Imagine a side dish that's so irresistibly creamy, zesty, and packed with flavor that it steals the show from the main course. This Chili Lime Sweet Potato Gratin is not just another boring potato dish – it's a culinary adventure that will transform your dinner table from ordinary to extraordinary! With a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy notes, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the sweet potatoes very thinly (approximately 1/8 inch thick) to ensure even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, chili powder, fresh lime juice, and salt. Whisk the mixture thoroughly to blend the flavors and create a seasoned cream sauce.
- Layer the thinly sliced sweet potato rounds in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice to create an even, attractive pattern.
- Pour the chili-lime cream mixture evenly over the sweet potato layers, ensuring all slices are well-coated and moistened.
- If using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the sweet potato layers for added richness and flavor.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and help the potatoes cook evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crispy top.
- Remove from the oven and let the gratin rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the cream to set and make serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or green onions if desired, and serve hot as a side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Slice Consistency is Key: Use a mandoline or a very sharp knife to ensure uniform 1/8-inch thick sweet potato slices. This guarantees even cooking and a beautiful layered presentation.
- Cream Mixture Hack: Whisk the chili-lime cream thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly. Don't be shy with the seasoning – it's what makes this gratin truly special!
- Cheese Optional but Recommended: While the recipe works without cheese, a sprinkle of shredded cheese adds a luxurious richness that takes the dish to the next level.
- Prevent Burning: The aluminum foil is crucial in the first part of baking to prevent the top from burning while ensuring the potatoes cook through.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the gratin rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This allows the cream to set and makes serving much easier and more elegant.
- Garnish for Glamour: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions not only adds a pop of color but also brings a fresh flavor contrast to the rich gratin.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 80mg
