Introduction
The Sweet Potato Cranberry Casserole is a classic holiday dish that combines the natural sweetness of tender roasted sweet potatoes with the vibrant tartness of fresh cranberries. This dish is elevated with warm spices and a hint of citrus, making it a comforting and festive centerpiece for any celebration, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. At Love With Recipes, we believe that the secret to a memorable dish lies not only in its flavors but also in its versatility and preparation ease, allowing you to focus on creating joyful moments with loved ones. This casserole can be prepared in advance, making it a stress-free addition to your holiday menu, and its rich, layered flavors will impress both family and guests alike. The balance of sweet, tart, spicy, and citrus notes ensures that every bite is bursting with seasonal goodness, making it a must-try recipe for your holiday repertoire.
Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Needed Equipment
- Oven (conventional or convection)
- Two shallow ovenproof baking dishes (approximately 8×12 inches each)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Vegetable peeler
- Chef’s knife or vegetable chopper
- Cutting board
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Spray bottle or pastry brush (for oil application)
- Grater or zester (for orange rind)
- Aluminum foil (optional, for covering during freezing or storage)
- Holiday Recipes
- Vegetarian
- Side Dish
- Festive
- Sweet Potato
- Cranberry
- Comfort Food
- Make-Ahead
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- Uniform chopping of sweet potatoes ensures even roasting. Use a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board.
- If preparing ahead, assemble the casserole without the final baking step, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
- For a more rustic presentation, skip peeling the sweet potatoes for added texture and visual appeal.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top during the final 10 minutes of baking.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar. Taste the cranberry mixture before assembling to match your preference.
- Using fresh cranberries results in a brighter, more tart flavor compared to canned or dried cranberries.
- If you prefer a smoother consistency, mash some of the cooked sweet potatoes before assembling the casserole.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cranberry mixture.
- To enhance presentation, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary on top before serving.
- Ensure the cranberries are fully coated with sugar and spices to prevent bitterness and ensure even flavor distribution.
- Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds) added during the final baking step for crunch.
- Marshmallows or a streusel topping for extra sweetness and texture.
- Fresh orange zest sprinkled on top for an aromatic finish.
- Drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
- Stuffing or cornbread
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
- Grilled or roasted vegetables
- Fresh mixed greens salad with vinaigrette
- Incorporate chopped apples or pears into the cranberry mixture for additional fruitiness.
- Use roasted garlic in the sweet potato mixture for a deeper savory note.
- For a caramelized topping, sprinkle a little extra brown sugar or honey during the final bake.
- Experiment with adding a splash of bourbon or Grand Marnier to enhance depth of flavor.
- “The Flavor Bible” by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg
- “Holiday Cooking with Fresh Ingredients” – Food Network Magazine
Tags
Serving Size
Each serving provides approximately one-eighth of the casserole, which amounts to about 1 cup of the dish. This generous serving size ensures that your guests enjoy a satisfying portion that complements their main course without overwhelming their palate.
Difficulty Level
Medium — This recipe involves multiple steps including peeling, chopping, baking, mixing, and assembling, but it’s straightforward enough for home cooks with basic baking skills. Attention to timing and temperature adjustments is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance.
Allergen Information
| Contains | Potential Allergens |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes, Onions, Cranberries, Orange | None common; however, if using margarine or butter, those ingredients contain dairy; check labels if allergic. Nuts are optional add-ons. |
| Spices (nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon) | Spices are generally safe but may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. |
Dietary Preference
Vegetarian, Potential Vegan (if using plant-based margarine and ensuring no animal-derived ingredients in other components). It can be adapted for gluten-free diets by verifying ingredients of spices and oils.
Course
Side Dish
Cuisine
American, Holiday, Comfort Food
Ingredients
Ingredient Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | 3 1/2 large (about 3 pounds) | Peel and chop into uniform pieces for even cooking |
| Onions | 2 medium | Peel and chop finely or into small dice |
| Lite olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For roasting vegetables |
| Fresh cranberries | 2 cups | Rinsed and drained |
| Frozen cranberries | 2/3 cup | Thawed slightly before use |
| Golden brown sugar | 1 1/3 cups | Adjust for sweetness preference |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon | Unsalted recommended |
| Margarine | 1 tablespoon | Optional, for richness |
| Orange juice | Juice of 1 orange (about 1/2 cup) | Freshly squeezed for best flavor |
| Orange rind | Rind of 1 orange | Use a fine grater or zester |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | Adjust to taste |
| Nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon | Freshly grated if possible |
| Ground ginger | 1/2 teaspoon | Freshly ground preferred |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon | For warm spice flavor |
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high initial temperature ensures that the sweet potatoes and onions will start roasting quickly, developing a caramelized exterior that enhances their natural sweetness and flavor. Proper preheating is essential to achieve even cooking and to set the stage for the subsequent temperature reduction.
