Crispy Sweet Potato Gratin with Pecan Crunch Topping
Experience the delightful combination of creamy sweet potatoes and a crunchy pecan topping with this Crispy Sweet Potato Gratin. Perfect for holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners, this dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the richness of butter, fresh citrus, and a blend of spices. The addition of whole wheat breadcrumbs and chopped pecans creates a satisfying texture that complements the smooth filling beautifully. Serve it as a delicious side dish that elevates any meal, and watch it disappear from the table!
N/A
Servings
275
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
3 lbs (Roasted until very tender)
Unsalted Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Grated Orange Zest
1 1/2 teaspoons (Freshly grated)
Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons (Squeezed from fresh lemons)
Fresh Orange Juice
2 tablespoons (Squeezed from fresh oranges)
Minced Garlic
1 tablespoon (Freshly minced)
Ground Allspice
1/2 teaspoon (Ground)
Salt
to taste (Kosher or sea salt)
Whole Wheat Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (Fresh)
Pecan Halves
1/3 cup (Coarsely chopped)
Chopped Green Onion
1/4 cup (Green part only, chopped)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 tablespoons (Freshly grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
2
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly, prick them several times with a fork, and wrap each one in foil. Place them on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until they are very tender when pierced with a fork.
3
Once roasted, unwrap the foil from the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and scoop out the flesh into a mixing bowl.
4
Using a potato masher or fork, mash the sweet potato flesh until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, grated orange zest, fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, minced garlic, ground allspice, and salt to taste, mixing thoroughly. You can prepare this mixture up to two days in advance and store it securely in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
5
In a separate bowl, combine the whole wheat breadcrumbs, coarsely chopped pecans, chopped green onions (green part only), and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to incorporate all ingredients.
6
Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 1-quart pie plate or a shallow ceramic baking dish. Carefully spoon the sweet potato mixture into the greased dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7
Evenly distribute the breadcrumb and pecan topping over the sweet potato mixture, ensuring coverage across the entire surface.
8
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sweet potato mixture is heated through. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
13
Fat
40
Carbs
4
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main component of the Crispy Sweet Potato Gratin?
The main component is 3 pounds of sweet potatoes, which are roasted until tender and then mashed.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 275 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is tagged as vegetarian-friendly.
What temperature should the oven be set to for roasting the potatoes?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for the initial roasting of the sweet potatoes.
How long do the sweet potatoes need to roast?
The sweet potatoes should roast for about 45 minutes until they are very tender.
Can the sweet potato mixture be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mashed sweet potato mixture up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
What type of breadcrumbs are used in the topping?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of fresh whole wheat breadcrumbs.
What kind of nuts are included in the crunch topping?
The topping features 1/3 cup of coarsely chopped pecan halves.
What citrus juices are added to the filling?
The filling includes 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of freshly minced garlic.
What amount of butter is used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
What size baking dish is recommended for the gratin?
A 1-quart pie plate or a shallow ceramic baking dish is recommended.
At what temperature should the final gratin be baked?
The final baking temperature is 375°F (190°C).
How long does the final baking step take?
The dish should bake for approximately 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
What spice is used to flavor the sweet potatoes?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice.
Is orange zest used in the filling?
Yes, the filling contains 1 1/2 teaspoons of freshly grated orange zest.
Which part of the green onion should be used for the topping?
Only the green part of the green onion should be chopped and used.
Is there cheese in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese are included in the breadcrumb topping.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 4 grams of protein per serving.
What is the total carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 40 grams of carbohydrates.
How much fat does this dish contain?
There are 13 grams of fat per serving.
Should the sweet potatoes be wrapped in foil?
Yes, each sweet potato should be pricked with a fork and wrapped in foil before roasting.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients listed for this gratin.
Do I need to peel the potatoes before roasting them?
No, you roast them in their skins and then scoop out the flesh once they have cooled slightly.
What should be the texture of the sweet potato filling?
The potato flesh should be mashed until it is smooth.
What is the suggested role of this dish in a meal?
It is intended to be served as a delicious side dish that elevates any meal.
Can I use salt to taste?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding salt to taste, preferably Kosher or sea salt.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should grease the 1-quart pie plate or shallow ceramic dish before adding the mixture.
Is this a good dish for holidays?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being perfect for holiday gatherings.
Should the dish cool before serving?
Yes, the instructions recommend letting it cool for a few minutes before serving.