Crazy John's Carrot and Turnip Gratin

Prepare to elevate your comfort food game with Crazy John's Carrot and Turnip Gratin, a luxurious yet rustic side dish bursting with hearty root vegetables and rich, creamy layers. This recipe combines tender slices of sweet carrots and earthy turnips, bathed in a garlicky thyme-infused cream sauce, and baked to perfection under a golden crust of cheddar, Parmesan, and buttery breadcrumbs. With just a hint of nutmeg to enhance its cozy flavor, this gratin is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—perfect for holiday feasts or comforting weeknight dinners. Ready in just over an hour and serving six, it’s a dish that’s equal parts indulgence and simplicity. Don’t miss this opportunity to turn humble ingredients into a showstopping masterpiece!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:55 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 500 grams Carrots
• 500 grams Turnips
• 250 ml Heavy cream
• 125 ml Milk
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 2 sprigs Fresh thyme
• 150 grams Cheddar cheese, grated
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 15 grams Unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon Nutmeg, freshly grated
• 100 grams Breadcrumbs

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Grease a medium-sized baking dish with the butter and set it aside.

Step 2

Peel the carrots and turnips, then slice them into thin rounds about 3mm thick. Use a mandoline slicer if available for consistent slices.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, garlic cloves (crushed), thyme sprigs, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and discard the thyme sprigs and garlic cloves.

Step 4

Layer half of the carrot and turnip slices in the prepared baking dish, alternating between the two vegetables. Pour half of the cream mixture evenly over the first layer.

Step 5

Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the vegetable layer.

Step 6

Repeat with the remaining carrot and turnip slices, adding the rest of the cream mixture and cheeses to form the top layer.

Step 7

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter (optional, for extra crunch). Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top cheese layer.

Step 8

Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes.

Step 9

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Step 10

Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1709.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2552.6

Total Fat 169.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 102.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.6g
Cholesterol 505.5mg	0%
Sodium 6598.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 173.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.4g	0%
Total Sugars 55.9g
Protein 86.0g	0%

Vitamin D 88.9IU	0%
Calcium 2174.7mg	0%
Iron 9.4mg	0%
Potassium 2966.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.5%

Protein: 13.4%

Carbs: 27.1%