Root Vegetable Gratin
A dazzling dish that marries earthy flavors and vibrant colors into a warm, inviting casserole featuring layers of sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets, topped with a creamy, cheesy mixture and a golden crust.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 300kcal
Ingredients
For the Gratin
- 1 tablespoon softened unsalted butter for greasing the dish
- 1-2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3-4 large parsnips, trimmed and peeled
- 3-5 small beets, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
- 14 tablespoons heavy cream, divided
- 4 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese, split into portions
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped thyme, divided plus extra for garnish
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 ounce shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 pinch sea salt or to taste
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 3-quart baking dish with the softened butter.
- Slice the sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets into thin, even rounds to ensure an even cook.
Assembly
- In separate bowls, coat the sliced sweet potatoes and parsnips with 4 tablespoons of cream each, while coating the beet slices with 2 tablespoons of cream.
- Mix in half of the Parmesan cheese and half of the chopped thyme for flavor, and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour 1/4 cup of cream into the greased baking dish, followed by a sprinkling of 1/2 ounce of Parmesan cheese and the minced garlic.
- Begin layering the vegetables upright in the dish, alternating between sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets to create a visually appealing pattern.
- After layering, season once more with salt and pepper.
- Top the layered vegetables with the remaining Parmesan cheese, cover the dish with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
Final Steps
- Remove the foil and sprinkle Gruyère cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for another 18–20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Once out of the oven, garnish your gratin with fresh thyme and serve warm.
Notes
To ensure the best flavor and texture, choose fresh, high-quality vegetables. You can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight, remembering that it may require a few extra baking minutes if it’s cold from the fridge. Consider variations with different herbs or cheeses, and adding a sprinkle of nutmeg for warmth.