Creamy Herbed Yukon Gold and Sweet Potato Gratin: The Ultimate Comfort Side Dish
There’s something truly special about a potato gratin. It’s a dish that evokes warmth, comfort, and often, cherished memories of family gatherings and holiday feasts. While browsing through a collection of BHG (Better Homes & Gardens) recipes, a particular photo immediately captured my attention: a vibrant, golden-brown gratin boasting an enticing blend of white and sweet potatoes. This unique combination, merging the familiar earthiness of white potatoes with the gentle sweetness of their orange counterparts, promised an exquisite flavor profile that I simply had to try.
In our household, white potatoes typically take center stage. Sweet potatoes, while enjoyed, often play a supporting role. This recipe, however, presented an ingenious way to savor both, creating a harmonious balance that elevates a classic side dish into something truly extraordinary. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, creamy, and visually appealing masterpiece.
To Peel or Not to Peel: Embracing the Natural Texture of Potatoes
The original recipe suggested peeling the potatoes before slicing, a common step in many gratin preparations. However, I opted for a slightly different approach, deciding that as long as the potato skins were thoroughly scrubbed clean, the peeling process was one I could happily skip. This decision wasn’t just about saving time (though that’s always a bonus!); it was about embracing the added texture, rustic appeal, and nutritional benefits that the skins provide.
Potato skins are rich in fiber and vitamins, offering a wholesome dimension to the dish. The thin, delicate skins of both Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes become wonderfully tender when baked, adding a subtle chewiness that complements the creamy interior of the gratin. If you prefer a completely smooth texture, feel free to use your peeler as directed by the original recipe. Both methods yield a delicious result, so tailor it to your personal preference. The key is to ensure your potatoes are meticulously clean, whether you keep the skins on or not.
The Art of Slicing: Precision for Perfect Gratin
The secret to a truly outstanding gratin lies in uniform potato slices. This consistency ensures that every slice cooks evenly, resulting in a perfectly tender texture throughout the dish. The most effective way to achieve this precision is by using a mandolin set to an 1/8-inch thickness. A mandolin glides through potatoes effortlessly, creating thin, uniform rounds that stack beautifully and absorb the creamy sauce perfectly.
If you don’t have a mandolin, a food processor equipped with a slicing blade is an excellent alternative. It offers similar speed and consistency. For those relying on a good old-fashioned chef’s knife, take your time and aim for slices as thin and even as possible. This might require a steady hand and a bit of patience, but the effort will pay off in the final texture of your gratin. Just remember to exercise caution when using any sharp slicing tools to protect your fingers!
Effortless Elegance: The Perfect Dish for Entertaining
This Herbed Yukon Gold and Sweet Potato Gratin is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly convenient, making it an ideal choice for entertaining. You’ll need a three-quart rectangular or oval baking dish to layer your ingredients. Once all the potatoes, herbs, and cheeses are meticulously arranged in the dish and the creamy liquid is poured over, your hands-on work is practically done. The total baking time is just a little over an hour, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax with your guests.
Imagine the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as this gratin bakes to perfection. While it’s in the oven, you can effortlessly prepare the rest of your dinner. Throw some chicken or steak on the grill, sauté a medley of fresh seasonal vegetables, or toss a vibrant salad. By the time the gratin is golden and bubbly, your entire meal will be ready. This dish truly embodies stress-free entertaining, delivering a wonderful, comforting dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, without the actual fuss.
Its robust flavor and beautiful presentation make it a standout side for any occasion. It’s particularly fantastic for holiday meals like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, where a hearty, crowd-pleasing side is always in demand. The combination of sweet and savory notes, coupled with the rich, creamy texture, guarantees it will be a hit with everyone at the table.
Herbed Yukon Gold & Sweet Potato Gratin
A comforting and savory potato gratin, beautifully blending the sweetness of sweet potatoes with the creamy texture of Yukon Golds. Adapted from BHG One-Pan Recipes.
