Cozy Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin Recipe: A Heartwarming Delight

When winter’s chill settles in, a hearty cheesy root vegetable gratin becomes the ultimate comfort dish that warms both body and soul.

Layers of tender, earthy vegetables nestle between rich, melted cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, and potatoes provide a robust foundation for this creamy, golden-topped casserole.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of crispy edges and silky, cheese-laden goodness.

Seasonal and satisfying, this gratin turns simple ingredients into a luxurious side that steals the spotlight at any meal.

The combination of rustic vegetables and decadent cheese makes this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s find out this delectable dish and let its comforting embrace chase away the winter blues.

Storage Tips for Cheesy Vegetable Gratin Leftovers

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover gratin in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Sealed properly, the vegetables maintain their delicious texture and flavor.
• Freezing Gold: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen gratins stay delicious for approximately 2 months when sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheating Magic: Warm individual servings in the oven at 350˚F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying. Add a splash of cream to refresh the moisture and recreate that initial creamy texture.
• Ingredient Prep Hack: Slice root vegetables ahead of time and store in cold water with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning. Drain and pat dry before assembling the gratin for maximum convenience and time-saving meal preparation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 280 kcal

Servings: 7

Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin Ingredient List

• Sweet Potatoes: Brings vibrant orange color and natural sweetness, choose firm potatoes without soft spots or blemishes.
• Parsnips: Adds earthy, slightly nutty flavor, select smooth, unblemished roots with minimal hairlike roots.
• Beets: Provides deep color and rich flavor, pick firm beets with smooth, unblemished skin and bright, fresh leaves.

• Heavy Cream, Whole Milk: Creates rich, creamy base, use fresh dairy for best texture and flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese, Gruyere Cheese: Delivers complex, tangy and nutty cheese notes, select high-quality, freshly grated cheeses for maximum melting potential.
• Butter: Enhances overall richness and helps prevent sticking, use unsalted for better flavor control.

• Garlic: Introduces deep, pungent background flavor, choose fresh, firm cloves without green sprouts.
• Fresh Thyme: Adds herbal, slightly minty undertone, select bright green, fragrant sprigs with no wilting.
• Salt, Pepper: Balances and elevates other ingredients' flavors, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.

Tool for Making Root Vegetable Gratin Easily

• Mandoline: Sharp, adjustable slicer for creating thin, even vegetable rounds quickly and safely.
• 3-quart baking dish: Essential for layering and baking the gratin with ample space.
• Mixing bowls: Three separate bowls to toss and coat vegetables with cream and seasonings.
• Cheese grater: Perfect for grating Parmesan and gruyere cheese for maximum flavor.
• Measuring spoons: Precise tool for adding exact amounts of cream, thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Aluminum foil: Covers the gratin during initial baking to help vegetables steam and soften.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure cream for each vegetable layer.
• Cutting board: Stable surface for preparing vegetables before slicing.
• Sharp knife: Backup for slicing vegetables if mandoline is unavailable.

How to Prepare Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin

• Oven Preparation Kitchen Atmosphere

Create a warm culinary environment by heating the oven to a perfect roasting temperature. Select a spacious baking dish and lovingly coat its surface with butter for a non-stick magic.

• Vegetable Transformation

Grab your mandoline and transform sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets into delicate, whisper-thin rounds. Each vegetable deserves its own cozy bowl for seasoning.

• Creamy Indulgence

Drizzle cream over vegetables, allowing each slice to bathe in luxurious richness. Sprinkle Parmesan and thyme, then massage seasonings into the vegetables until they’re completely coated.

• Architectural Layering

Pour remaining cream into the baking dish, creating a dreamy foundation. Arrange vegetable slices like a colorful landscape – sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets creating a delicious mosaic.

• Baking Journey

Cover the dish with foil, letting vegetables steam and soften. Halfway through, unveil the gratin, crown it with gruyere, and return to the oven until edges turn golden and cheese melts seductively.

