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Eye-level view of roasted root vegetable gratin with sweet potatoes, beets, and herbs in oval dish

Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin: A Complete Guide to the Ultimate Holiday Side Dish


  • Author: Jasmine
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin is the perfect balance of comfort, elegance, and seasonal flavor. This dish combines sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets with a rich blend of cream, Parmesan, and Gruyère. Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy winter dinner, this gratin delivers warm, earthy notes and a luxurious texture. Why This Recipe Stands Out

  • Beautiful layers of colorful root vegetables.
  • Rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic and thyme.
  • Perfect for holidays and special occasions.
  • Easily customizable with different herbs, cheeses, or vegetables.
  • Comforting yet sophisticated — a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2 large parsnips, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium beets, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Butter, for greasing the dish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Grease a 3-quart baking dish with butter.
  3. Using a mandoline, slice sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets into uniform thin slices.
  4. In separate bowls, toss each vegetable with heavy cream, Parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add a thin layer of cream, Parmesan, and garlic to the bottom of the baking dish.
  6. Arrange vegetables in rows or layers — sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets.
  7. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40–45 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
  8. Remove foil, sprinkle Gruyère on top, and bake another 10–12 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  9. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling beets to avoid staining. Coat beets lightly with cream to prevent color bleeding. For make-ahead: assemble up to one day in advance, refrigerate, and bake with an additional 5–7 minutes. Experiment with cheeses, herbs, or seasonal vegetables to customize your gratin.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Oven
  • Cuisine: French-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 265
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 310mg
  • Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: root vegetable gratin, holiday side dish, cheesy gratin, sweet potatoes, parsnips, beets, winter recipes