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

Simple Roasted Rutabaga

Published January 1, 2020. Last updated May 16, 2025 by Lauren Vavala Harris

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Roasted rutabaga in a wood bowl with text overlay.
2 images of roasted rutabaga with text overlay.
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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.

Love this Roasted Rutabaga recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!

Overhead of a wood bowl filled with roasted rutabaga.
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 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes minutes
Total Time 50 minutes 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

Comments

  1. Vicky says

    March 12, 2024 at 4:17 pm

    I like to try new veggies, so I gave this roasted rutabaga recipe a try and I really enjoyed it. The caramelized edges totally make this dish. A great side dish for whatever you are serving!

    Reply
  2. Mahy says

    March 12, 2024 at 3:33 pm

    I have never tried rutabaga before. So I am really excited to try this recipe now…. hopefully, this weekend!

    Reply
  3. TAYLER ROSS says

    March 12, 2024 at 3:12 pm

    I made this roasted rutabaga with dinner last night and it was amazing! The perfect side for any meal!

    Reply
  4. Kushigalu says

    March 12, 2024 at 3:01 pm

    A simple and delicious recipe to try. Thanks a lot for sharing.

    Reply
  5. Stephanie says

    March 12, 2024 at 2:57 pm

    I didn’t know I liked rutabaga until I tried this recipe with the veggie roasted! So delicious! A great side dish the everyone in the family enjoyed.

    Reply
  6. Judith Cave says

    December 24, 2023 at 9:09 am

    My Grandmother used to mash them I didn’t care for the taste and smell. Roasted like this is best.

    Reply
  7. Cathy Larkin says

    June 11, 2023 at 8:38 pm

    I grew up on rutabaga. Boiled in water with sugarr and then mashing with butter. (Use the cooked water from the rugtabega for your gravy). Also love it roasted just like your recipe! ❤️

    Reply
  8. Liz says

    October 14, 2021 at 4:41 pm

    I’ve never prepared and cooked a rutabaga before. Looks delicious!

    Reply
  9. Nart says

    October 6, 2021 at 2:45 am

    Interesting! I’ve never heard of rutabaga before and I don’t think we can find it where I live. The recipe looks really good though. If I ever manage to buy rutabaga I’ll definitely try this recipe!

    Reply
  10. Amy Nash says

    September 13, 2021 at 1:56 am

    Love making rutabaga this way! It’s really an underutilized veggie, in my opinion, and roasting is absolutely the best preparation! Great tips!

    Reply
  11. Marie says

    September 10, 2021 at 2:11 pm

    Rutabaga is definitely a vegetable I’ve grown up to love! Roasting it is so clever: it brings out all of its sweetness and gives it a wonderful, creamy texture! Loving this!

    Reply
  12. Kayla DiMaggio says

    September 9, 2021 at 1:55 pm

    I have never roasted rutabaga before but this was so easy and delicious! New side dish staple for sure!

    Reply
  13. Heidy says

    September 9, 2021 at 7:43 am

    I loved the flavor Roasted Rutabaga recipe. It’s been years since I have had Rutabaga because it seems I rarely see them here so much in Florida. The other day I was at Publix and scored a few and immediately went to Pinterest to find a good recipe and your recipe for Roasted Rutabaga. So glad I did because they turned out awesome!

    Reply
  14. Uma Srinivas says

    September 8, 2021 at 1:40 pm

    I love turnip fry! roasting in the oven sounds even better with few ingredients. This looks amazing!

    Reply
  15. Veronik says

    September 7, 2021 at 8:19 pm

    This looks really good! I’ve never tried rutabagas, I always see them at the farmers market and wonder what I’d do with them. I’ll definitely try roasting them!

    Reply
  16. Elaine says

    September 7, 2021 at 11:52 am

    I don’t recall trying rutabaga.. ever. So this recipe is quite an exciting experience for me. Can’t wait to get to roasting!

    Reply
  17. Dennis says

    September 7, 2021 at 4:51 am

    The flavor of this Roasted Rutabaga is absolutely addictive. it made me want to have more. Thanks for sharing your recipe.

    Reply
  18. Bernice says

    September 6, 2021 at 10:52 pm

    Rutabaga is one of those vegetables that doesn’t get enough attention. I’m glad you shared this recipe and your love for this interesting vegetable.

