Prepare to transform your ordinary side dish into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This Yams Gratin with Gruyere is not just a recipe; it's a creamy, cheesy journey that elevates the humble yam into a luxurious French-inspired delicacy. Imagine layers of perfectly sliced yams bathed in rich heavy cream, blanketed with golden, melted Gruyere cheese, and topped with crispy, buttery breadcrumbs - this dish is about to become the star of your dining table.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs yams, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Peel the yams carefully and slice them uniformly into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline. Aim for consistent thickness to ensure even cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine minced garlic with heavy cream. Whisk gently to distribute the garlic evenly throughout the cream.
- Layer the yam slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice. Season each layer generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Pour the garlic-infused cream evenly over the yam layers, ensuring all slices are moistened. The cream will help create a rich, creamy texture.
- Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese over the top of the yams, covering the surface completely. The cheese will create a golden, crispy top when baked.
- In a separate small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a small amount of melted butter to help them brown nicely. Scatter the buttered breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to allow the yams to become tender.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the yams are fully cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot as a luxurious side dish, garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or chives if desired.
Tips
- Slice Uniformity is Key: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even 1/4-inch thick yam slices. This guarantees consistent cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality Gruyere for the most authentic and rich flavor. Fresh, well-aged Gruyere will make a significant difference in taste.
- Prevent Sticking: Thoroughly butter your baking dish to ensure easy serving and a pristine presentation.
- Garlic Infusion Technique: Gently whisk minced garlic into the cream to distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish.
- Breadcrumb Pro Tip: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling to ensure a golden, crispy topping.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the gratin to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the dish set and makes serving much easier.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh herbs like thyme or chives can add a beautiful finishing touch and extra layer of flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 75mg
