Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin Recipe

Introduction

Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin is a comforting dish that combines tender, thinly sliced sweet potatoes with a rich, garlicky cream sauce and a golden Parmesan crust. Perfect as a side for holiday meals or cozy dinners, this recipe brings a delicious twist to traditional au gratin potatoes.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes
• 1 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the leaves from the thyme stems, discard the stems, and roughly chop the leaves.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl or pot, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth. Add the butter, minced garlic, chopped thyme, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Heat gently over the stove or in the microwave until the butter melts, then whisk again and set aside.
3. Step 3: Peel and slice each sweet potato into very thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. Arrange the slices in a 9×13-inch baking dish, fanning them out attractively.
4. Step 4: As you slice each batch of sweet potatoes, drizzle a bit of the cream mixture over the slices in the pan to prevent browning while you prepare the rest.
5. Step 5: Continue slicing and layering all the sweet potatoes in the dish. Once done, pour the remaining cream mixture evenly over the top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 30 minutes, then sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika into the cream mixture before baking.
• Use Gruyère or cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan for a different cheesy twist.
• To save time, use a mandoline slicer to achieve uniformly thin sweet potato slices.
• If you prefer a crustier top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving to keep the cream sauce from separating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake as directed just before serving.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter as a lighter alternative, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.