Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin

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This Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin is a vibrant, hearty dish that blends earthy flavors with rich, creamy cheese for a side that’s comforting and stunning on the table. Layers of sweet potatoes, golden potatoes, and beets are baked until tender, blanketed in a savory garlic cream sauce, and topped with bubbling cheese and fresh herbs.

Whether you’re prepping for a holiday meal or just craving something warming and indulgent for a weeknight dinner, this gratin is a showstopper. It’s colorful, packed with nutrients, and guaranteed to have everyone going back for seconds. Plus, it’s a beautiful way to showcase seasonal root vegetables.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin

• Gorgeous to serve: The colorful layers bake into a mosaic of sweet, nutty, and creamy flavor.
• Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it early and bake when you’re ready.
• Customizable: Swap in turnips, carrots, or parsnips to make it your own.
• Vegetarian comfort food: It satisfies without any meat.
• Great for any occasion: It works just as well for holidays as for a cozy dinner.

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What Kind of Root Vegetables Should I Use?

For a balanced taste and beautiful contrast, go for a mix of sweet and earthy varieties. Sweet potatoes and Yukon Golds provide a creamy, mellow flavor while beets add a deeper, slightly sweet and rustic note. Feel free to include rutabaga, carrots, or even purple potatoes for extra color and personality.

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Ingredients for the Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin

A colorful dish starts with thoughtful ingredients. Here are the essentials that give this gratin its rich flavor and creamy texture:

• Yukon Gold Potatoes: These provide a buttery, creamy base that balances the sweetness of the other vegetables.
• Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness caramelizes in the oven, bringing depth to every bite.
• Beets: Offer a beautiful contrast in color and a slightly earthy flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the dish rich and luscious. You can also use a blend of cream and milk for a lighter version.
• Garlic: Adds warmth and savory flavor that permeates the dish.
• Gruyère or White Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that signature golden crust.
• Fresh Thyme & Rosemary: Elevate the vegetables with their aromatic, woodsy notes.
• Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the top and edges of the veggies while adding subtle flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential to balance and enhance all the other ingredients.

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How To Make the Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Wash, peel, and thinly slice the root vegetables using a mandoline or sharp knife to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Infuse the Cream

In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a few sprigs of thyme and rosemary. Simmer gently for a few minutes, then remove the herbs.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

In a greased baking dish, arrange the vegetable slices upright, alternating colors for a visually stunning pattern. Pour the infused cream evenly over the veggies.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese generously over the top. Drizzle a touch of olive oil and more fresh thyme.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest & Serve

Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the gratin to set for easier slicing.

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How to Serve and Store This Gratin

This Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin feeds about 6 people as a hearty side dish or 4 as a vegetarian main. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or festive gatherings.

To store leftovers, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave single portions. It holds up well and even deepens in flavor after a day.

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What to Serve With Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin?

Herb-Crusted Roast Chicken

A savory roasted chicken pairs beautifully with the richness of the gratin.

Garlic Butter Green Beans

Add a crisp, fresh contrast with green beans lightly tossed in garlic and butter.

Caramelized Onion & Apple Salad

For a refreshing counterpoint, serve this sweet and tangy salad on the side.

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Soak up all that creamy sauce with fluffy homemade rolls.

Braised Short Ribs

For a hearty winter dinner, serve the gratin alongside fall-off-the-bone short ribs.

Sautéed Kale with Lemon

A squeeze of citrus and leafy greens helps balance the dish.

Lentil Loaf

Keep it vegetarian with a wholesome, protein-packed lentil loaf.

Cranberry Sauce

Unexpected but delightful—the tartness cuts through the creaminess in the most delicious way.

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Want More Vegetarian Side Dish Ideas?

If this Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin hit the spot, don’t miss these other reader-loved favorites:

• Easy Veggie Patties: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight
• Avocado Egg and Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Herbs
• Cheesy Zucchini Casserole: A Comforting Delight
• A Hearty and Comforting Tuscan Bean Soup
• Spaghetti Squash Casserole: A Comforting and Healthy Delight

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for when you’re craving something hearty and beautiful.

Let me know in the comments how you customized yours! Did you try rainbow carrots or sneak in some parsnips? What cheese did you go for?

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and more on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and find your new favorite comforting dish!

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