Description
This Garlic Butter Sweet Potato Bake is a comforting and flavorful casserole featuring thinly sliced sweet potatoes layered and baked in a rich garlic butter cream sauce, topped with Parmesan cheese for a golden, bubbly finish. It’s an indulgent yet simple side dish perfect for family dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium Sweet Potatoes (Firm, orange-fleshed for best flavor)
Cream Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (No substitutions needed)
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (Helps to thicken the creamy sauce)
- 4 tablespoons Butter (Unsalted for better control over salt)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Fresh minced for optimal taste)
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme (Dried thyme works in a pinch)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Adjust to palate)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (Adjust to palate)
Topping
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk the cornstarch into the heavy cream until completely smooth to avoid lumps. Continue to gently heat while stirring.
- Add Flavorings: Add the unsalted butter, minced garlic, fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper to the cream mixture. Stir continuously until the butter is fully melted and the sauce is warm and aromatic.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Thinly slice the sweet potatoes and arrange them in the greased baking dish, shingling the slices for even cooking and layering.
- Pour Sauce Over Potatoes: Evenly pour the prepared creamy garlic butter sauce over the arranged sweet potatoes, making sure all slices are well coated for optimal flavor and creaminess.
- Bake Initially: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the sweet potatoes to start softening and absorb the flavorful sauce.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly on top, adding a deliciously cheesy crust once baked.
- Final Bake: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the sweet potato bake rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven to allow it to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the texture.
Notes
- Use firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Fresh minced garlic delivers better aroma and taste than pre-minced varieties.
- You can substitute dried thyme if fresh is unavailable, but reduce quantity slightly to avoid overpowering.
- For a vegan version, replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use a plant-based butter and cream alternative.
- Make sure to whisk cornstarch thoroughly into the cream to prevent lumps in the sauce.
- Letting the dish rest allows it to hold together better when sliced.
