Roasted Rutabaga Recipe (Just Like Potatoes!) - Wholesome Yum (2024)

Roasted Rutabaga Recipe (Just Like Potatoes!) - Wholesome Yum (1)

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In This Post

  • Why You’ll Love This Roasted Rutabaga Recipe
  • What Is A Rutabaga?
  • Ingredients For Roasted Rutabagas
  • How To Roast Rutabaga
  • Seasoning Variations
  • Storage Instructions
  • What To Serve With Rutabaga Recipes
  • More Easy Roasted Vegetable Recipes
  • Tools For Roasting Rutabaga
  • Roasted Rutabaga Recipe (Just Like Potatoes!)Recipe card
  • Recipe Reviews

This roasted rutabaga recipe makes a hearty and healthy side dish to just about any meal. If you’re looking to swap out potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a healthier option that’s lower in carbohydrates and calories, root vegetables like rutabaga are a great choice. Make rutabaga recipes by using this veggie in soups, stews, or even warm over salads, or serve it all on its own with mains like keto salmon, maple glazed pork chops, or juicy baked chicken breasts.

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Rutabaga Recipe

  • Tender, starchy texture similar to potatoes
  • Just 10 minutes to prep
  • Only 3 ingredients
  • Naturally low carb, gluten-free, and keto friendly
  • Healthy vegetable side dish
Roasted Rutabaga Recipe (Just Like Potatoes!) - Wholesome Yum (2)

What Is A Rutabaga?

A rutabaga, also known as a Swedish turnip or swede, is a nutritious root vegetable that is a cross between a turnip and a wild cabbage. It’s a great source of fiber and vitamin C.

What Do Rutabagas Taste Like?

When cooked, rutabagas have a mild, sweet flavor and a texture very similar to potatoes. Because they are much lower in carbs than roasted potatoes, they make a great low carb potato substitute. You can cook them using this roasted rutabaga recipe, or try making keto French fries with them!

Ingredients For Roasted Rutabagas

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for oven roasted rutabaga, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

  • Rutabagas – Look for fresh rutabagas that feel heavy and smooth. Smaller rutabagas will be sweeter than larger ones. I prefer to peel the skin (instructions below), but if you want to leave it on, you’ll need to dip the rutabagas briefly in boiling water to remove the wax coating. You could also swap rutabagas for roasted turnips for the same potato-like texture.
  • Olive Oil – A must for roasting! You can also sub avocado oil.
  • SpicesGarlic powder, sea salt & black pepper.

See below for more seasoning ideas!

Roasted Rutabaga Recipe (Just Like Potatoes!) - Wholesome Yum (3)

How To Roast Rutabaga

This section shows how to roast rutabaga with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.

Dice.

Peeling the tough, waxy skin of rutabagas and chopping them can seem intimidating, but it’s easy with the right technique:

  • Cut off the ends.
  • Cut the rutabaga in half.
  • Slice into 3/4-inch-thick slices, which will be in the shape of semi-circles.
  • Peel the skin off each slice using a paring knife (this works better than a peeler in this case).
  • Cut each slice into strips.
  • Lay the strips in the opposite direction and cut again to form cubes.

Season.

In a large bowl, toss cubed rutabaga with olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Feel free to add other seasonings here — see below for ideas.

Roasted Rutabaga Recipe (Just Like Potatoes!) - Wholesome Yum (4)
Roasted Rutabaga Recipe (Just Like Potatoes!) - Wholesome Yum (5)

Roast Rutabagas.

Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they are spread out in a single layer and each rutabaga cube is touching the pan. Bake until fork tender and golden.

Roasted Rutabaga Recipe (Just Like Potatoes!) - Wholesome Yum (6)
Roasted Rutabaga Recipe (Just Like Potatoes!) - Wholesome Yum (7)

Seasoning Variations

Roasted rutabagas benefit from the same seasonings that potatoes do! I kept the recipe basic with just garlic powder, salt, and pepper, but here are some other additions to try:

  • Fresh or dried herbs – Such as rosemary, thyme, parsley, or basil. For 1 pound of rutabaga, use 1-2 tablespoons fresh herbs, or 1-2 teaspoons dried.
  • Steak Seasoning – Use 1-2 teaspoons for roasting rutabagas, and also reduce the salt in the recipe by half. This seasoning is also obviously great for top sirloin steak.
  • Italian seasoning – Use 1-2 teaspoons.
  • Paprika – Add 1/2 teaspoon.
  • Cayenne Pepper – Great for adding some heat. The amount depends on your preference, but 1/4 teaspoon is a good starting point.

You can also toss the rutabagas with other hearty vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, onions, potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even apples and pears. (However, note that most of these will not be low carb.)

