Roasted Sweet Potato & Feta Gratin with Caramelized Walnuts & Cranberry Glaze

Roasted Sweet Potato & Feta Gratin with Caramelized Walnuts & Cranberry Glaze is a comforting sweet-and-savoury side dish made with tender roasted sweet potatoes, creamy feta, a golden mozzarella topping, crunchy caramelized walnuts, and a glossy cranberry-balsamic glaze. It is a beautiful choice for holiday dinners, autumn gatherings, or any cosy meal when you want something a little special.

Ingredients

For the Gratin

• 2 large sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 3/4 cup (150 g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream or milk
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Caramelized Walnuts

• 1/2 cup (60 g) walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1½ tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of sea salt

For the Cranberry Glaze

• 1/3 cup cranberry sauce or cranberry preserves
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp orange juice or water
• Pinch of salt

For Finishing

• Fresh thyme leaves
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Extra crumbled feta, optional

How to Make Roasted Sweet Potato & Feta Gratin

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

2. Season the Sweet Potatoes

Place the thinly sliced sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Toss gently until the slices are evenly coated.

3. Make the Cream Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, minced garlic, and nutmeg until well combined.

4. Layer the Gratin

Arrange half of the sweet potato slices in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping them. Sprinkle half of the crumbled feta evenly over the potatoes.

Add another layer of sweet potatoes, followed by the remaining feta.

5. Add the Cream

Pour the garlic and nutmeg cream mixture evenly over the sweet potatoes and feta.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top to create a golden, bubbling cheese layer.

6. Bake

Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15–20 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cheese is golden and bubbling.

7. Make the Caramelized Walnuts

While the gratin is baking, place the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Add the honey or maple syrup, cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir continuously for another 1–2 minutes, until the walnuts are glossy and lightly caramelised.

Transfer the walnuts to a piece of parchment paper and allow them to cool slightly.

8. Make the Cranberry Glaze

Add the cranberry sauce, honey, balsamic vinegar, orange juice or water, and salt to a small saucepan.

Warm over low heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

9. Rest the Gratin

Remove the gratin from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This gives the layers time to settle and makes serving easier.

10. Finish & Serve

Scatter the caramelized walnuts generously over the warm gratin. Drizzle with the warm cranberry glaze and garnish with fresh thyme and freshly cracked black pepper.

Add extra crumbled feta if desired and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Gratin

• Slice the sweet potatoes evenly: Thin, consistent slices help the potatoes cook evenly and create neat layers.
• Don’t rush the baking: The sweet potatoes need enough time to become tender while the cheese develops a golden top.
• Keep the walnuts moving: Once the honey or maple syrup is added, stir continuously to prevent the nuts from burning.
• Rest before serving: Allowing the gratin to rest for 10 minutes helps the creamy layers settle.
• Add the glaze at the end: Drizzling the cranberry glaze over the finished gratin keeps its sweet-tangy flavour bright and its presentation beautiful.

What to Serve with Sweet Potato & Feta Gratin

This gratin works beautifully as a side dish alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or other vegetable dishes. The combination of creamy feta, sweet potatoes, caramelized walnuts, and cranberry glaze also makes it particularly suited to festive and holiday meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes. The recipe allows for either heavy cream or milk in the cream mixture.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes. Maple syrup can be used in the caramelized walnuts in place of honey.

Can I prepare the gratin ahead of time?

The gratin can be assembled before baking, then baked when ready to serve. For the best texture, prepare the caramelized walnuts and cranberry glaze separately and add them when finishing the dish.

What can I use instead of the cranberry sauce?

The recipe specifically uses cranberry sauce or cranberry preserves for the glaze. Either option can be used.

Nutrition & Timing

Details	Amount
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	50 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 5 minutes
Servings	6
Calories	Approx. 385 per serving
Protein	Approx. 11g per serving

Final Thoughts

Roasted Sweet Potato & Feta Gratin with Caramelized Walnuts & Cranberry Glaze brings together creamy, savoury, sweet, crunchy, and tangy flavours in one beautiful dish. The tender sweet potato layers and melted cheese are complemented by caramelized walnuts and the glossy cranberry glaze, making every bite wonderfully balanced.

Serve it warm with plenty of fresh thyme and freshly cracked black pepper for a cosy, colourful dish that’s perfect for sharing.

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