Garlic Butter Sweet Potato is a cozy and comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. This recipe features layers of roasted sweet potatoes interspersed with creamy garlic butter, fresh thyme, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this dish is sure to please everyone, and it will become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Sweet Potato
This Garlic Butter Sweet Potato Recipe offers a variety of benefits that make it a must-try. First, it boasts a deliciously creamy texture balanced by the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Second, it is suitable for various diets, being vegetarian and adaptable to vegan preferences. Third, the complexity of flavors from the garlic and thyme enhances the sweetness, creating a mouthwatering experience. Fourth, this dish is perfect for meal prepping, saving you time during busy weeks. Fifth, it can be served as a fantastic side dish or a hearty main course. Finally, you can easily customize it with different herbs or cheeses to suit your palate. Whether you enjoy Garlic Butter Sweet Potato Mash or Baked Garlic Butter Sweet Potato, this recipe is versatile enough to satisfy any craving!

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Sweet Potato
Gather these items:
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1.5 cups heavy cream (Can use half-and-half for a lighter version.)
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (1 stick.)
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme (Substitute with rosemary or sage for extra flavor.)
- to taste Kosher salt
- to taste Freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin (about 1/8-inch thick) (Slicing thinly ensures even cooking.)
- 1/3 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated (Can substitute for a milder cheese for kids.)
How to Make Garlic Butter Sweet Potato Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Step 3: Add the minced garlic and chopped thyme to the melted butter, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Step 5: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced sweet potatoes, then pour half of the garlic cream mixture over them.
- Step 6: Add the remaining sweet potatoes in another layer, followed by the rest of the garlic cream mixture.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Step 8: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Step 9: After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Step 10: Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Sweet Potato
Keep these in mind:
- Can use half-and-half for a lighter version of the cream.
- Slicing sweet potatoes thinly ensures even cooking.
- Substitute thyme with rosemary or sage for extra flavor.
- Use a milder cheese for kids if desired.
- For a crispy top layer, broil briefly after baking.
Best Ways to Serve Garlic Butter Sweet Potato
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, making it an ideal Garlic Butter Sweet Potato Side Dish. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or with grilled vegetables for a balanced meal. For a twist, try it as a Sweet Potato Garlic Butter Casserole by adding layers of spinach or kale.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Sweet Potato
After enjoying your Garlic Butter Sweet Potato, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This is a great dish for meal prep, as it maintains its flavor and texture well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Sweet Potato
What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Butter Sweet Potato?
The secret lies in slicing the sweet potatoes thinly to ensure even cooking and layering. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich, creamy dish.
Can I make Garlic Butter Sweet Potato ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time by assembling it and storing it in the refrigerator. Just bake it before serving for a fresh, warm meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Butter Sweet Potato?
To avoid mistakes, ensure your sweet potatoes are sliced evenly and not overcrowded in the baking dish. This helps them cook through and develop a lovely texture.
Variations of Garlic Butter Sweet Potato You Can Try
For a different spin, try a Vegan Garlic Butter Sweet Potato using plant-based butter and cream. You can also create a Garlic Herb Butter Sweet Potato by adding fresh herbs like rosemary or dill. Another option is to prepare Garlic Butter Sweet Potato Wedges for a fun twist that’s perfect for dipping. Each variation adds a unique flavor profile while maintaining the heartwarming essence of this dish.
For more information on the health benefits of sweet potatoes, check out this Healthline article. If you’re interested in meal prepping, you might find this meal prep guide helpful. Additionally, for tips on how to choose the best sweet potatoes, visit The Kitchn.
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Garlic Butter Sweet Potato Bake: 8 Comforting Layers
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy and comforting dish of roasted sweet potatoes layered with creamy garlic butter, fresh thyme, and a hint of parmesan cheese, perfect for gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1.5 cups heavy cream (Can use half-and-half for a lighter version.)
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (1 stick.)
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme (Substitute with rosemary or sage for extra flavor.)
- to taste Kosher salt
- to taste Freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin (about 1/8-inch thick) (Slicing thinly ensures even cooking.)
- 1/3 cup fresh parmesan cheese, grated (Can substitute for a milder cheese for kids.)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped thyme to the melted butter, cooking for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the heavy cream, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the sliced sweet potatoes, then pour half of the garlic cream mixture over them.
- Add the remaining sweet potatoes in another layer, followed by the rest of the garlic cream mixture.
- Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese evenly on top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- After 40 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Can use half-and-half for a lighter version of the cream.
- Slicing sweet potatoes thinly ensures even cooking.
- Substitute thyme with rosemary or sage for extra flavor.
- Use a milder cheese for kids if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Sweet Potato, Sweet Potato Bake, Garlic Cream Sweet Potatoes