Recipe

Turnips are often overlooked, but they’re the star of this gratin. Their slightly peppery flavor pairs beautifully with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a golden breadcrumb topping. This dish is versatile enough to complement a holiday roast or a weeknight dinner. Plus, using the Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater with its sharp premium blades and stable suction base makes shredding cheese and slicing turnips quick, safe, and effortless—perfect for busy family dinners or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Turnips: 2 lbs, peeled and thinly sliced

Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded

Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, finely shredded

Heavy cream: 1 ½ cups

Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

Butter: 2 tablespoons, plus extra for greasing

Fresh thyme: 1 tablespoon, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

Breadcrumbs: ½ cup (optional, for extra crunch)

Salt and pepper: To taste

Nutmeg: A pinch (optional, for warmth)

Instructions

Prep the Turnips : Peel the turnips and use the cheese slicer with the Slicing Blade from the 3-Blade Set. The sharp premium blades ensure uniform, thin slices in seconds, saving you time and effort. Set the slices aside.

Grate the Cheese : Using the Coarse Shredding Blade from the 2-Blade Set, shred the cheddar cheese with the cheese shredder. The stable suction base keeps the grater firmly in place, so you can focus on creating perfect shreds for that melty, gooey texture. Then, switch to the Extra Fine Shredding Blade from the 5-Blade Set to grate the Parmesan for a fine, delicate topping. The food pusher and detachable handle make this step safe and easy, even for family members helping in the kitchen.

Preheat and Prepare : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.

Cook the Cream Sauce : In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, add the thyme, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Stir and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Assemble the Gratin : Arrange half of the turnip slices in an even layer in the greased baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the turnips. Pour half of the warm cream sauce over the cheese. Repeat with the remaining turnip slices, cheddar cheese, and cream sauce. Top with the finely shredded Parmesan and, if desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

Bake : Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the turnips are tender when pierced with a fork.

Serve : Let the gratin cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. The creamy, cheesy layers will hold together beautifully, making it easy to scoop and serve as a side dish.

Tips and Variations

Make it Festive: The hand crank cheese grater is a versatile tool—try using the Crushing Blade from the 5-Blade Set to grind some nuts or chocolate for a dessert topping if you’re serving this at a gathering!

Customization: Swap out cheddar for Gruyère or add a layer of sautéed onions for extra flavor. The turnips’ mild flavor pairs well with bold cheeses.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Turnip Gratin is comfort food at its finest—creamy, cheesy, and just a little fancy. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a holiday feast, this dish will steal the show. Grab your hand crank cheese grater, get slicing, and enjoy the delicious results!