    Reply
  19. Alyssa says

    October 5, 2018 at 3:28 pm

    So interesting! You’re right – I never thought to try one because of how it looks on the outside. I love learning about and trying new vegetables, too. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      October 6, 2018 at 4:15 pm

      It can be hard to get past the way something looks – but you just never know what you might be missing 🙂

      Reply
  20. Holly says

    October 5, 2018 at 3:22 pm

    I am a total rutabaga newbie but your post has prompted me to look for it on my next grocery shopping trip. Can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      October 6, 2018 at 4:15 pm

      Definitely fun to try new things!

      Reply
  21. su says

    October 5, 2018 at 2:53 pm

    We love rutabaga, it was on our holiday tables every year when I was growing up!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      October 6, 2018 at 4:16 pm

      I can see it as a great side for the holidays 🙂

      Reply
  22. Marisa Franca says

    October 5, 2018 at 2:51 pm

    Roasting vegetables is the best way to bring out the flavor!! The rutabaga has a prettier color once it’s roasted. I remember having it quite a while ago and I did like it. Thanks for the reminder of what I’m missing.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      October 6, 2018 at 4:16 pm

      Mmmm yes roasted veggies are so, so good!

      Reply
  23. Bethany says

    October 5, 2018 at 2:40 pm

    I love any and all roasted vegetables! These sound amazing.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      October 6, 2018 at 4:17 pm

      Thanks Bethany!

      Reply
  24. Becca says

    November 14, 2017 at 2:42 pm

    I usually boil rutabaga with carrots and mash them with butter but this sounds so good, just may roast some carrots with it too for nostalgia reasons

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      November 23, 2017 at 7:19 pm

      Sounds delish! I hope it worked out for you 🙂

      Reply
  25. Patricia says

    July 19, 2016 at 12:01 am

    How fun to be trying new foods! I’ve never tried rutabaga either — your theory on the looks of it could be spot on 🙂 Thanks for posting!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 19, 2016 at 2:22 pm

      Thanks for stopping by Patricia 🙂

      Reply
  26. Sophia says

    July 18, 2016 at 8:15 pm

    I don’t think I have every had a rutabaga before.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 18, 2016 at 9:15 pm

      I hadn’t – just wanted to try something new and it turned out to be pretty good!

      Reply
  27. Gunjan says

    July 18, 2016 at 7:06 pm

    This is a complete new stuff for me. I have never tried this or heard of this. I am so interested in trying this wonderful dish.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 19, 2016 at 2:22 pm

      It’s easy, if you can find it of course!

      Reply
  28. Leah says

    July 18, 2016 at 3:46 pm

    This sounds like a great way to cook rutabaga! I haven’t had it in so long!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 18, 2016 at 6:20 pm

      Thanks Leah!

      Reply
  29. Martha says

    July 18, 2016 at 12:07 pm

    I don’t know that I have ever tried a rutabaga, but I like turnips and parsnips. Usually I mash them into my mashed cauliflower or make mashed turnips and carrots. I’ll have to try this one!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 18, 2016 at 6:21 pm

      I think if you like those other veggies, you’ll def like rutabaga too 🙂

      Reply
  30. Emily says

    July 18, 2016 at 11:38 am

    I LOVE rutabaga but I always forget about it! Thanks so much for the reminder.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 18, 2016 at 6:22 pm

      I know I overlooked it at the store my whole life!

      Reply
  31. Alanna says

    July 18, 2016 at 10:29 am

    To be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever had a rutabaga. Maybe a new veggie to incorporate. I love roasting most of my veggies.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 18, 2016 at 6:23 pm

      I hadn’t tried it before either but it was really good!

      Reply
  32. candy says

    July 18, 2016 at 9:49 am

    Lauren the rutabaga is such an over looked veggie. Will be using your recipe as soon as I buy some.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 18, 2016 at 6:25 pm

      Thanks Candy!

      Reply
  33. Rachel Ritlop says

    July 18, 2016 at 8:56 am

    I’ve never cooked with rutabaga before, but have always been curious… this just gave me the motivation! Can’t wait to try!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 18, 2016 at 6:26 pm

      It was the first time I tried it too – surprisingly good!

      Reply
  34. Julie Mason says

    July 18, 2016 at 7:57 am

    Thank you so much. I have had know Idea what to even do with this veggie and I love root veg in general. Going to give it a try.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      July 18, 2016 at 8:26 am

      I had no idea either – it turned out really good!

      Reply

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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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