Savory Sweet Potato Gratin with Pecans: The Ultimate Sweet-Salty Holiday Side Dish
This Savory Sweet Potato Gratin with Pecans recipe is proudly sponsored by Fisher Nuts, a brand committed to delivering quality ingredients for your culinary adventures.
As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, sweet potatoes inevitably reclaim their spotlight in our kitchens, especially as we approach the bustling holiday season. These vibrant orange root vegetables are more than just a festive staple; they’re a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. While they shine during special occasions, I find myself incorporating sweet potatoes into my meals year-round. From crispy sweet potato fries to wholesome roasted rounds, or even paired with smoked chicken-apple sausage and other garden vegetables in a simple sheet pan dinner, their versatility makes them a go-to for quick and delicious weeknight meals.
While I certainly appreciate a classic, marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole on Thanksgiving, my palate often gravitates towards more savory preparations. That’s where this incredible Savory Sweet Potato Gratin with Pecans comes into play. This dish offers a delightful departure from overly sweet versions, striking a perfect balance between the natural sweetness of the potatoes and rich, savory notes. The combination of flavors is truly outstanding, creating a symphony for your tastebuds that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The star of the topping is undoubtedly the Parmesan-pecan crust, which adds an irresistible crunch and depth of flavor, elevating this gratin from a simple side to a show-stopping centerpiece. Whether you’re serving it alongside succulent roasted beef, a perfectly cooked chicken, or a majestic holiday turkey, this gratin is guaranteed to be a hit.
Why This Savory Sweet Potato Gratin Will Be Your New Favorite
What makes this particular sweet potato gratin so special? It’s the harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Imagine tender, thinly sliced sweet potatoes and sweet onions, layered and baked until perfectly soft. Then, picture a golden, crispy topping made from finely chopped Fisher Pecan Halves and pungent Parmesan cheese, all brought together with aromatic herbs and spices. The slight saltiness from the Parmesan and the earthy, buttery flavor of the pecans beautifully contrast the inherent sweetness of the potatoes, creating a complex and incredibly satisfying bite.
Beyond its incredible flavor profile, this gratin is also remarkably easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday hosts or anyone looking for a comforting meal without extensive effort. The thinly sliced ingredients cook evenly, ensuring every forkful is consistently delicious. Plus, the visual appeal of a beautifully golden-brown gratin emerging from the oven is undeniable, adding a touch of rustic elegance to any dinner table.
The Secret to Unforgettable Flavor: Thoughtful Ingredient Pairings
The inspiration for this delightful recipe came from one of my all-time favorite culinary resources, The Flavor Bible. This incredible book is a treasure trove of ingredient pairings, guiding cooks to create dishes that are truly exceptional. Following its suggestions, I explored the classic combination of sweet potatoes, fragrant rosemary, and savory onion. This trio forms the foundational flavor profile of the gratin, providing a robust and aromatic base. From there, the addition of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped pecans felt like an intuitive and utterly brilliant enhancement. The Parmesan adds a delightful salty, umami kick, while the pecans bring their distinctive buttery crunch and nutty depth, completing the savory symphony.
We’ve also included a touch of prosciutto or ham, thinly sliced and diced, to introduce another layer of savory richness. This smoky, salty element provides a wonderful counterpoint to the sweetness of the potatoes and the earthiness of the rosemary. For a vegetarian version, you can easily omit the prosciutto or substitute it with smoked paprika for a similar smoky depth.
The Quality Difference with Fisher Nuts
You already know how much I value using preservative-free Fisher Nuts in my recipes! The quality of ingredients truly makes a difference in the final taste and texture of any dish, and nuts are no exception. Fisher Nuts consistently deliver fresh, high-quality nuts that are perfect for baking, cooking, or simply snacking. Their commitment to offering preservative-free products means you’re getting pure, natural flavor, which is especially important in a dish where the nuts play such a prominent role in both taste and texture. The pecans in this gratin aren’t just an afterthought; they’re an integral component, providing that essential crunch and buttery undertone.
I highly recommend visiting the Fisher Nuts website for more inspiration and to discover additional seasonal recipes created by the talented Chef Alex Guaraschelli. There is so much deliciousness to explore and add to your family’s table, from savory meals to decadent desserts, all featuring the exceptional quality of Fisher Nuts.
Savory Sweet Potato Gratin with Pecans Recipe
Print Recipe
Savory Sweet Potato Gratin with Pecans
Yield: 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs peeled sweet potatoes, sliced into thin half moons about 1/2″ thick (aim for even slices for consistent cooking)
- 1 sweet onion, sliced into thin half moons
- 2 oz prosciutto or ham, thinly sliced then diced (optional, for added savory depth)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed to release more flavor (you can gently rub it between your palms)
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed (or other light flavored) oil
- Big pinch coarse salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 cup Fisher Pecan Halves, roughly chopped
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature for cooking when the gratin goes in.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and thinly sliced sweet potatoes with the sweet onions, diced prosciutto or ham (if using), crushed dried rosemary, a generous pinch of coarse salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle with grapeseed oil and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. This step helps to distribute the flavors and ensures the potatoes soften beautifully. Spoon the mixture into a large baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish works well) and spread it out evenly. Cover the baking dish securely with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated 400-degree oven, covered, for 30 minutes. Baking it covered initially allows the sweet potatoes and onions to steam and become tender without drying out.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Gently stir the sweet potato mixture to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. Continue to cook uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. This allows some of the moisture to evaporate and begins to caramelize the edges of the sweet potatoes.
- While the gratin bakes for its final 10 minutes uncovered, prepare the delicious topping. In a small bowl, combine the whole milk, freshly grated nutmeg, roughly chopped Fisher Pecan Halves, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir these ingredients together until well combined.
- Once the gratin has cooked for the additional 10 minutes uncovered, remove it from the oven. Evenly spoon the milk, nutmeg, pecan, and Parmesan mixture over the sweet potatoes. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and the pecan topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the gratin to set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy this exquisite savory side dish!
Recipe inspired by The Flavor Bible.
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This Savory Sweet Potato Gratin with Pecans offers a fresh and exciting way to enjoy sweet potatoes, moving beyond the traditional. Its balanced flavors and delightful textures make it a memorable addition to any meal, whether it’s a grand holiday feast or a cozy family dinner. The ease of preparation combined with its impressive presentation ensures it will become a cherished recipe in your culinary repertoire.
(Disclosure:
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Fisher. The opinions and text are all mine.
I am a brand ambassador for Fisher’s Nuts. They are a brand I admire and enjoy working with and I’m excited to share recipes with you using their products this upcoming year. Thank you for supporting the brands that help support Aggie’s Kitchen.)
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