There's something incredibly comforting about digging into a bubbling, cheesy casserole, especially when it's bursting with the vibrant flavors of spiralized vegetables. Our Spiralized Potato Au Gratin Casserole combines the creamy decadence of a traditional potato au gratin with a twist of spiralized vegetables for added texture and taste. It's a hearty side dish that's sure to steal the show at any dinner table.
Some ingredients in this recipe may not be a common sight in every kitchen. Turnips, while not commonly used in many dishes, are a root vegetable that is quite versatile. Their peppery taste adds a unique flavor to this dish. Gruyere cheese is a type of Swiss cheese known for its creamy, nutty flavor and is often used in gratin dishes. You should be able to find both these ingredients in your local supermarket.
Ingredients for the Spiralized Potato Au Gratin Casserole
half & half cream: Rich and creamy, this will add a velvety consistency to the dish.
skim milk: Offers a lighter option to keep the dish creamy yet lower in fat.
kosher salt: Used to enhance the flavors of the dish.
thyme sprigs: Adds an aromatic and earthy flavor.
rosemary sprigs: Contributes an aromatic, woody and slightly minty flavor.
butter: Adds richness and depth to the dish.
onion: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
ground turkey: Adds a lean protein source to the dish.
garlic cloves: Gives a pungent, spicy flavor that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking.
turnips: Adds a slightly peppery and crisp flavor.
carrots: Adds a sweet note to balance out the savory flavors.
potato: Adds starchiness and holds up well under the creamy sauce.
gruyere cheese: Adds a creamy, nutty flavor.
scallions: Adds a mild onion flavor and also serves as a colorful garnish.
One reader, Keely Arsenault says:
This spiralized potato au gratin casserole recipe is a game-changer! The combination of creamy texture and rich flavors is simply irresistible. The spiralized veggies add a fun twist, making it a hit with the whole family. It's a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their potato casserole game!
Techniques Required for Spiralized Potato Au Gratin Casserole
Spiralizing the vegetables: Spiralize the carrot, turnips, and potato using the thickest noodle setting of the spiralizer, cutting the spirals into 8-inch lengths.
Simmering the cream mixture: In a small pan, combine the half and half, milk, ½ teaspoon of salt, thyme, and rosemary. Simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, then set aside.
Sautéing the onion and garlic: In a large nonstick pan, melt the butter, then sauté the chopped onion and garlic in butter for 5 minutes.
Cooking the ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the sautéed onion and garlic, then cook on medium-high heat for 10 minutes until browned.
Combining the ingredients: In a large working bowl, combine the spiralized turnips, potatoes, and carrots along with the turkey and the milk mixture. Mix well.
Baking the casserole: Pour the mixture into a casserole dish, then top with scallions and gruyere cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour. Uncover and broil on low for 5 minutes, or until golden on top.
How To Make Spiralized Potato Au Gratin Casserole
Create a fun dish with our flavorful potato au gratin casserole! The potatoes are paired with fresh veggies and filling turkey for a full meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cuphalf & half cream
- ½cupskim milk
- 1¼tspkosher saltdivided
- 2fresh thyme sprigs
- 1fresh rosemary sprigs
- 2tspbutter
- 1small onionchopped
- 1¼lbsground turkey93% lean
- 4garlic clovesdiced
- 1lbturnipspeeled
- 3ozcarrots½ of large
- 8ozmedium potatopeeled
- 3ozGruyere cheeseshredded
- ¼cupscallionschopped
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
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Spray an 14-inch oval casserole dish with cooking spray.
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Spiralize the carrot, turnips and potato with the thickest noodle setting of the spiralizer, cutting the spirals into 8-inch lengths.
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In a small pan, add the half and half, milk, ½ teaspoon of salt, thyme, and rosemary.
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Simmer over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, then set aside.
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In a large nonstick pan, melt the butter, then sauté the chopped onion and garlic in butter for 5 minutes.
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Add ¾ teaspoon salt and pepper.
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Add the ground turkey, then cook on medium-high heat for 10 minutes until browned.
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Remove the thyme and rosemary leaves from the milk.
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Pour the milk mixture onto the turkey, then simmer for 3 minutes.
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In a large working bowl, combine the spiralized turnips, potatoes and carrots along with the turkey and the milk mixture. Mix well.
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Pour into a casserole dish, then top with scallions, and gruyere cheese.
