Creamy Celeriac and White Bean Bake with Lemon Thyme Crumb - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Creamy Celeriac and White Bean Bake with Lemon Thyme Crumb

Get ready to fall in love with comfort food! This creamy celeriac and white bean bake is hearty, wholesome, and oh-so-satisfying. Topped with a zesty lemon thyme crumb, it's a dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. Let’s turn simple ingredients into something truly magical!

4.5 out of 5 (6 ratings)

If you’ve never cooked with celeriac before, let me officially welcome you to the club of oddly delightful vegetables! This knobbly root may not win any beauty contests, but trust me, it packs a creamy, nutty punch that transforms into pure magic when baked. Pair it with velvety white beans and then—wait for it—top the whole thing with a zesty lemon thyme crumb. Yes, we’re taking comfort food to a whole new level, and I, your digital chef buddy, couldn’t be more excited to guide you through this cozy and creative dish. Get your aprons on; we’re turning humble ingredients into a masterpiece!

Creamy Celeriac and White Bean Bake with Lemon Thyme Crumb Recipe

What makes this recipe truly shine are the layers of texture and flavor. The celeriac and white beans blend into a creamy, almost buttery base that feels indulgent but stays light thanks to the natural earthiness of the root veg. The magic, however, lies in the crumb topping. Oh, the crumb topping! It’s a combination of golden breadcrumbs, fresh lemon zest, and aromatic thyme—simple, but when thrown together, it’s like a confetti party for your taste buds. The tangy brightness of lemon and herbaceous thyme balance the richness beautifully, offering a perfect bite every time. And this bake doesn’t just taste good; it smells heavenly while cooking. Your kitchen? It’s going to be the coziest spot in the universe.

So, what are you waiting for? This bake is delightfully versatile—it works as a main served alongside a crisp salad for a veggie-forward dinner or as a hearty side to your protein of choice. You can even add your own twist: perhaps a sprinkle of Parmesan or a dash of chili flakes to the topping if you like a little extra zip. The possibilities are endless! I’d say make extra because leftovers (if there are any) reheat like a dream. Invite some friends over or savor it solo; one thing’s for sure—you’ll be back for another helping. Go on, give it a try; I promise, celeriac never tasted this good!

Keywords: creamy celeriac bake recipe, white bean casserole with crumb topping, lemon thyme breadcrumb bake, hearty vegetarian winter recipe, root vegetable comfort food ideas, unique vegetarian dinner recipes, celeriac and white bean dish

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

45 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

European

Ingredients

  • 1 medium celeriac (about 600g), peeled and cubed
  • 1 can (400g) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 300ml vegetable stock
  • 200ml cream (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 75g breadcrumbs
  • 50g grated Parmesan (or plant-based alternative)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.

  2. 2

    In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the cubed celeriac to the pot and stir to coat with the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the vegetable stock, cover, and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the celeriac begins to soften.

  4. 4

    Stir in the white beans and cream, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture cook for another 5 minutes, then transfer everything to the prepared baking dish.

  5. 5

    In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped thyme, lemon zest, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well to ensure the crumbs are evenly coated.

  6. 6

    Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the celeriac and white bean mixture in the baking dish.

  7. 7

    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

  8. 8

    Serve warm as a main dish with a side salad or as a hearty side dish alongside your favorite protein.

Nutrition Information

Calories

320 calories

Protein

10g

Carbs

35g

Fat

15g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different vegetable instead of celeriac?

A: Yes, you can substitute celeriac with other root vegetables such as parsnips, turnips, or even potatoes. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the vegetable you choose, so check for tenderness while simmering.

Q: What can I use as a dairy-free alternative to the cream and Parmesan?

A: For the cream, you can use coconut cream, cashew cream, or a thick oat cream. For the Parmesan, there are many plant-based alternatives available, or you can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Q: How do I make the topping gluten-free?

A: To make the topping gluten-free, simply replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. Ensure that any other ingredients used are certified gluten-free if necessary.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can assemble the dish up to the point of adding the breadcrumb topping and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the topping and bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold from the refrigerator.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quicker option.

Q: What can I serve with this dish?

A: This bake works beautifully as a main dish served with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. As a side dish, it pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a plant-based protein like lentil patties or roasted tofu.

Q: Why is my celeriac not softening during cooking?

A: If the celeriac is not softening, it may have been cut into pieces that are too large. Ensure the cubes are roughly 1–2 cm in size for even cooking. Additionally, check that your pot is covered tightly while simmering to retain steam and heat.

Make This Recipe Your Own

AI Chef Assistant

Get real-time cooking guidance and ingredient substitution tips from our AI chef

Smart Scaling

Instantly adjust serving sizes and quantities to match your needs

Ingredient Swaps

Customize recipes with AI-powered ingredient alternatives and substitutions

Search for "Creamy Celeriac and White Bean Bake with Lemon Thyme Crumb" in the DigiDish app to get started!

More Recipes You'll Love

Spiced Pumpkin Chickpea Curry with Coconut Rice and Lime Relish

Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure! This Spiced Pumpkin Chickpea Curry is cozy, comforting, and full of warming spi...

Spiced Cider Caramel Panna Cotta with Toasted Pecan Crumble

Get ready to wow your taste buds! This Spiced Cider Caramel Panna Cotta is the perfect blend of creamy, cozy, and indulg...

Autumn Lentil Salad with Spiced Apple Vinaigrette and Toasted Pecan Crumble

Get ready to fall in love with fall flavors! This Autumn Lentil Salad is a cozy, crunchy, and colorful combo topped with...

Pumpkin Spice Churro Bites with Maple Cinnamon Dipping Sauce

Get ready to spice up your dessert game! These Pumpkin Spice Churro Bites are crispy, pillowy delights bursting with fal...

Golden Acorn Squash Curry with Coconut Tamarind Sauce and Lime Scented Rice

Get ready to spice up your dinner table! This Golden Acorn Squash Curry is a cozy blend of creamy coconut, tangy tamarin...

Written by

DigiDish AI