Description
Warm, golden, and packed with flavor, this Root Veggie Gratin is the ultimate cozy comfort food. With layers of sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, and parsnips drenched in creamy garlic sauce and melted Gruyère, it’s a show-stopping side dish or hearty vegetarian main. Ideal for holiday dinners or weekday meals, it’s one of the best easy dinner ideas, a perfect healthy snack, and a great option for those seeking quick breakfast or vegetable-rich food ideas. It freezes and reheats beautifully—making it a reliable, crowd-pleasing staple.
Ingredients
2 medium sweet potatoes
2 medium beets
2 large carrots
2 parsnips
2 cups heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Wash, peel, and thinly slice the sweet potatoes, beets, carrots, and parsnips using a mandoline or sharp knife. Aim for 1/8 inch slices.
2. In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream with garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper over medium heat until warm. Stir in half the Gruyère and remove from heat.
3. Grease a baking dish with butter. Layer the vegetables, alternating colors and types. Pour a bit of the cream mixture and sprinkle with cheese between each layer.
4. Finish with remaining cheese and optional breadcrumbs on top. Cover with foil.
5. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
6. Let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary.
Notes
Use a mix of root vegetables for color and flavor variety.
Letting it rest after baking makes it easier to slice and enhances texture.
Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain the crispy top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: root veggie gratin, vegetable casserole, healthy holiday sides, vegetarian baked dish