🌈 Creamy Root Vegetable Gratin – A Colorful, Comforting Bake

Here’s your detailed, formatted recipe for this comforting and elegant side dish:

🌈 Creamy Root Vegetable Gratin – A Colorful, Comforting Bake

Introduction

This Creamy Root Vegetable Gratin is a beautiful twist on the classic potato gratin — featuring layers of sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets baked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce and topped with melted Gruyère or Parmesan cheese. Each bite is creamy, earthy, and slightly sweet, balanced by the savory richness of the sauce. It’s the perfect side dish for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy weeknights when you want to elevate your meal with minimal effort.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50–55 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 medium parsnips, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 medium beets, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Cream Mixture:
   In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
   Stir in the heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Heat gently (do not boil) and remove from heat once warm and infused.
3. Assemble the Gratin:
   Layer the sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets alternately in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice for a beautiful layered effect.
   Pour the warm cream mixture evenly over the vegetables, making sure each layer is moistened.
4. Add Cheese & Bake:
   Sprinkle the top with grated cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
   Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly crust.
5. Garnish & Serve:
   Allow the gratin to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 16g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 10g

Chef’s Tip 💡

• For an even more decadent flavor, mix half Gruyère and half Parmesan.
• Want a lighter version? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Try adding thin slices of carrot or turnip for extra color and texture.