Sweet Potato Spinach Gratin

Featured in: Seasonal Comfort Dishes

This baked gratin highlights layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes paired with sautéed spinach in a rich, creamy sauce infused with herbs and melted cheese. Onions and garlic add depth, while breadcrumbs create a golden, crisp topping. Perfect as a vegetarian main or a hearty side, it offers a balance of creamy textures and herbaceous flavors. Easy to prepare and satisfying, this dish embraces classic French influences and can be adapted to gluten-free or vegan preferences.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 08:57:00 GMT
Creamy sweet potato and spinach gratin topped with golden cheese and crispy breadcrumbs.  Save to Pinterest
Creamy sweet potato and spinach gratin topped with golden cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. | savoringli.com

A creamy, comforting baked dish featuring layers of tender sweet potatoes and sautéed spinach in a cheesy herbed sauce—perfect as a vegetarian main or a hearty side.

This gratin has become a family favorite, reminding me of cozy weekend dinners filled with laughter and warmth.

Ingredients

  • 2 large sweet potatoes: about 700 g peeled and thinly sliced
  • 200 g fresh spinach: washed and roughly chopped
  • 1 medium onion: finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves: minced
  • 200 ml heavy cream
  • 100 ml whole milk
  • 120 g grated Gruyère or Cheddar cheese
  • 30 g grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
  • 30 g breadcrumbs: use gluten-free if needed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a medium baking dish with a little butter or olive oil.
Step 2:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 3:
Add the spinach and cook stirring until wilted. Season with salt pepper and nutmeg. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4:
In a bowl whisk together the cream milk eggs thyme and half of the grated Gruyère (60 g). Season well with salt and pepper.
Step 5:
Layer half the sweet potato slices over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the potatoes.
Step 6:
Layer the remaining sweet potato slices on top. Pour the cream and cheese mixture evenly over the entire dish.
Step 7:
Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère and all of the Parmesan cheese over the top.
Step 8:
In a small bowl toss the breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the gratin.
Step 9:
Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes or until the top is golden and the sweet potatoes are tender.
Step 10:
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Layers of tender sweet potatoes and sautéed spinach make this gratin irresistible.  Save to Pinterest
Layers of tender sweet potatoes and sautéed spinach make this gratin irresistible. | savoringli.com

Sharing this gratin during holiday meals always brings smiles and sparks conversations around tradition and taste.

Required Tools

Sharp knife and mandoline for slicing sweet potatoes large skillet medium baking dish mixing bowls whisk aluminium foil

Nutritional Information

Calories 395 Total Fat 24 g Carbohydrates 31 g Protein 13 g per serving

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad or as a side to roasted meats For beverage pairing Sauvignon Blanc works wonderfully

Delicious sweet potato and spinach gratin baked to perfection and ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Delicious sweet potato and spinach gratin baked to perfection and ready to serve. | savoringli.com

This sweet potato and spinach gratin combines comfort and health into every bite making it a perfect dish year-round.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How can I ensure the sweet potatoes cook evenly?

Slice the sweet potatoes thinly and evenly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Layer them carefully in the dish for consistent cooking.

Can I substitute the cheese with vegan alternatives?

Yes, plant-based cheeses work well in this dish. Using vegan cream and eggs alternatives will make it fully vegan-friendly.

What herbs complement the flavors best?

Dried thyme and a hint of nutmeg enhance the richness and bring out the savory notes of the spinach and cheese.

How do I achieve a crispy topping?

Toss breadcrumbs with olive oil before sprinkling on top to ensure a golden and crunchy crust after baking.

What is the best way to serve this dish?

Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking, then serve warm as a main or side alongside salads or roasted meats.

Sweet Potato Spinach Gratin

A creamy baked dish with tender sweet potatoes, sautéed spinach, and a cheesy herbed topping.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
45 minutes
Overall Time
65 minutes
Created by savoringli Lila Anderson


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type French-inspired

Makes 4 Serving Size

Diet Details Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

Vegetables

01 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
02 7 ounces fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
03 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 2 garlic cloves, minced

Dairy & Eggs

01 7 fluid ounces heavy cream
02 3.4 fluid ounces whole milk
03 4.2 ounces grated Gruyère or Cheddar cheese
04 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese
05 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 2 large eggs

Herbs & Seasonings

01 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
02 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
03 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Topping

01 1 ounce breadcrumbs, gluten-free optional
02 1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a medium baking dish with butter or olive oil.

Step 02

Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion until softened, about 4 minutes, then add garlic and cook another minute.

Step 03

Cook Spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, stirring constantly. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 04

Make Cream Mixture: Whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, eggs, dried thyme, and half the grated Gruyère cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 05

Assemble Layers: Arrange half of the sweet potato slices in the baking dish. Spread the spinach mixture evenly over the potatoes, then layer the remaining sweet potatoes on top.

Step 06

Add Cream and Cheese: Pour the cream and cheese mixture evenly over the layered vegetables.

Step 07

Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the remaining Gruyère and all the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Toss breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the gratin.

Step 08

Bake Covered: Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Step 09

Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden and sweet potatoes are tender.

Step 10

Rest Before Serving: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.

Equipment Needed

  • Sharp knife and mandoline for thin sweet potato slices
  • Large skillet
  • Medium baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens. If unsure, check with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains dairy (milk, cheeses, butter) and eggs.
  • Contains gluten if standard breadcrumbs are used; opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Serves for general info – not a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calorie Count: 395
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 13 g