Easy Vegetable Gratin Get Your 5 A Day

I love to make large dishes for dinner, like my Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole, Vegan Spaghetti Squash Alfredo, or Quinoa Bake With Veggies, because they are not only delicious, but they are perfect to meal-prep many days of lunches or dinners. Today, I wanted to make a similar casserole dish, but I wanted it loaded with many different kinds of veggies and full of a creamy sauce.

Ingredients and Substitutions

You need 5 veggies and a few ingredients for the bechamel to make this delicious dish. If you want even more veggies, you can swap the classic bechamel for my Cauliflower Bechamel.

Cauliflower Florets – Cauliflower provides texture and flavors. You can swap with broccoli if preferred but it won’t be as creamy and melt-in-your-mouth. Sweet Potato – They add sweetness and color to the dish. Use butternut squash as an alternative. Mini Carrots – Peel and halve lengthwise to roast evenly. Baby carrots or chopped large carrots also work. Potatoes – Keep the potatoes unpeeled for a rustic feel. Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal for this recipe. Red Onion – Red onions add a mild sweetness. Swap with yellow onion for a more subtle taste or shallots for a fancy version. Garlic Head – Roasted garlic brings depth and richness to the béchamel sauce. I use a whole garlic. Garlic Powder, Paprika, Oregano, Salt – These enhance the roasted vegetables with earthy, savory notes. Adjust seasonings to taste. You can try thyme or rosemary for a different twist. Flour – All-purpose or gluten-free flour both work. Vegan Butter – Plant-based butter adds thickness to the sauce. You can also use margarine. Almond Milk – This is used to make the bechamel. Avoid sweetened non-dairy milks for a balanced flavor. Nutmeg – A hint of spice that is essential for the classic béchamel taste. If you don’t have any, skip it, don’t swap it. Dairy-Free Cheese – Mozzarella or cheddar-style vegan cheese melts well and adds creaminess. Panko Crumbs – These add some crunch to the topping. Use gluten-free panko if needed.

How to Make Easy Vegetable Gratin

This grating takes a wee while to bake, but there’s not much prep to get it going. Here are pictures of the key steps.

Serving Suggestions

Pair It Up: Serve with a crisp green salad or a loaf of crusty bread to complement the creamy gratin. Great for Gatherings: This dish works as both a main course or a side, making it ideal for holiday meals or dinners. Make It Ahead: Roast the vegetables and prepare the béchamel in advance. Assemble and bake when ready to serve it. Flavor Additions: Add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted Brussels sprouts for a different flavor.