Easy Holiday Turnip Gratin
Thinly sliced turnips layered with creamy Gruyère cheese, fragrant garlic, and thyme, baked to golden perfection. A simple yet elegant side dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts.
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Servings: 8 servings
Equipment
- 12.5-inch stone baking dish or any 13x9 baking dish
Ingredients
- 2 lbs turnips peeled and thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1 garlic clove halved (for rubbing onto the slices)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- fine sea salt to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- butter for greasing baking dish
Makes: 9 x 13inch rectangle, 2inch height
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) convection oven, 450°F (230°C) for conventional and grease a 13x9 baking dish with butter.
- Layer sliced turnips in a few rows in the baking dish; as you layer, rub the cut sides of the garlic clove onto the turnip slices.
- Season turnips with salt and pepper.
- Grate nutmeg over turnips.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves between and over the turnip slices.
- Scatter grated Gruyere cheese over the turnips.
- Drizzle cream over the turnips.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 10 minutes (12 for conventional oven).
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the turnips are fork tender when pierced.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Choosing Turnips: Select turnips that are firm and have a smooth skin. Smaller turnips tend to be sweeter and milder, while larger ones may have a slightly stronger flavor.
- Slice Uniformly: To ensure even cooking, aim to slice the turnips into consistent thickness. You can use a mandoline slicer for precision.
- Variations: Feel free to customize your gratin with additional ingredients. You can add thinly sliced onions, leeks, or even potatoes to create different flavor profiles.
- Herb Substitutions: If you don't have fresh thyme, other herbs like rosemary or sage can be used for a unique twist. You may also omit the herb entirely.
- Nutmeg Freshness: Use freshly grated nutmeg for the best flavor. Pre-ground nutmeg may lack the same aromatic qualities. You can skip the nutmeg if you don't have any.
- Cheese Varieties: While Gruyère adds a delightful nutty flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, or Emmental.
- Milk Alternative: If you prefer a lighter version, you can use whole milk or a combination instead of cream. Or half and half works as well. This will result in a thinner texture and reduced calorie content.
- Serving Suggestions: Turnip gratin pairs well with a variety of main courses. It's great alongside roasted poultry, pork tenderloin, grilled fish, or a hearty steak. As a vegetarian course, serve it with braised turnip greens or a fresh salad.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the gratin in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. This makes it a convenient choice for holiday meals.