Root Vegetable Gratin with Creamy Herb Sauce

Name: Root Vegetable Gratin with Creamy Herb Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Canadian
Ingredients: 3 medium potatoes (peeled and thinly sliced); 2 medium parsnips (peeled and thinly sliced); 2 medium carrots (peeled and thinly sliced); 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese; 1 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; to taste salt and pepper

90 min 6 servings Medium

All Recipes

Savoury root vegetable gratin with a creamy herb sauce, perfect for a comforting side dish.

Prep

20 min

Cook

60 min

Total

90 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Root vegetable gratin is a delightful and hearty dish that brings together the earthy flavours of a variety of root vegetables layered with a creamy herb sauce. This version of the classic gratin is perfect for those who want a comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with any main course. The secret to a perfect gratin is in the layering of thinly sliced vegetables. This recipe combines potatoes, parsnips, and carrots, ensuring a balance of sweetness and creaminess. The herb-infused cream sauce adds depth and aroma, making every bite a savoury delight.

Instructions

Preheat oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare vegetables

Peel and thinly slice the potatoes, parsnips, and carrots using a mandolin or sharp knife.

Pro tip: A mandolin ensures even slices for uniform cooking.

Make herb sauce

In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Heat gently until warm, but do not boil.

Pro tip: Heating the cream helps infuse the flavours of the herbs.

Layer vegetables

In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half of the vegetables, then sprinkle half of the grated cheese over them.

Add sauce

Pour half of the herb cream sauce over the layered vegetables and cheese.

Repeat layers

Repeat the layering with the remaining vegetables, cheese, and sauce.

Bake gratin

Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Pro tip: Check doneness by piercing with a knife; it should slide in easily.

Rest before serving

Let the gratin rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro tip: Resting allows the flavours to meld and makes slicing easier.

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Tips & Tricks

Use a mandolin for even slices.
Test doneness by inserting a knife; it should slide easily.
Let gratin rest before serving for easier slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is root vegetable gratin?

Root vegetable gratin is a baked dish made with layers of thinly sliced root vegetables, often combined with a creamy sauce and cheese.

How many calories are in root vegetable gratin?

A serving of root vegetable gratin contains approximately 350 calories.

Can I prepare root vegetable gratin in advance?

Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead and reheat in the oven before serving.

What cheese is best for vegetable gratin?

Gruyère cheese is recommended for its nutty flavour and good melting properties.

How long does it take to cook root vegetable gratin?

It takes about 60 minutes to cook root vegetable gratin, plus a 10-minute rest time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this root vegetable gratin alongside roasted chicken or grilled fish for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish. You can prepare this gratin a day ahead and reheat it in the oven just before serving. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days, ensuring they are covered to retain moisture.