Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin: A Must-Try Festive Recipe
This Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin is a festive and comforting dish perfect for holiday gatherings. It layers tender boiled sweet potatoes and tart fresh cranberries, then bakes them in a creamy cinnamon-spiced sauce topped with Gruyère cheese and crispy breadcrumbs. The result is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tart flavors with a golden, bubbly crust that adds texture and richness to any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Sweet Potato & Cranberries
- 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking your gratin.
- Boil Sweet Potatoes: In a large pot, boil the sliced sweet potatoes for 10-15 minutes until they are tender but not falling apart. This softens them for layering in the dish.
- Layer Sweet Potatoes: Drain the sweet potatoes well and arrange half of the slices evenly in a greased baking dish to form the first layer.
- Add Cranberries: Sprinkle half of the fresh cranberries evenly over the sweet potato layer to add tartness and freshness.
- Mix Cream Mixture: In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Pour Cream Mixture: Pour half of the cream mixture carefully over the sweet potatoes and cranberries, allowing it to seep through the layers.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining sweet potatoes and cranberries, then pour the rest of the cream mixture over the top.
- Add Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Generously sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese and breadcrumbs over the final layer to create a golden, crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the gratin to cool for a few minutes after baking before serving. This helps it set and improves the flavors.
Notes
- Make sure to not over-boil the sweet potatoes; they should be tender but still hold their shape for layering.
- If Gruyère cheese is unavailable, a mild Swiss cheese can be substituted.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best tart flavor; frozen can be used but drain excess liquid.
- For a nuttier flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or as a vegetarian main when served with a fresh green salad.
Keywords: sweet potato gratin, cranberry side dish, festive recipes, holiday side dish, creamy gratin, Gruyère cheese recipe
