Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin
This Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin is a delightful symphony of flavors, blending the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the vibrant tartness of fresh cranberries. Creamy, cheesy, and with a hint of warm spice, it features tender sweet potato slices layered with tangy berries, all bathed in a rich cream mixture and crowned with a golden, bubbly Gruyère and breadcrumb topping. It's the perfect elegant side dish for any festive meal or a comforting weeknight treat.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30-35 minutes
Total Time
50-55 minutes
Servings
6 to 8 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- A perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors.
- Features seasonal ingredients, making it ideal for autumn and winter meals.
- Offers a creamy texture with a delightful cheesy, crunchy topping.
- Versatile enough for both holiday feasts and comforting weeknight dinners.
- Relatively simple to prepare, despite its impressive presentation.
Ingredients
- 900 grams (2 pounds) sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
- 120 grams (1 cup) fresh cranberries
- 240 milliliters (1 cup) heavy cream
- 120 grams (1 cup) shredded Gruyère cheese
- 60 grams (1/2 cup) breadcrumbs
- 50 grams (1/4 cup) brown sugar
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your oven by preheating it to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a medium baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a large pot of salted water, boil the peeled and sliced sweet potato rounds until they are just tender when pierced with a fork, which typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Carefully drain the boiled sweet potatoes thoroughly. Arrange half of the tender sweet potato slices in an even layer at the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
- Evenly sprinkle half of the fresh cranberries over the sweet potato layer. Their tartness will provide a beautiful counterpoint to the sweet potatoes.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. Pour half of this aromatic cream mixture evenly over the sweet potato and cranberry layers in the baking dish.
- Repeat the layering process. Place the remaining sweet potato slices over the cream mixture, then sprinkle the rest of the fresh cranberries. Finally, pour the remaining cream mixture over these layers, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Finish the gratin by topping it generously with the shredded Gruyère cheese, followed by an even layer of breadcrumbs. The cheese will melt into a gooey, savory layer, while the breadcrumbs will add a delightful crunch.
- Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Look for a golden brown and bubbly top, indicating that the cheese is melted and the gratin is heated through.
- Once baked, remove the gratin from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the layers set and makes for easier, cleaner serving.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling
- Colander
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch (or similar) baking dish
- Vegetable peeler
- Sharp knife for slicing
Essential Success Tips
- Slice sweet potatoes uniformly: Aim for slices of similar thickness (about 3-5mm or 1/8 to 1/4 inch) to ensure even cooking. A mandoline can be very helpful here.
- Don't over-boil: Boil the sweet potatoes until just tender; they should still hold their shape. They will soften further in the oven.
- Proper layering: Distribute ingredients evenly in each layer for a consistent flavor in every bite.
- Let it rest: Allowing the gratin to cool slightly before serving helps the layers set, making it much easier to scoop out neat portions.
- Adjust sweetness: If your cranberries are particularly tart, you can add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to the cream mixture, or if you prefer a less sweet dish, slightly reduce the sugar.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- Infuse the cream: For an extra layer of flavor, gently warm the heavy cream with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a vanilla bean pod for 15-20 minutes before mixing in the sugar and cinnamon. Strain before use.
- Cheese blend for depth: While Gruyère is excellent, consider a blend of cheeses. A small amount of Parmesan or a sharp cheddar can add a more complex savory note to complement the sweet and tart elements.
- Toasted breadcrumbs: For ultimate crispness, lightly toast the breadcrumbs in a dry pan or with a touch of butter until golden brown before sprinkling them on top. This adds a more pronounced crunch and nutty flavor.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
- Make-ahead: You can assemble the gratin a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Add the breadcrumbs just before baking to ensure they stay crisp. You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Variations: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cream mixture for a different warm spice profile. A touch of orange zest can also enhance the cranberry flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Do not thaw them before adding to the gratin; they will bake just fine from frozen, though they might release a bit more moisture.
What kind of sweet potatoes should I use?
Any variety of sweet potato will work well. Orange-fleshed varieties like Beauregard or Jewel are common and provide excellent sweetness and texture. Ensure they are firm and free of blemishes.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, with substitutions. You would need to use a plant-based heavy cream alternative (like full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream) and a dairy-free shredded cheese substitute. Ensure the breadcrumbs are also dairy-free.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 380, Protein: 10g, Fat: 25g, Carbs: 35g, Fiber: 5g (Approximate per serving)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy and gluten. For a gluten-free version, ensure breadcrumbs are certified gluten-free, or omit them entirely for a naturally gluten-free option. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
No comment