Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Goat Cheese Gratin Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve a more uniform presentation, arrange the potato slices in concentric circles, starting from the outside and working toward the center. This not only looks professional but also ensures that the cream reaches all parts of the dish equally. If you prefer a more rustic presentation, simple, random layering is perfectly acceptable and will not affect the final taste or texture of the gratin.

If you find that the edges of the gratin are browning too quickly, you can place a piece of parchment paper directly over the top of the potatoes before putting the lid on the slow cooker. This acts as a barrier, keeping the moisture in and preventing the top layer from drying out or burning. Remember to handle the lid carefully when removing it, as the steam buildup can be quite hot.

Variations

• Garlic and Onion Infusion: Add two cloves of minced garlic and a half cup of finely diced yellow onion between the potato layers to introduce a deeper, savory aromatic complexity to the gratin.
• Spiced Sweet Potato: Incorporate a pinch of ground nutmeg and a dash of cayenne pepper into the cream before pouring it over the potatoes for a subtle, warming spice profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the cream sauce and potatoes may become grainy upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave on low power, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce's consistency.

Store any leftover gratin in an airtight container to maintain its moisture and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator. It is best to consume the leftovers within three days for optimal quality.

When storing, try to keep the layers intact as much as possible to avoid breaking the delicate potato slices. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, a splash of water or cream can be added when reheating to restore the original creamy consistency.

This dish is excellent for making ahead, as the flavors often deepen after sitting for a few hours or overnight. You can assemble the layers in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before you are ready to cook.

If cooking directly from the refrigerator, add an extra 30 to 60 minutes to the total cooking time to account for the initial chill of the ingredients.

Serving ideas

Serve the gratin directly from the slow cooker for a casual, family-style meal, or carefully scoop portions onto individual plates for a more formal presentation. Because it is a rich and savory dish, it pairs exceptionally well with simply prepared proteins like roasted chicken or pan-seared pork chops.

The sweetness of the potatoes provides a wonderful contrast to the saltiness of the bacon, making it a versatile side that complements a wide array of main courses.

For a fresh finish, consider garnishing each serving with a small sprig of fresh rosemary or a light sprinkle of cracked black pepper. The bright, herbal notes of the fresh garnish will cut through the richness of the heavy cream and highlight the flavors of the dish.

A side of lightly dressed arugula or steamed green beans can add a crisp, acidic element to the meal, balancing the softness of the gratin and providing a satisfying textural contrast.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Sweet Potato and Goat Cheese Gratin

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 oz bacon lardons
• 2 lbs sweet potatoes, sliced into rounds
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Place the bacon lardons evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the sliced sweet potatoes on top of the bacon in an overlapping pattern to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
2. Sprinkle the chopped fresh rosemary evenly over the layered sweet potatoes. Pour the heavy cream slowly and evenly over the top of the ingredients, ensuring it reaches the edges of the slow cooker insert.
3. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on high for 4 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the cream has thickened into a luxurious sauce. Allow the gratin to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

8.5 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

29 g

Fiber

4.5 g

Sugar

7 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.