This Scalloped Turnips Au Gratin is a rich, creamy, and golden-baked side dish that brings the often-underrated turnip into the spotlight. Layered with a velvety cheese sauce and baked until tender, then finished under the broiler for a crisp, golden crust—it’s a comforting, gourmet-style gratin perfect for holiday dinners or cozy weeknight meals.
A delicious twist on traditional scalloped potatoes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥔 Turnip Goodness: Milder than you might think—turnips bake up soft with a subtle sweetness.
- 🧀 Cheesy Heaven: Gruyère melts beautifully and adds depth of flavor—Parmesan tops it off with richness.
- 🧈 Creamy Without Cheese (Optional): Can be made with just cream and garlic for a lighter version.
- ⏱️ One-Dish Wonder: Just layer and bake—no boiling, mashing, or stirring required.
- 🔥 Golden Finish: Broiling gives a beautiful browned top without drying out the layers underneath.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
For the Turnips:
- 3–4 medium turnips (about 1½ lbs / 700g) , peeled and sliced thinly (⅛–¼ inch thick)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter option)
- 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg (adds warmth and depth)
- ½ to 1 tsp white pepper (for smooth heat – black pepper can be used in a pinch)
- 1–2 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced)
- ½ tsp salt , or to taste
- ½ tsp dried thyme (or rosemary for variation)
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese , shredded (or substitute with mozzarella, cheddar, or fontina)
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese , divided
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or deep casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Turnips
Peel the turnips and slice them thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline for even cooking.
Soak slices briefly in cold water to remove excess starch, then drain well.
Step 3: Make the Cream & Cheese Sauce
In a large mixing bowl or measuring cup, combine:
- Heavy cream
- Nutmeg
- White pepper
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic
- Thyme
- Salt
- 1½ cups grated Gruyère cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Mix until smooth. Reserve the remaining cheeses for topping.
Step 4: Layer the Turnips and Sauce
Layer the turnips and sauce in the prepared baking dish:
- Spread a thin layer of sauce over the bottom of the pan.
- Add a single layer of turnip slices.
- Pour a generous amount of sauce over the turnips.
- Repeat layering 3 more times, finishing with a final layer of sauce on top.
Step 5: Top with Extra Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup Gruyère and 1 tablespoon Parmesan evenly over the top.
This creates a beautifully golden, bubbly finish after baking.
Step 6: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil .
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes , or until the turnips are fork-tender and the layers are warm and bubbling.
Step 7: Brown Under the Broiler
Remove the foil and place the dish under the broiler for 5–10 minutes , watching closely, until the top is golden and crisp.
⚠️ Don’t walk away—the cheese browns quickly!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps set the layers and makes each spoonful easier to serve.
Serve warm as a luxurious side dish or pair with roasted meat or fish for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- 🥄 Use Cold Hands: When slicing turnips, keep your hands slightly damp to avoid sticking.
- 🧀 Melty Cheese Magic: Gruyère is ideal, but any good melting cheese works—cheddar, Gouda, or Comté.
- 🧄 Fresh Garlic Boost: For extra aroma, sauté minced garlic in the cream before pouring over the turnips.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Option: Assemble and refrigerate overnight—add 10 minutes to the covered baking time if starting cold.
- 📦 Freeze for Later: Cool completely and freeze in an airtight container—reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) and finish under the broiler.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with roast chicken, beef, or pork for a classic French-inspired plate.
- Great alongside mashed potatoes or stuffing for variety.
- Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday supper.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings):
(With heavy cream and Gruyère)
- Calories: ~300 kcal
- Protein: ~10g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~6g
This Scalloped Turnips Au Gratin is a rich, elegant, and surprisingly easy way to enjoy a comforting root vegetable dish with all the flavor of a classic gratin. It’s creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection—with a crispy golden top that everyone will love.
So go ahead and give turnips a chance… they’re about to become your new favorite side!
