Parmesan Baked Rutabaga Recipe- Easy Side Dish Recipe (2024)

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If you are a fan of potato stacks or gratins in any form, you are going to go nuts for this easy root vegetable side dish. This parmesan baked rutabaga recipe is essentially a hybrid between baked rutabaga stacks and roasted rutabaga gratin. Lightly cheesy, with crispy edges, and very little hands-on time.

Parmesan Baked Rutabaga Recipe- Easy Side Dish Recipe (1)

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Our readers have been extremely complimentary of our honey-roasted rutabaga recipe, and you have been asking for more ways to cook rutabaga at home.

Originally I was going to do a low-carb version of the classic parmesan potato stacks made in a muffin tin. However, because rutabagas tend to be much larger than the standard muffin tin, I found stacking them on their sides like a root vegetable gratin to be the perfect solution.

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  • 📖Why This Recipe Works
  • 🧾Ingredient Notes
  • ⏲️How to Make Baked Rutabaga
  • 👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips
  • 🌡️Storage
  • 🥗More Cozy Side Dish Recipes
  • 💬Frequently Asked Questions
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • ⭐Reviews

📖Why This Recipe Works

  • Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
  • Very little hands-on time
  • Makes great leftovers
  • Pairs well with many proteins like roasted turkey or pork roast, making it perfect for holiday meals

🧾Ingredient Notes

Because I have been making this rutabaga recipe to pair with larger dinners, I kept the ingredients simple. You might notice there is no cream or milk in this recipe. One of the things I like about rutabagas is that they are lighter than potatoes and I wanted to keep with that theme.

But don't worry, I am working on a cheesy rutabaga gratin recipe as we speak!

  • Rutabagas- You need 2 pounds, about 3 average-size rutabagas.
  • Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese- For vegetarians try asiago cheese.
  • Olive Oil
  • Vegetable Stock- You can use chicken stock if keeping the recipe vegetarian isn't necessary.
  • Garlic
  • Thyme- You can use any combination of thyme, sage, and rosemary. I vary the herbs to match the protein I am cooking.
  • Salt & Pepper
Parmesan Baked Rutabaga Recipe- Easy Side Dish Recipe (2)

How to Pick a Rutabaga

Rutabagas are in season from October to March. Look for ones that are firm, about 4 to 5 inches in diameter. Unlike turnips, rutabagas are better at a larger size. And they will stay tender when cooked. They should have a purplish top and creamy yellow bottom.

⏲️How to Make Baked Rutabaga

Hands-on time for this recipe is about 10 minutes but even shorter if you have a mandolin.

Step 1- Prep the Rutabaga

When slicing rutabagas thinly they don't have to be peeled. However, most rutabagas are covered in wax to keep them fresh. To check for wax push your thumbnail across the skin.

If there is wax present, go ahead and peel the rutabaga. If there isn't any wax, peeling is optional. Use a mandolin or sharp knife to slice the rutabagas into ⅛ to ¼-inch thick slices.

Trim the slices down or cut them in half if they are significantly wider than your baking dish is deep. It is okay for the slices to stick up ½ inch or so above the side of the dish.

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Step 2- Season

Combine half the parmesan, garlic, herbs, salt and pepper, and olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Add your rutabaga slices and use your hands to thoroughly coat both sides of each slice.

Step 3- Layer

Stack the rutabaga slices vertically so that the ridges face out of the baking pan. They should be tight enough to stand upright but not so tight the vegetable stock can't be poured over. You may have some extra.

Drizzle over the vegetable stock and be sure to scrape any cheese and seasonings left in your mixing bowl over the top.

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Step 4- Bake

Bake covered for 45 to 55 minutes until the rutabaga is soft and the top is turning golden. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes to melt and crisp up the top.

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Making Baked Rutabaga in Advanced

This parmesan rutabaga recipe can be made one day in advance up through pouring on the vegetable stock and covering it with foil. Allow the dish to come to room temperature before adding the stock and baking.

🥗What to Serve with Rutabagas

For main courses, we like our roasted lemon and herb turkey breast, mushrooms with chestnuts, or braised pork roast with apples.

Complimentary side dishes include garlic green beans, our deconstructed green bean casserole, sauteed greens such as kale or spinach, a shaved brussels sprout salad, or balsamic mushrooms.

👩🏻‍🍳 Expert Tips

  • Rutabagas are the perfect canvas for bold flavors. Feel free to experiment with herbs and seasonings.
  • Layer in other root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or turnips for a unique twist.
Parmesan Baked Rutabaga Recipe- Easy Side Dish Recipe (6)

🌡️Storage

Leftover baked rutabaga can be stored covered with foil and kept in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Reheat at 300 F degrees or portion out onto a plate and microwave on medium-high for 4 minutes.

🥗More Cozy Side Dish Recipes

  • Roasted Turnips with Bacon and Goat Cheese
  • Roasted Watermelon Radishes
  • Gluten Free Scalloped Potatoes
  • Molasses Baked Beans with Bacon

💬Frequently Asked Questions

Why are rutabagas coated in wax?

Rutabagas areoften covered in a food safe wax after harvesting to keep them from drying out. With a wax coating, they can be stored for longer. However, it should be removed before cooking either by peeling the rutabaga or by washing it under warm water and scraping off the wax.

Do you have to peel rutabagas before cooking?

Because most rutabagas have been waxed for long-term storage it is recommended that you always peel them.

What is a Rutabaga?

