Why You’ll Love This Vegan Parsnip Gratin

This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a culinary experience designed to impress and delight. Here’s why our Creamy Parsnip Gratin will become a staple in your recipe collection:

• Authentic Au Gratin Indulgence: It perfectly captures that comforting, rich, and layered au gratin experience you adore, all without any dairy.
• Luxuriously Creamy & Dreamy: Despite being entirely vegan, this gratin boasts a velvety smooth sauce that provides a satisfying, decadent mouthfeel. No one will guess it’s dairy-free!
• Effortless Make-Ahead Option: Prepare it in advance and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve, making it an ideal choice for busy holidays or entertaining. This saves you precious time in the kitchen when it matters most.
• Wholesome, Real Food Ingredients: We prioritize real, natural ingredients over highly processed substitutes. This recipe combines simple, nourishing components to create a dish that’s both delicious and genuinely good for you.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: Crafted with gluten-free ingredients, this beautiful gratin ensures that everyone at your table can enjoy its amazing flavors and textures without compromise.
• A Welcome Change from Potatoes: While potato dishes have their place, this parsnip gratin offers a unique, subtly sweet, and nutty alternative, adding exciting variety and a touch of gourmet elegance to any meal, especially during the holidays.

Discovering the Wonderful Parsnip

Parsnips are often overlooked, but they are truly a root vegetable superstar, especially in a gratin. Here’s everything you need to know about these delightful white carrots:

• Availability and Affordability: Parsnips are readily available in most grocery stores, particularly during fall and winter months, and are quite inexpensive, making them an accessible ingredient for gourmet cooking.
• Storage Tips: If you purchase parsnips with their green tops still attached, make sure to remove them before storing. This prevents moisture loss and keeps the roots fresh. Loosely wrapped in a plastic bag, they’ll remain fresh in your refrigerator for a generous 2-3 weeks.
• Selecting the Best: Look for parsnips that are firm to the touch and free from blemishes or soft spots. While smaller parsnips tend to be more tender, larger ones, though they might have a slightly tougher, woody core, will soften beautifully and sweeten considerably during the baking process in this gratin recipe. So, don’t shy away from any size!
• Flavor Profile: Visually, parsnips resemble white carrots, and they do belong to the same family. However, their flavor is distinctly different. They boast a pronounced sweetness, often described as subtly honeyed, complemented by a hint of earthy spice and a delicate nutty undertone. This unique flavor deepens and becomes even more exquisite when roasted or baked.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Beyond their delicious taste, parsnips are incredibly nutritious. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health. They also pack a good punch of Vitamin C, a vital antioxidant for immune support, along with modest amounts of essential minerals like iron, folate, vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium, contributing to overall well-being.
• Ideal for Gratin: The naturally sweet and starchy nature of root vegetables like parsnips makes them absolutely perfect for gratins. Their texture transforms beautifully during baking, becoming tender and infused with the creamy sauce.
• Another Parsnip Delight: If you’re a parsnip enthusiast, don’t miss out on another fantastic side dish: Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips Recipe. It’s a great way to explore their versatility!

Crafting the Creamy Vegan Gratin Sauce Ingredients

The heart of this gratin lies in its unbelievably creamy, dairy-free sauce. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that rich, decadent consistency and flavor:

• Cashews: These are the true heroes of our creamy sauce! Raw cashews, when soaked and blended, create an incredibly smooth, rich, and naturally thick base that perfectly mimics the texture of heavy cream. Soaking them in boiling water for at least 30 minutes (or even up to 4 hours) is essential to soften them sufficiently for a silky smooth sauce.
• Nutritional Yeast: This magical ingredient is a staple in vegan cooking for a reason. It imparts a distinctly savory, umami-rich, and cheesy flavor profile without any dairy. It’s widely available at most local grocery stores, often found in the bulk section or with baking supplies. You can find high-quality nutritional yeast for this recipe.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for a robust, aromatic base for the sauce. Mincing fresh garlic cloves or using a microplane zester ensures finely grated garlic that disperses evenly throughout the sauce, infusing it with maximum flavor.
• Olive Oil: A touch of olive oil not only adds a lovely richness to the sauce but also helps to emulsify it, creating that incredibly smooth and cohesive creamy texture. If you’re aiming for an oil-free gratin, you can easily substitute the olive oil with an equal amount of vegetable broth.
• Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the sauce. We recommend using coarse sea salt for its clean taste and either freshly ground black pepper or white pepper for a subtle warmth and gentle heat.

The Perfect Crispy Gratin Topping

No gratin is complete without a glorious, golden-brown topping. Our vegan version provides an irresistible crunch and savory notes that perfectly complement the creamy parsnips:

• Pine Nuts: These soft, buttery nuts add a delicate richness and a wonderful texture to the topping when ground. They contribute a subtle, almost creamy nuttiness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Hemp Seeds: Not just for a nutritional boost, hemp seeds also add a fantastic, slightly earthy texture and a mild nutty flavor. They are incredibly rich in protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, making this topping even more wholesome.
• Nutritional Yeast: Used again here, nutritional yeast is key for that cheesy, umami flavor in our vegan parmesan-like topping. It truly delivers on the savory notes.
• Garlic Powder: A touch of garlic powder in the topping adds an extra layer of aromatic deliciousness that perfectly marries with the fresh garlic in the sauce.
• Breadcrumbs: The ultimate ingredient for that signature crispy, golden gratin crust. While you can easily make your own fresh breadcrumbs from your favorite bread (ensuring it meets your dietary needs, such as gluten-free), store-bought panko breadcrumbs are also an excellent option for convenience and texture. Toasting them in olive oil before sprinkling ensures maximum crispiness and a beautiful golden hue.

