If you’re looking for a delightful dish that perfectly balances the sweetness of vegetables with rich, savory flavors, look no further than this Maple-Glazed Beet, Gruyere Sweet Potato & Hot Honey Yam Gratin. This recipe combines vibrant beets, sweet potatoes, and yams, mellowed with the nuttiness of brown butter and the creaminess of Gruyere cheese, creating a feast for both the eyes and the palate. This gratin is not only simple to prepare but also showcases seasonal ingredients, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or cozy dinners at home. The inclusion of hot honey adds a delightful touch of heat, which brilliantly complements the sweetness of root vegetables.
Moreover, this gratin is packed with healthful benefits while being a delightful comfort food. Each layer of exquisite flavors brings a scream of ‘delicious!’ with every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a stunning side dish during holidays or as a hearty main on a chilly night, this recipe will soon become a favorite. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce family and friends to the earthy flavors of beets and sweet potatoes, often overlooked in traditional recipes. Let’s dive into what makes this gratin so special and how you can whip it up in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Maple-Glazed Beet, Gruyere Sweet Potato & Hot Honey Yam Gratin
- Flavorful Layers: With a mix of savory Gruyere cheese and sweet maple syrup, every bite bursts with flavor.
- Visually Stunning: The vivid colors of the beets and sweet potatoes make this dish a beautiful centerpiece.
- Vegetable Forward: It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meals while keeping it delicious.
- Comforting Warmth: This gratin is perfect for cold weather, providing both warmth and nourishment.
- Easy Preparation: It requires minimal prep and can be assembled ahead of time, making your meal planning easier.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start cooking your Maple-Glazed Beet, Gruyere Sweet Potato & Hot Honey Yam Gratin, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather the right tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking once you’re finished assembling the dish.
You will need a rectangular ceramic or glass baking dish to showcase the layers of wonderful vegetables. A sharp knife or mandoline will be vital for thinly slicing the beets and sweet potatoes, which helps them cook evenly and quickly. Additionally, prepare a mixing bowl for combining the sweet potatoes and Gruyere cheese, and don’t forget a suitable cutting board.
Also, have some aluminum foil ready for covering the baking dish during the first part of the cooking process. This allows the vegetables to cook through while retaining moisture before browning beautifully at the end.
Ingredients
- 2 large beets, thinly sliced
- 2 large golden sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 large orange sweet potatoes/yams, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons brown butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/3 cup crispy fried shallots
- 6 fresh sage leaves
- 3 tablespoons garlic-infused olive oil
- 1 tablespoon hot honey
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme sprigs
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your gratin bakes evenly. While the oven heats up, gently grease your rectangular baking dish using a bit of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Beets
In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced beets with the brown butter, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Coating the beets in brown butter not only enriches their flavor but adds a lovely nuttiness that enhances their natural sweetness. Arrange the beets neatly in the first row on the left side of your prepared baking dish, laying them flat for even cooking.
Step 3: Assemble the Sweet Potatoes
Now, move on to creating the center row by combining the golden sweet potato slices in a bowl with shredded Gruyere cheese, crispy fried shallots, sage leaves, a pinch of dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This mixture adds both texture and flavor to your gratin. Spoon this flavorful blend into the center row of your baking dish, ensuring it’s compact and well-distributed.
Step 4: Finish with Yams
For the right row, coat the thinly sliced orange sweet potato or yam segments in garlic-infused olive oil and drizzle with hot honey. Season it with salt and pepper to taste and arrange neatly in this row. The syrupy notes of the hot honey will caramelize beautifully, complementing the earthy tones of the yams.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish securely with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and let it bake for approximately 35 minutes. This step ensures the vegetables soften and the flavors meld. After 35 minutes, carefully remove the foil and allow the gratin to bake for an additional 20 minutes. This will give the top a gorgeous, caramelized finish while allowing the cheese to bubble and ooze.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the dish from the oven (it will be hot!), and adorn your gratin with fresh thyme sprigs and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds before serving warm. These garnishes add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that pulls the dish together beautifully.
Variations
- Protein: Add cooked bacon or diced ham for a savory note, or replace some of the vegetables with roasted chicken for a hearty main dish.
