Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin

If you’re looking for a comforting side dish that dazzles both the eyes and the taste buds, you’ve found it in this Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin. This dish is a beautiful blend of sweet potatoes, beets, and parsnips, all baked in creamy goodness with a hint of garlic. It’s one of those recipes that never fails to impress at family gatherings or special occasions like Thanksgiving. Plus, it’s so delightful that even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds!

What I love most about this gratin is how easy it is to make while still feeling like a treat. You can whip it up on busy weeknights or save it for when you’re entertaining guests. Either way, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Unique: This Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin combines earthy flavors from root veggies with creamy cheese, making it a standout dish.
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids and adults alike will love digging into layers of colorful vegetables and gooey cheese.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepping this dish in advance means less time in the kitchen when your guests arrive!
• Versatile Pairing: It goes well with just about any main course, elevating your meal effortlessly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of what makes cooking fun! For this Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin, you’ll need:

For the Gratin

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (softened)
• 1-2 long sweet potatoes (about 2 inches thick), peeled
• 3-4 large parsnips, ends trimmed and peeled
• 3-5 small beets, peeled
• 14 tablespoons heavy cream, divided (whole milk works too!)
• 4 ounces grated Parmesan, divided
• 1 tablespoon fresh minced thyme, divided (plus more for garnish)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 ounce shredded gruyere
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Mix Up the Veggies: Feel free to swap in other root vegetables like turnips or carrots for different flavors and textures.
• Add Some Spice: A pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper can add a lovely warmth to the gratin.
• Go Vegan: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a dairy-free version.
• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or sage for an aromatic twist.

How to Make Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400˚F. This ensures that your gratin begins cooking immediately at the right temperature for perfect results.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Slice your sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets into very thin rounds. Using a mandoline makes this step easier and ensures uniform slices that cook evenly. Each vegetable should go into its own bowl so we can season them separately.

Step 3: Add Cream and Seasoning

Pour 4 tablespoons of cream over both the sweet potatoes and parsnips. For the beets, use 2 tablespoons. Top each bowl with ½ ounce of grated Parmesan and a teaspoon of minced thyme. Generously season each bowl with salt and pepper before tossing everything together. This step is crucial as it coats each slice beautifully!

Step 4: Create a Base Layer

Pour the remaining ¼ cup cream into the bottom of your greased baking dish. Sprinkle over ½ ounce of Parmesan along with minced garlic. This base layer adds flavor from the start!

Step 5: Layer Your Vegetables

Now comes the fun part! Grab stacks of your sliced sweet potatoes and line them up standing vertically at an angle in the baking dish. Follow with rows of parsnips and then beets until you’ve created six lovely layers. This not only looks stunning but also allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Sprinkle salt, pepper, and any remaining Parmesan on top of your layered veggies before covering with foil. This helps trap moisture while baking.

Step 7: Bake Away!

Bake covered for about 30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. The kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!

Step 8: Add Gruyere Cheese

After removing the foil, top your gratin with shredded gruyere cheese—this layer will melt into gooey perfection as it bakes further.

Step 9: Finish Baking

Return your dish to bake uncovered for another 18-20 minutes until everything is fork-tender and beautifully golden on top.

Step 10: Serve It Up!

Once done, finish off with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves for extra flavor before serving warm. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

This Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin is sure to become a beloved staple at your table!

Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin

Creating the perfect Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin is all about those little details that make a big difference. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time!

• Use a mandoline for even slicing: This kitchen tool helps you achieve uniform thickness for your vegetables, which ensures they cook evenly and look beautiful in the dish.
• Layer thoughtfully: Alternate the vegetables in layers rather than mixing them together. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows each distinct flavor to shine through.
• Experiment with cheese: While this recipe calls for Parmesan and Gruyere, feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar. Each type adds a unique flavor and creaminess that can really elevate the gratin.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the gratin to sit for about 10 minutes after baking helps it set and makes it easier to serve. The flavors will meld beautifully, and you’ll have cleaner slices.
• Add a touch of spice: For those who love a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when seasoning your vegetables. It’ll give your gratin an unexpected kick!

How to Serve Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin

Serving your Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present this comforting dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh thyme leaves: A sprinkle of these fragrant herbs on top not only adds color but also a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the gratin.
• Chopped chives or green onions: These add a mild onion flavor and a nice crunch, enhancing both appearance and taste.
• A drizzle of olive oil: A light drizzle right before serving gives an extra layer of richness and elevates the dish visually.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their slight bitterness balances out the creamy gratin perfectly, adding texture and flavor contrast.
• Simple mixed green salad: A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich gratin, making for a well-rounded meal.
• Garlic bread: Adding some crispy garlic bread on the side can help scoop up any leftover cheesy goodness while providing a satisfying crunch.
• Grilled asparagus: The bright, grassy flavor of grilled asparagus pairs nicely with the warm, earthy tones of the root vegetables, creating an inviting plate.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin will be sure to impress at any gathering or family dinner! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin is not only a show-stopper for your dining table but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, making your special occasions or weeknight dinners even more convenient.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the gratin to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers into an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• For freezing, let the dish cool down entirely.
• Wrap the gratin tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil.
• It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350˚F (175˚C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Cover with foil during reheating to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful dish.

Can I use other root vegetables in my Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can substitute or add carrots, turnips, or even rutabaga to enhance the flavor profile of your gratin.

How do I make my Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin healthier?

To lighten this dish, consider using low-fat cream or a plant-based cream alternative. You can also reduce the cheese amount while still achieving delicious flavors by adding extra herbs and spices.

Can I make Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time and bake it just before serving.

What should I serve with Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin?

This gratin pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a fresh side salad. It’s versatile enough to complement many main dishes!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this beautiful and hearty Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin as much as I do! It’s a wonderful addition to any table and is sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to share your experience or any variations you try; I’d love to hear from you! Happy cooking!