Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin: A Must-Try Festive Recipe! Recipe is one of those dishes that beautifully balances cozy and celebratory vibes all in one bite. Imagine tender, sweet potatoes layered with tart cranberries, bathed in a creamy, cinnamon-spiced sauce, and topped with a perfectly golden crust of Gruyère and breadcrumbs. I love making this for holidays or chilly weekend dinners when you want something comforting but a little special. If you enjoy warm spices and that irresistible mix of sweet and tangy, this gratin will quickly become a favorite for you and anyone around your table.
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What Makes This So Good
This Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin is like the ultimate comfort food with a festive twist. The creamy, lightly sweetened sauce coats the tender sweet potatoes, while the fresh cranberries add bursts of bright, tart flavor that keep each bite exciting. The melty Gruyère and crunchy browned breadcrumb topping create a beautiful contrast in texture and a golden crown to this crowd-pleaser.
- Big Flavor, Minimal Fuss: No complicated steps here — just straightforward layering and simple mixing.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the approachable flavors and comforting creaminess.
- Simple Ingredients: Most pantry staples plus fresh cranberries make this easy to pull together.
- Works Any Night: Perfect for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or potlucks whenever you want a little extra cozy magic.
Ingredient Guide
Picking and prepping ingredients thoughtfully will really set you up for sweet success with this Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin: A Must-Try Festive Recipe! Recipe. Here’s what I recommend so you get the best texture and flavor out of each component.
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, unblemished sweet potatoes to ensure even slices that won’t turn mushy.
- Fresh Cranberries: Fresh are best here for that pop of tartness—frozen can work but drain them well.
- Heavy Cream: Full-fat cream adds richness; don’t swap for milk or it won’t be as luxurious.
- Gruyère Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and brings nutty flavor; you can use sharp cheddar if you prefer a bolder taste.
- Breadcrumbs: Use fresh or panko breadcrumbs for a crisp, golden topping.
- Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: These warming accents boost the sweetness and holiday feel—feel free to adjust to your taste.
Quick Reminder: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
How to Make Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin: A Must-Try Festive Recipe! Recipe
Step 1 — Prep & Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, peel your sweet potatoes and slice them into rounds about ¼-inch thick. I find this thickness ensures they become tender but still hold up nicely during baking. Boil the slices in salted water for 10 to 15 minutes until they’re just tender—avoid overcooking so they don’t become mushy when layered later. Drain well and set aside. This prep really lays the foundation for that tender, creamy texture you want.
Step 2 — Cook with Confidence
Grease your baking dish lightly to prevent sticking, then layer half of the sweet potato slices evenly across the bottom. Sprinkle half the cranberries over the top, their bright ruby color peeking through the layers. In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until combined; this spiced cream brings richness with a hint of sweetness and warmth you’ll love. Pour half the cream mixture evenly over the layering. Repeat with the remaining sweet potatoes, cranberries, and cream sauce for a double-layered gratin. Finally, scatter shredded Gruyère and breadcrumbs on top—the cheese melts into gooey goodness while the breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully. Pop it in the oven.
Bake for 30-35 minutes until your gratin is bubbly all over and topped with irresistibly golden, crispy edges. You’ll notice the cozy aroma of cinnamon and melted cheese soon filling your kitchen—that’s the moment you know it’s almost ready!
Step 3 — Finish & Serve
Once out of the oven, let your Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin: A Must-Try Festive Recipe! Recipe cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the dish to set slightly, making it easier to slice and savor the layers. The top should be beautifully crisp with bubbling, creamy layers underneath—exactly the kind of comforting texture that makes you want seconds. Give it a quick taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed, then dig in! I promise everyone will be asking for the recipe.
Extra Helpful Tips
I've made this Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin enough times to share these little nuggets of wisdom that’ll make your cooking smoother and the results even better.
- Watch for This Sign: When the edges of the gratin start bubbling and the top is nicely browned, it’s a sure sign it’s done.
