This Celery Root and Cheese Bake is a rich and savory dish perfect for a side or a light main course. Combining the earthy flavor of celery root with the creamy texture of cheese, it’s a comforting recipe that’s both satisfying and flavorful.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 pounds celery root (peeled and cut into cubes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cubed celery root and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain well.
3. In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place the cooked celery root in a baking dish and pour the cheese sauce over it. Stir gently to combine.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Nutrients

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 8g
• Sodium: 320mg

History and Origin of Celery Root

Celery root, or celeriac, is a variety of celery cultivated for its large, knobby root rather than its stalks. It has been around for centuries, originating in the Mediterranean region. It was primarily used in Mediterranean and European cuisines, where it has long been valued for its health benefits and rich flavor. Celery root’s reputation as a versatile ingredient grew with time, especially in French and Italian cooking. Its mild, nutty flavor pairs well with other earthy vegetables, making it a great ingredient in savory dishes, soups, stews, and even salads. Over time, it has made its way to modern kitchens across the world, where it is often used in mash-ups with root vegetables, gratins, or bakes like the one featured here.

Why Celery Root Makes a Great Ingredient

Celery root is a nutrient-packed vegetable that’s often overlooked due to its rough and unappealing appearance. However, beneath the exterior lies a bounty of benefits. It is low in calories and high in fiber, making it an excellent choice for anyone watching their calorie intake or looking to increase their fiber consumption. It’s also a great source of vitamins such as vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate, as well as essential minerals like potassium and phosphorus.

Another reason celery root is so special is its ability to absorb and enhance the flavors of whatever it’s paired with. In this recipe, the celery root soaks up the rich creaminess of the cheese sauce, creating a balanced and comforting dish. Its texture also becomes perfectly tender when baked, allowing it to blend seamlessly into any dish while still maintaining a slightly firm, satisfying bite.

The Role of Cheese in the Dish

The addition of cheese in this dish not only elevates the flavor but also creates a luxurious texture that complements the celery root’s earthiness. For this recipe, Gruyère cheese is used, known for its nutty, slightly sweet taste and smooth melting quality. Gruyère is an ideal cheese for baked dishes like this one because it creates a creamy, velvety sauce while also adding depth of flavor. Its combination with heavy cream results in a rich sauce that envelops the celery root, making each bite indulgent.

Gruyère also adds a bit of saltiness, balancing the mild sweetness of the celery root. The flavor profile created by the melting cheese contrasts nicely with the root vegetable’s taste, which makes this dish so crave-worthy. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as Swiss, cheddar, or Parmesan, to add variation to the flavor profile, but Gruyère remains a top choice for its combination of flavors and textures.

Health Benefits of Celery Root and Cheese Bake

Although this dish is indulgent and comforting, it also provides a good balance of health benefits, especially when compared to more traditional creamy casseroles or bakes. The celery root, as previously mentioned, is packed with vitamins and minerals, especially potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and maintain proper muscle function. It also supports digestive health due to its high fiber content.

While cheese can often be considered heavy, in this dish, the amount of cheese and cream is balanced to avoid overwhelming the flavor while still providing a creamy texture. Cheese is a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health, as well as protein, which supports muscle repair and growth. By using a moderate amount of cream and cheese, this dish delivers a rich taste without being excessively heavy. For a healthier version, you could even experiment with using a lower-fat cheese or a lighter cream, though these substitutions will slightly alter the dish’s traditional flavor.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

This celery root and cheese bake can serve as a fantastic side dish to complement a variety of meals. It pairs exceptionally well with roasted meats such as chicken, beef, or lamb, where the richness of the dish contrasts beautifully with the savory meat. For a lighter pairing, this bake goes well with grilled vegetables, providing a hearty yet balanced contrast to a plate of grilled eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers.

You can also serve this dish alongside a fresh green salad to add some crunch and balance the creaminess of the bake. A light vinaigrette would be a good accompaniment to cut through the richness of the dish. Additionally, this bake can also work as a main dish for vegetarians or anyone looking for a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor.

Making it Ahead of Time

This recipe can easily be made ahead of time, which makes it a great option for meal prepping or preparing dishes in advance for a dinner party. After assembling the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it into the oven and bake it as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time if it’s coming directly from the fridge, but the result will still be just as delicious.

Alternatively, you can make the dish entirely and store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors tend to develop even further as the dish sits, making it even more flavorful the next day.

Conclusion

Celery Root and Cheese Bake is a unique, comforting, and flavorful dish that highlights the versatility of root vegetables. The creamy cheese sauce, combined with the subtle, earthy flavor of celery root, creates a satisfying and indulgent side dish or light main course. Whether you’re looking for a new way to use root vegetables or simply craving a hearty, cheesy bake, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.