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
Scale
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.
