Name: Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin: Ultimate Holiday Side Dish!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: PT-491939H32M24S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tbsp butter, melted; 2 tbsp maple syrup; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional); Fresh thyme for garnish

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Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin: Ultimate Holiday Side Dish!

Tired of serving the same boring side dishes that get pushed around the plate? This sweet potato & cranberry gratin transforms your holiday table with layers of creamy, caramelized sweet potatoes studded with tart cranberries and topped with a golden, bubbling finish that disappears faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

At Cooks Foody, this recipe represents everything we believe about cooking taking a comfort classic and elevating it with fresh, vibrant ingredients.

As Elizabeth Harper from our Austin kitchen puts it, “This gratin bridges the gap between traditional and exciting, giving families something familiar yet surprisingly delightful.” Daniel Brooks adds his Portland perspective: “It’s the kind of dish that sparks conversation and creates those magical holiday moments we all crave.”

You’ll discover foolproof layering techniques, make-ahead strategies for stress-free entertaining, and creative variations that accommodate every dietary preference at your table.

Why This Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin Recipe Works

This gratin delivers on three essential fronts: incredible flavor depth, ultimate convenience, and impressive versatility that adapts to any holiday menu.

• Uses affordable, seasonal ingredients available at any grocery store
• Assembles in 20 minutes with simple layering techniques for maximum impact
• Perfect for intimate dinners or feeding a crowd of 12+
• Make-ahead friendly – prep the day before and bake when needed

Choosing the Right Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin Ingredients

Best Sweet Potato Varieties for This Gratin Recipe

Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (like Beauregard or Centennial) provide the ideal balance of sweetness and structure. Their natural sugars caramelize beautifully while maintaining enough firmness to create distinct layers. Avoid overly starchy varieties that turn mushy during baking.

Buying Tips for Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin Success

Look for sweet potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin and firm flesh – avoid any with soft spots or sprouting eyes. Choose medium-sized potatoes for even cooking. For cranberries, fresh berries offer the best tartness, but high-quality frozen cranberries work excellently when fresh aren’t available.

Smart Substitutions for Your Gratin

Swap sweet potatoes for butternut squash or delicata squash in fall variations. Replace cranberries with dried cherries, fresh pomegranate seeds, or even diced apples for different flavor profiles.

Ingredients & Prep for Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin: Ultimate Holiday Side Dish!

Sweet Potato Prep Essentials

3 pounds medium sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick
1 cup fresh cranberries (or ¾ cup dried)
2 cups heavy cream
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Gratin Base & Flavor Builders

The cream mixture combines heavy cream, maple syrup, and warm spices that infuse every layer. Fresh thyme adds an earthy counterpoint to the sweet elements. Let this mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before assembling.

Essential Pantry Staples

Butter for greasing your baking dish, coarse salt for seasoning layers, and freshly ground black pepper. A quality maple syrup makes a noticeable difference avoid artificial pancake syrups.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Pre-Cooking Prep for Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly. Slice sweet potatoes using a mandoline or sharp knife for consistent thickness this ensures even cooking throughout your gratin.

Cooking Method for Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Layer half the sweet potato slices in overlapping rows. Sprinkle half the cranberries evenly across the surface. Pour half the cream mixture over this layer. Repeat with remaining sweet potatoes, cranberries, and cream. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.

Doneness Check for Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Remove foil and test tenderness by inserting a knife through the center it should slide through easily. The top should be golden and bubbling around edges. If needed, continue baking uncovered for 10-15 minutes until perfectly tender.

Resting Your Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the creamy layers to set properly and prevents a soupy presentation when you cut into it.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Avoiding Soggy Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Pat sweet potato slices dry with paper towels before layering to remove excess moisture. Don’t skip the resting period – it’s crucial for proper texture and clean serving portions.

Essential Tool Recommendations for Gratin Success

A mandoline slicer creates perfectly uniform slices for even cooking. Use a deep 9×13-inch dish to prevent overflow. A sharp chef’s knife works if you don’t have a mandoline just focus on consistent thickness.

Storage & Reheating Your Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Cover leftover gratin and refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat covered portions in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, which creates uneven heating and compromises texture.

For more incredible holiday inspiration, check out our stunning collection of festive recipes on Pinterest at pinterest you’ll find dozens of creative ideas that will make your celebrations absolutely unforgettable!

Flavor Variations for Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Spicy Twist on Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1 minced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce to the cream mixture for a warming heat that complements the sweet elements beautifully.

Keto-Friendly Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin Alternative

Replace sweet potatoes with thinly sliced cauliflower or turnips, and substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. Use sugar-free maple syrup or omit sweetener entirely, letting natural vegetable flavors shine.

Global Flavors for Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Variation	Key Ingredients	Flavor Profile	Best Pairing
Mediterranean	Rosemary, goat cheese, pine nuts	Herbaceous, tangy	Roasted turkey
Asian-Inspired	Ginger, sesame oil, scallions	Warm, aromatic	Glazed chicken
French Provincial	Gruyere cheese, fresh herbs	Rich, savory	Beef tenderloin
Mexican-Style	Lime zest, cumin, queso fresco	Bright, earthy	Roasted vegetables

Serving Suggestions for Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

This gratin pairs magnificently with roasted turkey, glazed chicken, or beef tenderloin. The sweet-tart flavors complement rich proteins while adding vibrant color to your holiday spread.

Consider serving alongside our Jam Thumbprint Cookies for a cohesive sweet-tart theme throughout your meal. The gratin also works beautifully with simple green vegetables like roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans.

For beverages, pair with Pinot Noir for its bright acidity, or choose sparkling cider for a festive, family-friendly option that echoes the dish’s fruit elements.

FAQs About Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Can I make this Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the entire gratin up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time since it starts cold.

How do I prevent my Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin from curdling?
Keep cream mixture below boiling point and ensure your oven isn’t too hot. The foil covering prevents rapid temperature changes that cause curdling. If it does separate slightly, it will still taste delicious.

Is this Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly and can easily be made vegan by substituting coconut cream for heavy cream.

Conclusion

Fire up your oven and create this show-stopping side dish that transforms any meal into a celebration! This sweet potato & cranberry gratin proves that simple ingredients, when layered with care and baked with love, create the most memorable holiday moments.

Join over 5,000 home cooks who’ve made this their go-to holiday gratin it’s become a tradition that guests request year after year!

Ready for more holiday magic? Try our Candy Cane Brownie Bombs for the perfect sweet ending, or explore our complete collection of holiday cookie favorites that complement this gratin beautifully. Your holiday table will never be the same!

Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin: Ultimate Holiday Side Dish!