- Vegetables: Experiment with slivers of pumpkin or zucchini in place of some sweet potatoes for a unique twist.
- Spices: For an added kick, consider mixing in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the garlic-infused olive oil before coating the yams.
Cooking Notes
- For the best results, try to slice each vegetable as uniformly as possible; this ensures that they cook evenly.
- Experiment with different types of cheese; if Gruyere isn’t accessible, a blend of Swiss and mozzarella can be a nice substitute.
Serving Suggestions
- This gratin pairs beautifully with a simple arugula salad dressed lightly in olive oil and lemon juice.
- Serve it alongside grilled meats, roast chicken, or as a stand-alone dish for a light vegetarian dinner.
Tips
- If preparing ahead, you can assemble the gratin and refrigerate it before baking. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly if it’s cold from the fridge.
- To achieve a crispier top, one minute under the broiler after baking can yield a delightful, golden crust.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 340 per serving
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
FAQs
Can I make the gratin ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the gratin up until the baking step and refrigerate it. Just take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
What can I substitute for Gruyere cheese?
If Gruyere is unavailable, shredded Swiss cheese or a blend of provolone and mozzarella works well as a substitute.
Is it possible to make this vegan?
To make a vegan version, swap the cheese for nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative and replace the butter with vegan margarine and the garlic oil.
How can I provide extra flavor?
Try adding more herbs like rosemary or oregano or spicy red pepper flakes to enhance the overall taste.
Conclusion
The Maple-Glazed Beet, Gruyere Sweet Potato & Hot Honey Yam Gratin is not only visually striking but is an exquisite blend of flavors that your taste buds will love. This recipe offers a creative and nourishing option for any meal, whether you’re hosting a gathering or wanting to indulge in something special. It provides a perfect balance of sweet and savory elements that work harmoniously together. If you decide to try your hand at making this gratin, don’t forget to share your results! We’d love to hear how it turned out and any unique variations you tried. Enjoy every delightful bite of this comforting dish!
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Maple-Glazed Beet, Gruyere Sweet Potato & Hot Honey Yam Gratin
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Maple-Glazed Beet, Gruyere Sweet Potato & Hot Honey Yam Gratin is a vibrant dish perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 large beets, thinly sliced
- 2 large golden sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 large orange sweet potatoes/yams, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons brown butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1/3 cup crispy fried shallots
- 6 fresh sage leaves
- 3 tablespoons garlic-infused olive oil
- 1 tablespoon hot honey
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme sprigs
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your gratin bakes evenly. While the oven heats up, gently grease your rectangular baking dish using a bit of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced beets with the brown butter, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Coating the beets in brown butter not only enriches their flavor but adds a lovely nuttiness that enhances their natural sweetness. Arrange the beets neatly in the first row on the left side of your prepared baking dish, laying them flat for even cooking.
- Now, move on to creating the center row by combining the golden sweet potato slices in a bowl with shredded Gruyere cheese, crispy fried shallots, sage leaves, a pinch of dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This mixture adds both texture and flavor to your gratin. Spoon this flavorful blend into the center row of your baking dish, ensuring it’s compact and well-distributed.
- For the right row, coat the thinly sliced orange sweet potato or yam segments in garlic-infused olive oil and drizzle with hot honey. Season it with salt and pepper to taste and arrange neatly in this row. The syrupy notes of the hot honey will caramelize beautifully, complementing the earthy tones of the yams.
- Cover the baking dish securely with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and let it bake for approximately 35 minutes. This step ensures the vegetables soften and the flavors meld. After 35 minutes, carefully remove the foil and allow the gratin to bake for an additional 20 minutes. This will give the top a gorgeous, caramelized finish while allowing the cheese to bubble and ooze.
- Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the dish from the oven (it will be hot!), and adorn your gratin with fresh thyme sprigs and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds before serving warm. These garnishes add a pop of color and a burst of freshness that pulls the dish together beautifully.
Notes
For the best results, try to slice each vegetable as uniformly as possible; this ensures that they cook evenly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
Nutrition
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Protein: 10 g