As I pulled the cheesy root vegetable gratin from the oven, the sight was simply captivating—the bubbling, golden crust cloaked in melty gruyère promised comfort and warmth. This Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin, with its layers of sweet potatoes, beets, and parsnips smothered in creamy garlic goodness, is the perfect side dish to elevate your Thanksgiving or holiday meals. Not only does it combine the rich earthiness of root vegetables, but it also offers a fun twist on traditional gratins by showcasing vibrant colors and unique flavors on your table. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian and can be made ahead, saving you precious time during those busy festive moments. What’s not to love about a dish that looks great and tastes even better? Are you ready to dive into this delightful recipe? Why is This Gratin So Special? Comforting, Creamy Layers: The richness of the heavy cream blends beautifully with the earthy flavors of sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets. Each bite is a warm hug! Visual Feast: Featuring vibrant colors, this gratin adds an eye-catching element to your holiday table that is sure to impress your guests. Easy Prep: Simply slice, layer, and bake! With a few straightforward steps, it’s a time-saving choice for busy holiday cooks. Versatile Variations: Love to play with flavors? Swap beets for carrots or mix in your favorite herbs to truly make this dish your own. For more delicious ideas, check out Cheesy Beef Chimichangas and Pizza Grilled Cheese for inspiration! Perfect for Sharing: This dish always brings people together, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for festive gatherings or cozy winter dinners. Enjoy the smiles around your table! Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin Ingredients For the Gratin Unsalted Butter – Greasing the baking dish; use softened butter for easy application. Sweet Potatoes – Adds sweetness and structure to the dish; substitute with regular potatoes if preferred. Parsnips – Contributes a slightly nutty flavor and texture; can be replaced with additional carrots. Beets – Offers earthy sweetness and vibrant color; note that they can bleed into the cream if not handled properly. Heavy Cream – Provides richness to the sauce; whole milk can be used but won’t yield the same creaminess. Grated Parmesan – Adds a savory, salty kick and helps in thickening the dish; alternatively, use pecorino or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free variation. Fresh Minced Thyme – Enhances flavor with herbal notes; dried thyme can work in a pinch. Minced Garlic – Infuses the cream with aromatic flavor; onion powder can be used as a substitute for a milder taste. Shredded Gruyère – Brings a delicious cheesy topping that melts beautifully; Swiss cheese can be substituted if unavailable. Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste. For the Garnish Fresh Thyme Leaves – Adds a lovely touch of freshness; perfect for enhancing visual appeal when serving. This Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin is not only a warming comfort dish but also a celebratory centerpiece for your holiday feasts! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, take a 3-quart baking dish and generously grease it with softened unsalted butter. This will ensure your Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin releases easily and creates a beautifully crisp crust. Step 2: Slice the Vegetables Next, slice the sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets into thin rounds, ideally using a mandoline for uniformity. Place each type of vegetable into separate bowls to keep them organized. Ensuring consistent thickness will help them cook evenly, resulting in a perfectly layered dish. Step 3: Prepare the Cream Mixture In a separate bowl, combine heavy cream, grated Parmesan, minced thyme, salt, and pepper. First, toss the sweet potatoes and parsnips in this creamy mixture, ensuring they are well coated. For the beets, use less cream to prevent them from bleeding, yet still coat them lightly for flavor. Step 4: Layer the Cream in the Baking Dish Pour any remaining cream mixture from the bowl into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan and minced garlic over the cream to create a flavorful base. This will enhance the dish’s aromatic profile as it bakes. Step 5: Arrange the Vegetables Now it’s time to layer your root vegetables in the dish. Start with the sweet potatoes, then alternate rows with parsnips and beets vertically, creating six distinct rows of color. This not only helps with cooking but gives a lovely visual appeal to your Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin. Step 6: Season and Bake Covered Once arranged, season the top layer with salt, pepper, and a bit more Parmesan. Cover the dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. This will soften the vegetables and allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Step 7: Add Gruyère and Finish Baking After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese on top of the vegetables. Continue baking uncovered for an additional 18-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The cheese should create a delightful crust atop the gratin. Step 8: Garnish and Serve Once your Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin is out of the oven, let it cool for a moment before garnishing with fresh thyme leaves. This final touch not only adds flavor but also enhances the dish’s presentation, making it perfect for sharing during your holiday feast. Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin Variations Feel free to customize this delightful dish to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences! Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for a rich, non-dairy option. You won’t miss the dairy, and the creamy texture will still shine through! Sweet Twist: Add diced apples or pears to the layers for a fruity contrast. Their natural sweetness beautifully balances the savory root vegetables, creating an irresistible flavor combination. Herbacious Upgrade: Introduce fresh rosemary or sage into the cream mixture for added depth. These herbs elevate the dish’s aroma, bringing in a cozy, holiday scent. Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted vegan butter on top for a delightful crunch. The texture contrast between the crunchy topping and creamy interior is simply divine and will have everyone reaching for seconds. Cheese Blend: Use a combination of Gruyère and sharp cheddar for a more complex cheesy flavor profile. This twist enhances the savory notes while keeping the dish exciting and cheesy. Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cream mixture for a bit of heat. It’s a wonderful way to spice up the traditional flavors and delight adventurous palates. Root Vegetable Swap: Replace parsnips with rutabaga or turnips for a unique flavor twist while keeping that hearty texture. These root veggies offer their own distinctive tastes that make your gratin interesting. For even more culinary adventures, explore our recipes like Shrimp Crab Bomb or enjoy a comforting classic with Pizza Grilled Cheese. Enjoy your cooking journey! What to Serve with Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin As you prepare to impress your guests with this delightful side dish, consider some perfect companions that will elevate your holiday table. Roast Chicken: Juicy, herb-infused roast chicken complements the creamy gratin beautifully, creating a comforting, homey meal experience. The harmonious flavors of tender chicken and rich gratin will leave everyone satisfied. Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans add a refreshing crunch and a pop of color, balancing the richness of the gratin with their subtle sweetness. A lemon squeeze on top elevates their flavors perfectly! Cranberry Sauce: This sweet-tart sauce provides a delightful contrast to the creamy richness of the dish, brightening the taste of each bite and adding festive flair during the holidays. Buttery Cornbread: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread serves as an ideal vehicle for scooping up the cheesy gratin while offering a comforting, down-home feel to the meal. It’s simply irresistible! Herb-Roasted Turkey: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or a cozy dinner, herb-roasted turkey paired with cheesy root vegetable gratin reflects the spirit of the season with traditional flavor that warms the heart. Savory Mushroom Risotto: Creamy risotto infused with earthy mushrooms creates a decadent pairing, enhancing the depth of flavor and texture. It’s a beautiful way to impress your guests with a touch of luxury! Sparkling Apple Cider: A glass of chilled sparkling apple cider provides a refreshing, sweet touch to balance the hearty flavors of the meal, making it perfect for festive gatherings. Pumpkin Pie: End your meal on a sweet note with classic pumpkin pie – its spices echo the warming elements of the gratin, while its creamy filling rounds off the culinary experience splendidly. Expert Tips for Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin Uniform Slices: Use a mandoline for consistent slicing of vegetables; this ensures even cooking and a visually appealing layered look. Beet Handling: To prevent bleeding, lightly coat sliced beets in cream before adding to the gratin. This protects the creamy texture of the dish. Bake Covered: If preparing in advance, cover the dish while baking to avoid drying out. Just remember to extend baking time by 5-7 minutes when ready to serve. Cheese Varieties: Feel free to mix cheese types for a unique twist! Experiment with goat cheese or a blend of sharp cheddar for added flavor in your Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin. Fresh Herbs: For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or sage along with thyme. This adds a delightful aromatic touch to each bite! How to Store and Freeze Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin Fridge: Store leftover Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. Freezer: To freeze, ensure the gratin is completely cooled, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes until hot and the cheese is bubbly. Make-Ahead: Prepare the gratin a day in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator. Increase baking time by 5-7 minutes when cooking from the fridge to ensure it’s heated all the way through. Make Ahead Options Preparing your Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin ahead of time is a game-changer for busy holiday cooks! You can slice and layer the root vegetables (sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets) and assemble the gratin up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover the dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. To maintain the quality and prevent browning, coat the sliced beets in cream before layering. When you’re ready to serve, remove the gratin from the refrigerator, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then follow the baking instructions. This way, your Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin will be just as delicious with minimal effort at mealtime! Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin Recipe FAQs What vegetables are best for a Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin? Absolutely! While this recipe features sweet potatoes, beets, and parsnips for their unique flavors and colors, you can also use other root vegetables like carrots or turnips. Just ensure they’re sliced uniformly for even cooking. How do I store leftover Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until it’s heated through, ensuring you savor every layer of cheesy goodness! Can I freeze Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin? Certainly! First, let the gratin cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you want to reheat it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly again. What should I do if my gratin ends up watery? If your gratin turns out watery, it may be due to excess moisture from the vegetables. To avoid this, make sure to slice the vegetables thinly and allow any moisture to drain before assembling. You can also try baking the gratin uncovered for the last few minutes to help evaporate any excess liquid. Is this gratin suitable for vegetarians? Very! This Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin is a wonderful vegetarian dish full of flavorful root vegetables and rich dairy. For those with dietary restrictions, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream. Enjoy this dish with peace of mind knowing it’s suitable for your veggie-loving friends! How can I enhance the flavor of my Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin? For a more robust taste, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or sage along with thyme. Mixing different types of cheese, such as sharp cheddar or crumbled goat cheese, can also elevate the flavor profile. Don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own! Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin for a Cozy Holiday Feast This Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin is a vibrant and comforting side dish perfect for holiday meals, combining sweet potatoes, beets, and parsnips in a creamy, cheesy delight. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DinnerCuisine: VegetarianCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Gratin2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter for greasing the baking dish2 cups Sweet Potatoes sliced1 cup Parsnips sliced1 cup Beets sliced2 cups Heavy Cream or whole milk1 cup Grated Parmesan or pecorino1 tablespoon Fresh Minced Thyme or dried thyme3 cloves Minced Garlic1 cup Shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese1 teaspoon Salt to taste1 teaspoon Pepper to tasteFor the Garnish1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme Leaves for garnish Equipment 3-quart baking dishmandolinemixing bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheesy Root Vegetable GratinPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 3-quart baking dish with softened unsalted butter.Slice the sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets into thin rounds and place them in separate bowls.In a bowl, mix heavy cream, grated Parmesan, minced thyme, salt, and pepper. Coat sweet potatoes and parsnips in the cream mixture, while lightly coating the beets.Pour the remaining cream mixture into the greased baking dish and sprinkle extra Parmesan and minced garlic over it.Layer the vegetables starting with sweet potatoes, then alternating with parsnips and beets, creating six rows.Season the top layer with salt, pepper, and more Parmesan. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded Gruyère on top. Bake uncovered for another 18-20 minutes until golden brown.Let it cool slightly, then garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 12000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 1.5mg NotesThis dish can be made ahead of time and is perfect for holiday gatherings. Feel free to mix in your favorite herbs or cheeses for personalization. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
