Mashed Rutabaga is a simple recipe that makes a great alternative to mashed potatoes. With only 4 net carbs per serving, it’s low in carbs and ideal for those following a keto diet.
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Rutabaga is an often overlooked low carb vegetable, especially when it comes to low carb and keto diets.
With so many people looking for an alternative to potatoes that isn’t cauliflower, it’s surprising that rutabaga isn’t flying off grocery store shelves. Yet.
Rutabaga can be prepared in most of the same ways that potatoes can. Two easy ways to prepare it are to make Roasted Rutabaga and Mashed Rutabaga.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is super easy.
You basically prepare the rutabaga the same way you would prepare mashed potatoes. It even has a similar mouth feel to mashed potatoes.
It’s a naturally gluten free recipe that has only 4 net carbs per approximately a half cup serving.
You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your own taste.
How to Make Mashed Rutabaga
Prep!
Peel and cut your rutabaga into 1/2-inch rounds, then into 1/2-inch cubes.
Fill a sauce pan about 1/2 way with cold, salted water.
Create!
Place the saucepan on the stovetop over high heat and bring to a boil until the rutabaga is fork tender, about 10 minutes.
Drain the water and add the butter, heavy whipping cream, salt, and pepper to the pot with the rutabaga.
Mash the rutabaga to your desired consistency with a potato masher.
Tip: you can also use a food processor to get your rutabaga even smoother.
Present!
Taste and season as preferred.
Tip: you can easily adjust the butter, cream, salt, and pepper as needed to suit your own tastes.
Tips and Techniques for the Best Mashed Rutabaga
- You can adjust the amounts of butter, cream, salt and pepper to suit your own tastes. Be aware that making any adjustments to the recipe will alter the nutritional information provided.
- For creamier mashed rutabaga, you can use a food processor.
- Store leftover mashed rutabaga tightly covered in the refrigerator. Use within 3-5 days.
FAQ’s
- Is rutabaga low carb? Rutabaga is much lower in carbohydrates than most root vegetables. This makes it a great option for those following low carb or keto diets.
- What does rutabaga taste like? Rutabagas have a taste similar to that of carrots and cabbage. When cooked, rutabaga takes on a taste and texture similar to strongly flavored potatoes.
More Side Dish Recipes to Try
Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Rice is a low carb side dish that even kids love!
You might also enjoy this recipe for Fried Cabbage and Bacon or this recipe for Butternut Squash Gratin.
Love this Mashed Rutabaga recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!
Mashed Rutabaga
Ingredients
- 2 cups rutabaga * cubed, from one large rutabaga
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt * or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper * or to taste
Instructions
- Cut your rutabaga into cubes and add to a pot of cold, salted water.
- Place the pot on the stovetop over high heat and bring to a boil.
- Boil, until the rutabaga is fork tender, about 10 minutes.
- Drain the water and add the butter, heavy whipping cream, salt, and pepper to the pot with the rutabaga.
- Use a potato masher to mash the rutabaga to your desired consistency.
- Taste and season as preferred.
Notes
Tips and Techniques for the Best Mashed Rutabaga
- You can adjust the amounts of butter, cream, salt and pepper to suit your own tastes. Be aware that making any adjustments to the recipe will alter the nutritional information provided.
- For creamier mashed rutabaga, you can use a food processor.
- Store leftover mashed rutabaga tightly covered in the refrigerator. Use within 3-5 days.
Zas says
I add a chopped potato to insure there is no bitterness and love a tablespoon or two of sugar for flavor.
Paula says
I had never heard of mashed rutabaga before you shared this recipe, but I was so impressed! Great flavor and so easy!
Beth says
Oh, this looks so good! I love rutabaga, but I’ve never had it mashed before. Yummo!
Liz says
I’m not even keto but I loved this recipe! It was easy to make and such a great way to use some rutabaga that came in my CSA!
TAYLER ROSS says
I made this mashed rutabaga with dinner last night and it was delicious! The kids even loved it!
Mindy says
I added some dried thyme and parsley for some xtra flavor. YUM!
Kathy W says
I made this recipe this morning. Very good. I didn’t have heavy cream. I use 2% milk and added a little extra butter. It was delicious. Can the leftovers be frozen? Thankyou!
Lauren Vavala Harris says
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for trying the recipe and for rating it too – I appreciate it!! You can freeze the leftovers for up to 6 months.
– Lauren
Brad says
Serving size is only 1g??
Lauren Vavala Harris says
No – unfortunately at some point an tech update added 1g servings to some of my recipes. I fixed it. It’s 4 servings, each being about 1/2 cup. Sorry about that!
– Lauren
Pat says
For a nice little addition, try a pinch of nutmeg😃
Dorcas Nepple says
I made this as a side dish with barbecued salmon. It was delicious. My husband loved it, too. We had leftovers the next day, and, as many times happens, it was even better the next day.
Stella says
Made this today, they were fantastic!! Thank you for such a great recipe!
SHARON.L. says
Absolutely love rutabaga, always made for the holidays. I now make them on a regular basis. I think it taste like cauliflower? Thanks for sharing and promoting this veggie.
Cara says
Just starting Trim Healthy Mama and really miss mashed potatoes! My husband was gifted a large bag of homegrown rutabagas, and I found your site just in time! Thank you.
dana says
Love Rutabaga
Kari Anderson says
This is such a great recipe. Rutabagas are so under-appreciated – I love that this recipe just puts them front and center. Plus, butter makes everything delicious 😉
Mahy says
Oh wow, this rutabaga would work perfectly with a few of the meat recipes I am going to make really soon. Great timing – thank you so much for sharing!
Danielle says
It’s been so long since I tried rutabaga for the first time, but I am still under a huge impression. Can’t wait to make it myself now!
Denay DeGuzman says
I found this delicious recipe on Pinterest! Mashed rutabaga is a perfect side dish for chicken, beef and pork. I’ll be sharing this low-carb recipe with my friends.