Ingredients
-
1/2
cup
chopped green onion -
1
tablespoon
snipped fresh sage -
1
tablespoon
snipped fresh thyme -
3
cloves
garlic, minced -
1
teaspoon
salt -
1/2
teaspoon
ground black pepper -
1 1/2
pounds
small sweet potatoes, thinly sliced -
1 1/2
pounds
small Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced -
1/2
cup
shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese
(2 ounces) -
1/4
cup
finely shredded Parmesan cheese
(1 ounce) -
1/2
cup
chicken broth -
1/2
cup
whipping cream -
fresh sage leaves
(optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 3-quart rectangular or oval baking dish with butter or cooking spray; set aside. In a small bowl, combine the chopped green onions, snipped fresh sage, snipped fresh thyme, minced garlic, salt, and ground black pepper. This aromatic herb mixture will infuse your gratin with incredible flavor; set it aside.
-
In the prepared baking dish, begin layering. Start by arranging half of the thinly sliced sweet potatoes, followed by half of the thinly sliced Yukon Gold potatoes. For a visually appealing presentation and even distribution of flavors, you can alternate rows or create a beautiful mosaic pattern. Evenly sprinkle half of the prepared herb mixture over the potato layers. Follow this with a generous scattering of half of the shredded Gruyere (or Swiss) cheese and half of the finely shredded Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers once more with the remaining potatoes, herbs, and cheeses. Finally, pour the chicken broth and whipping cream carefully over all the ingredients in the dish, ensuring the liquid permeates through the layers.
-
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. This initial covered baking period allows the potatoes to steam and become tender in the rich, creamy liquid. After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are perfectly tender when pierced with a fork, and the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbly. Once baked, remove the gratin from the oven and let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial as it allows the creamy sauce to set, making the gratin easier to slice and serve without falling apart. If desired, garnish with a few fresh sage leaves for an extra touch of elegance and aroma.
-
NOTE: For those who love a dramatically crispy, deeply golden brown topping on their gratin, you can achieve this by placing the uncovered dish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes during the last stage of baking. Keep a very close eye on it, as gratins can brown quickly under the broiler, and you want to avoid burning the cheese.
Serving Your Delicious Potato Gratin
Once your Herbed Yukon Gold and Sweet Potato Gratin has rested, it’s ready to be served. The layers will be tender, infused with the savory herbs and rich cheese, and enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce. Each spoonful offers a delightful interplay of textures and flavors – the earthy notes of the Yukon Golds, the subtle sweetness of the sweet potatoes, and the aromatic depth of sage and thyme, all bound together by the irresistible melt of Gruyere and Parmesan.
This gratin is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. It’s a stellar accompaniment to roasted chicken or turkey, glazed ham, pan-seared pork chops, or even a simple grilled salmon. For a vegetarian meal, it can stand alone as a hearty main dish alongside a fresh green salad or some steamed asparagus. The rich, indulgent nature of the gratin makes it a perfect side for holiday dinners and special occasions, but its ease of preparation also allows it to be a fantastic addition to a weeknight family meal.
Tips for Success and Delicious Variations
To ensure your gratin is always a showstopper, here are a few additional tips and variations you might consider:
- Cheese Alternatives: While Gruyere and Parmesan offer a classic, rich flavor, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Fontina provides a wonderfully meltable and nutty profile, or for a sharper taste, a good aged cheddar could be used.
- Add a Touch of Spice: For a hint of warmth, a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg can be added to the cream mixture. A tiny dash of cayenne pepper could also provide a subtle kick, balancing the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
- Boost the Herbs: Don’t limit yourself to sage and thyme. Rosemary, finely chopped chives, or even a mix of Italian parsley can add different dimensions to the herb blend.
- Make it Heartier: For a more substantial dish, consider adding crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or caramelized onions between the potato layers. These additions will create an even richer and more complex flavor.
- Preparation Ahead: This gratin can be assembled a day in advance. Simply cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven, and you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftovers, if any, store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
This Herbed Yukon Gold and Sweet Potato Gratin is more than just a side; it’s a comforting classic redefined. The thoughtful combination of two distinct potato varieties, elevated by fragrant herbs and rich cheeses, creates a dish that is both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re hosting a grand celebration or simply seeking a delightful meal, this gratin promises to bring warmth and joy to your table.
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