A Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin is the ultimate side dish to elevate your holiday dinners or cozy weeknight meals. Its creamy texture and savory cheese blend are complemented by the earthy flavors of root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and turnips. This gratin is not only visually stunning but also incredibly versatile—perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any meal where you want to indulge in comfort food. Whether served as a main or side, this dish is sure to be the star of the show!
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Ingredients for the Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin
- 3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 parsnip, thinly sliced
- 1 turnip, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
How to Make the Perfect Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 3-quart baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and ensure a golden crust.
Step 2: Layer the Vegetables
Arrange the thinly sliced root vegetables in overlapping layers within the prepared baking dish. Alternate between potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and turnips to create an even mixture of colors and flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, grated Gruyère cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until well-combined.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the layered vegetables. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Step 5: Final Baking
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the vegetables are tender. Allow the gratin to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin
The Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin pairs beautifully with roasted meats, such as turkey, chicken, or beef. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad, crusty bread, and perhaps a warm soup. It’s also an excellent addition to a festive table at Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Variations of the Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin
- Herb Infusion: Add rosemary, sage, or dill to enhance the flavor profile of the gratin.
- Cheese Swap: Try swapping Gruyère with cheddar or gouda for a different cheese experience.
- Lighten it Up: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the cheese for a lighter version that’s still delicious.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the cheese sauce for a subtle spicy note.
FAQs
Yes, you can prepare the gratin up to a day before serving. Just store it in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready to serve. For best results, reheat it in the oven.
No problem! Feel free to mix and match root vegetables based on what you have. Sweet potatoes, rutabaga, or celery root would all be great alternatives.
Store leftover gratin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions.
Related recipes
- Breakfast Potatoes Recipe – Easy and Crispy – A delicious side that complements the gratin perfectly!
- Breakfast Pizza Recipe – Easy and Cheesy – Another cheesy delight to add to your breakfast or brunch table.
- Crescent Roll Breakfast Recipes – Perfect for starting your day with a warm and satisfying meal.
Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Description
A Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin is the ultimate side dish to elevate your holiday dinners or cozy weeknight meals. Its creamy texture and savory cheese blend are complemented by the earthy flavors of root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and turnips. This gratin is not only visually stunning but also incredibly versatile—perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any meal where you want to indulge in comfort food. Whether served as a main or side, this dish is sure to be the star of the show!
Ingredients
- 3 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 1 parsnip, thinly sliced
- 1 turnip, thinly sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the dish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 3-quart baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and ensure a golden crust.
- Arrange the thinly sliced root vegetables in overlapping layers within the prepared baking dish. Alternate between potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and turnips to create an even mixture of colors and flavors.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, grated Gruyère cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir until well-combined.
- Pour the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the layered vegetables. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the vegetables are tender. Allow the gratin to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
This gratin pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or beef. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad, crusty bread, and a warm soup. It’s an excellent addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Final thoughts
This Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin is the epitome of comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with the delicious flavors of root vegetables. Perfect for any holiday meal or cozy gathering, this dish will surely impress your guests and become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you serve it as a main or a side, it promises to bring warmth and indulgence to your table.
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