Golden, bubbling, and irresistibly cheesy, this Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin is pure comfort in a casserole dish. Layers of sweet potatoes, parsnips, and carrots meld into a silky embrace of cream and nutty Gruyère, offering a cozy side dish that could easily steal the show from any main course. It’s that dish everyone reaches for seconds of, especially when the days turn crisp and you need something hearty and satisfying.

The best part? This gratin looks stunning with its ribbons of colorful root vegetables, yet it takes no complicated techniques to prepare. It’s the kind of bake that whispers of fall dinners, holiday spreads, or just a slow Sunday evening that deserves something warming and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin

This dish isn’t your everyday potato gratin. By blending multiple root vegetables, it takes on a complexity of flavor and texture that elevates every bite. The sweetness of carrots and parsnips plays beautifully with the savory richness of cream and cheese. Plus, the thin slices bake up soft but still hold their shape, creating a luscious mouthfeel.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can make it ahead for easy entertaining, and it fits right in alongside roasts, turkey, or vegetarian mains. And while it’s absolutely luxurious, it still leans on simple, whole ingredients that feel wholesome.

What Kind of Cheese Works Best in a Gratin?

While Gruyère is the classic gratin cheese thanks to its smooth melting quality and deep flavor, you can absolutely experiment. Sharp white cheddar brings a punchy contrast, while fontina melts like a dream. Even parmesan added to the top can give a crisp golden finish. The key is using a cheese that melts smoothly and brings a little nuttiness or boldness to stand up to the earthy vegetables.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin

Root vegetables are naturally sweet and hearty, which makes them ideal for a gratin. The creamy cheese sauce ties it all together, offering a cozy balance that satisfies on every level.

Sweet Potatoes
Carrots
Parsnips
Heavy Cream
Whole Milk
Gruyère Cheese
Garlic
Thyme
Nutmeg
Salt
Black Pepper
Butter

How To Make the Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Peel the sweet potatoes, carrots, and parsnips. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice them into thin, even rounds. This helps them cook evenly and stack nicely in the dish.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and milk. Add grated Gruyère, minced garlic, thyme, a pinch of nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently until the cheese melts into a rich, silky sauce.

Step 3: Assemble the Gratin

Grease a baking dish with butter. Layer the sliced vegetables in a slightly overlapping pattern. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the vegetables, making sure it seeps between the layers.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake an additional 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve and Store Your Root Veggie Gratin

This gratin feeds about 6 people generously, especially when paired with mains. It makes a beautiful addition to any holiday table or weeknight roast. Serve it hot, straight from the oven, with a sprinkle of fresh thyme if you’d like a finishing touch.

For leftovers, simply store them covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it’s often even better the next day.

What to Serve With Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin?

Roasted Chicken

Classic and simple, roast chicken brings a savory element that pairs perfectly with the creamy vegetables.

Glazed Ham

The sweetness of ham highlights the earthiness of the gratin, making this duo holiday-worthy.

Garlic Herb Pork Tenderloin

Mild and juicy pork tenderloin balances the richness of the gratin beautifully.

Sautéed Green Beans

Add some crunch and freshness with green beans dressed in olive oil and lemon.

Cranberry Sauce

The tartness of cranberries cuts through the richness and brings a pop of brightness to your plate.

Warm Lentil Salad

For a vegetarian option, pair with hearty lentils tossed in a mustard vinaigrette.

Mushroom Gravy

Drizzle over the gratin or serve on the side for an ultra-comforting dish.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin has you craving more warm and satisfying bakes, don’t miss these delicious ideas:

No Peek Chicken Casserole for cozy, hands-off magic.
Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole for old-fashioned comfort.
Zucchini Lasagna for a lighter, veggie-packed classic.
White Chicken Enchilada Casserole when you want cheesy with a Tex-Mex twist.
Mexican White Trash Casserole for creamy, bold, and easy weeknight flavor.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest side dish board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use all three vegetables or try something different? Did you sneak in extra cheese?

I love hearing how these dishes evolve in your kitchen. Let’s share the love of food and swap tips for even better bakes.

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