Paula Deen's Sweet Potato Gratin | Paula Deen's Holiday Recipes

Name: Paula Deen's Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons Unsalted Butter; 1⅓ cups Heavy Whipping Cream; 3 Cloves Garlic (crushed); 1 Tablespoon Fresh Thyme; 3½ Teaspoons Kosher Salt (divided); 1¼ Teaspoons Ground Black Pepper (divided); ⅛ Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg; 2¾ pounds Sweet Potatoes; ½ cup Parmesan Cheese; 2 Tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley

Recipe Pin

What if you get to enjoy creamy, cheesy, and full of sweet caramelized onions? If you don’t know, then the recipe I am talking about is Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Gratin. Trust me, I have made this recipe so many times that I remember the steps by heart.

Paula Deen Sweet Potato Gratin Featured Image

This recipe is perfect for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or special gatherings. I mean, what’s better than a dish that has layers of tender, sweet potatoes with a rich, buttery sauce, savory Parmesan, and golden, caramelized onions?

The best part is that it is indulgent yet easy to make, and pairs beautifully with roasted meats, fresh vegetables, or a crisp salad. Trust me, once you try it, this gratin will become a family favorite everyone will request again and again.

Equipment Required

13×9-inch Baking Dish: Use it to layer the potatoes, sauce, and cheese, then bake the entire casserole.
Small Saucepan: Take a saucepan to prepare the creamy sauce.
Aluminum Foil: Cover the dish while baking to keep the potatoes from burning.
Cutting Board: Use a chopping board for safely slicing potatoes.
Knife: Used to thinly and uniformly slice vegetables.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Measure ingredients accurately.
Mixing Spoon or Spatula: Used for stirring sauces and layering ingredients.

Paula Deen Sweet Potato Gratin Plated In A Bowl

Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Gratin Ingredients & Substitutions

Note: The ingredients in this recipe can serve up to 2 people. You can increase or decrease the quantities for more or fewer servings.

2 teaspoons Unsalted Butter, softened: Margarine, ghee, or olive oil can be a great alternative to butter.
1⅓ cups Heavy Whipping Cream
3 Cloves Garlic, crushed
1 Tablespoon Fresh Thyme
3½ Teaspoons Kosher Salt, divided
1¼ teaspoons Ground Black Pepper, divided
⅛ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
2¾ pounds Sweet Potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced: Regular potatoes, Yukon gold, russet potatoes, or a mix of sweet + white potatoes can be used in place of sweet potatoes.
½ cup grated fresh Parmesan Cheese: If you want, you can use Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano.
2 Tablespoons Chopped Fresh Parsley: Cilantro, chives, green onions, thyme, or dried parsley are perfect to use in place of parsley.

Preparation And Cooking Time

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Time
10 Minutes	40 Minutes	50 Minutes

How To Make Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Gratin At Home

Step 1

In a separate pan, I melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the heavy cream gradually. Then I add ground nutmeg, thyme, pepper, and salt. I let the sauce cook for some time until it thickens.

Step 2

Season the potatoes with salt and black pepper.

Step 3

Grease the baking dish with a knob of butter.

Step 4

Layer the potatoes in the baking dish.

Step 5

Put the sauce over the potatoes.

Step 6

Garnish the top with shredded cheese.

Step 7

Add some more Parmesan cheese cubes if required.

Step 8

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to bake for at least 30 minutes.

Step 9

Let the baked Sweet Potato Gratin rest for 10 minutes and enjoy.

Expert Tips That I Recommend

Bake sweet potatoes instead of boiling, as baking concentrates their natural sweetness and prevents excess moisture, resulting in a richer, thicker base.
Layer topping evenly without pressing it down. Lightly sprinkle the topping so it crisps rather than becoming dense or soggy during baking.
Let the casserole rest before serving. Resting helps it set properly, making it easier to slice and enhancing overall flavor.

FAQs About Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Gratin

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes if you want.

How do I easily slice the sweet potatoes?

To cut the slices, use a mandoline for thin and even slices.

Why is my sauce getting lumpy?

If you add half and half quickly it may get lumpy so make sure to add slowly and gradually.

Can I use milk instead of half-and-half?

Yes, you can use milk instead of half and half. Make sure to use whole milk.

How do I keep the gratin from becoming watery?

You can use freshly grated cheese, slice potatoes evenly, and bake uncovered at the end to evaporate excess moisture.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Enjoying Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Gratin is a delightful experience. The fact that this dish has around 320-350 calories makes it a complete meal. So, you can enjoy it in moderation just to avoid any guilt eating.

Calories	613 kcal
Carbohydrates	67 g
Protein	12 g
Fat	34 g
Saturated Fat	22 g
Monounsaturated Fat	9 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	1 g
Trans Fat	0.1 g
Cholesterol	104 mg
Sodium	2430 mg
Potassium	1178 mg
Dietary Fiber	10 g
Sugar	16 g
Vitamin A	45823 IU
Vitamin C	14 mg
Calcium	313 mg
Iron	3 mg

If you want, you can always customize the recipe and enjoy a healthier version.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

Vegan Friendly: I would prefer to use butter, vegan butter, or olive oil. Moreover, you can use unsweetened almond, oat, or soy milk instead of half-and-half. Moreover, you can substitute Parmesan with vegan Parmesan.

Storing This Recipe

Refrigerator: You can store the Sweet Potato Gratin in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Just make sure to cover it with foil.
Freezing: To freeze the recipe, cool the baked gratin completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer.

What To Serve With This Recipe

You can serve Roasted Chicken with the Sweet Potato Gratin. If you like, then serve some BLT Pasta Salad or Cowboy Pasta Salad. I really love Chicken Salad Chick’s Broccoli Salad and Pea Salad with Bacon.

Printable Version

More Recipes That You Can Try

Paula Deen Scalloped Potatoes — Paula Deen Scalloped Potato

Paula Deen Chocolate Chip Cookies ft — Paula Deen Scalloped Potato

Conclusion

I make Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Gratin now and then during the winter. The best part is that the recipe comes together super easily and offers warm and hearty notes that hit right at the spot. So, give it a try and let me know in the comments how it turned out.

Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe

Equipment Required

Paula Deen’s Sweet Potato Gratin Ingredients & Substitutions

Preparation And Cooking Time