If you’re looking for a dazzling dish that perfectly balances cozy sweetness with bright tartness, look no further than this Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin (Holiday Side). It’s a heartwarming combination of tender sweet potatoes, zesty cranberries, and a luscious creamy layer all topped with bubbly Gruyère and a golden breadcrumb crust. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or craving a comforting side, this gratin brings both festive flair and satisfying flavors to your table with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients for this Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin (Holiday Side) is simple but essential. Each one adds a unique texture, flavor, or richness that makes this dish shine on any holiday spread.
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced: The star of the dish, offering natural sweetness and a creamy texture when cooked.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries: These provide vibrant color and tart contrast to the richness of the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings a velvety smoothness that binds everything together.
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese: Adds a nutty, melty layer of indulgence.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Crunchy topping that turns golden and perfectly crispy in the oven.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness while balancing the tart cranberries.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate the overall flavor harmony.
How to Make Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin (Holiday Side)
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you are. Then, boil the peeled and sliced sweet potatoes in a large pot until they are tender but still hold their shape, usually about 10 to 15 minutes. This ensures a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture when baked without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Layer the First Half
Once the potatoes are drained and slightly cooled, grease your baking dish and layer half of the sweet potatoes at the bottom. Next, sprinkle half of the fresh cranberries evenly over the potato layer. This layering is key for balanced flavor in every bite of your Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin (Holiday Side).
Step 3: Mix and Pour the Cream Mixture
In a bowl, combine heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper, whisking to blend all those lovely flavors. Pour half of this creamy mixture over your first sweet potato and cranberry layers. This keeps the dish moist and infuses it with warm spices and subtle sweetness.
Step 4: Repeat Layers and Add Toppings
Repeat the layering with the remaining sweet potatoes and cranberries, then pour over the rest of the cream mixture. To finish, generously top your gratin with shredded Gruyère cheese and breadcrumbs. This final step promises a bubbly, golden crust with just the right amount of crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is gloriously golden brown and bubbling. Allow the gratin to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the layers settle beautifully.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin (Holiday Side)
Garnishes
For garnish, a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary adds a fresh, herbal brightness that complements the earthy sweet potatoes and tart cranberries. You can also add a few toasted pecans on top for extra crunch and a nutty twist.
Side Dishes
This Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin (Holiday Side) pairs brilliantly with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple baked chicken breast. Its creamy richness and festive flavor act as the perfect foil to savory mains while also standing out on its own.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this gratin in individual ramekins for an elegant touch, perfect for dinner parties. You can also make it in a large casserole and let guests scoop out their portions family-style, fostering a warm, inviting atmosphere full of shared holiday cheer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin (Holiday Side) will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making for even tastier servings the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the gratin before baking in a freezer-safe dish, wrapped tightly with foil and plastic wrap, for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
Reheat portions in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps maintain that wonderful crust without losing the creamy interior texture.
FAQs
Can I use canned cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh cranberries are best for their tartness and texture, but if you only have canned, drain them well and reduce the brown sugar slightly since canned cranberries are often sweetened.
Is there a vegan alternative for the cheese and cream?
Absolutely! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a plant-based shredded cheese alternative to maintain the creamy and cheesy elements while keeping the dish vegan.
How far in advance can I prepare the gratin?
This Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin (Holiday Side) can be assembled a day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator. Simply bake it fresh on the day you plan to serve it.
Can I add other spices to the dish?
Feel free to experiment with warming spices like nutmeg or allspice to enrich the flavor profile. Just be mindful to keep the cinnamon as a key element for that classic holiday taste.
What if I don’t have Gruyère cheese?
If Gruyère isn’t available, Swiss or even a sharp white cheddar can work as substitutes. They will still melt nicely and add that essential cheesy flavor.
Final Thoughts
I truly encourage you to make this Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin (Holiday Side) your next go-to for holiday celebrations or any time you want to impress with minimal fuss. Its gorgeous layers, warm spices, and delightful balance of flavors will make it a beloved addition to your holiday table year after year.
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Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin (Holiday Side)
- 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
Description
A delicious and festive Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the tartness of fresh cranberries, all baked under a golden, cheesy, and crunchy breadcrumb topping. Ideal as a side dish for holiday gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato & Fruit
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Dairy & Toppings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Seasonings & Sweeteners
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the gratin.
- Cook Sweet Potatoes: Place the peeled and sliced sweet potatoes in a large pot of boiling water. Boil them for about 10-15 minutes, or until the slices are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
- First Layer Assembly: Grease a baking dish with butter or oil. Layer half of the cooked sweet potato slices evenly in the dish. Sprinkle half of the fresh cranberries evenly over the sweet potatoes.
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the spices are evenly distributed. Pour half of this mixture over the layered sweet potatoes and cranberries in the dish.
- Second Layer Assembly: Repeat the layering process with the remaining sweet potatoes and cranberries. Pour the remaining cream mixture over the top.
- Add Toppings: Evenly sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese on top of the final layer. Then sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese to create a crispy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and the gratin is heated through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving to set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and the Gruyère cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- The gratin can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving to save time.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar according to the natural sweetness of your sweet potatoes for a balanced flavor.
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