The Best Rutabaga Recipes (2024)

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.

The Best Rutabaga Recipes (1)

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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.

The Best Rutabaga Recipes (2)

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.

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The Best Rutabaga Recipes (5)

Honey Roasted Swede Chips

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

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The Best Rutabaga Recipes (6)

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.

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The Best Rutabaga Recipes (7)

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.

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The Best Rutabaga Recipes (8)

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.

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The Best Rutabaga Recipes (9)

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.

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The Best Rutabaga Recipes (10)

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

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The Best Rutabaga Recipes (11)

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.

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The Best Rutabaga Recipes (12)

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.

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The Best Rutabaga Recipes (13)

Unique Rutabaga Recipes

Raw Rutabaga Salad with Apples

A crunchy raw salad with earthy flavors and a sweet honey vinaigrette.

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The Best Rutabaga Recipes (14)

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.

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The Best Rutabaga Recipes (15)

🌡️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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The Best Rutabaga Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to eat rutabaga? ›

Rutabagas have a reputation of being tough to peel because of their waxy skin, but the exterior is actually pretty easy to tackle after the vegetable has been cut in half and sliced. The easiest way to enjoy the cruciferous vegetable is to boil and mash it into a low-carb mashed potato substitute.

How do you take the bitterness out of rutabagas? ›

How Do You Get the Bitter Taste Out of Rutabagas? If you find that rutabagas are too bitter for you, add up to a tablespoon of sugar to accentuate the sweetness and stir to combine. This will help to counteract the bitterness.

Are rutabagas healthier than potatoes? ›

Whipped rutabagas are a fantastic substitute for mashed potatoes not only because they're half the carbs and calories and contain four times the amount of fiber, but also because they are just as creamy as a potato when beaten. This especially makes it a great option for people on low-carb or keto diets.

Do you peel a rutabaga before cooking? ›

Rutabagas mix well with other root vegetables. Mix with carrots, pota- toes, and turnips to make a healthy vegetable stew. The wax and skin of rutabagas must be peeled before cooking. A sharp paring knife is better than a vegetable peeler.

Is rutabaga inflammatory? ›

Rutabagas are a hearty vegetable packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They promote feelings of fullness, which can prevent weight gain. Furthermore, they contain powerful compounds that help fight inflammation, prevent premature aging, and are associated with a reduced risk of various cancers.

What makes rutabaga bitter? ›

If you try it and it tastes bitter, you probably have the gene that makes certain compounds in rutabagas taste bitter. The gene is relatively rare, but that gene may be causing your displeasure.

Can you overcook rutabaga? ›

If they're overcooked, they will disintegrate [source: Leslie Beck]. Here are some ways to prepare rutabaga. Baking Slice the rutabaga and place it in a shallow baking dish. Sprinkle it with a few tablespoons of water and bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176.6 degrees Celsius) until tender.

How do you prepare rutabagas? ›

Home Preservation
  1. Select young, medium-sized rutabagas.
  2. Cut off tops, wash and peel.
  3. Cubed: Cut into cubes and water blanch 3 minutes. Cool, drain and pack, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. ...
  4. Mashed: Cut into chunks and cook until tender in boiling water. Drain, mash, cool and pack into containers, leaving headspace.

How long does it take to boil cut up rutabaga? ›

Directions. Peel one large rutabaga and chop into small pieces. Place in pot of salted water and boil until tender (about 30 minutes).

Can I eat rutabaga every day? ›

Rutabagas Are Healthy, But You May Want to Eat In Moderation (Along With Other Root Veggies) Knowing how to eat is just as (if not more) important as knowing what to eat. It's common knowledge that whole, unprocessed foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are far more healthier than nutrient-void, processed foods.

Who eats the most rutabaga? ›

Rutabagas are more popular in regions like Scandinavia, Ireland, and the United Kingdom because they grow better in colder climates. The name “rutabaga” comes from the Swedish word rotabagge, which means “baggy root.” Rutabagas are also commonly referred to as Swedes, Neeps, or Swedish Turnips.

Is rutabaga good for weight loss? ›

Rutabagas can benefit individuals aiming to lose weight due to their low-calorie and high-fiber content. With approximately 35 calories per 100-gram serving and a significant amount of dietary fiber, rutabagas can promote satiety, potentially reducing overall calorie intake.

Why is my rutabaga taking so long to cook? ›

The older the rutabaga, the longer it can take to cook, so you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time. You can use a food processor if you prefer the mash to have a smoother texture.

Do rutabagas cause gas? ›

Since rutabaga is a cruciferous vegetable, it contains raffinose, which is a complex sugar that can sometimes cause abdominal discomfort, bloating and flatulence. There is methane-producing bacteria in the colon that feeds on raffinose, and for some people, this process can result in the release of gas.

Can I eat rutabaga raw? ›

Rutabaga flesh is quite hard, so cut it using a sharp knife. This vegetable can be eaten raw or cooked. Try rutabagas: Boiled and mashed with other root vegetables like potatoes or carrots.

Is it better to eat rutabaga raw or cooked? ›

Although people can eat rutabagas raw, they have a strong flavor best suited to cooking. People should peel them before cooking to remove the skin and wax. A person may cook rutabagas using the following methods: baking or roasting.

Is rutabaga better cooked or raw? ›

Like other cruciferous vegetables, rutabagas contain raffinose, a naturally occurring sugar that can cause bloating and gas. 14 If rutabagas have this effect on you, try eating them steamed (instead of raw). It also helps to add fiber-rich foods to your diet gradually so your digestive system can adapt to them.

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