Sweet potatoes have been a staple of American Thanksgiving and Christmas tables since the 19th century, especially in the South where they are prized for their natural sweetness. Over time, the dish evolved from simple mashed sweet potatoes to layered casseroles topped with marshmallows or cheese, making the cheesy garlic version a modern, festive twist.

In the Southern United States, sweet potato casseroles are often topped with toasted marshmallows or pecan streusel. In the Northeast, they may be mixed with brown sugar and butter. The cheesy garlic version featured by Cooking With Ayeh reflects a contemporary, savory take that blends Southern sweetness with Italian-inspired cheese.

It is typically served hot from the oven as a side dish alongside roasted meats, green bean casseroles, and cranberry sauce. The bake is placed on a warming tray or covered with foil to keep it moist and is often the centerpiece of the vegetable spread on the holiday table.

The dish is most popular during Thanksgiving and Christmas, but it also appears at family gatherings, potlucks, and New Year’s celebrations where a comforting, crowd‑pleasing side is desired.

Core ingredients include sweet potatoes, butter or olive oil, garlic, fresh thyme, and a hard cheese such as Parmesan or Pecorino. Substitutes can be butternut squash for the potatoes, mozzarella for a milder melt, or nutritional yeast for a vegan version.

It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, green bean almondine, cranberry sauce, and a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette. The savory, cheesy flavor balances the sweetness of cranberry and the acidity of a salad.

Common errors include slicing the potatoes too thick, which leads to uneven cooking; not coating the slices evenly with oil and cheese; and removing the foil too early, which prevents the potatoes from becoming tender before caramelizing.

Covering traps steam, allowing the sweet potato slices to soften quickly without drying out. This step ensures a tender interior before the final uncovered stage creates a crispy, caramelized top.

Yes, you can assemble the bake up to the foil‑cover step, refrigerate overnight, and bake as directed before serving. For longer storage, freeze the assembled (unbaked) dish, then bake from frozen, adding extra uncovered time.

The YouTube channel Cooking With Ayeh focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend comfort food with seasonal twists, often highlighting simple techniques and ingredient swaps for busy home cooks.

Cooking With Ayeh emphasizes quick preparation, minimal equipment, and flavor‑forward seasoning like garlic and fresh herbs, whereas many channels rely on heavier sauces or pre‑made mixes. Ayeh’s videos also include clear visual cues for layering and caramelization.