Get ready to transform your dinner table with a dish that's about to become your new obsession! This Sweet Potato Apple and Onion Gratin is not just a side dish – it's a culinary masterpiece that combines the creamy sweetness of sweet potatoes, the crisp tartness of apples, and the rich depth of caramelized onions. Imagine a bubbling, golden-brown casserole that's both elegant enough for a dinner party and comforting enough for a cozy family meal. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe will make you look like a professional chef with minimal effort!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the gratin cooks evenly and achieves a nice golden top.
- Prepare your ingredients by washing and peeling the sweet potatoes. Slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch thick, using a sharp knife or a mandoline for uniformity. Do the same with the apples, removing the cores and slicing them thinly. Finally, slice the onion into thin rings or half-moons.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine the ingredients and season the cream mixture to taste.
- In a greased baking dish, start layering the gratin. Begin with a layer of sweet potatoes, followed by a layer of apples, then a layer of onions. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sweet potatoes on top.
- Once the layers are complete, pour the heavy cream mixture evenly over the layered vegetables and fruit, ensuring that it seeps into all the layers.
- If you are using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the final layer of sweet potatoes. This will create a deliciously cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the top from browning too quickly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove the gratin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to slice.
- Serve warm as a delightful side dish or a vegetarian main course, and enjoy the harmonious blend of sweet potatoes, apples, and onions!
Tips
- Slice Uniformity is Key: Use a mandoline or a very sharp knife to ensure all your ingredients are sliced to the same thickness (about 1/8 inch). This guarantees even cooking and a beautiful layered presentation.
- Don't Skip the Seasoning: The cream mixture is where the magic happens. Take your time to balance the salt, pepper, and thyme to create a rich, flavorful base for your gratin.
- Cheese is Optional, But Recommended: While the recipe works great without cheese, a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top adds a delicious golden crust and extra richness.
- Patience Pays Off: Covering the gratin with foil for the first half of cooking prevents burning and ensures the vegetables cook evenly. The uncovered final 30 minutes create that irresistible golden-brown top.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the gratin to cool for a few minutes after cooking helps the layers set, making it easier to serve and preventing burns from the hot cream.Pro Tip: This dish is incredibly versatile! Try experimenting with different herbs like rosemary or sage, or add a sprinkle of nutmeg for an extra flavor dimension.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 60mg
