Sweet Potato And Apple Gratin

Sweet Potato and Apple Gratin is a delightful, seasonal side dish that perfectly blends sweet and savory flavors, making it a standout addition to any fall or winter meal. This dish features layers of tender sweet potatoes and crisp apples, baked to golden perfection with a creamy, lightly spiced sauce and a crispy, cheesy topping. The combination of sweet and slightly tart apples with the earthy richness of sweet potatoes creates a balanced and comforting flavor profile. Whether served alongside roasted meats, holiday dinners, or simply enjoyed on its own, this gratin is sure to impress with its warm, hearty, and slightly indulgent taste.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh thyme or rosemary for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Prepare the cream mixture: In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, milk, melted butter, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
3. Layer the gratin: Arrange a layer of sweet potato slices at the bottom of the prepared dish. Add a layer of apple slices on top of the sweet potatoes. Repeat layering with the remaining sweet potato and apple slices, alternating and overlapping them to create a visually appealing pattern.
4. Add the cream mixture: Pour the cream mixture evenly over the sweet potato and apple layers, making sure it seeps through to the bottom of the dish.
5. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère (or cheddar) and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. This will create a rich, golden crust as it bakes.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes and apples are tender and the top is bubbly and golden brown. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking.
7. Cool and garnish: Let the gratin cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary for a touch of freshness and added aroma.
8. Serve: Enjoy the gratin warm as a side dish to roasted meats, poultry, or as a stand-alone vegetarian main course.

Sweet Potato and Apple Gratin is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, with the creamy texture of the sweet potatoes paired with the subtle tang of the apples and the richness of the cheese. This dish is a showstopper on any dinner table and is sure to bring comfort and joy to your meals during the cooler months.