Rutabagas are a root vegetable that is part of the cabbage family. They range in size from a couple of inches to larger than six inches. They are purple on top towards the stem and fade to yellowish-cream color at the bottom. Rutabagas are often confused with turnips. In fact, rutabagas are a hybrid of a turnip and wild cabbage.

Parmesan Baked Rutabaga Recipe- Easy Side Dish Recipe (11)

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment. It helps other wonderful people connect with my food.

📖 Recipe Card

Parmesan Baked Rutabaga Recipe- Easy Side Dish Recipe (12)

Parmesan Baked Rutabaga

Low carb version of the classic parmesan potato stacks. These rutabaga stacks are turned sideways for an extra crispy outer edge and a cheesy soft center.

Servings: 8

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 55 minutes mins

Total: 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

5 from 39 votes

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Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°. Peel and slice the rutabagas crosswise into rounds, about ⅛ inch thick.

    2 pounds rutabagas

  • Place the oil in a large bowl, and stir in half the parmesan, the garlic, chopped thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.

    ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 8 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, ½ teaspoon Black pepper, ½ cup Fresh grated parmesan

  • Layer the rutabaga slices into sideways stacks in the baking dish. They should be tight enough that the slices stay upright. Pour over the vegetable stock. Cover with foil and bake until the edges and tops are golden brown and the center is tender about 45 to 55 minutes.

    ⅓ cup vegetable stock

  • Remove the foil, sprinkle on the remaining parmesan, cook 5 to 10 minutes to melt. Garnish with extra thyme.

    ½ cup Fresh grated parmesan

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Video

Notes

  • A mandolin makes for easier slicing but you can use a knife.
  • Leftover baked rutabaga can be stored covered with foil and kept in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Reheat at 300 F degrees or portion out onto a plate and microwave on medium-high for 4 minutes.

Equipment

Nutrition

Calories: 132kcal | Carbs: 11g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 3g

Author: Jen Wooster

Course:: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

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Parmesan Baked Rutabaga Recipe- Easy Side Dish Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to eat rutabaga? ›

Mashed Rutabagas

One of the simplest and tastiest ways to eat rutabagas is just to cube, boil, and mash them with butter. Unlike potatoes, which can get gluey if you mash them overzealously, there's no danger of overdoing it with rutabaga. If you want them really smooth, you can throw rutabagas in the food processor.

How do you cut a rutabaga for roasting? ›

Dice the rutabaga.

Then, turn these slices on their side and cut narrow strips, also half an inch to one inch in size. Finally, cut these into small cubes, about half an inch to one inch in size. The smaller size, with greater total surface area, makes the rutabaga easier to cook.

Do rutabagas get soft when cooked? ›

Bring the water to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes until rutabaga is fork-tender. Carefully drain the water.

Do you peel rutabaga before boiling? ›

Rutabagas mix well with other root vegetables. Mix with carrots, pota- toes, and turnips to make a healthy vegetable stew. The wax and skin of rutabagas must be peeled before cooking. A sharp paring knife is better than a vegetable peeler.

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.

Is rutabaga a laxative? ›

Dietary fiber improves digestion by bulking up the stool and encouraging elimination, so rutabagas can provide natural constipation relief. A 2012 study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology showed that dietary fiber intake can increase stool frequency in patients with constipation.

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.

Why is my rutabaga covered in wax? ›

Rutabagas are waxed after harvesting to keep them from drying out. With a wax coating, they can be stored for weeks, like other root vegetables. Both are often cubed and boiled or oven-roasted until tender (add some butter, salt & pepper, and mash, or leave cubed).

Does rutabaga turn orange when cooked? ›

The rutabaga's thin skin covers yellowish-orange flesh that becomes more intense when cooked. (Rutabagas are usually sold with a wax coating to prevent moisture loss, so the skin must be peeled before cooking.)

What season for rutabaga? ›

Harvest rutabagas when they have grown through summer into fall. They are typically harder and denser than turnips. Rutabagas usually have yellow flesh. You should eat rutabagas cooked.

Is rutabaga healthier than potatoes? ›

Rutabagas are lower in both calories and carbs, making them the better option if you are trying to lose weight on a low-carb diet. A 1-cup serving of boiled cubed rutabaga contains only 51 calories and 12 grams of carbohydrates, including 3.1 grams of fiber, making the net carbs 9 grams.

Is rutabaga healthy? ›

Rutabagas are a hearty vegetable packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. They promote feelings of fullness, which can prevent weight gain. Furthermore, they contain powerful compounds that help fight inflammation, prevent premature aging, and are associated with a reduced risk of various cancers.

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.

How to tell if rutabaga is good? ›

Good rutabagas should be between 3 to 5in in diameter at the top. Bigger ones are too tough, and smaller ones can be more bitter. Ripe rutabaga has purple-tinged skin, which, when scratched, reveals yellow flesh beneath. Pick ones with smooth skin and without bruises and sprouts.

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.

Is a rutabaga more nutritious than a potato? ›

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.

Is rutabaga good for your gut? ›

High in fiber.

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.

What does rutabaga taste like? ›

Rutabagas have a slightly bitter flavor and taste like a less-sweet carrot. When cooked, rutabagas become sweeter and taste similar to potatoes. Select smooth, heavy and firm rutabagas. Smaller rutabagas less than 4 inches in diameter tend to be sweeter.

Is rutabaga hard to digest? ›

This root vegetable is very high in fiber and takes longer to digest, keeping you feeling full longer. This may prevent overeating and, ultimately, weight gain ( 20 ).

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