Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin! This recipe combines the earthy flavors of sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets with a creamy and cheesy topping that will have your taste buds singing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Great flavors: The combination of sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets paired with the creamy and cheesy topping creates a flavor explosion that is sure to impress.
- Quick prep time: This dish comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Perfect for meal prep: This gratin can be made ahead of time and baked when ready to serve, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Ingredient Notes:
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
- Sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets: Provide the base of the gratin and add a variety of flavors and textures.
- Heavy cream: Creates a creamy and rich sauce for the vegetables.
- Parmesan and gruyere: Add a cheesy and savory element to the dish.
- Thyme and garlic: Provide additional flavor and depth to the gratin.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish with the softened butter.
- Slice the sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets into thin rounds.
- In a bowl, mix together the heavy cream, Parmesan, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Layer the sliced vegetables in the baking dish, alternating between sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets.
- Pour the cream mixture over the vegetables and top with shredded gruyere.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the top is golden brown.
Helpful Tips:
- To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the Parmesan and use a vegetarian-friendly cheese.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for the Parmesan topping.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Thinly slice the vegetables to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t skimp on the cheese – it adds a delicious richness to the dish.
- For a crispy top, broil the gratin for a few minutes at the end of baking.
Serving Suggestions:
This Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin pairs well with a simple green salad, roasted chicken, or a glass of white wine.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, cover the dish with foil or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. To reheat, bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other root vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to substitute other root vegetables such as carrots, turnips, or rutabagas. - Can I make this gratin ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the gratin up to a day in advance and bake when ready to serve. - Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze this gratin, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. It is best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the comforting and cheesy goodness of this Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a show-stopping side dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know what you think!
Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin that combines the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets with a rich blend of cheeses and cream. This dish is the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 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
Creamy Mixture:
- 14 tablespoons heavy cream, divided
- 4 ounces grated Parmesan, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced thyme, divided
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 ounce shredded gruyere
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Slice Vegetables: Using a mandoline or sharp knife, thinly slice the sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets.
- Make Creamy Mixture: In a bowl, mix 10 tablespoons of heavy cream, half of the Parmesan, half of the thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Layer: Grease a baking dish with butter. Layer the vegetables in an overlapping pattern. Pour the creamy mixture over the vegetables.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and thyme, and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin!
Notes
- You can add other root vegetables like carrots or turnips for more variety.
- Experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
