Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin Recipe
This Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin layers tender slices of potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips baked in a rich Gruyère and cheddar cheese sauce, creating a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Natali
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Vegetables
- 2 medium russet potatoes (peeled & thinly sliced)
- 2 sweet potatoes (peeled & thinly sliced)
- 2 parsnips (peeled & thinly sliced)
- 2 carrots (peeled & thinly sliced)
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (warmed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
Garnish
- 1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional garnish)
- Preheat: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Make roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
- Make sauce: Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream. Stir until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add cheese and seasoning: Add Gruyère, cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Layer vegetables: Layer sliced potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips in the baking dish, seasoning lightly between layers.
- Pour sauce and bake covered: Pour cheese sauce evenly over vegetables. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
- Bake uncovered: Remove foil and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Cool and garnish: Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh thyme leaves as an optional garnish to enhance flavor and presentation.
- Lightly season between layers of vegetables for balanced seasoning.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving to let the gratin set for easier slicing.
Keywords: Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin, Root Vegetable Casserole, Gruyère Cheese Gratin, Baked Vegetable Dish, Comfort Food Side