Creamy Scalloped Sweet Potatoes with Gruyere and Thyme
A comforting and elegant side dish featuring thinly sliced sweet potatoes baked in a creamy Gruyere cheese sauce with fresh thyme. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds (900 grams) sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (1/8 inch or 3 mm thickness)
- 1 ½ cups (150 grams) shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 3 tablespoons (45 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, stripped from stems
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Peel and slice the sweet potatoes thinly, aiming for about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thickness. Use a mandoline or sharp knife for even slices.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, minced garlic, salt, pepper, fresh thyme leaves, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
- Arrange a single layer of sweet potato slices on the bottom of the buttered dish, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle about one-third of the shredded Gruyere cheese over the potatoes.
- Repeat layering potatoes and cheese, pouring a bit of the cream mixture over each layer to coat evenly. The cream should almost reach the top layer but not overflow.
- Pour the remaining cream mixture evenly over the top layer. Press down lightly with the back of a spoon to settle everything.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes to soften the potatoes without drying out.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and the cheese has a caramelized crust.
- Let the scalloped sweet potatoes rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
Notes
Use a mandoline for even potato slices to ensure uniform cooking. Tent with foil during the first baking stage to prevent over-browning. Fresh thyme is preferred for brightness, but dried thyme can be substituted. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream. For dairy-free, use coconut milk and vegan cheese alternatives. Watch the oven during the browning stage to avoid burning the cheese crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 8
Keywords: scalloped sweet potatoes, Gruyere, thyme, creamy, cheesy, side dish, comfort food, easy recipe