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Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
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Uncover and broil on low for 5 minutes, or until golden on top.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 352.50kcal
- Fat: 20.72g
- Saturated Fat: 10.06g
- Trans Fat: 0.15g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.39g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.75g
- Carbohydrates: 16.90g
- Fiber: 3.20g
- Sugar: 6.05g
- Protein: 25.91g
- Cholesterol: 111.77mg
- Sodium: 630.86mg
- Calcium: 264.65mg
- Potassium: 682.04mg
- Iron: 1.99mg
- Vitamin A: 301.85µg
- Vitamin C: 28.54mg
Technique Tip for Spiralized Potato Au Gratin Casserole
When spiralizing your carrots, turnips, and potatoes, ensure to use the freshest produce for the best results. Fresh vegetables are firmer and will hold their shape better when spiralized. Also, when adding the milk mixture to the ground turkey, make sure to do it gradually and stir continuously. This will help to evenly distribute the flavors and prevent the milk from curdling.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Casserole
Prep ahead: Prepare the spiralized vegetables and the milk mixture the night before and store them separately in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of cooking.
Use a food processor: Instead of spiralizing the vegetables, use a food processor with a slicing attachment to quickly slice the potatoes, turnips, and carrots.
Multi-task: While the casserole is baking, use that time to clean up the kitchen or prepare a simple side salad to go with the dish.
Pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded gruyere cheese instead of shredding it yourself.
Batch cooking: Make a double batch of the casserole and freeze one for a quick and easy meal on a busy day.
Sharp knives: Use sharp knives to quickly and efficiently spiralize the vegetables and chop the onions and garlic.
Substitute Ingredients For Spiralized Potato Au Gratin Casserole Recipe
half & half cream - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can provide a creamy texture and richness similar to half & half cream, while also adding a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.
skim milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a similar consistency and a slightly nutty flavor to the dish.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity and enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
thyme sprigs - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can be used as a substitute for fresh thyme, providing a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the dish.
rosemary sprigs - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary can be used as a substitute for fresh rosemary, offering a similar pine-like aroma and flavor to the dish.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, providing a rich flavor and adding a subtle fruity note to the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can be used as a substitute for onions, offering a milder and sweeter flavor to the dish.
ground turkey - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken can be used as a lean alternative to ground turkey, providing a similar texture and flavor profile to the dish.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves, providing a concentrated garlic flavor to the dish.
turnips - Substitute with rutabaga: Rutabaga can be used as a substitute for turnips, offering a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor to the dish.
carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips can be used as a substitute for carrots, providing a similar sweet and earthy flavor to the dish.
medium potato - Substitute with sweet potato: Sweet potato can be used as a substitute for regular potato, offering a sweeter flavor and a vibrant color to the dish.
gruyere cheese - Substitute with fontina cheese: Fontina cheese can be used as a substitute for gruyere, providing a rich and nutty flavor with good melting properties for the dish.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for scallions, offering a mild onion flavor and a delicate texture to the dish.
Presenting Your Spiralized Potato Casserole
Elevate the casserole dish: Place the casserole dish on a wooden board or a decorative trivet to add a rustic and inviting touch to the presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a few sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary on the casserole to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Place a few edible flowers, such as nasturtiums or pansies, around the casserole dish to add a delicate and elegant touch to the presentation.
Use high-quality serving utensils: Opt for sleek and modern serving utensils, such as stainless steel or copper, to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a luxurious and opulent presentation, delicately place a few edible gold leaf flakes on top of the casserole to add a shimmering and eye-catching element.
Serve on individual plates: Portion the casserole onto individual plates using a ring mold for a refined and elegant presentation, ensuring each serving is beautifully plated.
Create a decorative border: Use thinly sliced vegetables, such as zucchini or yellow squash, to create a decorative border around the casserole, adding visual appeal and a touch of creativity to the presentation.
Enhance with a drizzle of truffle oil: Just before serving, drizzle a small amount of truffle oil in a decorative pattern on the plates to add a luxurious and aromatic element to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Spiralized Potato Au Gratin Casserole
- Spiralizer: A kitchen tool used to cut vegetables into long, curly strands. It is perfect for creating the spiralized vegetables for this recipe.
- Oval casserole dish: A baking dish with an oval shape, perfect for making casseroles and gratins.
