Imagine a dish that combines the earthy richness of mushrooms, the sweet, velvety texture of roasted sweet potatoes, and a luxurious blanket of melted cheese - all baked to golden perfection. This Mushroom and Sweet Potato Gratin is not just a side dish; it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and guests begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Wash and prepare the vegetables. Slice mushrooms into thin, even pieces and dice sweet potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced mushrooms and diced sweet potatoes. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the vegetables, tossing gently to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Pour heavy cream over the vegetable mixture, ensuring all pieces are lightly coated. The cream will help create a rich, creamy texture during baking.
- Transfer the vegetable and cream mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer to promote consistent cooking.
- Sprinkle grated cheese evenly across the top of the vegetables, covering the entire surface to create a golden, crispy crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake covered for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from oven and let the gratin rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the cream to set and makes portioning easier.
- Serve hot as a side dish or vegetarian main course, garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose the right mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms work best for consistent flavor and texture.
- Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and a professional presentation.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting quality and flavor intensity.
- Don't rush the resting period - letting the gratin sit for 5-10 minutes helps the cream set and makes serving easier.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary before baking.
- If you want a crispier top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 355kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 100mg
