Warm, buttery, and just so comforting, this sweet potato bake is the perfect family dish. With rich ingredients, every bite is a delight. It’s an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings when you want something special without too much fuss.

Why You Will Love This Homemade Garlic Butter Sweet Potato Bake

This recipe is a true winner for the whole family. It’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for beginner cooks. You’ll use everyday ingredients that you likely already have at home. Plus, it’s creamy, flavorful, and downright delicious. Everyone will love the warm, tender sweet potatoes in buttery garlic goodness.

How to Make Homemade Garlic Butter Sweet Potato Bake

Making this delightful bake is easier than it sounds. You will slice the sweet potatoes thinly and layer them in a baking dish. Then, a lovely garlic butter sauce is prepared to pour over the layers. Finally, bake until it’s bubbling and golden. It’s a straightforward process that yields a fantastic dish!

What You Need

1 tsp cornstarch
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
5 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
3 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin (about 1/8-inch thick)
1/3 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and cornstarch, mixing until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large baking dish, layer half of the sweet potato slices. Pour half of the garlic butter sauce over the potatoes. Repeat with the remaining slices and sauce.
Sprinkle the top with grated parmesan cheese.
Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

How to Serve Homemade Garlic Butter Sweet Potato Bake

This sweet potato bake pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or a green salad. Adding a dollop of sour cream can elevate the dish even more. It’s great for special occasions like Thanksgiving or even just a cozy family dinner.

How to Store Homemade Garlic Butter Sweet Potato Bake

To store leftovers, allow the bake to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.

Recipe Tips

Slice the sweet potatoes as evenly as possible for even cooking.
Add extra cheese on top for a cheesy crust.
You can substitute half of the heavy cream with milk to lighten it up.
If you’re short on time, you can microwave the sweet potatoes briefly to soften them before slicing.
Don’t skip the resting time after baking; it helps the layers set.

Variations & Swaps

For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Substitute the sweet potatoes with butternut squash for a different flavor.
Make it dairy-free by using coconut milk and dairy-free butter.
If you want more protein, layer in cooked crumbled sausage or ground turkey.
To make it gluten-free, double-check that your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato layers and the garlic butter sauce separately. Combine them in the baking dish and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.

Can I freeze this sweet potato bake?
Absolutely! It freezes well. Make sure to cool it completely, then cover tightly. It can be frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How should I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, place the leftovers in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.

What can I substitute if I don’t have thyme?
If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works too, just use about 1 tsp. Alternatively, you can use dried rosemary or Italian herbs for a different flavor profile.

What are some mistakes to avoid when making this?
A common mistake is slicing the sweet potatoes too thick, which can lead to uneven cooking. Use a mandoline for consistent thickness. Also, be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the dish.