Prepare to transform your ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience with this decadent French-inspired Yam Gratin with Gruyere. Imagine creamy, tender yam slices bathed in rich heavy cream and blanketed with golden, melted Gruyere cheese - a side dish so luxurious it could easily steal the spotlight from the main course. This recipe promises to elevate your culinary skills and impress even the most discerning dinner guests with its elegant simplicity and irresistible flavors.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium yams, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Peel the yams carefully and slice them uniformly into thin rounds, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Using a mandoline slicer can help achieve consistent thickness for even cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the mixture thoroughly to distribute the garlic and seasonings evenly.
- Layer the yam slices in the buttered baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice. Create multiple layers to build depth and ensure even cooking.
- Pour the seasoned cream mixture over the layered yams, making sure it seeps between the slices and covers them partially.
- Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese generously over the top of the yam layers, ensuring even distribution for consistent melting.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, creating a loose tent to allow steam circulation while preventing excessive browning.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the yams are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving, allowing the cream to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot as a luxurious side dish, garnishing with fresh herbs like thyme or chives if desired.
Tips
- Use a mandoline slicer for uniform yam slices to ensure even cooking and a professional presentation.
- Choose yams that are firm and free from blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
- Don't rush the resting period after baking - those 10 minutes allow the cream to set and intensify the dish's flavors.
- For extra richness, you can mix some Parmesan with the Gruyere for a more complex cheese profile.
- If you prefer a crispy top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or chives can add a beautiful finishing touch and bring brightness to the rich dish.
- This gratin pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or can be served as a vegetarian main course with a light salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 317kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 72mg
