Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Root Vegetable Gratin with Sweet Potatoes, Parsnips, and Beets

A beautiful and comforting layered gratin of sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets baked in a garlic-herb cream and topped with Parmesan. It’s rich, earthy, vibrant, and perfect for holidays or cozy weeknights.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 medium parsnips, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 medium beets, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or mix of cream and whole milk)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • Optional topping: Extra Parmesan or Gruyère cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together cream, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using.
  3. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice sweet potatoes, parsnips, and beets into 1/8-inch rounds.
  4. Layer vegetables in the dish, alternating colors for a visual effect. Pour some cream mixture over each layer.
  5. Once layered, pour remaining cream over the top and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.
  7. Uncover, add more cheese if desired, and bake an additional 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  8. Let gratin rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Uniform slicing ensures even cooking—use a mandoline if possible.
  • Let rest before slicing to allow sauce to set.
  • Try adding red onion, shallots, or rosemary for variation.
  • Use full-fat cream or coconut cream for dairy-free version.
  • Broil at the end for an extra-crispy golden top (1–2 mins).
  • Author: Selena Trump
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: gratin, sweet potato, beet, parsnip, holiday side, root vegetables