Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin: A Must-Try Festive Recipe!
A festive and delightful Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin that blends the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the tangy burst of fresh cranberries, layered and baked with creamy spiced sauce, Gruyère cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This comforting side dish is perfect for holiday meals and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Fruits
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature before baking the gratin.
- Cook the sweet potatoes: In a large pot, boil the peeled and sliced sweet potatoes for about 10-15 minutes until they are tender but still hold their shape.
- Layer the first portion: Drain the sweet potatoes and place half of them in a greased baking dish evenly, then sprinkle half of the fresh cranberries over the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare the cream mixture: In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, along with salt and pepper to taste. Pour half of this cream mixture over the layered sweet potatoes and cranberries.
- Repeat layering: Add the remaining sweet potatoes and cranberries in layers, and pour over the remaining cream mixture to ensure all layers are moistened.
- Add toppings: Generously top the gratin with shredded Gruyère cheese followed by an even layer of breadcrumbs to create a crispy golden crust.
- Bake the gratin: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is nicely golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool before serving: Allow the gratin to cool for a few minutes after baking to let it set slightly and enhance the flavors before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan alternative, replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based cheese substitutes.
- You can prepare this gratin a day ahead and bake it just before serving to save time.
- Adjust the brown sugar quantity depending on the natural sweetness of your sweet potatoes.