Scalloped Sweet Potatoes And Apples

Craving a comforting and flavorful side dish that perfectly blends the sweetness of apples with the savory notes of sweet potatoes? Look no further than this delightful recipe for Scalloped Sweet Potatoes and Apples. This dish is a harmonious combination of tender sweet potatoes and juicy apples, baked to perfection with a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a fantastic addition to any fall or holiday feast, or simply a cozy family dinner at home. Let’s dive into making this delicious dish!

Ingredients:
– 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
– 2 apples, cored and thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter and set it aside.

2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

3. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Cook the mixture until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.

5. Arrange a layer of overlapping sweet potato slices on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with a layer of sliced apples. Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the apples and sweet potatoes.

6. Repeat the layering process until all the sweet potatoes, apples, and cheese sauce are used, finishing with a layer of sweet potatoes on top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese over the final layer.

7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.

8. Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the Scalloped Sweet Potatoes and Apples rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.

Savor the delightful combination of flavors in every bite of this Scalloped Sweet Potatoes and Apples dish. The creamy cheese sauce, tender sweet potatoes, and sweet apples harmonize beautifully to create a mouthwatering side that will impress your family and guests. Enjoy this cozy and delicious recipe at your next gathering or as a special treat for a weeknight dinner.