Introduction

Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin is a deliciously festive dish that combines creamy sweet potatoes with tangy cranberries and melted Gruyère cheese. This comforting recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you want a special side dish with a touch of sweetness and spice.

Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin Festive Recipe - Recipe Image

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

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

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, substitute half of the heavy cream with sour cream or crème fraîche.
Use dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable, but soak them in warm water for 10 minutes beforehand.
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh thyme for a herbal note that complements the sweetness.
Swap Gruyère for sharp cheddar or fontina for a different cheesy flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the gratin’s texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the gratin ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the gratin up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if cold from the fridge.

Can I use other types of potatoes in this recipe?

While sweet potatoes provide a unique flavor and sweetness, you can use regular Yukon Gold or russet potatoes. Keep in mind that the taste and texture will be different from the original sweet potato version.

Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin Festive Recipe

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This Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin is a festive and comforting side dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of tender boiled sweet potatoes and tart fresh cranberries are bathed in a sweet and spiced creamy mixture, then topped with nutty Gruyère cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs, baked to golden perfection for a deliciously warm and flavorful gratin.

Author: Dana
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
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potato and Fruit:

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

Cream Mixture:

1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm up while you prepare the gratin components.
Boil Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and sliced sweet potatoes in boiling water and cook until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain well to remove excess moisture.
First Layer: Grease a baking dish and layer half of the boiled sweet potato slices evenly at the bottom.
Add Cranberries: Sprinkle half of the fresh cranberries evenly over the sweet potato layer.
Prepare Cream Mixture: In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to blend the flavors.
Pour Cream Mixture: Pour half of the spiced cream mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes and cranberries layer to infuse flavor and moisture.
Repeat Layers: Layer the remaining sweet potato slices, followed by the remaining cranberries, and pour the rest of the cream mixture on top.
Add Toppings: Evenly distribute the shredded Gruyère cheese and breadcrumbs over the top for a crispy, cheesy crust.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Allow the gratin to cool for a few minutes to set, then serve warm as a festive and flavorful side dish.

Notes

Boiling the sweet potatoes beforehand ensures they cook evenly and become tender without drying out in the oven.
Gruyère cheese adds a rich, nutty flavor, but Swiss or mozzarella can substitute if unavailable.
For extra texture, you can sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top along with the breadcrumbs.
This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat covered with foil in the oven before serving.
Adjust the amount of brown sugar for sweeter or more tart flavor according to preference.

Keywords: sweet potato gratin, cranberry gratin, holiday side dish, festive side, baked gratin, Gruyère cheese recipe, sweet potato casserole