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:

  1. Spread a thin layer of sauce over the bottom of the pan.
  2. Add a single layer of turnip slices.
  3. Pour a generous amount of sauce over the turnips.
  4. 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!

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