Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

Name: Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced; 2 cups fresh cranberries; 1 cup heavy cream; 1.5 cups Gruyère cheese, grated; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Published: December 12, 2025

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

This incredible Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin:

Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes. They bring natural sweetness and creaminess to the dish.
Fresh Cranberries: Opt for bright red cranberries; they add tartness that balances the sweetness of the potatoes beautifully.
Heavy Cream: Full-fat cream gives richness and depth; don’t skimp here!
Cheese (Gruyère or Cheddar): Choose your favorite cheese for topping; these melt wonderfully and add savory flavor.
Butter: Use unsalted butter to enhance flavors without adding unnecessary salt.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds aromatic flavor that complements both sweet potatoes and cranberries.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your favorite baking dish and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray or butter it up with love.

Step 2: Slice Those Sweet Potatoes

Peel and thinly slice the sweet potatoes about 1/4 inch thick. If you have a mandoline slicer lying around (or a brave heart), now’s your chance!

Step 3: Prepare Your Cream Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix together heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This is where the magic happens—whisk it until it’s well combined.

Step 4: Layer It Up

In your greased baking dish, layer half of the sweet potato slices followed by half of the cranberries. Repeat this process with another layer before pouring half of your cream mixture over everything.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Sprinkle grated cheese generously over the top layer—because who doesn’t love extra cheese? It’ll form that glorious golden crust we all crave.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for about 45 minutes. Uncover it halfway through so that bubbling cheese can get its moment in the spotlight! After baking until fork-tender (around another 15 minutes), let it cool slightly before serving.

Transfer to plates and bask in compliments from friends and family as they marvel at this stunning dish! With each bite of creamy sweet potato mingling with tart cranberries and gooey cheese, you’ll feel like an absolute culinary hero.

So there you have it—the recipe for Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin that’s not only easy to whip up but also delivers big on flavor! Now go forth to create culinary magic this season!

You Must Know About Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

This showstopping Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Start by prepping your sweet potatoes and cranberries to maximize flavor absorption. Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, then layer them in your baking dish, alternating with cranberries. Finish by pouring a creamy sauce over everything before baking to perfection.

Flavor Your Way

Get creative! Swap out sweet potatoes for butternut squash or add nuts for crunch. Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday spice twist, or even toss in some goat cheese for a tangy surprise.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist and delicious.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin

This professional-quality Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

The first time I made this Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin was during a holiday gathering, and my friends practically cleaned the dish! Their excited faces made all my kitchen trials worth it; I still chuckle thinking about their delightful reactions.

FAQs

What is Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin?

Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin is a delightful holiday dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the tartness of cranberries, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. This gratin is typically baked with a creamy sauce and topped with a golden crust, making it a perfect side dish for festive meals. It brings warmth and color to your holiday table while also providing a nutritious option that everyone can enjoy. Preparing this dish not only adds variety to your menu but also showcases seasonal ingredients beautifully.

How do I prepare Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin?

To prepare Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin, start by layering thinly sliced sweet potatoes in a baking dish. Next, combine fresh or dried cranberries with cream, garlic, and your choice of seasonings. Pour this mixture over the sweet potatoes and ensure even coverage. Top it off with breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture. Bake until the sweet potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown, usually around 45 minutes at 375°F. This recipe is simple yet yields impressive results that will surely delight your guests.

Can I make Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin in advance. Assemble the gratin but don’t bake it right away; instead, cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed. This makes it an ideal choice for busy holiday gatherings since you can save time on the day of your event while still serving a delicious homemade dish.

What are some variations of Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin?

There are numerous creative variations for Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin. You could add nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or incorporate other vegetables such as parsnips or carrots for added flavor and nutrition. Cheese lovers might enjoy adding layers of Gruyère or feta cheese between the sweet potato slices. For a twist on flavor, consider spicing it up with sage or rosemary to enhance the traditional festive taste profile that this dish embodies perfectly.

Conclusion

In summary, Christmas Sweet Potato & Cranberry Gratin is an exquisite addition to any holiday feast. Its combination of sweet potatoes and cranberries offers both flavor and nutrition. You can easily prepare this dish ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with family during festive celebrations. Experiment with different ingredients to create your own twist on this classic recipe, ensuring each holiday season feels special. Embrace this beautiful gratin as part of your culinary traditions!