Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

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This Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin is a cozy, colorful dish that feels like a hug on a plate. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes nestle with bursts of tart cranberries and a creamy Gruyère bath until everything bubbles into a golden top. It’s perfect for holiday tables or a weeknight side when you want something a little special without fuss. If you love the silky texture of slowly cooked tubers, check out these tips for melting sweet potatoes to get the best results before layering. The bright cranberries add a festive pop that keeps each bite lively.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This gratin balances ease and elegance, making it a great choice when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. It comes together with pantry-friendly ingredients, and the preparation is mostly assembly so you can chat with guests while the oven does the work. The melted Gruyère forms a nutty, savory blanket that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes and the tart lift from cranberries. The breadcrumb topping gives a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the creamy interior, creating a multi-textured experience. If you enjoy small bites with bright flavors, you might like pairing this with playful appetizers like brie and cranberry bites at the start of the meal.

Flavor and Texture

Every spoonful offers a layered journey: tender, slightly caramelized sweet potato; creamy, lightly seasoned custard; sharp, melty Gruyère; and intermittent tangy cranberries that cut through the richness. The nutmeg is subtle but warms the palate, while salt and pepper bring out the cheese and potato flavors. The top bakes to a golden brown with crunchy breadcrumbs for textural contrast. Together the components create a comforting dish that feels both rustic and refined. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works equally well as a side or a vegetarian main.

Ingredients

4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a baking dish with a little butter or oil.
In a large bowl, mix the sweet potato slices, cranberries, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
Layer half of the sweet potato mixture in the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle half of the Gruyère cheese evenly over the first layer.
Add the remaining sweet potato mixture on top of the cheese layer.
Top with the rest of the Gruyère cheese and the breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
Bake for about 40 to 50 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown, then allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Best Results

Choose sweet potatoes that are uniform in size so slices cook at the same rate and layer evenly. Use a mandoline or a very sharp knife to get thin, consistent slices that will become tender in the allotted baking time. If your cranberries are very tart, a quick rinse in warm water will mellow them slightly; frozen berries work beautifully without thawing. Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes after baking so the cream sets and the slices hold their shape when you serve. For an extra golden top, switch the oven to broil for the last one to two minutes while watching closely.

Storage and Make Ahead

This gratin stores well covered in the refrigerator for up to three days, and flavors often marry even better after a day. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm slices in a 350°F oven until heated through to preserve crispness. You can assemble the gratin a few hours ahead and refrigerate before baking; add the breadcrumb topping just before it goes into the oven. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Final Thought

Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin is an effortless way to bring color and comfort to your table. It’s adaptable, visually appealing, and balances rich and bright flavors for broad appeal. Whether you serve it alongside roast mains or enjoy it as a centerpiece, it makes a striking addition to any meal.