- Small pan: A cooking vessel used for heating and simmering the milk mixture in this recipe.
- Nonstick pan: A pan with a nonstick coating, ideal for sautéing the onions, garlic, and browning the ground turkey.
- Working bowl: A large bowl used for mixing and combining the spiralized vegetables with the turkey and milk mixture.
- Foil: Aluminum foil used to cover the casserole dish while baking.
- Broiler: An oven appliance used for broiling the casserole to achieve a golden, crispy top.
Storing and Freezing Spiralized Potato Au Gratin Casserole
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the dish soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
For longer storage, freeze the spiralized potato au gratin casserole. Wrap the cooled casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with a layer of aluminum foil. Label the dish with the date and contents.
When ready to reheat, remove the casserole from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat, remove the plastic wrap and cover the dish with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until heated through. If the casserole is still frozen, it may take longer to reheat.
For best results, avoid freezing the casserole for more than 2-3 months. Over time, the quality and texture of the potatoes, turnips, and carrots may deteriorate.
If you plan to make this dish ahead of time for a gathering or event, it's best to assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This will help maintain the texture and quality of the spiralized vegetables.
How To Reheat Leftover Spiralized Potato Au Gratin Casserole
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the top layer of cheese.
For a quicker option, reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a serving of the spiralized potato au gratin on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the potatoes to become mushy.
If you have a toaster oven, you can reheat smaller portions of the casserole. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a serving of the casserole on a toaster oven-safe dish. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a stovetop method, place a portion of the casserole in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted.
If you want to add some extra flavor and texture to your reheated casserole, try topping it with some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or sprinkle some additional shredded cheese on top before reheating.
Random Fact About Spiralized Potato Au Gratin Casserole
Spiralized potato au gratin casserole is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional potato au gratin. It's a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a comforting and satisfying dish.
Is Making Spiralized Potato Au Gratin Casserole Economical for Home Cooking?
This spiralized potato au gratin casserole recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The use of ground turkey and root vegetables makes it a budget-friendly option. The total cost for a household of 4 people is approximately $20, making it an economical choice. The dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, earning a solid 8/10 rating.
Is Spiralized Potato Au Gratin Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?
This spiralized potato au gratin casserole recipe has some healthy elements, but it also contains ingredients that may not be considered entirely nutritious. Let's break it down:
Healthy aspects:
- The recipe includes vegetables like turnips, carrots, and potatoes, which provide essential nutrients and fiber.
- Ground turkey is used as a lean protein source, which is lower in fat compared to ground beef.
- The recipe calls for skim milk, which reduces the overall fat content.
Less healthy aspects:
- The use of half & half cream and butter adds saturated fat to the dish.
- Gruyere cheese, while delicious, is high in fat and calories.
- The recipe doesn't include a significant amount of leafy greens or other nutrient-dense vegetables.
To make this recipe healthier, you could try the following modifications:
- Replace the half & half cream with more skim milk or a plant-based alternative like unsweetened almond milk to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Use a smaller amount of gruyere cheese or opt for a lower-fat cheese like part-skim mozzarella.
- Incorporate more vegetables into the dish, such as spinach, kale, or zucchini, to increase the nutrient density and fiber content.
- Consider using a smaller amount of butter or replacing it with a healthier alternative like olive oil.
- Serve the casserole with a side salad or additional steamed vegetables to balance out the meal.
Editor's Thoughts on This Spiralized Potato Casserole
The spiralized potato au gratin casserole recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish. The combination of spiralized turnips, potatoes, and carrots with ground turkey creates a flavorful and wholesome casserole. The use of fresh herbs and gruyere cheese adds depth and richness to the dish, while the cooking method ensures a creamy and satisfying texture. The addition of scallions provides a pop of freshness. Overall, this recipe offers a unique and delicious take on a traditional au gratin casserole, making it a delightful choice for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Enhance Your Spiralized Potato Au Gratin Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Spiralized Potato Au Gratin Casserole Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic potato au gratin, incorporating spiralized vegetables for added texture and flavor. The combination of thyme and rosemary infuses the dish with aromatic notes, while the use of ground turkey provides a lean and flavorful protein option. The inclusion of Gruyere cheese adds a rich and creamy element, complementing the earthy flavors of the vegetables. With a balance of wholesome ingredients and a thoughtful cooking method, this recipe promises a satisfying and wholesome dining experience.
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