Roasted Rutabaga
This roasted rutabaga recipe is a delicious, healthy side dish that tastes just like roasted potatoes but with lower carbs!
What is rutabaga?
A rutabaga is a root vegetable that is a cross between a turnip and a wild cabbage. It is also referred to as Swedish turnip or swede.
Once cooked, rutabagas have a slightly sweet but mild flavor that is similar in texture and taste to a potato or sweet potatoes.
NOTE: You will find a waxy peel on the outside of the vegetable that will need to be removed before baking.
Ingredients needed
- cubed rutabaga
- olive oil (or avocado oil)
- salt
- pepper
How to make roasted rutabaga
Let's go over each step in preparing and roasting rutabaga!
Step 1: Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
If you'd like easier cleanup you can line a baking sheet with parchment paper but it is not necessary.
Step 2: Prepare the rutabaga
Rutabaga can seem somewhat difficult to cut because of its waxy outer skin and thickness. I find the following method the easiest to use.
Cut the rutabaga into 1 inch thick rounds and then use a sharp knife to remove the skins from each slice.
TIP: Use a sharp chef's knife to cut the large rounds and a smaller pairing knife to remove the peels.
Cut each of the rounds into 1 inch sized cubes and place them into a large bowl.
Step 3: Season
Toss the cubes with the olive oil, salt and pepper and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 40-45 minutes, stirring the rutabaga halfway through the baking time.
The rutabaga should be fork tender and golden brown when they are done.
Variations for seasonings
This is an easy recipe for roasted rutabaga without a lot of seasonings. But there are so many different ways to change the flavor of this recipe by adding different herbs and spices.
Here are just a few!
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- cracked red pepper
- cayenne pepper
- fresh herbs - thyme, rosemary or oregano
What to serve with roasted rutabaga
This healthy side dish goes great with: air fryer whole chicken / greek marinated chicken / Salmon with Mango Chutney
Make-ahead, storing and freezing instructions
How to make ahead of time
Rutabagas that are not cut can be stored in a cool area for up to 4 months which makes it a great seasonal recipe in cooler months. Once the rutabaga is cut, store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before cooking.
How to store leftovers
Leftover roasted rutabaga can be store in the fridge for up to 4 days, kept in an airtight container. Reheat in a microwave or in the oven.
How to freeze
If you'd like to freeze leftovers, place them in a freezer-safe container and store in your freezer for up to 3 months.
More easy side dish recipes
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Roasted Rutabaga
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb. rutabaga
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Cut the rutabaga into 1 inch rounds and then use a sharp pairing knife to remove the skins. Cut the rounds into 1 inch cubes and put them into a large bowl.
- Toss the cubes with the olive oil, salt and pepper and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, stirring the rutabaga halfway through the baking time. The rutabaga should be fork tender and golden brown when they are done.
I have roasted rutabaga for quite some time now and I love it as a side dish. I have also tossed it in a 1 - 2 tablespoons Italian dressing and it is delicious also. Another vegetable you may want to try roasting is cabbage cut about an inch thick brush with oil or Italian dressing and roasted at same temperature, similar to roasted brussel sprouts.
I've always wondered how to cook a rutabaga, thanks for sharing 🙂
Hi Sarah! It's really easy and I love how they taste so similar to roasted potatoes.