Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with my delectable Creamy Sweet Potato Bake. This rich and creamy dish combines the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the luxuriousness of cream and aromatic herbs. Perfect as a side dish or a satisfying main, this recipe is a delightful addition to any meal. Let's dive into how to create this irresistible dish.
Sweet potato gratin
This time I share an amazing savory dish for creamy sweet potato bake. This dish can also be called gratin although there is no cheese or butter in it, only cream.
Usually gratin or a baked dish as such contains potatoes but I wanted a healthier version so I used sweet potatoes instead. Don’t worry this is the only healthy change. The dish is still super creamy and rich with flavor. If you want you can use both potatoes and sweet potatoes and arrange the cut discs on the baking pan alternating between both to get that nice designed look.
To make this creamy sweet potato bake you will need sweet potatoes, herbs, spices and cream. The herbs I used are basil and thyme. You can use other herbs you like too. I also used garlic, salt and pepper. I like the combination of these herbs and spices and think it fits the sweet potatoes perfectly.
Gluten free sweet potatoes
This creamy sweet potato bake is gluten free (perfect for dairy dinner during Passover) and if you need to make it dairy free too you can use non-dairy cream or coconut cream. And if you change the cream to non-dairy one, the dish is also vegan.
Process
To achieve the perfect thin discs, I scalloped the sweet potatoes using a mandolin slicer. You can also cut it with a knife but it’s a bit harder to get nice thin discs that way.
After you cut the sweet potatoes, you will need to cook for a few minutes, the cream with the herbs and spices to let the flavors dissolve. Then pour the cooked cream on the sweet potatoes and bake for an hour covered. The hard part is to not burn your tongue during a taste test as you take it out of the oven.
This dish is delicious and tastes so good. The sweet potatoes get very soft while baking and they melt in your mouth when the dish is ready. The sweet potatoes add a sweet taste that combined with the savory cream and herbs creates just a divine flavor.
I made only a small dish using 2 sweet potatoes, if you need it to feed a crowd, double or triple the ingredients. I used a pan smaller than 9x13 but it doesn’t really matter, you just need a pan that all the cut sweet potatoes can fit in.
Tips to ensure your Creamy Sweet Potato Bake turns out perfectly:
Even Slicing
Use a mandolin grater for uniform and thin sweet potato slices. This ensures even cooking throughout the dish.
Fresh Herbs
Opt for fresh herbs whenever possible. They lend a vibrant flavor that dried herbs simply can't match.
Garlic Infusion
Allow the garlic to infuse into the cream mixture by simmering them together. This enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
Seasoning
Taste and adjust the seasoning of the cream mixture before pouring it over the sweet potatoes. This ensures the dish is perfectly seasoned to your liking.
Covering
Cover the baking pan with foil while baking to prevent the sweet potatoes from drying out. This helps them cook evenly and retain moisture.
Thyme Garnish
Place additional fresh thyme sprigs on top of the sweet potatoes before baking for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.
Serve Hot
Enjoy the Creamy Sweet Potato Bake straight out of the oven while it's hot and bubbly for the best taste and texture.
FAQS
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs according to your taste preferences. Rosemary or even sage would work well in this recipe.
Yes, you can substitute cream with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream or almond milk for a lactose-free version of this dish.
Absolutely! Feel free to sprinkle grated cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, over the sweet potatoes before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
The sweet potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the cream mixture should be bubbling around the edges.
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover the baking pan with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator, allow it to come to room temperature, and then bake as directed in the recipe.
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
This dish pairs well with a variety of main courses, such as quiche, or quinoa salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Other recipes to try:
This creamy sweet potato bake can be served with some pasta dish, a quiche and salads to create a lovely Shavuot dinner. For more Shavuot recipes check out my Shavuot recipe index.
Bake this creamy sweet potato dish today!
Picture thinly sliced sweet potatoes bathed in a velvety cream infused with aromatic garlic, basil, and thyme, all baked to perfection until tender and golden. The result? A symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more with every bite. Don't wait any longer—treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food experience and make this recipe now. Your palate will thank you.
Creamy Sweet Potato Bake
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 cup cream
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoon chopped basil
- A bundle of fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper by your taste
Instructions
- Set the oven to 180°C/ 350°F with the fan.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut to thin discs using a mandolin or a knife.
- In a small saucepan place the cream, garlic, basil and few stalks of the fresh thyme.
- Cook on high for 4 minutes until it starts to boil.
- Arrange the cut sweet potatoes in a baking pan.
- Pour the cooked cream and herbs over the sweet potatoes in the pan.
- Place the rest of the thyme on top of the sweet potatoes and cream.
- Cover the pan with foil.
- Bake for 1 hour.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
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