Sweet Potato and Cranberry Gratin: 10 Truly Magical Bites

If you’ve been craving something cozy, colorful, and just fancy enough to impress the in-laws without breaking a sweat, this Sweet Potato and Cranberry Gratin is about to become your new best friend. Yes—our recipe, is doing all the heavy lifting today, and trust me, it’s the kind of dish that steals the spotlight at any table.

As a mom, a cook, and someone who has absolutely served cereal for dinner more than once (no shame!), I love recipes that look like I worked magic—even when I only had 45 minutes and one functioning burner. This gratin? It’s rich, warm, beautifully sweet with a little tart surprise from the cranberries. A total win for busy days, holiday gatherings, or those “what on earth do I bring to the potluck?” moments.

Before you start wondering whether this dish is too complicated—don’t worry. If you can layer potatoes and stir cream, you’re already halfway there.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato and Cranberry Gratin

Here’s the thing about Sweet Potato and Cranberry Gratin: it’s the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell like a Hallmark movie in the best way possible. The sweet potatoes soften into buttery layers, the cranberries pop with tangy brightness, and the creamy cinnamon-kissed sauce brings everything together.

And because I know my audience—busy women juggling work, kids, pets, relationships, and the occasional “what is that smell in my fridge?” crisis—this recipe checks every box:

• Easy prep
• Simple ingredients
• Minimal stress
• Maximum flavor

Think of it like a casserole’s chic cousin.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we jump into the steps, here’s a quick, friendly rundown of what makes this gratin so good:

• Sweet Potatoes: The heart of this recipe—sweet, tender, and comforting.
• Fresh Cranberries: Tart bursts that wake the whole dish up.
• Heavy Cream: For that indulgent, velvety texture.
• Gruyère Cheese: Nutty, melty, drool-worthy. (Cheddar works too!)
• Breadcrumbs: For the perfect crispy topping.
• Brown Sugar: Adds warmth and caramel goodness.
• Cinnamon: That hint of holiday cheer you didn’t know you needed.
• Salt & Pepper: The quiet heroes of every good dish.

If you’re dairy-free, no worries—swap heavy cream for coconut cream and choose a plant-based cheese. It still turns out delicious.

Refer to the recipe card below for precise ingredient measurements and complete nutritional details.

How to Make Sweet Potato and Cranberry Gratin

Ready to make the magic happen? Let’s do it—step by step, easy as pie (actually… easier).

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). A hot oven helps everything cook evenly and gives the top that dreamy golden finish.

Step 2: Boil the Sweet Potatoes

Peel, slice, and boil your sweet potatoes for 10–15 minutes until tender. Think “soft enough to pierce with a fork, but not mushy.” This makes layering easier and helps them bake perfectly.

Step 3: Build the First Layer

Drain your slices and arrange half of them in a greased baking dish. Overlapping them slightly makes the gratin pretty—because yes, we eat with our eyes first.

Step 4: Add the Cranberries

Sprinkle half of your cranberries over the sweet potatoes. Their tangy pop keeps the dish from becoming too sweet.

Step 5: Mix the Creamy Filling

In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Pour half of this mixture over the layered sweet potatoes and cranberries.

Step 6: Repeat Those Layers

Add your remaining sweet potatoes and cranberries, then cover with the rest of the cream mixture. Every bite should have flavor from top to bottom.

Step 7: Make It Crunchy and Golden

Top everything with shredded Gruyère and breadcrumbs. This is where the magic happens—the crisp topping contrasts beautifully with the soft layers below.

Step 8: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Bake for 30–35 minutes, keeping an eye on the top. When it’s golden, bubbly, and making your whole house smell irresistible, it’s done. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

I promise—your family will be hovering nearby asking, “Is it ready yet?”

Helpful Tips for the Best Gratin

• Thin slices = even cooking. If your knife skills are like mine before I had coffee, don’t stress—use a mandoline (carefully!) to get consistent slices.
• Too tart? Add a bit more brown sugar to balance out particularly sharp cranberries.
• Want extra crunch? Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Sauce looks a little lumpy? Relax. Once it bakes, everything smooths out beautifully. It’s kitchen magic.

This dish quickly became my go-to for Thanksgiving after my kids decided it was “better than dessert.” High praise coming from people who eat cookies for breakfast.

FAQs About Sweet Potato and Cranberry Gratin

Final Thoughts: Bringing Sweet Potato and Cranberry Gratin to Your Table

This Sweet Potato and Cranberry Gratin is more than just a side dish; it’s a warm, cozy hug in casserole form. It’s perfect for holidays, weeknights, potlucks, or those days when you want something hearty without spending all afternoon in the kitchen.

And as someone who has built her little world around helping you bring joy, flavor, and confidence into your kitchen, I can tell you—this recipe hits all the right notes. Sweet, creamy, tangy, crunchy… it’s basically a symphony in a baking dish.

Give it a try this week. Your taste buds—and your family—will thank you.

More Cozy Recipe Ideas You’ll Love

If this Sweet Potato and Cranberry Gratin has you in the mood for more warm, seasonal comfort dishes, here are a few delicious options your readers will absolutely want to check out. Each one brings its own festive flair — perfect for holiday dinners, fall gatherings, or anytime you want something cozy and flavorful on the table.

• For a beautiful appetizer that pairs perfectly with your gratin’s sweet-tart vibes, try these Sweet Potato Rounds with Brie, Cranberry, and Pecans. They’re simple, elegant, and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Want to keep the cranberry magic going all the way through dessert? This silky, tangy Cranberry Custard Pie is the perfect sweet finish to any festive meal.
• If you’re craving a hearty main dish with those same cozy holiday tones, you’ll adore this savory One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken — easy, fragrant, and incredibly satisfying.
• And for readers who just can’t get enough sweet potato comfort food, this rich and dreamy Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole is a must-try.

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