Irresistible Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin Recipe Easy

Ah, autumn! The days get a little shorter, the air turns crisp, and the aroma of spices starts filling our homes. One of my all-time favorite dishes that captures the essence of the season is Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin. This dish reminds me of cozy family gatherings, where the warmth of the oven mingles with laughter and love around the table.

Whenever I whip up this gratin, I can almost hear my grandmother’s laughter as she tells stories while teaching me to cook. The creamy, dreamy layers of sweet potatoes, accented with tangy cranberries, create a perfect harmony of flavor that keeps you coming back for more. Each bite is a celebration of comfort and joy!

This gratin isn’t just for holidays; it’s also a lovely addition to a weeknight dinner or a brunch spread. So, let’s dive into this recipe and warm up your kitchen with a dish that will surely become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✨ Easy and delicious – perfect for beginner cooks or busy weeknights.
• 🎃 Comforting flavors that capture the essence of fall.
• 💰 Budget-friendly – sweet potatoes and cranberries are often inexpensive!
• 🍽️ A beautiful presentation that impresses friends and family.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this gorgeous Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 2 pounds)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, no need to thaw)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic gives it a wonderful punch!)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (trust me, it’s worth it!)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (for a cozy flavor boost)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for that lovely crispy topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s bring this delicious gratin to life!

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get that beautiful warmth going.
2. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel and thinly slice your sweet potatoes. A mandoline can make this super easy, but a sharp knife works just as well if you take your time.
3. Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil (or feel free to use butter for extra flavor!).
4. Layer the ingredients: Arrange half of the sweet potato slices in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle some cranberries over the first layer.
5. Repeat layers: Continue layering with the remaining sweet potato slices and more cranberries until everything is in the dish. This creates eye-catching layers that will wow your guests!
6. Make the creamy mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the cream, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the layered sweet potatoes and cranberries.
7. Add cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top. Because, let’s be honest, cheese makes everything better!
8. Breadcrumb topping: Top with breadcrumbs for that delightful crunchy finish.
9. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10. Cool and serve: Once out of the oven, let your gratin cool for a few minutes. The delightful aroma will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!

Pro Tips & Variations

Cooking is all about having fun and exploring! Here are some ideas to elevate your Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin:

• Spice It Up: Mix in a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a kick of heat.
• Herb It Up: Fresh thyme or rosemary can add a lovely aroma to the dish. Just sprinkle a tablespoon in with the cream mixture!
• Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or fontina for a unique spin.
• Loading It Up: Add cooked bacon or sausage for a heartier gratin, perfect for brunch!

Serving Suggestions

Serving this Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin can be as fun as making it! This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, a crusty piece of bread, or even some roasted chicken for a delightful dinner. Picture this: a steaming bowl of gratin next to a bright salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette, all topped off with your favorite glass of wine! It’s the kind of meal that warms the heart and invites conversation around the table.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to preserve that deliciousness:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Freezing: You can freeze the gratin before or after baking. If freezing before, assemble the dish but wait to add cheese and breadcrumbs. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-55 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top!

FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Absolutely! While sweet potatoes give a lovely sweetness, you can mix in Yukon gold or even regular potatoes for a different texture and flavor.

How do I know when the gratin is done?

The gratin is ready when the sweet potatoes are fork-tender, and the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you poke it with a fork, it should go in easily!

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can definitely prepare it a day ahead! Assemble everything and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a bit more time in the oven if baking from cold!

Can I add more vegetables?

Of course! Carrots, parsnips, or even kale can work wonderfully. Just consider the cooking times to ensure everything is perfectly tender!

Is this dish vegan-friendly?

To make a vegan version, use plant-based cream, cheese, and swap maple syrup for a sweetener of your choice. It’ll still taste divine!

Conclusion

I hope you give this Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin a try; I genuinely believe it will add warmth and comfort to your table. Don’t forget to share your cooking adventures in the comments below! I’d love to hear how you made it your own or the memories created around your table. Happy cooking, my friend! ✨

Irresistible Sweet Potato Cranberry Gratin Recipe Easy

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Satisfy cravings with this easy sweet potato cranberry gratin Perfect side dish that blends flavors and textures for a delicious meal 152 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 2 pounds)

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoons maple syrup

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Peel and thinly slice your sweet potatoes.

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil.

Arrange half of the sweet potato slices in the bottom of the dish and sprinkle some cranberries over the first layer.

Continue layering with the remaining sweet potato slices and more cranberries.

In a bowl, whisk together the cream, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Pour this over the layered sweet potatoes and cranberries.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.

Top with breadcrumbs for a delightful crunchy finish.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until tender and golden brown.

Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

A delicious and comforting Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin perfect for autumn gatherings and weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g

Keywords: Sweet Potato Gratin, Cranberry Gratin, Autumn Recipes, Thanksgiving Side Dishes