Name: Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin – Easy Holiday Delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 4 medium Sweet Potatoes (peeled and sliced); 2 cups Fresh Cranberries (or thawed frozen cranberries); 1 cup Heavy Cream (or coconut cream for vegan); 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (adjustable or substitute with maple syrup); 1 teaspoon Cinnamon; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1/2 teaspoon Pepper; 1 cup Gruyère Cheese (shredded, or substitute with cheddar); 1 cup Breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternatives)

Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin – Easy Holiday Side Dish

When the first hints of winter chill the air, I start dreaming of cozy gatherings filled with warmth, laughter, and of course, delightful food. This Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin has quickly become my go-to side dish for the holiday season. The vibrant contrast between the creamy sweet potatoes and the tart cranberries feels like a celebration on a plate, and the best part? It's deceptively easy to prepare!

I stumbled upon this recipe during one of those hectic weeks leading up to the holidays when I realized I wanted to impress my family without spending hours in the kitchen. With its rich flavors and stunning presentation, this gratin not only brightens up any festive table but also caters to various dietary needs—making it suitable for everyone, from vegetarians to those on gluten-free diets.

If you’re ready to elevate your holiday meals with a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated, let’s dive in and make some magic happen!

Why You'll Love This Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Ease of Preparation: This Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin is designed for busy holiday hosts, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.

Festive Flavor Fusion: The delightful combination of sweet and tart creates a taste that dances on your palate, perfect for seasonal celebrations.

Versatile Substitutions: Easily adaptable for dietary needs with alternatives like coconut cream for vegans or gluten-free breadcrumbs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish.

Stunning Presentation: With its crispy golden top and vibrant layers, this gratin is not just delicious but also a showstopper on your holiday table.

Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it in advance and simply pop it in the oven before serving! For more tips, check out our make-ahead strategies.

Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin Ingredients

For the Gratin

Sweet Potatoes – Provides natural sweetness and structure; peel and slice before cooking.
Fresh Cranberries – Adds tartness and vibrant color; can substitute with thawed frozen cranberries if out of season.
Heavy Cream – Adds creaminess and richness; substitute with coconut cream for a vegan version.
Brown Sugar – Enhances the sweetness of the dish; can be adjusted or replaced with maple syrup for a natural alternative.
Cinnamon – Offers warmth and depth of flavor, perfectly complementing the sweet potatoes.
Salt & Pepper – Provides seasoning balance, ensuring all flavors shine through.
Gruyère Cheese – Adds flavor and a melty texture on top; substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or feta for variety.
Breadcrumbs – For a crunchy topping; can use gluten-free alternatives like crushed gluten-free crackers or ground nuts.

Ready to create this delicious Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin? Let’s get cooking!

How to Make Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to create the perfect environment for cooking. This ensures even heat distribution while your gratin bakes.
Peel and slice the sweet potatoes into thin rounds. Boil them in water for 10-15 minutes until they become tender yet firm enough to hold their shape when layered.
Drain the sweet potatoes and begin layering half of the slices in a greased baking dish, ensuring they overlap slightly for ideal cooking and presentation.
Sprinkle half of the fresh cranberries over the sweet potato layer, adding a beautiful burst of color and tartness that will brighten the dish.
Mix heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Pour half of this creamy blend over the layered potatoes and cranberries to infuse them with flavor.
Repeat layering with the remaining sweet potato slices and cranberries, finishing with a pour of the remaining cream mixture on top to keep the layers moist as they cook.
Top your gratin with shredded Gruyère cheese and breadcrumbs. This will create a delightful crispy finish as it bakes to perfection.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the gratin is bubbling, signaling it’s ready to shine on your holiday table.

Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin?

Elevate your holiday meal experience with delightful pairings that will complement this rich and festive gratin.