Begin by soaking your raw cashews in boiling hot water. Ensure they are fully submerged. Let them soak for a minimum of 30 minutes, or for up to 4 hours, to ensure they become perfectly soft for blending.

In a small fry pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the freshly grated garlic, along with a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.

Once the cashews are soft, drain them thoroughly. Transfer the drained cashews to a high-speed blender. Add the cooked garlic and olive oil mixture, nutritional yeast, and water to the blender. These ingredients will form the base of your rich sauce.

Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth, thick, and creamy, with no cashew bits remaining. The sauce should be pourable yet substantial. If it appears too thick for easy pouring, add an additional ¼ cup of water and blend again until the desired consistency is achieved.

To prepare the savory vegan parmesan mixture, combine the pine nuts, hemp seeds, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of sea salt in a spice grinder (or a coffee grinder dedicated to spices, or a very small food processor).

Pulse the ingredients until they form a coarse, crumbly mixture that resembles grated parmesan cheese. Be careful not to over-process, as you want a crumbly texture, not a paste.

Next, prepare your breadcrumbs. Toast one slice of your favorite bread until it’s lightly golden. Break the toast into small pieces and pulse them in the spice grinder or food processor until you achieve a fine breadcrumb consistency. Using the same small fry pan from the garlic, heat one tablespoon of olive oil. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and perfectly crisp. This adds an extra layer of flavor and crunch.

First, thoroughly wash, peel, and then trim off both the tops and bottoms of your parsnips. This ensures they are ready for slicing.

Using a mandoline or the slicing disc of a food processor, thinly slice the parsnips into uniform ⅛-inch thick discs. Uniformity is key for even cooking.

Place all of your thinly sliced parsnips into a large mixing bowl. Pour approximately half of the prepared creamy vegan sauce over the parsnips, ensuring a generous coating.

Using a pair of tongs or your hands, gently toss and mix the parsnip slices until each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated with the rich, creamy sauce. This step ensures every bite is flavorful.

Carefully arrange half of the coated parsnips in a single, even layer at the bottom of your chosen casserole dish. Drizzle another portion, about half, of the remaining creamy sauce over this layer.

Generously sprinkle half of the crumbly vegan parmesan cheese mixture over the first layer of parsnips and sauce. This adds a fantastic savory burst and texture.

Now, add the remaining parsnip slices, arranging them to fill the baking dish. You can take the time to create neat, overlapping rows for a beautiful presentation, or simply spread them out evenly. Rest assured, it will taste magnificent either way!

Pour the rest of the creamy sauce evenly over the top layer of parsnips. Then, sprinkle the remaining vegan parmesan mixture across the entire surface of the gratin.

Finally, evenly spread the toasted breadcrumbs over the very top of your layered parsnip gratin. This will create that irresistible golden, crispy crust.

Bake the gratin in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) on the middle rack for 45-50 minutes. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your parsnip slices. The gratin is ready when the top is beautifully crisp and golden brown, and the inside layers of parsnips are tender when pierced with a fork.

Expert Tips for the Best Parsnip Gratin

Unlock the full potential of this delicious dish with these helpful hints:

• Don’t Skip the Breadcrumbs: That perfectly crisp, golden-brown topping is arguably the best part of any gratin! While it’s easy and satisfying to make your own fresh breadcrumbs as directed, there’s absolutely no shame in opting for store-bought panko breadcrumbs for convenience. They provide an excellent crunch.
• Parsnip and Potato Power: For a delightful twist, transform this into a parsnip potato gratin. Simply use one pound of parsnips and two pounds of thinly sliced potatoes. The combination of the parsnip’s subtle sweetness and the potato’s classic earthiness creates a wonderful flavor dynamic.
• A Hint of Nutmeg: For an extra layer of warmth and sophistication, consider adding a small sprinkling of freshly grated nutmeg into your creamy vegan sauce. Nutmeg beautifully enhances the earthy and sweet flavors of the parsnips, adding depth to the dish.
• Achieving Thin Slices: The key to a tender gratin is thinly and uniformly sliced parsnips. A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for achieving consistent ⅛-inch slices quickly and safely. If you don’t have one, a very sharp knife and a steady hand will also work, though it will take more time.
• Check for Tenderness: To ensure your gratin is perfectly cooked, gently insert a knife or fork into the center. It should slide in easily, indicating that the parsnips are tender throughout.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

Make the most of your delicious Vegan Parsnip Gratin with these serving and storage recommendations:

• Serve: This versatile gratin is best served warm. It makes an exquisite companion to your favorite holiday roasts or plant-based main courses, but it’s equally delightful as a standout side dish any time of year. I’ve been known to enjoy the rich leftovers for breakfast – it’s that good!
• Store: Any leftover gratin should be stored in an airtight container, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to a week. Its flavors often deepen and become even more delicious the next day.
• Freezing: Unfortunately, the delicate texture and creamy consistency of this gratin tend to suffer when frozen and thawed. For the best quality, we do not recommend freezing this dish.
• Meal Prep: This gratin is an excellent candidate for meal prepping! You can assemble the entire dish, including all layers and toppings, but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake as directed in the recipe, adding perhaps 5-10 minutes to the total baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
• Reheat: To reheat leftover gratin, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes. For that desirable crispy topping, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) for an additional 5 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp again.

Equipment

• Mandoline Slicer
• Food Processor
• Spice Grinder
• 2 ½ quart baking dish

Ingredients

  

Instructions

 

Nutrition

Note

The nutrition calculations were done using online tools. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you used. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information is accurate, complete and useful.