Spiced Sweet Potato and Cranberry Casserole

This hearty and festive casserole combines the sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the tartness of cranberries, all bound together with a warm blend of spices and a hint of maple syrup. It's the perfect side dish for your holiday table.

The origins of this dish can be traced back to the early days of American colonialism. European settlers, seeking to replicate the flavors of their homelands, began experimenting with native ingredients. Sweet potatoes, a staple crop of the Americas, were a natural choice for a sweet and savory casserole. Cranberries, abundant in the bogs of New England, added a tart and festive touch. Over time, the addition of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice became customary, creating the warm and inviting flavor profile that we know today.

Prep time: 30 | Cook time: 45 | Serves: 6

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes
• Cranberries
• Maple syrup
• Orange juice
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Allspice

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Peel and cube the sweet potatoes.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, cranberries, maple syrup, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cranberries have burst.
6. Serve warm.

Why It Works

• Roasting the sweet potatoes intensifies their natural sweetness and creates a slightly caramelized exterior.
• The cranberries provide a tart and juicy contrast to the sweet potatoes.
• The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness and richness.
• The spices create a warm and inviting flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Baking the casserole until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cranberries have burst ensures a moist and flavorful dish.