Sweet Potato Cranberry Casserole Recipe

If you love cozy flavors that bring both sweetness and a touch of tartness to your table, the Sweet Potato Cranberry Casserole is a must-try. This dish perfectly balances tender, buttery sweet potatoes with vibrant cranberries, all crowned with a crunchy, warmly spiced walnut topping. It’s a comforting side that shines during holiday meals or any time you want to brighten your dinner with a burst of color and flavor. Each bite feels like a celebration of fall’s best ingredients, and it’s surprisingly easy to make, too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of ingredients, this recipe focuses on simplicity while delivering complexity through texture and taste. Every component plays a crucial role—sweet potatoes provide creamy richness, cranberries add lively tartness, and the crunchy walnut topping brings a delightful contrast with a hint of spice.

• Sweet potatoes (4 large, peeled and sliced 1/4″ thick): The base of the casserole, offering natural sweetness and a smooth, creamy texture when cooked.
• Cranberries (2 cups fresh or frozen): For vibrant color and a bright tart flavor that wakes up the palate.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup packed + 1/4 cup packed for topping): Adds warmth and caramel notes that deepen the overall flavor.
• Butter (2 tablespoons melted + 3 tablespoons cold for topping): Brings richness and helps meld flavors, while cold butter in the topping creates a crisp finish.
• Orange juice (1/2 cup): Adds freshness and a subtle citrus lift that complements both sweet potatoes and cranberries.
• Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup): Provides crunch and a toasty nutty goodness to balance the softness below.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Warms the palate with its gentle spice and ties the sweet flavors together.

How to Make Sweet Potato Cranberry Casserole

Step 1: Boil the Sweet Potatoes

Start by placing the peeled and sliced sweet potatoes into a Dutch oven and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook until the sweet potatoes are tender but still hold their shape, usually about 10 to 15 minutes. When done, drain the water thoroughly to keep your casserole from getting watery.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F to prepare for baking. In a greased 2-1/2-quart baking dish, arrange half of the sweet potato slices evenly in the bottom. Sprinkle half of the cranberries over the potatoes, followed by half the brown sugar and drizzle with half of the melted butter. Repeat the layering with the remaining sweet potatoes, cranberries, brown sugar, and butter. This thoughtful layering ensures the flavors meld beautifully as it bakes.

Step 3: Bake Covered

Pour the orange juice evenly over the top of your layered dish. Cover the casserole with a lid or foil to keep the moisture in. Bake it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to soften and combine.

Step 4: Add the Walnut Topping and Finish Baking

While the casserole bakes, mix together the topping: combine the chopped walnuts, remaining brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. After the initial 30 minutes, remove the cover and sprinkle this crunchy topping evenly over the casserole. Return it to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes or until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. This step gives the dish a wonderful textured finish that’s hard to resist.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Cranberry Casserole

Garnishes

To make your Sweet Potato Cranberry Casserole look as good as it tastes, consider a few simple garnishes like a sprinkle of fresh thyme or a handful of fresh cranberries for color contrast. These fresh touches brighten the presentation and add a subtle herbal note that complements the sweet and tart flavors.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs fantastically with classic roasted turkey or glazed ham, making it perfect for festive holiday spreads. It also works well alongside simple green beans or a crisp salad dressed with vinaigrette, providing a balance of flavors and textures on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving individual portions of the Sweet Potato Cranberry Casserole in small ramekins or even hollowed-out mini pumpkins during the fall season. This not only adds excitement to the dining experience but also creates an inviting centerpiece for your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this casserole hold up beautifully in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making for even tastier seconds!

Freezing

If you want to prepare the Sweet Potato Cranberry Casserole ahead of time for future meals, it freezes well. Freeze in a tightly sealed container or wrapped in foil for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover loosely with foil to retain moisture. Heat at 325°F for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps the topping crisp while warming the filling evenly.

FAQs

Can I use canned cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Fresh or frozen cranberries are best because they hold their texture and tartness during baking. Canned cranberries tend to be too soft and sweet, which might make the casserole overly mushy or sweet.

Is there a way to make this casserole vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use maple syrup or agave in place of brown sugar if you prefer. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly.

Can I prepare the casserole the day before baking?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just add the topping and bake as directed for a fresh, warm casserole.

What other nuts can I use for the topping?

Pecans or almonds make excellent alternatives to walnuts. Each nut will lend a slightly different texture and flavor, so feel free to experiment based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Is this Sweet Potato Cranberry Casserole suitable for a gluten-free diet?

It sure is! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this casserole a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Sweet Potato Cranberry Casserole, it’s sure to become one of your go-to dishes whenever you want to add warmth and festive cheer to your meal. Its combination of creamy, tart, and crunchy textures creates an unforgettable experience that friends and family will ask for again and again. So go ahead, tuck into this cozy, colorful casserole and savor every bite!

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