1-2 tsp.chipotle pepper puree or chipotle sauceadjust to taste, depending on how spicy you prefer things
5large sweet potatoespeeled and thinly sliced
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream, brown sugar and chipotle sauce.
In a seasoned and greased 12” cast iron skillet or a large greased 9 x 13 baking dish, arrange half of the sweet potato slices in an even layer over the bottom of the baking dish, over lapping each one them as you go. Pour half of the prepared cream mixture over the potatoes; season to taste with salt and pepper, if desired.
Repeat with remaining half of the sweet potatoes and cream mixture. If the sweet potatoes are mostly submerged in the cream mixture, pour some additional cream over the top; cover the pan with foil.
Bake the sweet potato casserole, covered, for 30 minutes. Reduce the heat to 325 degrees F., continuing to cook the potato au gratin for for an additional 40-45 minutes or until most of cream has been absorbed and the potatoes are very fork-tender with a golden brown top. Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of the baking time. Remove the potato casserole from the oven, letting it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
To keep your sweet potato slices all the same thickness and make the job easy, use a mandolin instead of a knife and cutting board. This isn’t an absolute, but it sure makes the job of slicing much, much easier.
When using a mandolin to slice your sweet potatoes, be sure you use the protective guard tool that comes with your mandolin. A mandolin has an incredibly sharp blade and you can easily slice the end of your finger off before you even know it! #BeenThereDoneThat
Please make sure you allow enough time for baking scalloped potatoes like these. The assembly is super fast, but these potatoes need a long time in a low and slow oven so they can cook down into a nice thick, creamy consistency.
If you don’t want the added bit of spice and smokiness from the chipotle peppers, feel free to leave this ingredient out of this au gratin potatoes recipe.
This au gratin potato recipe is easily cut in half if you are serving a smaller group.