• Finishing Touch

Scatter fresh thyme leaves across the top, transforming your creation into a rustic, mouth-watering masterpiece ready to be devoured.

Tips to Make Your Gratin Even Tastier

• Experiment with other root vegetables like turnips, rutabagas, or carrots to create unique flavor combinations and add exciting variety to your gratin.
• Try different cheese options like sharp cheddar, fontina, or goat cheese to customize the flavor profile and add your personal touch to the dish.
• Prepare the entire gratin up to the baking stage a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Simply bake when ready to serve, making meal preparation easier and more convenient.
• For an extra crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed nuts over the gratin during the final uncovered baking stage to create a delightful textural contrast.
• Experiment with fresh herb combinations like rosemary, sage, or oregano to complement the thyme and elevate the overall flavor of your root vegetable gratin.

Serving Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin Hot and Fresh

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Serve this colorful gratin as a stunning side dish that will impress guests with its vibrant layers and rich, creamy texture. Place it directly on the table for a rustic, family-style presentation.
• Hearty Vegetarian Main Course: Transform the gratin into a complete meal by adding a crisp green salad and crusty bread on the side. The combination of root vegetables provides substantial nutrition and satisfying flavors for a meatless dinner.
• Perfect Holiday Side Dish: Bring this festive and colorful gratin to potlucks, Thanksgiving, or winter gatherings. Its beautiful layers and golden-brown cheese top make it a showstopping addition to any seasonal spread that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this gratin in advance and reheat gently before serving. It stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and maintains its delicious flavor, making it an excellent option for busy home cooks looking for make-ahead comfort food.

Creamy Root Vegetable Gratin Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Cheesy root vegetable gratin combines hearty winter vegetables with rich, creamy cheese in a comforting French-inspired dish. Layers of seasonal root vegetables meld with a luxurious sauce, creating a satisfying side that will delight you at any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1–2 sweet potatoes (long, peeled, about 2 inches thick)
• 3–4 parsnips (large, ends trimmed and peeled)
• 3–5 beets (small, peeled)
• 4 oz (113 g) Parmesan cheese (grated, divided)
• 1 oz (28 g) Gruyere cheese (shredded)
• 14 tbsps (207 ml) heavy cream (divided)
• 1 tbsp (14 g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1 tbsp (3 g) fresh thyme (minced, plus more for garnish)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and thoroughly butter a 3-quart baking dish.
2. Vegetable Slicing: Use a mandoline to create uniform, paper-thin rounds of sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets, carefully separating into individual bowls.
3. Seasoning Vegetables: Drizzle heavy cream over each vegetable type, gently incorporating Parmesan cheese, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper, ensuring even coating.
4. Layering Foundation: Spread minced garlic and a sprinkle of Parmesan across the baking dish bottom, then pour remaining cream to create a flavorful base.
5. Architectural Assembly: Construct alternating vegetable rows—sweet potatoes, parsnips, beets—creating six distinct layers with meticulous precision.
6. Flavor Enhancement: Dust the top layer with additional seasoning and Parmesan to elevate the dish’s aromatic profile.
7. Initial Baking: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes until vegetables soften substantially.
8. Cheese Transformation: Remove foil, generously distribute Gruyère cheese across the surface, and return to oven for 18-20 minutes until vegetables reach fork-tender consistency and cheese develops a golden, bubbling crust.
9. Serving: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves and serve immediately while piping hot, showcasing the gratin’s layered complexity and rich textures.

Notes

• Slice Precisely: Use a mandoline for uniform, thin vegetable rounds to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the gratin.
• Cream Technique: Drizzle cream separately on each vegetable type to prevent color bleeding and maintain distinct vegetable layers.
• Seasoning Strategy: Toss vegetables individually with cheese, herbs, salt, and pepper to guarantee every slice is perfectly flavored.
• Cheese Layering: Add Gruyère cheese in the final baking stage to create a golden, crispy top that adds rich, melty complexity to the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg