Bobby Flay’s Sweet Potato Gratin is a luxurious side dish that blends tender sweet potatoes with bold spices, heavy cream, and melted cheese. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a rich texture and golden-brown topping that makes it ideal for holidays or cozy dinners. Unlike traditional white potato gratins, this version introduces earthy sweetness and depth, making it a standout on any table.

What is Bobby Flay Sweet Potato Gratin?

This dish features thinly sliced sweet potatoes layered in a baking dish with garlic, herbs, and spices. The layers are soaked in a seasoned cream mixture, then topped with cheese and baked until bubbly and caramelized. Bobby Flay adds his signature flavor with touches like chipotle or cayenne and finishes it with herbs or a tangy topping for balance.

Other Bobby Flay Recipes

Why You Love This Recipe

Creamy and comforting texture – Every bite is soft and indulgent
Sweet and savory balance – Ideal for both festive and weeknight meals
Beautiful presentation – Golden top and colorful layers stand out on the table
Easily made ahead – Perfect for prepping in advance
Customizable spice level – Add more or less heat to taste
Pairs well with main dishes – Complements turkey, steak, or lamb beautifully

Ingredients Needed to Make Bobby Flay’s Sweet Potato Gratin

Sweet potatoes – 2½ pounds, peeled and thinly sliced
Heavy cream – 2 cups
Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
Fresh thyme – 2 teaspoons, chopped
Chipotle powder or cayenne – ½ teaspoon (optional for spice)
Salt – 1½ teaspoons
Black pepper – 1 teaspoon
Nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon (optional, for depth)
Gruyère cheese – 1½ cups, shredded (or use sharp white cheddar)
Parmesan cheese – ½ cup, grated
Butter – for greasing the dish

Instructions to Prepare Bobby Flay Sweet Potato Gratin

Preheat the oven – Set to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
Prepare the cream mixture – In a saucepan, warm the cream with garlic, thyme, chipotle, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Do not boil—just infuse the flavors.
Layer the sweet potatoes – Arrange half the slices in the dish, overlapping slightly. Pour half the cream over the layer and sprinkle with half the Gruyère.
Repeat and top – Add the remaining sweet potatoes, pour over the rest of the cream, and top with the rest of the Gruyère and all the Parmesan.
Bake uncovered – Bake for 45–55 minutes until golden and bubbly, and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife.
Let rest before serving – Rest 10 minutes to set the layers and thicken the sauce.

What Goes Well With Bobby Flay’s Sweet Potato Gratin

Roast turkey or chicken – A natural pairing for holiday feasts
Grilled or seared steak – Balances the richness with hearty protein
Pork tenderloin or chops – Sweet and savory flavors match perfectly
Green salad with vinaigrette – Adds freshness and contrast
Sautéed greens like kale or spinach – Complements the creamy texture
Cranberry chutney or relish – Offers a tart counterpoint

Pro Tips to Make Perfect Bobby Flay Sweet Potato Gratin

Use a mandoline for uniform slices – Ensures even cooking and perfect layering
Infuse cream with garlic and herbs – Adds rich, deep flavor to every layer
Don’t skip the rest period – It helps the gratin firm up for cleaner slices
Freshly grate your cheese – Melts more evenly than pre-shredded
Add a foil cover for part of baking – Prevents over-browning while cooking through
Include chipotle or smoked paprika – Gives a bold, smoky note

Variations of Bobby Flay’s Sweet Potato Gratin

Add caramelized onions – Brings out the natural sweetness
Mix with Yukon golds – Combines sweet and regular potatoes for balance
Top with panko or breadcrumbs – Adds crunch to the creamy dish
Use dairy-free cream and vegan cheese – Great for plant-based diets
Sprinkle bacon bits – Introduces a salty, savory crunch
Add sage or rosemary – Switch herbs for seasonal flair

Storage Guidelines for Bobby Flay Sweet Potato Gratin

Refrigerate in an airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to 4 days
Use a glass or ceramic dish with a lid – Ideal for reheating
Avoid freezing with dairy – Texture may change, but it can be done if needed
Label and store flat – Helps save space and track freshness
Store leftovers without toppings – Prevents soggy textures

Reheating Tips for Bobby Flay’s Sweet Potato Gratin

Oven method keeps it crisp – Reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes
Microwave for individual servings – Use medium power for even heating
Add a splash of cream if dry – Restores moisture to the dish
Cover loosely with foil – Helps prevent burning while reheating
Top with fresh herbs before serving – Revives the presentation and flavor

Nutritional Value (per Serving)

Calories: ~340 kcal
Protein: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 460 mg

FAQs

Can I make sweet potato gratin ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes for gratin?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a rustic look and added fiber.

What cheese works best in sweet potato gratin?

Gruyère, white cheddar, or a mix of Gruyère and Parmesan work well. They melt beautifully and add rich, savory flavor.

How do I prevent the gratin from becoming watery?

Make sure to use heavy cream, and don’t rinse the sweet potatoes after slicing. Let the gratin rest after baking to allow it to set properly.

Final Words

Bobby Flay’s Sweet Potato Gratin is a true showstopper. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, making it a crowd-pleasing addition to your dinner or holiday spread. Whether you stick to the classic or try a fun variation, this dish never fails to impress.