Sweet Potato Au Gratin

This Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin is creamy, cheesy, and delicious! This side dish is flavored with garlic butter and similar to classic Scalloped Sweet Potatoes. Pair this with any of your favorite main dishes.

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This is a comfort food dish! So nope, I wouldn’t say this is one of my healthy recipes by any means. This is one that you break out for Sunday dinners, the holidays (hello amazing Thanksgiving side) or just whenever you feel like it. Treat yourself.

You may have tried my Scalloped Corn, Instant Pot Scalloped Potatoes and/or Zucchini Au Gratin. Same flavor, just dressed up a little differently!

The Difference Between Scalloped and Au Gratin

You usually hear these terms when referring to potatoes. Both of these are considered casserole like dishes and both are served with a creamy sauce. Scalloped potatoes do not use grated cheese, they are usually made with just heavy cream and milk.

A lot of au gratin recipes will use breadcrumbs for an even crisper topping! I love that method as well, but you can accomplish a similar result by broiling the dish to toast the cheese a little bit right before you pull it out of the oven.

You can read more about The Difference Between Scalloped and Au Gratin here.

What’s the Difference Between Sweet Potatoes and Yams?

In most grocery stores there is no difference between the two. Most stores often label sweet potatoes as yams.

Yams have more starch and are drier. They have bumpy tough, brown skin. Yams are typically used in Caribbean and West African dishes. You have probably never eaten yams, as they are hard to find in the United States.

Years ago, Southerners (primarily in Louisiana) started to refer to them as yams. Most candied yams, are simply candied sweet potatoes.

You can read more about The Difference Between Yams and Sweet Potatoes here.

How to Slice the Potatoes

My preference is to slice them into 1/4 inch rounds using this mandolin from Amazon. 1/2 an inch thick will work as well.

How to Make Sweet Potato Au Gratin

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Heat a saucepan and add butter.
3. When melted, add garlic and cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
4. Add in cream cheese, whipping cream, Parmesan reggiano, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Stir. Add in the onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted.
6. Arrange sliced sweet potatoes in rows throughout a 9×13 baking dish Drizzle the cheese sauce throughout.
7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar and the mozzarella throughout the pan.
8. Bake.

What Type of Cheese to Use

I like to use a combination of cheddar, Parmesan Reggiano and mozzarella. You can use any cheese you wish. It’s up to you. I purchase block cheese and grate it myself. Pre-shredded cheese typically has preservatives and corn starch. It does not melt as well. Keep this in mind if you choose not to make the dish using my method.

Is it Sweet?

This is a savory take on sweet potatoes. Most dishes include cinnamon, sugar, and some even marshmallows. This was meant to have salty, cheesy flavor.

Can You Make It Ahead

You can assemble this dish a day ahead of time. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Press the wrap close to the potatoes to prevent them from discolor and turning brown. Store in the refrigerator, and bake before serving. The potatoes on the top will likely brown overnight. The cheese and baking process should conceal it.

How Long it Will Last in the Fridge

It will last tightly sealed and covered for 3-4 days.

Freezer Tips

Most people wouldn’t want to freeze this because of the cream and butter. Those don’t usually freeze well.

I freeze this dish often. Since it does have dairy, you can expect separation upon thawing, but that doesn’t bother me. The best way to reheat it is in the oven on 350 degrees until warm.

More Sweet Potato Recipes

Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Sweet Potato Beef Chili
Sweet Potato Biscuits
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Healthy Sweet Potato Pie
Healthy Sweet Potato Fries
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Hash
Sweet Potato Cornbread
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar

Pair this with Homemade Creamed Corn and Southern Baked Ham With Pineapple.

Check out our list of The Best Authentic Soul Food Recipes here.