for balance.
1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and makes the dish pop.
1/4 tsp pepper: Adds just enough spice to round out the seasoning.
1/4 cup almond milk (or regular): Keeps the gratin moist and creamy without heaviness.
6 oz Gruyere cheese, shredded: The crowning glory that melts into a bubbly golden crust with a nutty, rich flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Slice the Sweet Potatoes

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease an 8×11-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Next, carefully peel your sweet potatoes and slice them as thinly as possible—about one-eighth of an inch thick. This thin slicing ensures the potatoes cook evenly and become delightfully tender. Arrange the slices in the baking dish so they are close together and slightly overlapping, creating a sturdy base for your gratin.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Spices

In a medium saucepan, heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat and add the diced shallots. Let them cook gently for about two minutes, softening them without browning. Then stir in the minced garlic, nutmeg, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let this fragrant mixture cook for another four to five minutes until everything is softened and the aromas fill your kitchen—this step layers in those rich, warm flavors that make this gratin so comforting.

Step 3: Combine Milk and Pour Over Potatoes

Turn off the heat and mix the almond milk into your sautéed aromatics. This addition adds moisture and creaminess without being overly rich. Pour this flavorful mixture evenly over your arranged sweet potato slices, making sure every layer benefits from the gentle, spiced creaminess you just crafted.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping

Now it’s time for the star ingredient: shredded Gruyere cheese. Sprinkle it generously and evenly over the entire surface. Gruyere melts beautifully, creating a luscious, golden crust that adds an irresistible texture and nutty flavor to your gratin.

Step 5: Bake and Broil to Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. This initial bake lets the potatoes cook through while the flavors meld. After 40 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes to help the cheese start to brown. For the grand finale, broil the dish for about 4 minutes—watching closely—to get that perfect bubbly, golden-brown top that’s both visually stunning and deliciously crispy.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, let your Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe sit for about 20 minutes. This resting period allows the layers to set, making the dish easier to cut and letting the flavors deepen. Trust me, it’s worth the wait before diving in!

How to Serve Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe

A baked dish in a white round pie dish showing several layers of thinly sliced orange sweet potatoes arranged in overlapping circles. The top layer is covered with melted, slightly browned cheese that creates a creamy, uneven texture. Scattered bright green parsley leaves add a fresh touch on top. Some edges of the sweet potatoes are crispy and browned, contrasting with the soft, tender middle slices. A metal spoon rests inside the dish on the right side, partially scooping out some of the layers. The dish sits on a light brown textured cloth, all set on a white marbled surface. In the top right corner, a glass filled with dark red wine is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme or chopped chives on top just before serving adds a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbal notes that contrast beautifully with the rich cheese and sweet potato. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also enhance the dish with a hint of smoky warmth.

Side Dishes

This gratin pairs wonderfully with simple roasted veggies or a crisp green salad to balance out its richness. For protein, consider roasted chicken or a juicy pork tenderloin to round out your plate and create a well-composed meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual portions in small ramekins for an elegant dinner party look, or bring the whole casserole to the table for a cozy family-style meal. For a festive twist, layer in some fresh herbs or even a little diced ham between the potato layers to surprise your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making your leftovers taste even better the next day.

Freezing

This gratin freezes beautifully. Make sure it has cooled completely, then cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. It will stay good for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the gratin in a preheated 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly again. If you want to revive the crispy top, broil for a few minutes at the end while keeping a close eye on it.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?

Absolutely! Regular milk works perfectly in this recipe if you don’t have almond milk on hand, adding the same creamy texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have Gruyere cheese?

You can substitute Gruyere with other melting cheeses like Swiss, mozzarella, or a mild cheddar. However, Gruyere’s nutty flavor is what makes this gratin truly special.

Is there a way to make this dish vegan?

Yes! Swap the Gruyere for a plant-based cheese alternative and use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk. The flavors and textures will still be delightful.

How thin should the sweet potato slices be?

About 1/8 inch thick is ideal. Thin slices ensure the potatoes bake evenly and absorb all those wonderful flavors without becoming mushy.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Definitely. Since this recipe uses no flour or breading, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic side dish for gluten-sensitive friends and family.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Cheesy Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe inspires you to try something truly comforting and delicious in your kitchen. It’s a wonderful balance of simplicity and flavor that’s perfect for holidays, weeknights, or whenever you want a cozy, cheesy meal. Once you taste that rich, creamy, cheesy goodness melding with sweet tender potatoes, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Happy cooking!