Patates Douces Gratinées – The Ultimate Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe for Beginners and Home Cooks in the USA

Name: Patates Douces Gratinées – The Ultimate Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe for Beginners and Home Cooks in the USA
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients: 2 lbs (900 g) sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream; ½ cup (120 ml) milk; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 1 cup (100 g) grated Gruyère cheese (or cheddar for stronger flavor); 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried); Salt and pepper to taste; ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional topping); Chopped parsley for garnish

Posted on November 11, 2025

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Introduction: Comfort and Flavor in Every Bite

There’s something undeniably comforting about Patates Douces Gratinées — or Sweet Potato Gratin in English. The combination of tender, caramelized sweet potatoes, rich cream, and melted cheese creates the kind of dish that warms both heart and home.

Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a simple weekday dinner, this dish brings a touch of French sophistication to American comfort food. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a home chef seeking new holiday recipes, this guide will walk you through every step of creating the perfect gratin.

Looking for other festive recipes? Try our Traditional Bread Stuffing – The Classic Holiday Recipe or our Mashed Potatoes Recipe for Beginners for the ultimate comfort meal pairing.

What Are Patates Douces Gratinées?

Patates Douces Gratinées is a French-inspired gratin dish made from sliced sweet potatoes baked with cream, cheese, and aromatic herbs until golden and bubbling.

It’s like the elegant cousin of the traditional potato gratin — but with a natural sweetness, vibrant orange color, and nutritional benefits that make it both comforting and healthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Patates Douces Gratinées deserve a spot on your dinner table:

✅ Easy to make – No advanced techniques needed.
🧈 Rich and creamy – The combination of cream, butter, and cheese melts into perfection.
🍂 Perfect for holidays – A standout dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
🥗 Pairs with anything – Serve alongside Roast Turkey with Stuffing or Baked Chicken Breast with Steamed Broccoli.
🧀 Customizable – Change cheeses, add herbs, or make it vegan-friendly!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these ingredients. The quantities below make 4–6 servings.

Main Ingredients

2 lbs (900 g) sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup (250 ml) heavy cream
½ cup (120 ml) milk
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 cup (100 g) grated Gruyère cheese (or cheddar for a stronger flavor)
1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-ons

¼ tsp nutmeg (for a warm, aromatic note)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Chopped parsley for garnish

If you enjoy creamy dishes, you might also like our Pumpkin Pie Mashed Potatoes — a seasonal favorite full of cozy autumn vibes.

Step-by-Step Instruction

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and slice your sweet potatoes into thin, even rounds (about ⅛ inch thick).
Uniform slices ensure even cooking and perfect layering in your gratin.

Tip: Use a mandoline for precision and speed.

Step 2: Infuse the Cream

In a small saucepan, gently heat the cream, milk, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes, just until fragrant.
Remove from heat and let it sit while you prepare the dish — this helps infuse flavor into every bite.

Step 3: Layer the Gratin

Grease a baking dish with butter.
Arrange a first layer of sweet potato slices, slightly overlapping each other.
Pour a little of the cream mixture over them, then sprinkle some grated cheese.
Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving — this allows the layers to set beautifully.
Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and serve warm.

Pair it with Greek Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Honey for a balanced meal or as a side to Avocado Toast on Whole Grain Bread for brunch.

Variations and Creative Twists

1. Vegan Sweet Potato Gratin

Replace:

Cream → coconut milk or oat cream
Butter → olive oil or vegan butter
Cheese → vegan mozzarella or nutritional yeast

This version is equally creamy and flavorful — and perfect for plant-based diets.

2. Savory Herb & Garlic Version

Add rosemary, thyme, and a touch of caramelized onions for a deeper, rustic flavor.

3. Sweet & Spicy Southern Twis

Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper and maple syrup into your cream mixture for a Southern-inspired flavor that balances sweet and spicy.

4. Crunchy Topper

Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan on top before baking for extra crispiness.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Gratin

Slice the potatoes thin and evenly.
Don’t skip the resting time after baking.
Use full-fat cream for maximum richness.
Combine cheeses (Gruyère + Parmesan) for a complex flavor.
Add a layer of caramelized onions for extra depth.

For another cozy and rich dish, check out our Lentil Soup with Carrots and Celery – Hearty, Healthy, and Perfect for Weeknights.

How to Serve Patates Douces Gratinées

These Patates Douces Gratinées pair perfectly with:

And for dessert, try something seasonal like Classic Caramel Apples or Jack-O-Lantern Stuffed Peppers.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly.

Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious — they’re packed with nutrients:

High in Vitamin A (great for eyesight)
Rich in fiber and antioxidants
Low glycemic index — perfect for balanced meals
Naturally gluten-free

Add this recipe to your healthy rotation along with our Avocado Toast on Whole Grain Bread for nutritious weekday options.

FAQ – Everything You Need to Know

Can I make Patates Douces Gratinées ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish up to a day before, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving.

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Absolutely. You can mix half sweet potatoes and half regular potatoes for a balanced flavor.

How can I make it lighter?

Use low-fat milk instead of cream and reduce cheese quantity. It will still taste great.

What cheese works best?

Gruyère, Cheddar, or Parmesan all work beautifully. Each gives a slightly different taste and texture.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Add thin layers of spinach, leeks, or mushrooms between potato slices for extra nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion: The Coziest Dish for Any Occasion

Patates Douces Gratinées blend French elegance with American comfort — creamy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make.
Whether for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or a romantic meal, this dish will never disappoint.

For more comforting recipes, explore:

Call to Action

Try this recipe today and share your Patates Douces Gratinées masterpiece with friends and family!
Tag @nytrecipe on social media and show us how your gratin turned out.

And don’t forget to check our latest fall favorites like Witch’s Brew Punch to complete your festive menu!