Published: · Modified: by Jen Wooster
If you are looking for a new favorite rutabaga recipe, then you are in the right place! Or favorite rutabaga recipes range the gambit from raw to mashed. And everything in between.
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Jump to:
- 🧾About Rutabagas
- 🥘 Expert Tip
- 🥗 Best Rutabaga Recipes
- Rutabaga Soup Recipes
- 🌡️Storage
- What to Serve with Rutabagas
- 💬Frequently Asked Questions
- ⭐Reviews
Rutabagas are becoming more popular in the U.S, they add a light sweetness (and fewer carbs) to our favorite comfort food dishes.
Rutabagas are an ideal ingredient to experiment with if you are looking to explore beyond standard root vegetables like potatoes and carrots.
🧾About Rutabagas
Rutabagas are a cross between wild cabbage and turnips. This is also why they are often confused with turnips. However, rutabagas are larger and sweeter in flavor. Whereas a turnip tastes more like a radish.
Rutabagas are also called Swedish turnips and swedes. They range in size from a couple of inches to larger than six inches.
Rutabagas are purple on top towards the stem and fade to yellowish-cream color at the bottom. The larger the rutabaga, the sweeter the flavor.
When eaten raw, rutabagas are similar to jicama. But most often rutabagas are cooked.
Rutabaga Nutrition
Rutabagas have become popular for their similarity to potatoes while being lower in net carbs. But beyond that rutabagas are very high in Vitamin C and contain a good amount of potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Cooking with Rutabagas
Look for rutabagas with smooth skin and without bruises or cuts. They should feel heavy for their size. Fruits in the 3 inch to 5-inch range will have the best balance of texture and sweetness.
Rutabagas can be eaten cooked or raw. I recommended always peeling your rutabagas because they are typically coated in wax to extend shelf life.
The best ways to rutabagas are:
- Raw in salads or slaws
- Roasted, alone or with different root vegetables
- Mashed
- Baked or gratin style
- Pureed in soups
- Cubed and cooked in stews or soups
- Fries
🥘 Expert Tip
Outside of a Farmer's Market, rutabagas are rarely found in the U.S. with their leaves still intact If you are lucky enough to score one you can saute up the greens which makes a nice accompaniment to mashed rutabagas. We recommend blanching before sauteing the greens.
🥗 Best Rutabaga Recipes
This is the best collection of rutabaga recipes, it includes all our favorite ways to cook and eat rutabaga. These recipes are full of flavor and as always, naturally gluten-free. And many are dairy-free and vegan so be sure to check them out.
Let's get started!
Baked Rutabaga Recipes
The first two recipes have been featured in our annual Thanksgiving menu round-up and our annual Christmas dinner menu. They are definitely my favorites!
Parmesan Baked Rutabaga
Low carb version of the classic parmesan potato stacks. These rutabaga stacks are turned sideways for an extra crispy outer edge and a cheesy soft center.
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Honey and Thyme Roasted Rutabaga
Our favorite rutabaga recipe! Oven-roasted rutabaga with honey and thyme is a tasty side dish perfect for chilly days. This rutabaga recipe has the perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors.
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Rutabaga Fries
Healthy oven-baked rutabaga fries with a great crunchy exterior, and a fluffy interior. These rutabaga fries are lightly seasoned with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Keto friendly.
Honey Roasted Swede Chips
Baked rutabaga fries made with honey and thyme. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a healthy dinner side dish.
Mashed Rutabaga Recipes
Mashed Rutabaga with Garlic Herb Butter
Rutabaga stands in for potatoes in this mashed rutabaga with garlic herb butter side dish. It's a wonderful lower-carb option that brings all the same comfort food vibes.
Carrot and Rutabaga Mash (Carrot and Swede Mash)
Carrot and rutabaga mash is a great alternative to mashed potatoes and so quick and easy to make. Slightly sweet in flavor, the vegetables are mashed together with sour cream and butter for a rich side dish that is full of flavor.
Whipped Rutabaga Mash with Quick Tomato Confit
Rutabaga mashed with cream and topped with a delightful chunky tomato sauce. seasoned with garlic and extra virgin olive oil.
Root Vegetable Mash with Caramelized Leeks
The most perfect buttery mashed root vegetables with caramelized leeks and fresh thyme. This recipe features potatoes and carrots in addition to rutabaga.
Rutabaga Soup Recipes
Rutabaga makes a lovely base for soup. Once cooked and pureed they have a silky texture creating the perfect backdrop for fresh herbs and other seasonings.
It is also a great addition to hearty stews and even diced-up chicken pot pies!
Creamy White Bean Rutabaga and Roasted Garlic Soup
This soup makes a lovely light winter supper, lunch or elegant starter. Best of all, this rich and creamy soup is actually quite healthy
Rutabaga Parsnip Root Vegetable Soup
This easy homemade Root Vegetable Soup recipe is healthy and comforting! It's made in one pot with hearty winter veggies, like potatoes, carrots, and celery, and savory broth.
Beef Provencal With Root Vegetables
Beef Provencal is the classic French stew for those days when you’re craving a warm and satisfying dish: tender braised beef and succulent root vegetables in a rich wine sauce.
Unique Rutabaga Recipes
Raw Rutabaga Salad with Apples
A crunchy raw salad with earthy flavors and a sweet honey vinaigrette.
Rutabaga Hash with Chiles and Crispy Bacon
Rutabaga Hash with Chiles and Crispy Bacon is a nutritious breakfast recipe that is packed with flavor. This unique recipe is delicious with sliced avocado and a little sour cream drizzled on top.
🌡️Storage
Most rutabaga recipes will last for 3 to 4 days when properly stored in the refrigerator. Please see the individual recipes for instructions.
Raw rutabagas will keep at room temperature for 1 to 2 weeks and up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator.
If you have a root cellar, you can store your waxed rutabagas for several months.
What to Serve with Rutabagas
Rutabagas can be paired with beef, chicken, or seafood main courses. They are lovely mashed with our slow cooker shredded beef and they make the perfect backdrop for a roasted turkey breast and turkey gravy (made without flour!).
As for complimentary side dishes, I like to pair heavy root vegetables with lighter greens like our garlic green beans, curried green beans, simple sauteed greens, or a raw brussel sprout salad.
💬Frequently Asked Questions
Are rutabaga leaves edible?
Yes, rutabaga leaves are edible. It is recommended to pick younger leaves and blanch them before cooking. Rutabaga leaves are known for their bitter mustard-like flavor and blanching them will make them sweeter while maintaining a vibrant color.
Can you eat rutabaga raw?
Yes, rutabaga can be eaten raw. Because rutabagas purchased from a grocery store are coated with a heavy wax to prolong their shelf life it is recommended that they be peeled first. Raw rutabaga should be shredded to finely diced.
How do you peel rutabaga?
There are two ways to peel rutabaga. The first is to trim each end and cut it in half. Put the halves flat on a cutting board, then slice them into half moons. Then, you can use a paring knife to remove the skin and wax.
The most common way to peel rutabaga is to use a potato peeler or vegetable peeler and then trim the ends.
What is the best rutabaga substitute?
There are several good substitutes for rutabaga. When eating raw in a salad, jicama is the best substitute. For mashed, roasted, or pureed recipes either turnips or potatoes can be substituted. I recommend a 50/50 mix.
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