2. Prepare Sweet Potatoes and Onions
While the oven heats, peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler, removing all skins. Chop them into uniform chunks approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in size to facilitate even roasting. Consistency in size ensures that all pieces cook uniformly, preventing some from becoming mushy while others remain underdone. Similarly, peel the onions and dice them into small, uniform pieces. This helps distribute their flavor evenly throughout the casserole.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped sweet potatoes and onions. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of lite olive oil, tossing gently to coat all pieces evenly. This oil not only promotes browning but also ensures the vegetables stay moist and flavorful during roasting. Lightly spray the surface of the mixture with additional oil or use a pastry brush if necessary to distribute the oil evenly.
Divide the mixture evenly between two shallow ovenproof dishes, each approximately 8×12 inches. Spreading the vegetables in a single layer ensures even heat exposure, critical for achieving perfectly roasted vegetables with a tender interior and slightly crisp exterior.
3. Bake Vegetables
Place the dishes in the preheated oven and roast for approximately 20-25 minutes. During this initial phase, the sweet potatoes and onions will begin to soften and develop a slight caramelization. The goal here is to cook them just to the point where they are tender but still hold their shape. Keep an eye on the vegetables; avoid overcooking at this stage, as they will continue baking once coated with the cranberry mixture.
Spray or brush the vegetables lightly with additional oil if necessary to prevent sticking and promote browning. Use tongs or a spatula to gently turn the vegetables halfway through the roasting process for even caramelization.
4. Lower Oven Temperature
Once the vegetables are partially cooked, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). This lower temperature allows the casserole to bake slowly, developing a rich, sticky, caramelized topping without burning or drying out the vegetables.
5. Prepare Cranberry Mixture
While the vegetables roast, prepare the cranberry sauce. In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, frozen cranberries, golden brown sugar, butter, margarine, orange juice, orange rind, salt, nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon. Stir thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should be thick and fragrant, with the citrus zest and spices enhancing the natural tartness of the cranberries and sweetness of the sugar.
This mixture will serve as the flavorful topping and binder for the casserole. The combination of fresh and frozen cranberries yields a balanced tartness and a vibrant visual contrast with the orange and spices.
6. Assemble the Casserole
Once the vegetables are just tender, remove the dishes from the oven and evenly distribute the cranberry mixture over each casserole. Use a spatula to gently stir and coat the sweet potatoes and onions with the sauce. Ensure that the mixture is evenly spread to promote consistent flavor and texture throughout the dish.
Return the dishes to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 30-40 minutes. During this time, the cranberry topping will bubble, thicken, and caramelize, creating a sticky, glossy coating that complements the tender sweet potatoes. Stir the casserole once during baking if desired to prevent sticking and to ensure even caramelization.
7. Final Baking and Serving
Check the casserole near the end of the baking time. The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender, and the cranberry topping should be sticky and caramelized around the edges. If necessary, extend baking for an additional 5-10 minutes. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Preparation Tips
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 282.6 kcal |
| Protein | 3.8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 74.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.4 g |
| Sugar | 45.3 g |
| Fat | 2.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g |
| Sodium | 125 mg |
Tips and Tricks
Add-ons
Side Dishes
Improvements
Save and Store
Refrigeration
Allow the casserole to cool completely after baking. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
Freezing
For longer storage, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as described above.
FAQ
Can I make this vegan?
Yes. Substitute margarine for butter and ensure that any additional toppings, like nuts or marshmallows, are vegan-friendly. Use plant-based sweeteners if desired.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole without the final baking step, refrigerate overnight, and bake fresh on the day of serving. Alternatively, freeze the assembled casserole and bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, as long as you verify that all ingredients, especially spices, are gluten-free. This dish inherently contains no gluten.
Conclusion
The Sweet Potato Cranberry Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that celebrates seasonal ingredients with warmth and vibrancy. Its combination of tender roasted sweet potatoes, tart cranberries, and aromatic spices creates a harmonious balance perfect for holiday tables. Whether prepared ahead or assembled just before baking, this casserole offers flexibility and crowd-pleasing appeal. At Love With Recipes, we encourage you to customize the recipe with your favorite add-ons and spices to make it uniquely yours. The result is a stunning, delicious side that embodies the spirit of celebration and togetherness, making every holiday meal unforgettable.