Name: Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes; 2 large carrots; 2 large parsnips; 2 small turnips; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream; 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese; 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons butter

If there’s ever a dish that captures the cozy essence of fall and winter cooking, it’s this Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin. It’s a warm, bubbling bake full of tender root vegetables layered with gooey melted cheese and just the right touch of cream. Earthy, savory, and deeply satisfying, this gratin can hold its own as a main dish or slide in as the star side at any gathering.

What makes this gratin so special is the depth of flavor you get from a medley of roots—sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and turnips all play their part. Topped with a golden cheesy crust that bubbles and crisps up just enough, each bite offers contrast: soft, buttery centers and just enough crunch on top to keep you going back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin

Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a hearty entree or just need a side dish that steals the show, this gratin delivers. It layers in all the comfort food vibes without being overly heavy. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly and looks beautiful on the table, rustic yet refined.

The cheese melds beautifully with the root veggies, and you can easily customize it to your liking—Gruyère, cheddar, or even fontina each bring their own twist. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters can’t resist.

What Kind of Cheese Works Best for Gratin?

You want cheeses that melt well and provide both flavor and richness. Gruyère is classic and adds nutty depth, while sharp cheddar brings a tangy punch. Mozzarella can add gooeyness but may not bring much flavor on its own. Combining two or three cheeses is often the best way to achieve both creamy texture and complex flavor.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin

The success of this dish depends on using a mix of root vegetables for varying textures and flavors. Freshness and uniform slicing are key to even cooking.

Sweet Potatoes
Carrots
Parsnips
Turnips
Heavy Cream
Gruyère Cheese
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Garlic
Fresh Thyme
Nutmeg
Salt & Pepper
Butter

Each vegetable brings something unique: sweetness, earthiness, or a touch of spice. The cheeses marry everything together with richness, while the cream and butter bind it all into a luscious bake.

How To Make the Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin

Step 1: Prep and Slice

Peel and thinly slice the sweet potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and turnips. Aim for uniform slices—a mandoline slicer helps here—so everything cooks evenly.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream with minced garlic, a sprinkle of nutmeg, fresh thyme leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Once warmed, stir in half of your grated cheese and mix until smooth and melted.

Step 3: Layer the Veggies

In a greased baking dish, arrange the root vegetables in overlapping layers. Pour the cheese and cream mixture over the layers, allowing it to seep through.

Step 4: Top with More Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Add small dollops of butter across the surface for extra richness.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for about 40 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Serving and Storing Your Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin

This gratin serves about six as a side dish or four as a main. It’s incredibly versatile and works for both weeknight dinners and holiday tables. If you have leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

You can also prep it ahead, store it unbaked in the fridge overnight, and pop it in the oven when ready.

What to Serve With Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin?

Herb-Crusted Roast Chicken

The crispy skin and savory herbs pair beautifully with the creamy gratin.

Garlic Green Beans

A lighter, snappier side that contrasts well with the softness of the gratin.

Apple Cranberry Salad

Adds tart freshness and a bit of crunch.

Pork Tenderloin with Mustard Glaze

Bold, rich flavors meet their match in this cheesy bake.

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Because you’ll want to mop up every bit of that cheesy cream sauce.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their slightly bitter bite complements the sweetness of root veggies.

Lentil Loaf

For a vegetarian pairing that brings protein to the table.

Balsamic Glazed Mushrooms

Earthy and savory, they play nicely with the gratin’s richness.

Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If this Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin is up your alley, you might love exploring these next:

Cajun Potato Soup for a spicy, creamy bowl of comfort.
Cheesy Beef Enchilada Tortellini when you’re craving something cozy and loaded with cheese.
Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad as a cold side option with nostalgic flair.
Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs to serve alongside for a complete meal.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes as a main dish with similar flavor notes.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick with Gruyère or mix it up? Maybe you tossed in a few leeks or swapped in rutabaga?

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals and comfort food ideas on Zoe Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Cheesy Root Veggie Gratin is one of those dishes that feels both fancy and familiar. It brings out the best in humble vegetables, turning them into a showstopper you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re feeding family, entertaining friends, or meal-prepping for a cozy week ahead, this gratin has your back.