Storage Instructions

  • Store: Keep leftover roasted rutabaga in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also peel and cut the rutabaga ahead of time, and keep in the fridge for 1-2 days. Swedes that haven’t been cut can last 1-4 months in a cool cellar, pantry, or preferably, in the fridge.
  • Reheat: Reheat in a 350 degree F oven for best results, or microwave if you are in a pinch. Or simply toss them in while you make a sausage and kale soup for a hearty addition.
  • Freeze: Cooked rutabagas can be frozen for 2-3 months. Store them in a zip lock bag or airtight container in the freezer.
Roasted Rutabaga Recipe (Just Like Potatoes!) - Wholesome Yum (8)

What To Serve With Rutabaga Recipes

All this baked rutabaga needs is a main dish. Try one of these healthy dinners:

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

Oven Roasted London Broil

Tilapia In The Oven

Crab Stuffed Salmon

Air Fryer Pork Chops

More Easy Roasted Vegetable Recipes

Roasting vegetables is always easy and tasty, and if you love those two things as much as I do, be sure to try these next…

Roasted Broccoli And Cauliflower

Garlic Green Beans

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Broccolini

Roasted Romanesco

Roasted Cauliflower

  • Sheet Pan– These are my favorite sheet pans (I have every size!). Easy to clean and made in the USA.
  • Glass Storage Containers– Store leftover rutabagas in these glass storage containers that can go right from refrigerator to microwave.

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Recipe Card

Roasted Rutabaga Recipe (Just Like Potatoes!) - Wholesome Yum (22)

4.93 from 38 votes☝️ Click stars to rate or click here to leave a review!

Roasted Rutabaga Recipe (Just Like Potatoes!)

This easy, healthy roasted rutabaga recipe is a lower carb side dish similar to potatoes. Just 3 ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes!

Prep: 10 minutes

Cook: 25 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Author: Maya Krampf from WholesomeYum.com

Servings: 4 (adjust to scale recipe)

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Recipe Video

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Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them.

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or cooking spray.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, toss the rutabaga cubes with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

  3. Spread evenly on the baking sheet making sure each piece touches the pan.

  4. Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes, until the rutabaga pieces are golden brown and tender.

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Related Easy Recipes

  • Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts

  • Oven Roasted Vegetables

  • Roasted Garlic Recipe

  • Roasted Broccoli And Cauliflower

Recipe Notes

Serving size: 3/4 cup

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving. Serving size in recipe notes above.

Calories106

Fat7.2g

Protein1.4g

Total Carbs10.5g

Net Carbs7.8g

Fiber2.7g

Sugar5.1g

Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.

Course:Side Dish

Cuisine:American

Keywords:Roasted rutabaga, roasted rutabaga recipe

Calories: 106 kcal

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. 🙂

Easy Roasted Rutabaga Recipe

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FAQs

Is rutabaga 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.

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.

What is the best way to eat rutabaga? ›

They can be eaten raw, but are usually roasted, cooked and mashed (sometimes with potatoes or other root vegetables), and used in casseroles, stews and soups. They are high in vitamin C, a good source of potassium and high in fiber.

Who should not eat rutabaga? ›

Individuals with known sensitivities to cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage or broccoli should exercise caution when consuming rutabagas. It is crucial for individuals experiencing allergic symptoms after consuming rutabaga to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and management.

Is rutabaga inflammatory? ›

Rutabagas also contain high amounts of glucosinolates, which are compounds with antioxidant properties. They have been shown to reduce inflammation and potentially even your risk of heart disease and colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer ( 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11, 12).

Why put baking soda in turnips? ›

Wash greens and roots well. Some suggest soaking the greens in a little salty water. One turnip website from the United Kingdom notes that if you boil them, add a little sugar to tame the scent and add baking soda to reduce bitterness.

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.

Why do you wax rutabagas? ›

Make sure to wash and peel off the skin before eating because most rutabagas are sold with a wax coating to stop them from drying out. They can be used for savory dishes like a roast or even a sweet pumpkin pie.

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.

Can you use a potato peeler on a rutabaga? ›

The outer skin of the rutabaga is thick and tough. For this reason, a traditional vegetable peeler may not work and a paring knife is recommended. Step 5 : Cut each piece into 1 inch (2.54 cm) cubes.

What is the easiest way to get the wax off from a rutabaga? ›

Scrub the rutabaga under running water. Pat dry. towel, place on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1 minute on high. Use a peeler or paring knife to remove the skins and reveal the light-colored flesh.

Is rutabaga a laxative? ›

Similar to all its cruciferous cousins, rutabagas are naturally very high in fiber. Dietary fiber improves digestion by bulking up the stool and encouraging elimination, so rutabagas can provide natural constipation relief.

Why does my rutabaga taste 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. For the rest of us, a well-prepared rutabaga can be a revelation.

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.

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.

Is rutabaga good for your gut? ›

They're an ideal source of roughage in your diet. Eating rutabagas can regulate your bowel movements and help you maintain a healthy gut. Including high-fiber foods in your diet can also help prevent colorectal cancer.

Can you eat rutabaga on a low carb diet? ›

A 1-cup serving of boiled cubed rutabaga has 51 calories and 12 grams of carbs, compared to 136 calories and 31 grams of carbs in the same amount of potatoes. For that reason, I would highly recommend introducing rutabaga to your diet if you're looking for low carb options.

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