Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin: A Must-Try Festive Recipe! Recipe

Introduction

This Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin is a perfect festive side dish that combines creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors. Its beautiful layers and golden topping make it a showstopper for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners.

A close-up of a two-layer baked dish on a white plate, sitting on a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is bright orange, soft, and smooth, while the top layer is creamy yellow with melted, slightly browned cheese that looks crispy in spots. Scattered over the top are dark red dried cranberries along with some small brown bits, possibly nuts or herbs. A fresh green rosemary sprig stands vertically on top, adding a touch of color contrast. The melted cheese drips slightly over the sides, giving a gooey texture to the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, boil the sweet potato slices until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Drain the sweet potatoes and layer half of them in a greased baking dish.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle half of the cranberries evenly over the sweet potato layer.
  5. Step 5: In a bowl, mix the heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Pour half of this cream mixture over the layered sweet potatoes and cranberries.
  6. Step 6: Repeat the layers with the remaining sweet potatoes, cranberries, and cream mixture.
  7. Step 7: Top the gratin with shredded Gruyère cheese and breadcrumbs.
  8. Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra richness, add a sprinkle of nutmeg to the cream mixture.
  • If fresh cranberries are not available, dried cranberries soaked in warm water work well.
  • Substitute Gruyère with sharp cheddar or fontina for different flavor profiles.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.

Storage

Store leftover gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through and the topping is crisp again.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a baked dish slice on a white plate, showing three main layers: a golden-brown crispy top layer with caramelized spots and small green herb bits, a middle layer shining with melted orange cheese, and a bottom layer that is soft and creamy beige with visible herbs. The slice is garnished with red dried berries scattered around and a fresh green rosemary sprig on top. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and the dish appears moist and glossy with some syrup or sauce pooling at the base. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the gratin ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the gratin a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the cheese topping entirely.

Print

Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin: A Must-Try Festive Recipe! Recipe

This Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin is a delightful festive side dish combining tender sweet potatoes, tart cranberries, and a creamy, cheesy topping. Perfect for holiday meals, it balances sweetness with warm spices and a crunchy breadcrumb crust, baked to golden perfection.

  • Author: Lena
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Fruit

  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries

Dairy & Cheese

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

Other Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the gratin.
  2. Boil Sweet Potatoes: In a large pot, boil the peeled and sliced sweet potatoes until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes; this ensures they cook evenly in the gratin.
  3. Layer Sweet Potatoes: Drain the sweet potatoes and arrange half of them in a greased baking dish, forming the first layer.
  4. Add Cranberries: Sprinkle half of the fresh cranberries evenly over the sweet potato layer to add tartness and color.
  5. Mix Cream Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper; mix well to blend the flavors.
  6. Pour Cream Mixture: Pour half of the cream mixture over the layered sweet potatoes and cranberries to infuse moisture and sweetness.
  7. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering with the remaining sweet potatoes, cranberries, and cream mixture, ensuring an even build.
  8. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a rich, crispy crust.
  9. Bake the Gratin: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, signaling it’s ready to serve.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream mixture.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • Ensure sweet potatoes are sliced evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Use fresh cranberries for the best tartness; frozen cranberries can be substituted but may release more moisture.
  • Let the gratin rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the layers.

Keywords: sweet potato gratin, cranberry side dish, holiday recipes, baked sweet potatoes, festive side dish, Gruyère cheese gratin

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