Individual Sweet Potato Gratins – Zawa Recipes

There’s something deeply comforting about opening your oven to the aroma of Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon bubbling away in their personal ramekins. After a particularly hectic Tuesday, I found myself craving something special yet manageable. These Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon were the perfect answer – impressive enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight treat. The sweet potatoes turn velvety soft, while the creme fraiche adds a luxurious tang that perfectly complements the smoky bacon and caramelized onions. Each serving comes in its own little dish, making them not just delicious but also elegantly portioned for any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon

• ✅ These Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon create perfect personal portions that eliminate the family squabble over who got the crispiest edge piece
• ✅ The creamy Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon recipe takes just 15 minutes of prep time before the oven does the rest
• ✅ Great for meal prep – these Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon reheat beautifully for lunches throughout the week
• ✅ The gourmet Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon with caramelized onions impress dinner guests without requiring professional culinary skills
• ✅ These savory Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon create the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and salty flavors in every bite

Ingredients for Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon

• 4 pieces bacon, diced (4 oz/113 g) – turkey bacon works as a lighter alternative
• 1/2 cup onion, diced (26 g) – sweet or yellow onions work best
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (3 g) – fresh provides the best flavor
• 2 cups sweet potatoes, thinly sliced (1/8″ thick) (260 g) – mandoline recommended for consistent thickness
• 2 tablespoons butter (28 g) – or olive oil for a different flavor profile
• 2 tablespoons flour (15 g) – use gluten-free flour blend for a GF version
• 1 cup whole milk (460 g) – almond milk works for a dairy-sensitive option
• 3 tablespoons creme fraiche (45 g) – sour cream can substitute in a pinch
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (2 g) – freshly grated if possible
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (13 g) – maple syrup makes a nice alternative
• Salt and black pepper, to taste – flaky sea salt for finishing adds texture
• Parmesan cheese, grated, to taste – aged Gruyère makes a luxurious substitute

How to Make Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon – Step by Step

Step 1:

 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease four 8-oz ramekins or gratin dishes.

Step 2:

 Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the sweet potatoes into very thin rounds (about 1/8-inch thick). Set aside.

Step 3: 

In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it begins to crisp, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 4: 

Add the diced onions to the bacon and continue cooking until the onions become translucent and start to caramelize, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: 

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6: 

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until it smells slightly nutty but hasn’t browned.

Step 7: 

Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 8: 

Remove from heat and stir in the creme fraiche, nutmeg, brown sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 9:

 Layer about 1/4 cup of sweet potato slices in the bottom of each prepared ramekin, slightly overlapping the edges.

Step 10: 

Sprinkle each with some of the bacon-onion mixture, then drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the cream sauce.

Step 11: 

Repeat the layers (sweet potatoes, bacon-onion mixture, sauce) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cream sauce on top.

Step 12:

 Sprinkle each gratin with grated Parmesan cheese.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon

• Use a mandoline to get perfectly thin, even sweet potato slices that will cook uniformly
• For extra flavor, replace some of the milk with chicken stock in your cream sauce
• Let the gratins rest for 10 minutes after baking for the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld
• For a make-ahead version, assemble the Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and add 10 minutes to the baking time
• Save time by using pre-cooked bacon bits, though fresh bacon provides better flavor
• To create a deeper flavor profile, add a teaspoon of fresh thyme leaves to the cream sauce

Best Ways to Serve Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon

These Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon make an excellent side dish for almost any protein. Serve them alongside a perfectly roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even as a sophisticated side at your Thanksgiving feast. For a complete meal experience, pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

For an elegant dinner party presentation, sprinkle each gratin with some fresh chives or microgreens just before serving. The bright green garnish creates a beautiful contrast against the golden-brown top of the gratins.

These gratins also work wonderfully as a main course for a light lunch when served with a side of roasted vegetables or crusty bread.

Nutritional Information for Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon

Per serving (1 gratin):

• Calories: 285 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 380mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 8g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Storage & Leftovers

These Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover each ramekin with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container.

To reheat, place the ramekins in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, though you’ll lose some of the crispy top texture.

For freezing, cool completely then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble these gratins up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add about 10 extra minutes to the cooking time since they’ll be starting cold.

Can I substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes?

Absolutely. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well in this recipe, though you’ll want to adjust the sweet element (reduce or omit the brown sugar) since regular potatoes don’t have the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes.

What can I use instead of creme fraiche?

If you can’t find creme fraiche, sour cream is the best substitute. Greek yogurt will also work but will add more tanginess to the dish.

Can I make one large gratin instead of individual servings?

Yes! Use a 2-quart baking dish and follow the same layering instructions. You may need to increase the baking time by about 15 minutes to ensure the sweet potatoes in the center are fully cooked.

Conclusion

These Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon transform humble sweet potatoes into an elegant, indulgent dish worthy of special occasions yet simple enough for everyday meals. The combination of sweet potatoes, tangy creme fraiche, and savory bacon creates a perfect balance of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What I love most about these Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon is how they elevate dinner to something special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to something delicious, these gratins are sure to impress.

Have you tried making Individual Sweet Potato Gratins with Creme Fraiche, Onions, and Bacon? Share your experience in the comments below, or tag us in your creations on social media!

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