Sweet Potato Gratin is a delightful, comforting dish that is perfect for any season. Whether it’s served as a side dish for a family dinner or as a main course for a cozy evening, this dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a rich, velvety sauce, infused with warm spices and the savory flavor of nutritional yeast. This creamy gratin is dairy-free, making it suitable for vegans and those with dairy sensitivities, yet it retains all the indulgence and creaminess you crave in a gratin.

Sweet potatoes, with their naturally sweet and slightly earthy flavor, are the perfect canvas for this savory dish. The combination of plant-based cream, garlic, nutmeg, and Italian herbs provides a beautifully balanced sauce that coats each layer of thinly sliced sweet potatoes. This gratin is a fantastic alternative to traditional potato gratin and adds a vibrant color to any meal. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast, a special gathering, or a weeknight dinner, this dish will surely become a staple in your kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Gratin

• 500g (1 lb) sweet potato: Peeled and sliced as thin as possible. Sweet potatoes lend a natural sweetness and creamy texture to the gratin.
• 250ml (8 fl oz) dairy-free double cream: You can substitute with full-fat oat milk or coconut milk for a slightly different flavor profile. The cream adds richness to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast: Adds a cheesy, umami flavor that deepens the creaminess and brings complexity to the dish.
• 2 tablespoons corn starch: This thickens the sauce and ensures a rich, velvety texture.
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and complements the other spices in the dish.
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs mix: A blend of aromatic herbs, such as basil, oregano, and thyme, that infuses the gratin with savory depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: A warm, slightly sweet spice that pairs perfectly with the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
• Salt to taste: Adjust according to your preference for seasoning.
• 2 tablespoons grated dairy-free cheese: Optional, but highly recommended for a cheesy, creamy topping.
• 2 garlic cloves: Chopped for added flavor, enhancing the savory richness of the gratin.

Steps to Make Creamy Dairy-Free Sweet Potato Gratin

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F), preparing it to cook the gratin.
2. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel and slice the sweet potatoes as thinly as possible, aiming for uniform slices about 1-2mm thick. The thinner the slices, the more evenly they will cook. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. Heat the garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat a small amount of olive oil or water over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and golden, about 2 minutes.
2. Make the sauce: In the same saucepan, add the dairy-free cream (or oat milk/coconut milk) and stir in the nutritional yeast, corn starch, black pepper, Italian herbs, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Thicken the sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue simmering for 4-5 minutes until the sauce has thickened and become creamy. If it becomes too thick, you can add a little extra plant-based milk to adjust the consistency.

Step 3: Assemble the Gratin

1. Layer the sweet potatoes: Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil. Arrange the sliced sweet potatoes in overlapping layers, creating a neat stack.
2. Pour the sauce: Once the sauce is thick and creamy, pour it evenly over the sweet potatoes, ensuring all the layers are coated.
3. Top with cheese: If using, sprinkle the grated dairy-free cheese on top of the gratin for a melty, golden finish.
4. Cover and bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes at 180°C (350°F). This allows the sweet potatoes to soften and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. Uncover and bake: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and crispy, and the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
2. Serve: Let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your creamy, comforting dish.

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Yield and Calories

• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per Serving: ~200 kcal (based on 6 servings)

Why This Recipe Is Timeless

The Creamy Dairy-Free Sweet Potato Gratin is a timeless dish because it effortlessly combines simple, nutritious ingredients into a luxurious and flavorful experience. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and full of nutrients, making them an ideal base for a healthy, comforting dish. When paired with a creamy sauce, infused with Italian herbs, garlic, and a hint of nutmeg, the gratin takes on a rich, satisfying flavor that pleases both the palate and the body.

This dish is versatile and adaptable to various dietary preferences. It’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan, making it suitable for nearly every guest at your table, whether they have dietary restrictions or not. The use of nutritional yeast adds a “cheesy” flavor without the need for dairy, while the corn starch creates a perfectly creamy texture that rivals traditional cream-based gratins. The gratin is also customizable—add more spices, different herbs, or even a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for extra crunch on top.

The preparation process is simple enough for busy weeknights yet sophisticated enough to serve at a dinner party or holiday gathering. Its flavors only deepen and become more complex as it bakes, allowing you to spend time preparing other parts of your meal while this dish does the work. The sweet and savory balance, along with the creamy texture, ensures that this recipe will remain a family favorite for years to come.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: ~200 kcal
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 5 g (from sweet potatoes)
• Sodium: 350 mg

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cream instead of dairy-free cream?
Yes, if you’re not following a dairy-free diet, you can use regular heavy cream instead. The flavor and texture will remain similar.

2. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the gratin up to a day ahead of time. Simply assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, bring it to room temperature and bake as instructed.

3. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added texture and flavor. Just make sure they are thinly sliced to match the cook time of the sweet potatoes.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you ensure that the ingredients, such as nutritional yeast, are certified gluten-free.

Tips for Success

1. Thinly Slice the Sweet Potatoes: The key to a creamy gratin is ensuring the sweet potatoes cook evenly. Slice them as thin as possible for the best texture.
2. Use Full-Fat Dairy-Free Cream: For a richer, creamier gratin, opt for a full-fat dairy-free cream or coconut milk. This ensures the sauce will be thick and luxurious.
3. Preheat the Oven: Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking the gratin to avoid uneven cooking.
4. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce before pouring it over the sweet potatoes. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or nutmeg if needed.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This gratin can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake it from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for 45-50 minutes or until heated through.

Conclusion

Creamy Dairy-Free Sweet Potato Gratin is a comforting, satisfying dish that brings the natural flavors of sweet potatoes to life in a rich, velvety sauce. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for any occasion—whether it’s a quick weeknight meal, a holiday gathering, or a potluck with friends. The combination of sweet potatoes, aromatic herbs, and creamy, dairy-free ingredients creates a dish that is both nourishing and indulgent, satisfying your cravings without compromising on flavor or texture. Whether you’re a long-time fan of gratins or trying this variation for the first time, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen and a crowd-pleasing favorite for years to come.