- Temperature Trick: If your oven runs hot, tent lightly with foil halfway through baking to prevent overly dark crust while allowing the cheese to melt fully.
- Prep-Ahead Option: Assemble the gratin the day before, refrigerate covered, then bake fresh right before dinner for a stress-free meal.
- Avoid This Common Mistake: Don’t skip draining the sweet potatoes well after boiling; excess moisture can make the dish soggy instead of creamy.
Serve & Enjoy
Easy Enhancements
You can add a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary on top before baking to bring a fragrant herbal lift that pairs beautifully with the sweet and tart flavors. A drizzle of maple syrup over the finished gratin adds an extra layer of cozy sweetness that I find absolutely irresistible. If you want a touch of crunch beyond breadcrumbs, toasted pecans scattered on the top before baking make a delightful upgrade.
Tasty Pairings
This gratin shines alongside roasted turkey or chicken for a festive feast. For veggie sides, steamed green beans or a fresh winter salad with citrus vinaigrette provide a bright balance. As for drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a warm, spicy mulled cider takes the meal to the next level in cozy comfort.
Quick Plating Tips
Simply cut into neat squares or scoop out rustic portions onto warm plates. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh herb or a few extra fresh cranberries for color contrast. A light dusting of cinnamon or a tiny drizzle of cream right before serving can make it look like you’ve spent ages on presentation, even on your busiest nights.
Store, Freeze & Reheat
Fridge Storage
You can store leftovers covered in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The texture may firm up a bit, but reheating gently restores much of that lovely creaminess.
Freezer Friendly?
This gratin does freeze well, which is great for meal prep. Freeze it in a suitable container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to keep it from getting soggy—a microwave might make it a little too soft.
Reheat Like New
For best results, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through, uncovering for the last 5 minutes to refresh the crispy topping. If using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts to prevent drying out. A quick skillet reheat on low heat works well to revive some crisp edges too.
Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin: A Must-Try Festive Recipe! Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the dish.
You can substitute coconut cream or a rich plant-based cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The result will taste a bit different but still deliciously creamy.
Drain the boiled sweet potatoes thoroughly, and avoid adding extra liquid beyond the specified cream mixture to maintain the right texture.
Absolutely! Assemble the gratin in advance, cover, and keep it refrigerated. When ready, bake it fresh for best flavor and texture.
Final Flavor Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin: A Must-Try Festive Recipe! Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate and dazzles with every bite. If you try it out, I’d love to hear how it goes—maybe a little star rating or a comment about your favorite tweak. And hey, next time, try adding toasted pecans or a splash of maple syrup for a delightful twist. Happy cooking and cozy eating!
Print📖 Recipe
Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin: A Must-Try Festive Recipe! Recipe
This Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin is a festive and flavorful side dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of tender boiled sweet potatoes and tart fresh cranberries are enriched with a cinnamon-spiced cream, then topped with nutty Gruyère cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs. Baked until golden and bubbly, this gratin offers a comforting blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Sweet Potato and Fruit
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Cream Mixture
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it heat while you prepare the gratin.
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the peeled and sliced sweet potatoes for 10-15 minutes until they become tender but not mushy. Drain well.
- First Layer Assembly: Grease a baking dish and place half of the boiled sweet potatoes evenly in the bottom. Sprinkle half of the fresh cranberries evenly over the potatoes.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until well blended. Pour half of this cream mixture over the first layer of sweet potatoes and cranberries.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining sweet potatoes as the second layer, followed by the remaining cranberries. Pour the rest of the cream mixture evenly over the top.
- Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the layered ingredients, then finish with a layer of breadcrumbs to create a crispy topping.
- Bake the Gratin: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The gratin should be golden brown and bubbly on top when done.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the gratin to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set slightly for easier slicing.
Notes
- You can substitute Gruyère cheese with Swiss or mozzarella if preferred.
- For a nuttier flavor, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the breadcrumb topping.
- If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries can be used but do not thaw them before layering.
- Adjust the cinnamon and brown sugar quantity to your preferred sweetness and spice level.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main with a side salad.
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