Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the sweet potatoes into thin, even rounds, no thicker than ⅛ inch.*
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the olive oil. Add the garlic and chopped sage, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, or until fragrant, stirring frequently. Be careful not to let the garlic brown.
Stir in the water, heavy cream, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook gently for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through.
Reserve 1 cup of the shredded Gouda, and ½ cup of the Parmasean cheese for the layers and topping. Add the remaining Gouda and the Parmesan cheese to the warm cream mixture, stirring until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth.
Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or a large oven-safe skillet. Arrange a single layer of sweet potato slices in the bottom of the dish. Spoon some of the cheese sauce over the potatoes, then sprinkle with a portion of the chopped walnuts and a little cheese. Continue layering the potatoes, cheese sauce, cheese, and walnuts until all of the potatoes and sauce have been used.
Sprinkle the remaining Gouda & Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender, the cream has been absorbed, and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Garnish with additional fresh sage and chopped walnuts, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!