If you’re craving a dish that marries comforting sweetness with a smoky, spicy kick, this Sweet Potato Gratin with Chipotle Cream Recipe is going to become your new favorite. The tender layers of thinly sliced sweet potatoes bathed in a luscious chipotle-infused cream sauce and topped with a melty, golden crust of sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheeses create a perfect harmony of flavor and texture. It’s the kind of side dish that turns any meal into something truly special, full of warmth and vibrant character.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sweet Potato Gratin with Chipotle Cream Recipe shines because of its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each plays a vital role, from adding velvety richness and heat to contributing layers of flavor and gorgeous color.
- Sweet potatoes (2 pounds, peeled and thinly sliced): Their natural sweetness and creamy texture are the foundation of this dish.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps coat the potatoes for a lovely roasted edge and richness.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Provides a silky, indulgent base that carries the spices beautifully.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (1–2, finely chopped): Brings smoky heat that defines the chipotle cream sauce.
- Adobo sauce (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the smoky and tangy flavor in the cream.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Adds aromatic depth that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
- Fresh thyme leaves (1 teaspoon): Offers an herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle spice and complexity.
- Sharp white cheddar cheese (1 cup, grated): Creates a rich, tangy layer that melts into delicious pockets.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Adds a nutty, savory crust that seals the gratin.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Ensures your gratin dish releases easily and the potatoes brown beautifully.
How to Make Sweet Potato Gratin with Chipotle Cream Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and giving your 2-quart baking dish a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This step is crucial because it prevents the gratin from sticking and helps achieve that wonderful golden crust we all love.
Step 2: Make the Chipotle Cream Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, finely chopped chipotle peppers, their adobo sauce, minced garlic, fresh thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. This allows the smoky, spicy flavors to infuse the cream perfectly without boiling it too hard. Then, take it off the heat and let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Take your peeled, thinly sliced sweet potatoes and toss them in olive oil. The coating ensures each slice roasts to tender perfection with a hint of crispness on the edges. It also helps the flavors stick to the potatoes better when you layer them later.
Step 4: Layer the Gratin
Arrange a layer of sweet potato slices in the bottom of your prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice for even cooking. Spoon some of the chipotle cream sauce over this layer, then sprinkle generously with a mixture of the sharp white cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing off with a final cheese layer on top. This layering technique creates pockets of creamy, cheesy, spicy goodness throughout each bite.
Step 5: Bake Covered and Then Uncovered
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This initial steaming helps soften the sweet potatoes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes to develop that irresistible golden and bubbly top. Once done, let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving to let everything set beautifully.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Gratin with Chipotle Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or more thyme leaves just before serving for a pop of vibrant green and fresh flavor that contrasts the rich creaminess. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add a lovely sheen and enhance the depth.
Side Dishes
This Sweet Potato Gratin with Chipotle Cream Recipe works brilliantly as a side for grilled or roasted meats such as steak, chicken, or pork. It also pairs well with a crisp green salad or charred vegetables for a well-rounded meal full of complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the gratin in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. It’s perfect for holiday dinners or cozy family meals where everyone can enjoy their own cheesy, spicy indulgence. Adding a small dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top can also balance the heat elegantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet Potato Gratin with Chipotle Cream Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled well preserves the creamy texture and layered flavors.
Freezing
This gratin freezes beautifully. To freeze, cool it completely and transfer into a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers or thawed gratin in a 350°F oven until warmed through and the cheese on top is bubbly again, about 20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, to maintain the gratin’s texture and keep the cheese pleasantly melty without becoming rubbery.
FAQs
Can I adjust the heat level in this Sweet Potato Gratin with Chipotle Cream Recipe?
Absolutely! The heat mainly comes from the chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. For a milder version, use only one chipotle pepper and remove the seeds before chopping. For more heat, add an extra pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
Can I substitute the cheeses in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to get creative. Sharp white cheddar is key for flavor, but you can add or swap Parmesan for Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky mozzarella to play with different textures and taste profiles.
Is this gratin gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses no flour or breadcrumbs. Just be sure your cheeses and canned peppers don’t have any gluten-containing additives.
What’s the best way to slice sweet potatoes for this dish?
Use a mandoline slicer if you have one for uniform 1/8 inch thick slices. Even slices ensure the gratin cooks evenly and layers neatly, giving you that perfect creamy yet tender texture.
Can I add other ingredients to the gratin?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in thinly sliced onions, leeks, or thin slices of cooked chorizo for extra depth. Just remember to keep the balance so the sweet potatoes and chipotle cream remain the stars of the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about this Sweet Potato Gratin with Chipotle Cream Recipe that makes it a standout side dish for any occasion. The creamy, spicy, and cheesy layers create a perfect comfort food experience with a delightful southwestern twist. I encourage you to give it a try—it might just become a staple in your recipe collection, bringing joy and warmth to your table every time.
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Sweet Potato Gratin with Chipotle Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southwestern
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This Sweet Potato Gratin with Chipotle Cream is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort side dish, inspired by Bobby Flay. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes are layered with a smoky, spicy chipotle-infused cream and sharp cheeses, then baked to golden perfection. The creamy, spicy, and cheesy elements combine to create a delicious Southwestern-inspired dish perfect for holidays or any special meal.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Layers
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Nonstick cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Chipotle Cream Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Make the Chipotle Cream Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, finely chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors, then remove from the heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced sweet potatoes with olive oil, ensuring each slice is evenly coated to enhance roasting and flavor.
- Layer the Gratin: Arrange a layer of the coated sweet potato slices in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Spoon a portion of the chipotle cream sauce evenly over the sweet potatoes, then sprinkle a mixture of the grated sharp white cheddar and Parmesan cheeses on top. Repeat layering the sweet potatoes, chipotle cream sauce, and cheeses until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to prevent the top from burning and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This initial baking helps cure and soften the potatoes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the gratin from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps set the layers and enhances flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the number of chipotle peppers to control heat level—use only one pepper and remove seeds for milder flavor.
- This gratin pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can add a spicy twist to holiday side dishes.
- To ensure even cooking, slice sweet potatoes uniformly about 1/8 inch thick.
- Use freshly grated cheeses for best melting and flavor.
- Covering the dish during the first part of baking helps keep the potatoes moist and tender.