Herb-Roasted Turkey: This succulent dish adds depth and savory notes, enhancing the sweet and tart balance of the gratin.
Maple-Glazed Carrots: Their natural sweetness and vibrant color create a beautiful contrast on the plate, tying all the flavors together wonderfully.
Sautéed Green Beans: Crunchy and fresh, green beans provide a lovely texture juxtaposition and a burst of green to your festive table.
Cranberry Sauce: A tangy dollop brings out the tartness of the cranberries in the gratin while adding a holiday classic into the mix.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The smooth, buttery potatoes serve as a comforting canvas that complements the complex flavors of the gratin beautifully.
Red Wine: A fruity Pinot Noir pairs seamlessly, offering a rich backdrop to the gratin’s flavors without overpowering them.
Pumpkin Pie: Conclude your meal with this classic dessert; its spiced sweetness harmonizes beautifully with the flavors of the gratin, making for a complete holiday experience.
Spinach Salad: Fresh, peppery greens with a light vinaigrette add a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the gratin and act as a perfect palate cleanser.

Expert Tips for Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Prep Ahead: Make the gratin a day in advance. Assembling it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld and makes dinner on the big day a breeze.
Oven Reach: Always preheat your oven! A hot oven ensures that your gratin rises beautifully and achieves that irresistibly crispy top layer.
Layering Technique: Create even layers by overlapping sweet potatoes slightly. This not only improves cooking but also enhances the visual appeal, making your Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin a showstopper.
Cheese Alternatives: Don’t hesitate to swap Gruyère for other cheeses based on dietary needs or preference! Cheddar or mozzarella also work wonderfully.
Cranberry Swap: If fresh cranberries aren't available, frozen berries are a fantastic substitute; just make sure they're thawed and drained before use to avoid excess moisture.
Cooling Time: Let the gratin sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes cutting easier, ensuring beautiful slices when serving!

Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin Variations

Feel free to get creative with your Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin—there are countless delightful ways to customize this dish!

Vegan: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a rich, dairy-free option. It adds a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes.
Gluten-Free: Use crushed gluten-free crackers or ground nuts instead of traditional breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping that everyone can enjoy.
Maple Sweetness: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a unique flavor profile that enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cream mixture for an unexpected warm spice that will elevate the dish.
Nutty Surprise: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans with the cranberries for added texture and a delightful nutty flavor that complements the sweet and tart elements.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the layers for a fragrant lift that makes every bite sing with freshness.
Lighter Creaminess: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version while still keeping that luscious creamy texture.
Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with different cheeses, like feta or goat cheese, for a tangy punch that offers a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the dish.

Let your creativity flow and make this gratin your own while still enjoying its comforting essence!

Storage Tips for Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps your Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin fresh and ready to enjoy at a moment’s notice.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Enjoy within 2 months for optimal taste.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, use a microwave for a quicker option, though the oven will help maintain that delightful crispy top.

Make Ahead Options

This Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin is a fantastic option for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy festive flavors with minimal day-of effort! You can assemble the entire gratin up to 24 hours in advance; simply layer the sweet potatoes and cranberries, pour on the cream mixture, and refrigerate. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors as they meld together overnight. To maintain the quality, cover it tightly with foil to prevent any drying out. When you're ready to serve, just pop it into a preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Enjoy the convenience and joy of a well-planned holiday meal!

Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin Recipe FAQs

What type of sweet potatoes should I use?
Absolutely! Look for sweet potatoes that are firm and free of dark spots or blemishes. I recommend using medium-sized ones for even cooking. Garnet or Jewel varieties offer a great balance of sweetness and texture.

How should I store leftovers?
For the best freshness, store any leftover Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up, as this prevents extra moisture buildup that can affect texture.

Can I freeze the gratin?
Definitely! To freeze, first allow the gratin to cool completely. Then, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This dish can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven for the best results.

What should I do if my gratin is too watery?
If you find your gratin is too watery, it may be due to excess moisture from the sweet potatoes or cranberries. To remedy this, simply let it bake a bit longer, allowing the excess liquid to evaporate. If layering, ensure you're not overloading it—lesser layers allow for better moisture control. For next time, you can also try pre-cooking the potatoes longer to help release moisture.

Is this recipe suitable for pet consumption?
It's best to avoid sharing this gratin with pets. While sweet potatoes are safe in moderation, the cream, sugar, and spices present may not agree with their digestive systems or could be harmful. Stick to their regular diet for their safety!

Can I make this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast or vegan cheese in place of Gruyère. For gluten-free, ensure you choose gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts instead of regular ones, providing a delightful crunch without the gluten!