Root Vegetable Gratin Ultimate Comfort Dish

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When the weather turns crisp, nothing feels cozier than a bubbling dish of root vegetable gratin. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets bake together in a creamy sauce, crowned with golden melted cheese.

The earthy sweetness of the vegetables balances the richness, making it a dish that fits just as well on a holiday table as it does on a weeknight dinner. This root vegetable gratin layers color, texture, and flavor in a way that turns simple ingredients into something special.

Why You’ll Love This Root Vegetable Gratin

This gratin is rich without being heavy, colorful enough to impress guests, and versatile for many occasions. The creamy sauce seeps between each slice, while the cheese forms a crisp, savory topping that makes every bite irresistible. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, holds up well as leftovers, and works beautifully alongside roasts, poultry, or even a simple salad.

Ingredients for Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin

Pantry & Fresh Ingredients

Here you’ll find everything you need, from fresh root vegetables to creamy dairy and herbs, to build the perfect gratin base.

Ingredient	Amount
Sweet potatoes	2 medium, peeled
Parsnips	3 large, peeled
Beets	3 small, peeled
Heavy cream	1 cup
Parmesan cheese	½ cup, grated
Gruyère cheese	1 cup, shredded
Garlic	2 cloves, minced
Fresh thyme	1 tablespoon, chopped
Salt & pepper	To taste
Unsalted butter	1 tablespoon, for greasing

Ingredients for root vegetable gratin including sweet potatoes, parsnips, beets, Gruyère, cream, garlic, and thyme

Substitutions for Root Vegetable Gratin

If you don’t have Gruyère, swap in Swiss, Fontina, or mild cheddar for a slightly different but equally creamy finish. Whole milk can replace heavy cream, though the sauce will be lighter. Turnips or rutabagas are excellent alternatives to parsnips or beets, adding variety while keeping the layered look intact.

Step-by-Step Root Vegetable Gratin Recipe

Follow these simple steps to build a root vegetable gratin that’s creamy, colorful, and perfectly baked. Each stage adds flavor and texture, from prepping the dish to finishing with a golden cheese topping.

Prep the Dish
Set your oven to 400°F and butter the baking dish. This creates a nonstick base so the vegetables cook evenly and release easily.
Slice and Season
Cut the vegetables into thin, even slices. Tossing them with cream, cheese, herbs, salt, and pepper builds flavor in every layer.
Layer and Bake
Arrange the slices upright in colorful rows, then pour in the remaining cream and garlic. Cover with foil to steam and soften the vegetables.
Add the Topping
Uncover, scatter Gruyère across the top, and bake until bubbling and golden. A final touch of thyme adds freshness before serving.

Sliced root vegetables layered upright in a baking dish with cream poured in for gratin

Pro Tips for the Best Root Vegetable Gratin

Keep the slices as uniform as possible so everything cooks evenly. Covering the dish at first helps the vegetables steam before browning. To avoid beet color bleeding, coat them lightly with cream and keep them separate while assembling. For best results, let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving so the creamy layers settle.

Variations & Substitutions

For a gluten-free version, use only naturally GF cheeses and cream. To make it dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and a vegan cheese that melts well. Adding thin layers of turnip or rutabaga gives a peppery note, while swapping Gruyère for cheddar creates a sharper flavor. For budget cooking, use half cream and half milk. For a protein boost, fold in shredded chicken or ham between vegetable layers.

Serve Root Vegetable Gratin With

This gratin pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, grilled chicken, or lamb chops. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or a crisp arugula salad.

A plated serving of root vegetable gratin with golden cheese crust and colorful vegetable layers

Storage & Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the gratin in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 15 minutes until warmed through. For safety, follow the FDA food safety tips to avoid spoilage. Avoid microwaving, as it may separate the cream and soften the texture.

Nutrition

Each serving (1/8 of dish) contains about 260 calories, 14g fat, 20g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, and 10g protein. Rich in vitamin A from sweet potatoes and antioxidants from beets, this dish balances indulgence with nourishing elements.

Learn more about root vegetable health benefits from the USDA. For portion guidance and balanced eating, see the NIH dietary guidelines. For safe reheating, the FDA food safety guide is a trusted resource.

FAQs

What makes a gratin a gratin?

A gratin is defined by its browned topping, typically made from cheese or breadcrumbs. In this recipe, the Gruyère creates a bubbling golden crust, which is what gives the dish its signature gratin identity.

How to make a vegetable gratin?

To make a gratin, thinly slice vegetables, layer them in a dish with cream and seasonings, and bake until tender. Adding cheese creates a creamy base and a crispy topping. The key is slicing thinly so the vegetables cook evenly.

Do root vegetables spike blood sugar?

Root vegetables vary in glycemic impact. Sweet potatoes and beets are higher in natural sugars, while parsnips and turnips are more moderate. Pairing them with cream, fat, and fiber helps slow absorption, making the dish more balanced. For exact numbers.

What is the king of root vegetables?

Many consider the potato the “king” due to its versatility and global popularity. However, in a gratin, sweet potatoes and parsnips shine just as brightly, offering unique sweetness and texture.

More Like This

Try Grandma’s Thanksgiving Stuffing for another classic holiday side. For a cozy bread pairing, bake these Garlic Bread Rolls. If you prefer a lighter option, a Vegetable Stir Fry for Dinner balances richness. And for something refreshing, this Creamy Cucumber Salad is perfect.

Save This Root Vegetable Gratin for Later

Pin this root vegetable gratin to your holiday board, share it with friends, or bookmark it for cozy nights. Whether you serve it for Thanksgiving or a casual family dinner, it’s a dish worth making again and again.