Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin

Name: Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups potatoes, thinly sliced; 2 cups carrots, thinly sliced; 2 cups parsnips, thinly sliced; 1 cup turnips, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Highlighted under: Cozy Classics

A comforting and indulgent dish featuring layers of root vegetables smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce.

Created by

Lara

Last updated on 2025-12-02T18:42:02.721Z

This Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin combines the earthy flavors of root vegetables with a luscious cheese sauce. It's perfect for a family dinner or as a side dish at your holiday gatherings.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich, creamy texture that brings comfort to your meal
Versatile with any root vegetables you have on hand
Perfect for warming up chilly evenings

      

An Ideal Comfort Food

There's something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy dish, especially on a chilly evening. This Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin not only satisfies your craving for comfort food but also provides a hearty serving of nutrition. Root vegetables are known for their rich flavors and health benefits, making this dish both indulgent and nourishing. It's a delightful way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a creamy, cheesy experience.

This gratin is the perfect solution for those evenings when you want something hearty yet simple to prepare. The combination of creamy cheese sauce and tender root vegetables creates a delightful contrast in textures. Plus, it can serve as a fantastic side dish or even a main course, making it versatile enough to fit any meal plan.

Customizable and Versatile

One of the best aspects of this Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin is its versatility. While the recipe calls for potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and turnips, you can easily swap these out for any root vegetables you have on hand. Sweet potatoes, beets, or rutabagas can add a unique twist and flavor to this dish. This adaptability allows you to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences or seasonal produce availability.

Don't hesitate to experiment with different cheese blends as well. While cheddar is a classic choice, mixing in some Gruyère or mozzarella can elevate the dish even further. This recipe encourages creativity, making it an enjoyable cooking experience that results in a delightful meal.

Perfect for Gatherings

Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin is not just a personal comfort dish; it's also an excellent choice for gatherings and family meals. Its beautiful presentation and inviting aroma will surely impress your guests. As it bakes, the cheese sauce bubbles and the top becomes beautifully golden, creating a dish that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is delicious.

Serving this gratin at a potluck or holiday dinner will surely make it a crowd favorite. Pair it with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal that everyone will love. The layers of flavors will have your family and friends coming back for seconds!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful gratin:

Root Vegetables

2 cups potatoes, thinly sliced
2 cups carrots, thinly sliced
2 cups parsnips, thinly sliced
1 cup turnips, thinly sliced

Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Once you have all the ingredients ready, you can start preparing the gratin.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin:

Prepare the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and turnips. Set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Continue cooking until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the Gratin

In a greased baking dish, layer half of the root vegetables. Pour half of the cheese sauce over the vegetables. Repeat with the remaining vegetables and sauce.

Add Topping and Bake

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the top of the gratin. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the top is golden brown.

Let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin!

Tips for Perfecting Your Gratin

To achieve the best texture in your Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin, make sure to slice your vegetables evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate, resulting in a perfectly tender dish. Using a mandoline slicer can help you achieve consistent thickness for even cooking.

Additionally, if you prefer a creamier gratin, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce. This will enhance the richness of the dish and create a velvety texture that is hard to resist.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store your Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop, making it even more delicious upon reheating. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the gratin before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other vegetables?

Yes! You can substitute or add any root vegetables you like, such as sweet potatoes or beets.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the gratin a day in advance and bake it just before serving.

→ Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the gratin before baking. Just thaw and bake when ready to serve.