This Root Vegetable Au Gratin is a delightful twist on the classic dish, showcasing a vibrant mix of Yukon gold potatoes, sweet potatoes, and beets. Perfect for gatherings or as a comforting side for weeknight dinners, this recipe combines flavors that are both rich and satisfying. The creamy texture paired with the cheesy topping makes it a standout dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, you can create a delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Colorful Presentation: The combination of root vegetables adds beautiful colors to your table, making it visually appealing.
• Rich Flavor: The blend of sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses creates a creamy and flavorful topping that complements the earthy root vegetables.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a side for meat dishes or as a main vegetarian option, it’s perfect for any occasion.
• Comfort Food: This dish embodies the warmth and heartiness of comfort food, ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or baking dish
• Mandolin (optional)
• Medium pot
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet or baking dish: Ideal for even cooking and browning, ensuring your au gratin develops a lovely crust.
• Mandolin (optional): This tool allows for uniform slicing of vegetables, which helps them cook evenly.
• Medium pot: Necessary for preparing the cheese sauce; it keeps your sauce at the right temperature without burning.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware while mixing ingredients together.
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Ingredients

To prepare this Root Vegetable Au Gratin, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Vegetables:

• 2 large Yukon potatoes
• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 medium beets
• 1 onion

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

How to Make Root Vegetable Au Gratin

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dish cooks evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Peel and thinly slice the Yukon potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets, and onion. If you have a mandolin, it’s great for achieving even slices quickly!

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the flour, cooking for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Gradually add in the milk, stirring continuously until thickened enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.
4. Mix in shredded cheddar cheese and dijon mustard, stirring until fully melted. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. In a cast iron skillet or baking dish, start by adding a thin layer of sliced onions at the bottom.
2. Arrange sliced Yukon potatoes, sweet potatoes, and beets vertically in layers within the dish.
3. Sprinkle additional thinly cut onions between layers or on top.

Step 5: Add Cheese Sauce

Pour the prepared cheese mixture evenly over the vegetable layers. Spread it out to ensure every bite is cheesy goodness. Finally, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Enjoy this delicious Root Vegetable Au Gratin that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve Root Vegetable Au Gratin

Root Vegetable Au Gratin is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining.

Pair with Fresh Salads

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with seasonal greens and a simple vinaigrette complements the richness of the au gratin.
• Beet Salad: Highlight the beets in the dish by serving a chilled beet salad, adding tangy goat cheese and walnuts for texture.

Add Protein Options

• Grilled Chicken Breast: Juicy grilled chicken can balance the creamy texture of the gratin while adding protein.
• Roasted Turkey: Tender slices of roasted turkey provide a hearty complement to this vegetable-rich dish.

Offer Bread Choices

• Crusty Baguette: Serve warm slices of baguette to soak up the creamy cheese sauce.
• Garlic Bread: The flavors of garlic bread pair well with the richness of the au gratin.

Present as a Main Dish

• Vegetarian Entrée: Serve it as a main course for vegetarian guests, accompanied by a side of sautéed greens.
• Buffet Style: Include it on a buffet table where guests can help themselves to generous portions.

How to Perfect Root Vegetable Au Gratin

To ensure your Root Vegetable Au Gratin turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips for success.

• Bold slicing technique: Thinly slice all vegetables to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Bold layer vegetables wisely: Arrange the layers neatly for an appealing presentation and even distribution of flavors.
• Bold cheese choice: Opt for high-quality sharp cheddar cheese for richer flavor and better melting properties.
• Bold seasoning adjustments: Feel free to adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or herbs according to your taste preferences.
• Bold baking temperature control: Monitor oven temperature closely; baking too hot may burn the top before the inside is cooked through.
• Bold resting time: Allow the gratin to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Best Side Dishes for Root Vegetable Au Gratin

Pairing side dishes with Root Vegetable Au Gratin can enhance your meal’s overall flavor profile. Here are some excellent options:

1. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus adds freshness and crunch, balancing the creaminess of the gratin.
2. Steamed Broccoli: A simple steamed broccoli dish provides color and nutrients alongside rich flavors.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring additional textures and earthy flavors that complement root vegetables.
4. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that provides a subtle base without overpowering other flavors on your plate.
5. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with herbs delivers protein and enhances your meal’s nutritional value.
6. Sauteed Spinach with Garlic: The slight bitterness of sautéed spinach pairs well with creamy dishes, providing balance in flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common errors can make your Root Vegetable Au Gratin even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Not slicing vegetables evenly: Uneven slices can lead to uneven cooking. Use a mandolin or sharp knife to ensure consistent thickness.
• Skipping the cheese sauce: The cheese sauce adds richness and flavor. Don’t skip it; make sure to mix until fully melted and smooth.
• Overcrowding the dish: Too many vegetables can prevent proper cooking. Layer them neatly to allow heat circulation.
• Forgetting to season: Under-seasoned dishes can be bland. Remember to add salt and pepper generously throughout the process.
• Not covering while baking: Covering with foil helps cook the vegetables through before browning. Remove it only during the last phase for a crispy top.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-5 days for best quality.

Freezing Root Vegetable Au Gratin

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Root Vegetable Au Gratin

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet, stirring gently to avoid sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Root Vegetable Au Gratin:

How can I customize my Root Vegetable Au Gratin?

You can add other root vegetables like parsnips or carrots for different flavors and textures. Experiment with different cheeses too!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh the next day.

Is Root Vegetable Au Gratin suitable for vegans?

To make it vegan, substitute dairy milk with plant-based milk and use vegan cheese alternatives.

What should I serve with Root Vegetable Au Gratin?

This dish pairs well with roasted meats or a fresh salad. It also makes a great side for festive occasions.

Final Thoughts

Root Vegetable Au Gratin is not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preference, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Try experimenting with different root vegetables or cheeses to create your own unique version!

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Root Vegetable Au Gratin

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Root Vegetable Au Gratin is a colorful and comforting dish that elevates the classic gratin experience with a vibrant blend of Yukon gold potatoes, sweet potatoes, and beets. This creamy casserole is perfect for gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, showcasing a delightful combination of flavors that everyone will adore. Topped with a rich layer of sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese, this dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with nutrition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large Yukon potatoes
• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 2 medium beets
• 1 onion
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel and thinly slice the Yukon potatoes, sweet potatoes, beets, and onion.
3. In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook until lightly golden.
4. Gradually add the milk while stirring until thickened. Mix in the cheddar cheese and dijon mustard until melted.
5. In a baking dish, layer sliced onions at the bottom followed by the sliced root vegetables vertically.
6. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the layered vegetables and sprinkle grated parmesan on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 20–30 minutes until golden brown.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 540mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: For even cooking, ensure all vegetables are sliced uniformly. Feel free to customize by adding other root vegetables like parsnips or carrots. Allow the gratin to rest for about 5–10 minutes after baking for easier serving.