Garlic-Infused Sweet Potato Mash Bake
Indulge in this luxurious Garlic-Infused Sweet Potato Mash Bake, combining the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich flavor of roasted garlic. This delightful dish is not only a crowd-pleaser for festive gatherings but also perfect for elevating any weeknight meal. Sweet potatoes, historically cultivated by indigenous peoples of North America, add a vibrant color and nutritional punch to your table. Velvety, cheesy, and herbaceous, this bake is a comforting staple that celebrates the flavors of the season. Ideal for sharing, it serves six generous portions that are sure to impress!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic
1 (large head, roasted)
Olive oil
2 (tablespoons)
Sweet potatoes
2 (lbs, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces)
Russet potato
1 (lb, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces)
Butter or margarine
1/2 (cup, cut into pieces)
Grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 (cup)
Chopped Italian parsley
3 (tablespoons)
Fresh rosemary
1 (teaspoon, snipped or 1/4 teaspoon dried)
Salt
1/2 (teaspoon)
Fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/8 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Prepare the garlic: Cut the top off the head of garlic and discard. Place the garlic bulb, cut side up, in a small baking dish and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the garlic is very soft. Let cool, then squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins and set aside.
3
Meanwhile, peel and cut the sweet potatoes and russet potato into 2-inch pieces. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil, and cook the potatoes for about 20 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes well.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained potatoes with the roasted garlic cloves. Mash the mixture until smooth.
5
Add the 1/2 cup of butter (or margarine), 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, rosemary, salt, and black pepper to the mashed potatoes. Stir until well combined and creamy.
6
Grease a 1 1/2 quart baking dish with the oil remaining from the garlic baking dish. Spoon the potato mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
7
Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this delightful side dish warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Garlic-Infused Sweet Potato Mash Bake?
This dish combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich, savory flavor of roasted garlic, complemented by parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes six generous portions.
What types of potatoes are required for this bake?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of sweet potatoes and 1 lb of russet potatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
How long does it take to roast the garlic?
The garlic should be roasted for 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C) or until it is very soft.
What temperature should the oven be set to for the final bake?
The final bake should be done at 350°F (175°C).
Can I substitute fresh rosemary with dried rosemary?
Yes, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary if 1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary is unavailable.
How do I prepare the garlic for roasting?
Cut the top off the head of garlic, place it in a small dish cut-side up, and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
How long should I boil the potatoes?
Boil the potatoes for approximately 20 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
What size should I cut the potatoes before boiling?
Both the sweet potatoes and russet potatoes should be cut into 2-inch pieces.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
Grated Parmesan cheese is used both inside the mash and as a topping.
How much butter or margarine is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of butter or margarine, cut into pieces.
What should I do with the oil used for roasting the garlic?
Use the oil remaining from the garlic roasting dish to grease your 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
How much Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top?
Reserve 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese to sprinkle evenly over the top before the final bake.
What fresh herbs are included in this dish?
The recipe includes 3 tablespoons of chopped Italian parsley and 1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary.
Is the garlic mashed into the potatoes?
Yes, the roasted garlic cloves are squeezed from their skins and mashed directly with the potatoes until smooth.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of fresh coarse ground black pepper.
What size baking dish is required for the bake?
A 1 1/2 quart baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
Should the potatoes be peeled?
Yes, both the sweet potatoes and the russet potato should be peeled.
What is the historical significance of sweet potatoes mentioned?
Sweet potatoes were historically cultivated by indigenous peoples of North America.
Can I use a potato masher for this recipe?
Yes, you should mash the potatoes and garlic together until the mixture is smooth.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish is velvety, creamy, and cheesy with a slightly crispy top.
What kind of oil is used for the garlic?
Two tablespoons of olive oil are used for roasting the garlic bulb.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either butter or margarine.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This side dish should be served warm.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
There is no added sugar; the sweetness comes naturally from the sweet potatoes.
What type of parsley is recommended?
Chopped Italian parsley is recommended for the best flavor.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
The recipe suggests allowing it to cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving.
What occasion is this dish best for?
It is described as a crowd-pleaser for festive gatherings and a comforting staple for weeknight meals.