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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.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American Holiday
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
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.