Sweet Potato & Feta Gratin with Walnuts Recipe

If you are craving a vibrant, cozy dish that bursts with Mediterranean flavors, then Sweet Potato & Feta Gratin with Walnuts is just what you need. This layered masterpiece combines the natural sweetness of tender beets and sweet potatoes with the salty creaminess of feta cheese, all topped with crunchy toasted walnuts for that perfect textural contrast. Every bite is a celebration of color, texture, and flavor, making it a delightful addition to any meal, whether as a comforting vegetarian main or a stunning side dish. Let me take you through how simple ingredients come together to create this irresistible gratin.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Sweet Potato & Feta Gratin with Walnuts plays an essential role, contributing to the layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make this dish so special. Simple and rustic, these ingredients are easy to find and combine into an impressive dish.

• Medium beets: Thinly sliced beets bring earthy sweetness and a stunning jewel-like hue to the layers.
• Large sweet potato: Peeled and sliced thin, it adds natural sweetness and a tender bite that contrasts beautifully.
• Small red onion: Offers a mild sharpness that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering.
• Olive oil: Helps to gently roast the vegetables while adding a silky richness.
• Salt, black pepper, dried thyme or oregano: These seasonings balance the sweetness and add herbal depth.
• Crumbled feta cheese: A key star, its creamy saltiness perfectly complements the vegetables.
• Walnuts, toasted and chopped: For a crunchy, nutty topping that contrasts with the softness below.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds an extra layer of savory richness and a golden crust to the gratin.
• Minced garlic: Infuses savory warmth throughout the layers, tying all the flavors together.

How to Make Sweet Potato & Feta Gratin with Walnuts

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving. This simple step sets the stage for the lovely layers to come.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Thinly slice your beets, sweet potato, and red onion. Toss these vibrant vegetables in olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of dried thyme or oregano. This seasoning mix gently enhances their natural flavors and helps them roast evenly, resulting in tender, flavorful layers.

Step 3: Assemble the Sweet Potato & Feta Gratin with Walnuts

Layer the vegetables in your prepared dish, alternating between beets, sweet potatoes, and onions for a beautiful color contrast. Between each layer, sprinkle some minced garlic and crumbled feta cheese to infuse every bite with savory richness. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a vegetable layer on top. Finish by scattering your toasted walnuts and grated Parmesan cheese over the surface for a crunchy, golden topping.

Step 4: Bake the Gratin

Cover the baking dish with foil to trap steam and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil to allow the top to crisp up and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the topping is beautifully golden. This baking method ensures that the gratin is cooked through and every layer is tender and flavorful.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the Sweet Potato & Feta Gratin with Walnuts rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This pause lets the layers settle perfectly, making it easier to serve and enjoy all those wonderful flavors and textures together.

How to Serve Sweet Potato & Feta Gratin with Walnuts

Garnishes

A simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a balsamic reduction over the top enhances the richness and adds a glossy finish. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme can also brighten the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This gratin pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or lamb, providing a sweet and savory vegetable counterpoint to hearty mains. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a crisp, fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For stunning presentation, serve the Sweet Potato & Feta Gratin with Walnuts in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. This not only looks elegant but also keeps portions warm and personalized. Another idea is to layer it in a clear glass casserole dish so the colorful layers shine through, enticing everyone at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the gratin tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent make-ahead dish or a convenient meal option.

Freezing

You can freeze the gratin for up to 1 month. To do this, assemble and bake the dish fully, then cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze in a flat container to save space and thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover Sweet Potato & Feta Gratin with Walnuts in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain the texture, especially the crispness of the walnut topping. Avoid microwaving to preserve the gratin’s delicious layers and textures.

FAQs

Can I substitute the walnuts if I have a nut allergy?

Absolutely! You can replace walnuts with toasted breadcrumbs or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a crunch without nuts. Each alternative adds its own unique texture to the gratin.

Is this gratin suitable as a main dish?

Yes, it’s hearty and flavorful enough to be a vegetarian main, especially when paired with a crisp salad or some crusty bread. The combination of sweet potatoes, beets, and feta provides satisfying protein and flavor.

Can I prepare this dish vegan?

To make it vegan, simply swap the feta and Parmesan for vegan cheese alternatives or a cashew-based cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious and creamy.

Do I need to peel the vegetables?

Peeling the beets and sweet potatoes ensures a smoother texture and removes any bitterness or grit. However, if you prefer extra rustic texture and don’t mind extra wash-up, you can leave the skins on after thorough washing.

What herbs work best in this dish?

Dried thyme or oregano works beautifully with the Mediterranean flavors in this gratin. You can also experiment with rosemary or fresh basil for a different aromatic twist.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough trying the Sweet Potato & Feta Gratin with Walnuts if you want a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With layers of color, bold Mediterranean flavors, and contrasting textures, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this gratin will quickly become one of your favorites to make and share.

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