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    Home » Kitchen Basics

    Published: Dec 20, 2021 · Modified: Aug 16, 2022 by Jen Wooster

    The 13 Best Rutabaga Recipes

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    different ways to cook rutabagas
    Collage of 4 different rutabaga dishes.
    Collage of 4 ways to use rutabaga in a recipe.
    collage of different rutabaga dishes

    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.

    collage of different rutabaga dishes

    This post may include affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!

    Jump to:
    • 🧾About Rutabagas
    • 🥘 Expert Tip
    • 🥗 Best Rutabaga Recipes
    • Rutabaga Soup Recipes
    • 🌡️Storage
    • What to Serve with Rutabagas
    • 💬Frequently Asked Questions

    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.

    rutabagas in bin at store

    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.
    GET THE RECIPE PIN THE RECIPE
    rutabaga slices in a baking dish with a spoon

    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.
    GET THE RECIPE PIN THE RECIPE
    rutabaga on serving plate garnished with thyme

    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.
    GET THE RECIPE
    rutabaga fries on a plate with ketchup

    Honey Roasted Swede Chips

    Baked rutabaga fries made with honey and thyme. Perfect for an afternoon snack or a healthy dinner side dish.
    GET THE RECIPE
    Rutabaga fries with herbs.

    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.
    GET THE RECIPE
    bowl of mushed rutabaga

    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.
    GET THE RECIPE
    Mashed rutabaga and carrots in a while bowl.

    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.
    GET THE RECIPE
    mashed rutabaga with tomato

    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.
    GET THE RECIPE
    Mashed root vegetables in a bowl.

    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
    GET THE RECIPE
    rutabaga soup in a bowl with parmesan crisp

    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.
    GET THE RECIPE
    ttwo bowls of rutabaga soup with herbs

    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.
    GET THE RECIPE
    beef stew in a bowl

    Unique Rutabaga Recipes

    Raw Rutabaga Salad with Apples

    A crunchy raw salad with earthy flavors and a sweet honey vinaigrette.
    GET THE RECIPE
    rutabaga salad in a bowl

    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.
    GET THE RECIPE
    breakfast bowl with hard boiled egg

    🌡️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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    My name is Jen and I am the recipe developer, writer, and photographer around here. Since being diagnosed with celiac disease over 10 years ago I have been slowly curating a recipe box full of gluten-free goodness. I adore vegetables, crave chocolate, and I am always up for an adventure.

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