Celeriac Gratin Recipes Vegetarian Lovers Will Adore

Celeriac, also known as celery root, is a wonderfully versatile vegetable that often gets overlooked in favor of its more popular root cousins. Its subtle celery flavor combined with a creamy texture when cooked makes it an excellent candidate for gratins—comfort food classics that are perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, flavorful dish without meat.

This blog post will guide you through multiple delightful celeriac gratin recipes vegetarian style, turning this humble root into stunning, satisfying dishes that will become staples in your kitchen.

Whether you’re new to celeriac or looking to expand your vegetarian repertoire, these recipes emphasize rich, creamy textures, melted cheese, and fragrant herbs. Each recipe is designed to bring out the best in celeriac while keeping the dishes simple enough for weeknight meals or special occasions.

So grab your gratin dish, and let’s dive into these delicious vegetarian celeriac gratin recipes that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Celeriac gratins are a fantastic way to enjoy a vegetable that’s low in calories but high in flavor and nutrients. The creamy texture of the gratin combined with the earthy, slightly nutty flavor of celeriac creates a dish that’s comfort in every bite.

These vegetarian recipes are perfect for those who want something hearty without relying on meat. Plus, celeriac is packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants.

The gratin format also allows for lots of creativity, whether you want to add cheese, herbs, or other complementary vegetables.

Best of all, gratins can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving, making them ideal for entertaining or busy weeknights.

Ingredients

• 1 large celeriac (celery root), peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups heavy cream or plant-based cream alternative
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or vegetarian hard cheese)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for greasing and dotting
• Optional: 1 small onion, thinly sliced for extra sweetness
• Optional: 1/2 cup cooked mushrooms or spinach for added veggies

Equipment

• Mandoline slicer or sharp knife for thinly slicing celeriac
• Large mixing bowl
• Ovenproof gratin dish (approx. 8×8 inches or similar)
• Saucepan for warming cream
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater
• Aluminum foil (optional, for covering during baking)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter your gratin dish generously to prevent sticking and add richness.
2. Prepare the celeriac: Peel the celeriac with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler, then slice it thinly—about 1/8 inch thick—using a mandoline or knife. Place the slices in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper.
3. Warm the cream: In a saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream with the minced garlic and fresh thyme until warm but not boiling. This infuses the cream with flavor that will meld beautifully with the celeriac.
4. Layer the gratin: Arrange a layer of celeriac slices in the bottom of your dish. If using onions or optional vegetables like mushrooms, add a thin layer of these now. Sprinkle a little Gruyère and Parmesan over the layer.
5. Repeat layering: Continue layering celeriac, optional veggies, and cheeses until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous cheese layer on top.
6. Pour the warm cream evenly over the layers, letting it soak through the slices.
7. Dot the top with small pieces of butter to create a golden crust as it bakes.
8. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 15 minutes to allow the top to brown beautifully.
9. Check for doneness: The gratin is ready when the celeriac is tender and the top is golden and bubbling. Insert a knife to test the softness.
10. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the gratin to settle and thicken slightly.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use vegan cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor boost.

Try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cream mixture for a warm, aromatic touch that complements the earthiness of the celeriac.

If you prefer a crispier top, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a little olive oil on the gratin before baking.

Mix in herbs like rosemary or sage for a more robust flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This celeriac gratin pairs wonderfully with fresh green salads dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted root vegetables or steamed green beans are also excellent vegetable sides.

For a full vegetarian meal, serve alongside a hearty lentil stew or a simple grain like quinoa or farro to add some protein and texture contrast. If you’re interested in more vegetarian inspirations, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe and Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.

More Delicious Celeriac Gratin Recipes Vegetarian

Classic Celeriac and Potato Gratin

This recipe combines the earthy flavor of celeriac with creamy potatoes for a comforting gratin that’s perfect for family dinners. The layers of thinly sliced celeriac and potato bathed in garlic-infused cream and topped with melted Gruyère offer a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

• Ingredients: 1 large celeriac, 3 medium potatoes, 2 cups cream, 1 cup Gruyère, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, butter.
• Instructions: Layer thin slices of celeriac and potatoes, season each layer, pour cream, top with cheese, bake at 375°F for 1 hour.

Vegan Celeriac Gratin with Cashew Cream

For those seeking a dairy-free alternative, this vegan celeriac gratin uses a rich cashew cream blended with nutritional yeast, garlic, and lemon juice. The gratin is topped with vegan cheese or a crunchy breadcrumb topping for a delightful finish.

• Ingredients: Celeriac, soaked cashews, garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, vegan cheese (optional), herbs.
• Instructions: Prepare cashew cream, layer celeriac slices, pour cream, top and bake until golden.

Celeriac and Leek Gratin

Add sweetness and depth with sautéed leeks in this variation. The leeks soften and blend beautifully with the creamy celeriac layers, enhanced by the sharpness of Parmesan cheese.

• Ingredients: Celeriac, 2 leeks, cream, Parmesan, garlic, thyme, butter, salt, pepper.
• Instructions: Sauté leeks, layer with celeriac and cheese, pour cream, bake covered then uncovered for browning.

Conclusion

Celeriac gratins are a wonderful way to elevate this underrated vegetable into a show-stopping dish perfect for vegetarians and anyone who loves rich, comforting flavors. Whether you prefer a classic creamy version, a vegan take, or one enhanced with leeks and potatoes, these recipes offer versatility and satisfaction.

By incorporating fresh herbs, quality cheeses, and simple techniques, you can create a gratin that’s perfect for any occasion—from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings. Give these recipes a try and discover why celeriac gratin deserves a regular spot on your dinner table.

For even more vegetarian inspiration, don’t miss our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food and Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes.

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