Ultimate Scalloped Yukon Gold and Sweet Potatoes: A Company-Worthy Side Dish
Prepare to be amazed by these Scalloped Yukon Gold and Sweet Potatoes – they are truly sensational! This recipe crafts a side dish that’s not just delicious, but genuinely company-worthy, making it perfect for special occasions or elevating any family meal. While it involves a bit more hands-on time than a simple mashed potato dish, the effort is undeniably rewarded with a stunning, drool-worthy creation. The beautiful alternating layers of creamy Yukon Gold and vibrant sweet potatoes create a visually appealing masterpiece, complemented by an unmatched flavor profile. This Au Gratin style potato dish is infused with rich flavors and baked to golden perfection, promising to be a showstopper at your next gathering. Let’s dive in and create this culinary delight together!
The Irresistible Allure of Scalloped Potatoes (Au Gratin)
Scalloped potatoes, often known as potatoes au gratin, hold a special place in the hearts of many, especially during holiday seasons. They represent comfort, indulgence, and a touch of culinary artistry. While they may demand a little more dedication in terms of preparation compared to other potato side dishes, the rich, creamy layers and the deeply satisfying flavor make every moment of effort worthwhile. This classic dish transforms humble potatoes into a luxurious experience, featuring thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, flavorful cream sauce, often topped with cheese.
For this particular recipe, we’re elevating the traditional scalloped potato by incorporating a delightful blend of both Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes. I’ve chosen to arrange these two types of potatoes in an elegant, alternating circular pattern within the skillet. This thoughtful arrangement isn’t just for aesthetics; it guarantees a beautiful, eye-catching presentation that will impress your guests. Imagine the rich golden hues of Yukon Golds contrasting with the vibrant orange of sweet potatoes, creating a visual feast before the first bite.
Beyond their stunning appearance, the combination of Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes offers a truly unique taste experience. Yukon Golds are renowned for their buttery texture and subtle, earthy flavor, providing a comforting base. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, introduce a delicate sweetness and a slightly different texture, adding depth and complexity to the dish. Together, they create a perfect balance of savory and sweet, ensuring that each forkful is a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you wanting more. This unique pairing makes for an unforgettable creamy potato dish that stands out from typical side dishes.
Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Scalloped Potatoes
Crafting the perfect batch of Scalloped Yukon Gold and Sweet Potatoes requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after creamy texture, rich flavor, and beautiful presentation. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why these choices matter:
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (or russet): Yukon Golds are prized for their naturally buttery flavor and creamy texture when cooked, making them ideal for scalloped dishes. If unavailable, russet potatoes can be a good substitute, though they might yield a slightly less creamy result.
- 4 medium sweet potatoes: These add a delightful sweetness, a vibrant color contrast, and an additional layer of earthy flavor. They soften beautifully in the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups whole milk: Full-fat whole milk is crucial for the richness and creaminess of the sauce. Avoid low-fat milk, as it won’t provide the same luxurious mouthfeel or help the sauce thicken as effectively.
- 1/4 cup butter: Butter forms the base of our savory sauce, adding essential richness and helping to carry the flavors of the herbs and garlic.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic is indispensable for adding aromatic depth to the creamy sauce. Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh Italian parsley: Fresh herbs are key to brightening the dish. Parsley adds a fresh, slightly peppery note.
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh rosemary: Rosemary offers a wonderfully fragrant, piney aroma that pairs exceptionally well with potatoes and cream.
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh sage: Sage brings a warm, earthy, and slightly peppery flavor that is classic in rich, savory dishes.
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh thyme: Thyme provides a subtle, earthy, and floral undertone, complementing the other herbs perfectly.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt: Proper seasoning is vital. Fine sea salt dissolves easily and seasons the sauce evenly. Remember to season the potato layers as well.
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground pepper offers a more potent and aromatic spice than pre-ground varieties.
- 1/4 cup dried potato flakes*: This might seem unusual, but potato flakes are an excellent, natural thickener for the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to the potatoes without making it gummy.
- 1 1/4 cups grated mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella offers a mild flavor and fantastic melt, creating that irresistible gooey, cheesy layer.
- 1 block Boursin cheese: This is our secret weapon! Boursin cheese (garlic & herb variety is recommended) melts into an incredibly creamy, intensely flavored topping, adding a gourmet touch and unparalleled richness.
Choosing the Right Bakeware for Your Scalloped Potatoes
The vessel you choose for baking your Scalloped Yukon Gold and Sweet Potatoes can significantly impact both the cooking process and the final presentation. While flexibility is key, understanding your options can help you achieve the best results.
I personally opted for my Le Creuset Skillet with a lid, and it proved to be an excellent choice. The main advantage of using a high-quality, oven-safe skillet like a cast-iron or enameled cast-iron pan is its versatility. You can effortlessly prepare the creamy sauce directly on the stovetop, then seamlessly transfer the entire dish, potatoes and all, into the oven for baking. This minimizes cleanup and provides a beautiful, rustic presentation, especially appealing if you’re serving directly from the skillet.
If you’re aiming for that elegant, round, layered look, any oven-safe skillet will work wonderfully. Just ensure it’s deep enough to accommodate all the potato layers and the generous sauce. Alternatively, if you prefer a more traditional rectangular or square serving, you can certainly use a regular saucepan to make the delicious cream sauce, then transfer it to any baking dish that is oven-safe. A 9×13-inch baking dish is a popular choice for larger batches, or a smaller 8×8-inch pan for a more intimate serving. Simply layer your potatoes and sauce in the baking dish, and it will turn out just as delicious, perhaps with a slightly different visual appeal. Whatever you choose, ensure your dish is well-greased to prevent sticking and allow for easy serving.
