Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin – Easy Holiday Side Dish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet Potato and Cranberry Gratin is the kind of festive side dish that instantly brightens a holiday table. It combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the tart pop of cranberries, all tucked beneath a delicate, creamy sauce. The contrast of flavors makes every bite memorable, and the presentation is just as appealing. What I love about this dish is how effortlessly it comes together while delivering such a polished, gourmet impression. I once experimented by swapping half of the cream for warmed almond milk, and to my surprise, the sauce still turned out beautifully silky. If you want something that feels celebratory without demanding too much time or effort, this gratin is the perfect solution. It pairs wonderfully with roasted meats, holiday stuffing, or even a simple green salad, making it a versatile and dependable addition to seasonal gatherings.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes create the foundation of the gratin. Their naturally sweet, velvety texture becomes even more tender as they bake, offering a rich depth that forms the backbone of the dish.

Fresh or Dried Cranberries

Cranberries add vibrancy and balance. Their tartness cuts through the creaminess, creating a harmonious blend that keeps the gratin from feeling too heavy.

Heavy Cream or Milk

The cream binds the layers together and brings a luxurious texture. Milk works well too if you prefer something lighter; I have used almond milk with success for a gentler finish.

Butter

Butter enhances the richness and helps develop a golden, slightly crisp top layer as the gratin bakes.

Garlic

Garlic offers subtle aromatic depth, blending seamlessly into the cream and complementing the sweetness of the potatoes.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg provides warm, seasonal notes that elevate the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.

Salt and Black Pepper

Essential for balance, these seasonings ensure that the sweetness of the potatoes and the tartness of the cranberries remain well-rounded and flavorful.

Fresh Thyme or Rosemary

Fresh herbs introduce an earthy, festive touch that brings brightness and complexity to the dish.

Parmesan or Gruyere Cheese (Optional)

A light sprinkle of cheese adds savory notes and helps develop a beautiful golden top, though the dish remains delicious without it.

Directions

Begin by preheating your oven and lightly buttering a baking dish. Prepare the sweet potatoes by peeling and slicing them into thin, even rounds to ensure uniform cooking. Spread a thin layer of cream on the bottom of the dish, then begin layering sweet potatoes in slightly overlapping rows. Scatter cranberries between each layer to introduce bursts of tart flavor throughout the gratin.

In a small saucepan, warm the cream with butter, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Let it heat gently until the butter melts and the flavors blend. Pour a portion of this mixture over the first layer of potatoes, making sure it seeps through the cracks. Continue layering potatoes and cranberries followed by the cream mixture until you reach the top. Finish with a final pour of cream and, if using, a sprinkle of cheese.

Cover the dish with foil and bake until the potatoes are tender. Remove the foil toward the end of baking to allow the top to develop a golden, lightly crisp finish. Let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving so the layers can settle and hold their shape.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain texture or warm gently in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk.

Variations and Customizations

Add Pecans

A handful of toasted pecans adds a pleasant crunch and complements the sweet and tart flavors.

Make It Savory

Omit the cranberries and add caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms for a richer, more savory version.

Use Different Herbs

Swap thyme or rosemary for sage to give the dish a deeper, more autumnal aroma.

Try a Cheese Layer

Add shredded Gruyere or Parmesan between layers for extra richness.

Go Dairy-Free

Use almond milk or coconut milk and a dairy-free butter substitute for a lighter option.

Add Orange Zest

A touch of citrus brings brightness and pairs beautifully with cranberries.

Incorporate Apples

Thinly sliced apples add another layer of sweetness and create a more complex flavor profile.

Make It Spicy

A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes adds gentle heat.

Add Breadcrumb Topping

A crisp breadcrumb finish gives the gratin added texture.

Use White Sweet Potatoes

These have a slightly firmer texture and a more subdued sweetness for an interesting twist.

FAQs

Can I use canned cranberries?

Canned cranberry sauce is not recommended, but whole canned cranberries may work if drained well.

How thin should I slice the sweet potatoes?

Aim for slices about one-eighth inch thick for even cooking.

Can I prepare this gratin ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to one day in advance and bake before serving.

Is cheese necessary?

No, cheese is optional and the gratin is delicious without it.

Can I substitute regular potatoes?

Yes, though the flavor will be less sweet and slightly more starchy.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs well with roasted meats, poultry, and seasonal vegetables.

Can I freeze the gratin?

Freezing is not recommended due to the dairy content.

Should I cover it while baking?

Covering ensures tenderness, while uncovering later helps achieve a golden top.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, but use them sparingly as dried herbs are more potent.

How do I prevent the top from burning?

If it browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil toward the end of baking.

Conclusion

This Sweet Potato and Cranberry Gratin is an elegant, festive side dish that brings warmth, color, and comforting flavors to your holiday table. With its balance of sweetness, tartness, and creaminess, it complements a wide range of main courses. Its adaptability makes it easy to customize, while the simple preparation ensures reliability even on busy holiday cooking days. This gratin is a delightful way to elevate any seasonal meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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