The key to gratins is having all the ingredients—whether they're basic potatoes or the mixed root vegetables below—sliced the same thickness so they cook at the same rate. Make friends with a mandoline: It quickly yields precise, even slices.
Recipe information
Yield
Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°F. Butter a shallow 2-quart baking dish. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add breadcrumbs; cook, stirring often, until golden brown, 5—7 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and toss with 1/2 cup Parmesan and 1 tablespoon thyme leaves; season with salt and pepper.
Step 2
Bring cream, broth, thyme sprigs, and remaining 2 tablespoons butter to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium heat; season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit 10 minutes; discard thyme. Cover and keep warm.
Step 3
Toss vegetables and garlic in a large bowl; season with salt and pepper. Arrange 1/3 of vegetables in dish and top with 1/2 cup Parmesan. Repeat layers; top with remaining vegetables. Pour cream mixture over; place a piece of parchment paper directly on top of vegetables.
Step 4
Bake until vegetables are crisp-tender and cream is thickened, 50–60 minutes. Uncover, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until gratin is bubbling and breadcrumbs are brown, 15–20 minutes longer. Let sit 10 minutes before serving.