Roasted Apple & Celery Root Gratin with Thyme Crumble
Sweet-tart apples meet earthy roots and fragrant herbs in this elevated, comforting dish — perfect as a Christmas side or a stunning vegetarian centerpiece.
Servings 6 as a side dish
Calories 160kcal
Ingredients
- Gratin Base
- 2 medium green apples like Granny Smith, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 small celery root celeriac, peeled and thinly sliced (~250 g)
- ⅓ cup unsweetened coconut milk full fat
- 2 tbsp butter or coconut oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- Optional: 1 tbsp grated Parmesan adds savory umami
- 🌿 Thyme-Almond Crumble
- ¾ cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 tbsp butter or coconut oil softened
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 325°F (commercial convection) or 350°F conventional.
- Grease a small ceramic or cast-iron baking dish with butter or coconut oil.
- Step 2: Sauté & Layer
- In a sauté pan, melt butter. Add celery root and sauté 3–4 mins to soften slightly.
- Add apple slices, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 more minutes.
- Pour in coconut milk and stir to coat. Remove from heat.
- Step 3: Assemble Gratin
- Layer mixture evenly in baking dish. Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan over top.
- Cover loosely with foil. Bake for 20 minutes to steam and set base.
- Step 4: Prepare Crumble
- In a bowl, combine almond flour, nuts, softened butter, thyme, and salt.
- Mix with fingers or fork until crumbly.
- Step 5: Finish Bake
- Remove foil. Sprinkle crumble topping over gratin.
- Return to oven uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until top is golden and filling is bubbly.
- Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with microgreens or fresh thyme.
Notes
Nutrition Facts (per serving, side dish portion)
(FDA-compliant, estimated)- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 6 mg (from butter, if used)
- Sodium: 160 mg
-
Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar Alcohols: 0 g
- Net Carbs: 6 g
- Protein: 3 g
📦 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerated: 3–4 days
- Reheat: 325°F for 10 mins (cover loosely)
- Freezing: Not ideal (apples may lose texture)
✨ Culinary Notes:
- Celery root adds a mild, earthy depth and silky starch-free texture.
- Green apples offer natural tartness, balancing savory elements.
- Almond-thyme crumble brings texture contrast without carbs.