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Scalloped Yukon Gold and Sweet Potatoes
These Scalloped Yukon Gold and Sweet Potatoes are truly phenomenal! They combine the best of both potato worlds into a rich, creamy, and visually stunning side dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit. Perfect for holidays, special dinners, or any time you want to impress with a comforting and elegant meal.
15 minutes
1 hour
1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
Gather these fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a truly memorable scalloped potato dish. Each item contributes to the rich flavor and irresistible texture:
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes (or russet)
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh Italian parsley
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh sage
- 1 Tablespoon minced fresh thyme
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup dried potato flakes*
- 1 1/4 cups grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 block Boursin cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes: Working carefully with one potato at a time, peel it completely. Using a mandoline slicer (recommended for even thickness) or a sharp knife, cut the potato into thin, 1/8-inch-thick rounds. Immediately place the sliced potatoes into a large bowl filled with cold water. This prevents them from oxidizing and turning brown. Repeat this process for all remaining Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes. Once all potatoes are sliced, ensure they are fully submerged.
- Craft the Creamy Herb Sauce: In a medium saucepan (or directly in your large oven-safe skillet if using), combine the whole milk, butter, and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to melt the butter and infuse the garlic flavor. Do not boil vigorously. Once simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in all the minced fresh herbs (Italian parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme), fine sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until thoroughly combined. This aromatic blend forms the heart of your scalloped potatoes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Gradually add the dried potato flakes to the herb-infused milk mixture, stirring continuously with a whisk or spoon until they are well combined and the sauce begins to visibly thicken. The potato flakes will absorb some of the liquid, creating a velvety consistency perfect for coating the potatoes. Once thickened, reserve 2 cups of this flavorful sauce in a separate bowl. Leave the remaining sauce in the saucepan or skillet if it’s your baking dish.
- Layer the Potatoes and Cheese: Drain all the sliced potatoes from the water and pat them thoroughly dry with clean kitchen towels. This step is crucial to prevent a watery final dish. Now, begin arranging half of the dried potatoes in your prepared baking dish or skillet. For a beautiful presentation and balanced flavor, arrange them in alternating slices (e.g., a sweet potato slice followed by a Yukon Gold slice), working from the outer edge of the pan towards the center in concentric circles. Once the first layer is down, season generously with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle half of the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over this layer. Drizzle half of the reserved sauce over the cheese and potatoes. Repeat this layering process with the remaining potatoes, salt, pepper, mozzarella cheese, and the rest of the reserved sauce.
- Add the Boursin Touch: Carefully crumble the entire block of Boursin cheese (Garlic & Herb works wonderfully here) evenly over the top layer of your scalloped potatoes. As it bakes, the Boursin will melt into pockets of incredibly creamy, herby goodness, adding an extra layer of decadence and flavor.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once hot, cover your scalloped potatoes with a lid (if using an oven-safe skillet with a lid) or tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. This initial covered baking period allows the potatoes to steam and soften in the creamy sauce without drying out. After 30 minutes, carefully uncover the dish. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 25-35 minutes, or until the top of the scalloped potatoes is beautifully golden brown, bubbly, and most of the liquid has been absorbed, leaving a rich, thick sauce. A knife inserted into the center should meet little resistance, indicating the potatoes are tender. Let the dish stand for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set further and make for easier scooping.
Notes
*Thickener alternatives: I find dry, instant potato flakes an excellent, natural thickener for this recipe as they create a smooth, velvety sauce without a starchy taste. However, you could substitute this with 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (whisked into melted butter to make a roux before adding milk) or 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (mixed with a little cold milk to form a slurry before adding to the simmering sauce). Ensure your chosen thickener is well incorporated to avoid lumps.
Even Slicing is Key: For uniform cooking, aim for consistent 1/8-inch slices. A mandoline slicer makes this job quick and easy, but a steady hand and a sharp chef’s knife can also achieve good results.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with other cheeses! Gruyere or sharp white cheddar can be mixed with or substituted for mozzarella for a sharper flavor profile. For an extra rich top, a sprinkle of Parmesan in the last 10 minutes of baking can add a beautiful crust.
Make Ahead Tips: You can assemble this dish up to a day in advance. Prepare the potatoes and sauce, layer them in your baking dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
Storage & Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for individual portions.
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
These Scalloped Yukon Gold and Sweet Potatoes are incredibly versatile and make a fantastic accompaniment to a wide range of main courses. Their creamy texture and balanced sweet and savory flavors make them a crowd-pleaser that can elevate any meal. For a holiday feast, pair them with a succulent roasted turkey, a slow-cooked ham, or a classic prime rib. The richness of the potatoes beautifully complements the savory meats. Beyond the holidays, consider serving them alongside roasted chicken, pan-seared pork chops, or even a simple grilled salmon for a sophisticated weeknight dinner. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes for a perfect counterpoint, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing crunch. Don’t forget a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or chives before serving for a final pop of color and freshness.
Why This Recipe Stands Out: Flavor, Texture, and Presentation
What makes this particular scalloped potato recipe truly special is the thoughtful integration of Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes. This isn’t just a simple mix; it’s a carefully crafted flavor and texture combination that sets it apart. The Yukon Golds contribute their signature buttery, creamy consistency, which holds up beautifully when baked, preventing a mushy texture. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, introduce a delicate sweetness and a slightly firmer, yet tender, bite, along with their vibrant color. This dual-potato approach ensures every forkful offers a dynamic contrast – savory and sweet, firm and creamy. The fresh herbs infuse the rich whole milk and Boursin cheese sauce with layers of aromatic depth, creating a sophisticated profile that’s far beyond a basic cream sauce. The visual appeal of the alternating layers, especially when baked in a round skillet, makes this dish a true centerpiece. It’s a guaranteed conversation starter and a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined artfully, can create an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe offers a delicious and rewarding journey from preparation to plate.