Description
This Root Vegetable Gratin combines the earthy flavors of sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets with a creamy, cheesy sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Gratin:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 2 parsnips, thinly sliced
- 2 medium beets, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp rosemary (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cream Sauce:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping:
- 1/3 cup grated Gruyère or mozzarella
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- Fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a baking dish with butter or olive oil.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, garlic, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Heat gently until warm (do not boil). Stir in Parmesan cheese until slightly thickened. Set aside.
- Slice the Vegetables: Thinly slice sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets evenly for uniform cooking.
- Layer the Gratin: In the baking dish, layer vegetables alternately (sweet potato, parsnip, beet) for a colorful pattern. Season lightly with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs between layers.
- Add Cream Mixture: Pour the warm cream sauce evenly over the layered vegetables, ensuring it seeps through.
- Add Topping (Optional): Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and cheese, then sprinkle over the top for a crispy crust.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until vegetables are tender and top is golden.
- Rest & Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving so it sets nicely. Garnish with fresh thyme.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
