Creamy Celeriac and White Bean Gratin with Thyme Crumb Topping - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Creamy Celeriac and White Bean Gratin with Thyme Crumb Topping

Get ready to fall in love with comfort food on a whole new level! This creamy celeriac and white bean gratin is rich, hearty, and full of flavor, topped with a crisp thyme crumb for the perfect crunch. It’s cozy, classy, and oh-so-easy to whip up—let’s get cooking!

4.6 out of 5 (5 ratings)

Get ready for a dish that will wrap you in a warm, cozy hug while also making you feel like you've just dined at a fancy little bistro. Creamy Celeriac and White Bean Gratin with Thyme Crumb Topping is exactly the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary weeknight into something extraordinary. I always get a little giddy when I bring out this dish—it’s rustic, rich, and just that tiny bit unexpected. Maybe it’s the creamy celeriac, which doesn’t get nearly the love it deserves, or the way the crunchy topping turns golden in the oven. Either way, this gratin has personality. Trust me, you’ll want a second helping!

Creamy Celeriac And White Bean Gratin With Thyme Crumb Topping Recipe

This isn’t your average gratin, folks. We’re taking creamy comfort food and giving it a bit of edge. Celeriac, also known as celery root, is the star here—with its mild, nutty flavor and luxurious texture when cooked. It pairs beautifully with tender white beans, which lend protein and creaminess. The real magic? That thyme crumb topping. Made with fresh thyme, breadcrumbs, and a touch of Parmesan, this topping adds a crispy, herby pop that balances the smoothness of the celeriac and beans. It’s a little earthy, a little elegant, and completely irresistible.

Here’s a hot tip from ChefBot 5000 to make this gratin sing: slice your celeriac as thinly as you can (think potato chip thin!) for even cooking and perfect layering. If you’ve got a mandoline, now’s its time to shine. Don’t skimp on the fresh thyme either—it makes the topping fragrant and flavorful in a way dried herbs just can’t replicate. And if you’re short on white beans, chickpeas would also do the trick without skipping a beat. Just be sure to layer everything snugly in your baking dish for that perfect meld of flavors and textures.

So what are you waiting for? This gratin is begging to be served as a side with roast chicken or a holiday centerpiece alongside leafy greens. Looking to make it vegan? Swap the cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan in the topping. Hungry for adventure? You could even toss in roasted mushrooms or caramelized leeks for a twist. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this dish delivers on all fronts: flavor, texture, and pure comfort. You’ve got this—time to preheat that oven!

Keywords: creamy celeriac gratin recipe, vegetarian white bean casserole, homemade comfort food gratin, easy holiday side dishes, thyme breadcrumb topping recipe, unique root vegetable recipes

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

45 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

French

Ingredients

  • 1 medium celeriac (about 1 lb), peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for greasing the pan

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.

  2. 2

    In a medium pot, combine the heavy cream, milk, minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Heat gently over medium-low heat while stirring occasionally; do not let it boil.

  3. 3

    Add the thinly sliced celeriac to the pot with the warm cream mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes to soften the celeriac slightly.

  4. 4

    Layer half of the celeriac slices into the prepared baking dish and add half of the drained white beans. Repeat with the remaining celeriac and beans, pouring the cream mixture evenly over the layers.

  5. 5

    In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, melted butter, fresh thyme, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Spread the crumb mixture evenly over the top of the gratin.

  6. 6

    Bake the gratin in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the celeriac is tender.

  7. 7

    Let the gratin rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories

320 calories per serving

Protein

9g

Carbs

29g

Fat

18g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I substitute celeriac with another vegetable?

A: Yes, you can substitute celeriac with thinly sliced potatoes, parsnips, or even turnips. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the substitution, but the dish will still be delicious.

Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream to make this recipe lighter?

A: You can use half-and-half or a mixture of whole milk and Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative to heavy cream. Note that the dish may be slightly less rich and creamy, but it will still work well.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the gratin in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for individual portions.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it, covered, for up to a day in advance. When ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.

Q: What can I use if I don’t have fresh thyme?

A: If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead. Alternatively, you can experiment with other herbs such as rosemary or oregano for a slightly different flavor.

Q: Why is my gratin watery?

A: If your gratin is watery, it could be due to excess liquid released by the celeriac or beans. Make sure you simmer the celeriac in the cream mixture as directed to reduce excess moisture. Additionally, ensure that you rinse and drain the beans well before adding them to the dish.

Q: Can I add other vegetables or proteins to this gratin?

A: Yes, you can customize this dish by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cooked chicken or ham. Layer them along with the celeriac and beans for added flavor and texture.

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