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You are here: Home / Recipes / Side Dishes / Simple Roasted Rutabaga

Simple Roasted Rutabaga

Published January 1, 2020. Last updated December 2, 2020 by Lauren Vavala

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Simple Roasted Rutabaga is an easy recipe that really lets the flavor of this root vegetable shine. It makes a great side dish to most any fish or meat dish.

Overhead of roasted rutabaga in an orange wood bowl with a raw rutabaga and a wood cutting board with thyme in the background

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The exterior of a rutabaga is surely not going to lure you in when you see it sitting on the shelf at the grocery store. But this vegetable is worth a try.

If you’re new to rutabagas, the biggest question is – what exactly do you do with it?

When trying any vegetable for the first time, you usually can’t go wrong with dicing it up, adding some olive oil, salt and pepper and roasting it in the oven.

Next to raw, what better way to know the actual taste of something?

What is a Rutabaga?

2 rutabagas on a round wood cutting board with part of a knife and a white towel in the background

You might be wondering what exactly is a rutabaga? 

Rutabagas are a cross between cabbage and turnips and come from the same family as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and kale.

While Americans call them rutabagas, they are called swedes in England, and turnips in Ireland.

We eat the root portion of this vegetable, similar to potatoes, carrots, and turnips.

While it’s not pretty on the outside, the inside is a much more attractive shade of yellowish orange.

The flavor of a rutabaga is less bitter than that of the turnips and cabbage. When cooked, the flavor has been described as similar to strongly flavored gold potatoes.

A half cup serving has just 25 calories, 4 carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 4 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of protein. It’s also a good source of vitamin C.

Why This Recipe Works

  • This is a quick and easy recipe that you can serve alongside most any protein.
  • It’s a low calorie recipe that provides a good amount of fiber and vitamin C.
  • You can easily change up the same ole dinner routine by incorporating a side dish of rutabaga. Rutabaga is an often overlooked vegetable.

How to Make Roasted Rutabaga

Prep!

3 slices of rutabaga with cubed rutabaga next to them on a circular wood cutting board with a knife and white towel in the background

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Peel the skin off of the rutabaga with a very sharp vegetable peeler or paring knife.

Trim the top and bottom edges, then cut into 1/2 to 1-inch thick slices, and cube.

Create!

Cubes raw rutabaga on a baking sheet

In a medium size bowl, toss the cubed rutabaga with the olive oil.

Spread onto a baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.

Roasted rutabaga on a baking sheet

Roast for 30-40 minutes, tossing at least once during roasting, or until fork tender.

Present!

Close up of roasted rutabaga in an orange wood bowl with part of a raw rutabaga, wood cutting board and fresh thyme in the background

You can enjoy roasted rutabaga, as is, or garnish with some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.

Tips and Techniques for the Best Roasted Rutabaga

  • Buy rutabagas when ripe. They will usually have a slight purple coloring to them. Avoid rutabagas with any green shoots coming out of the top as these are likely over-ripe.
  • Store leftover cooked rutabaga in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 4-5 days. 

FAQ’s

  • Do you peel rutabaga before eating it? Yes. You shouldn’t eat the skin of a rutabaga. Peel it carefully with a sharp vegetable peeler or paring knife.
  • What does rutabaga taste like? The flavor is rutabaga is often described as being similar to very flavorful golden potatoes with somewhat less bitter flavor than turnips.
  • Are rutabagas okay to eat on a keto diet? Rutabagas have 4 net carbs per 1/2 cup serving. They can be eaten on a low carb or keto diet, if they fit into your daily allowance.

More Side Dish Recipes to Try

Collage of green beans, cabbage. and radish recipes

More easy-to-make side dishes that you might want to try include Honey Garlic Green Beans, Roasted Cabbage Wedges, and Roasted Radishes.

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Print

Roasted Rutabaga

Simple Roasted Rutabaga is an easy recipe that really lets the flavor of this root vegetable shine. It pairs well with just about any fish or meat.
Course Side Dishes
Cuisine Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 66kcal
Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

  • 1 rutabaga * medium size
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Peel the rutabaga and cut into 1/2 inch think slices, discarding the ends. Then cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
  • Add to a medium size bowl and toss with the olive oil.
  • Spread rutabaga onto a baking sheet and season with the salt and pepper.
  • Bake for 30-40 minutes, tossing halfway through, or until fork tender.

Notes

Tips and Techniques for the Best Roasted Rutabaga

  • Buy rutabagas when ripe. They will usually have a slight purple coloring to them. Avoid rutabagas with any green shoots coming out of the top as these are likely over-ripe.
  • Store leftover cooked rutabaga in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 4-5 days. 
** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 66kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Sodium: 593mg | Potassium: 294mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin C: 24.1mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 0.4mg

This recipe was originally published on December 7, 2015. It was updated with new images, more thorough instructions, tips, techniques, and FAQ’s in January 2020.

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Filed Under: Gluten Free, Recipes, Side Dishes

Welcome, I'm Lauren!

Delicious Little Bites is where I share all types of recipes from appetizers to desserts. You will also find plenty of keto, gluten free, and vegetarian recipes here to help you put a delicious meal on the table every night that the whole family will love! Read More...

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