Description
Cozy Winter Vegetable Casserole with Beets and Parsnips is a hearty, warming dish perfect for chilly days or holiday meals. The natural sweetness of beets combines with the creamy texture of parsnips and subtle warmth of fresh herbs, all tied together in a luscious cream base, then topped with a golden, cheesy crust. This casserole works wonderfully as a standalone vegetarian main with a fresh salad or as a flavorful side alongside roasted meats.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium beets, peeled & thinly sliced
- 2–3 parsnips, peeled & thinly sliced
- 1 small sweet potato or carrot (optional, for balance)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Base
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup vegetable or chicken stock
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Topping
- ½ cup grated Gruyère or aged cheddar
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter a baking dish to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Layer vegetables: In a mixing bowl, toss the thinly sliced beets, parsnips, onion, garlic, and optional sweet potato or carrot with salt, pepper, and a small amount of olive oil. Arrange the vegetables evenly in the baking dish, alternating colors for an attractive presentation if desired.
- Mix the cream base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, vegetable or chicken stock, Dijon mustard, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Pour and cover: Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the layered vegetables in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap moisture during baking.
- Bake covered: Bake the covered casserole for 40 minutes until the vegetables are just tender when pierced with a fork.
- Add topping: Remove the foil and sprinkle the grated cheese over the casserole. Next, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle it evenly on top of the cheese layer.
- Finish baking uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest before serving: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking; this helps the dish thicken and settle for a perfect texture.
Notes
- For a vegan variation, substitute heavy cream with cashew cream and cheese with nutritional yeast.
- Add cooked lentils or white beans between vegetable layers to boost protein and make it extra hearty.
- Enhance flavor by adding herbs like rosemary or sage in addition to thyme.
- For an extra crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with chopped walnuts or hazelnuts.
- Add dollops of goat cheese on top before the final bake for a tangy swirl.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad and crusty bread or can be served alongside roast chicken or pork.
- Can be adapted as a one-pan no-cream casserole or prepared in a Dutch oven for a more rustic approach.
- Suitable for meal prep and freezes well for convenient make-ahead meals.
