Description

Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin is a festive dish that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of tender sweet potatoes with the tartness of dried cranberries, layered with rich cream, sharp melting cheese, and fresh thyme, all baked to a golden, bubbling perfection. This comforting yet vibrant gratin is ideal for holiday dinners and family gatherings, offering a colorful, flavorful side that delights every palate.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch thick)
1 cup dried cranberries
2 cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups grated Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter, for dotting
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the sweet potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the sweet potatoes evenly, about 1/8 inch thick. Uniform slices ensure even baking and create the perfect layered texture.
Mix the creamy base: In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, fresh thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. This mixture will soak into the sweet potatoes, infusing them with rich flavor as they bake.
Layer the gratin: In a buttered baking dish, arrange a layer of sliced sweet potatoes, followed by a sprinkling of dried cranberries, then a dash of the creamy mixture and grated cheese. Repeat until all components are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Add butter and bake: Dot the top with small pieces of butter to encourage browning and flavor development. Cover loosely with foil and bake the gratin in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
Rest before serving: Let the gratin cool slightly outside the oven for 10 minutes to allow it to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.

Notes

Slice potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure uniform cooking and a smooth texture.
Use room-temperature ingredients for better blending and even cooking.
Do not skimp on the cheese to achieve the perfect golden crust.
Cover the dish loosely with foil for the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent burning while potatoes cook through.
Allow the gratin to rest for 10 minutes after baking to thicken and hold its shape when sliced.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: sweet potato, cranberry, gratin, holiday side dish, baked, creamy, festive, gluten free, comfort food