Quick and Easy Mashed Rutabagas Recipe (2024)

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If you are looking for a flavorful dish that can substitute for mashed potatoes, this creamy mashed rutabagas recipe could be just what you are looking for. It is the perfect side dish; you can make it in 30 minutes.

Quick and Easy Mashed Rutabagas Recipe (1)

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If you are looking for a fun alternative to mashed potatoes, this easy mashed rutabagas recipe is a must-try recipe. It is naturally gluten free, and you can make this recipe in about 20 minutes. It is also great for Thanksgiving and other holidays.

Serve it with any meat dish, or even serve it with this Chicken Legs recipe on top.

For the holidays, I am using rutabagas as a mashed side dish…they are so flavorful on their own, especially with some caramelized shallots and butter.

Go here if you want to see a handy index of all of our side dish recipes.

Quick and Easy Mashed Rutabagas Recipe (2)

Made this tonight as the top for a keto shepherds pie and it was awesome!!! Will continue to make!

A.H., Pinterest user

Why This Is The Recipe To Make:

  1. This recipe is quick and easy.
  2. You only need a few simple ingredients.
  3. This recipe is amazing at Thanksgiving!
  4. Rutabagas are easy to find in both grocery stores and farmer’s markets.

I would love to hear what you have created with this vegetable. Are you ready to make this mashed rutabaga recipe? You may also love this Air Fryer Rutabagas recipe!

Ingredient Notes:

  • Rutabagas – These are easy to find at the grocery store.
  • Shallot – Use fresh if you can, but freeze-dried are okay.
  • Heavy cream – Do not use half and half.
  • Butter – Unsalted butter or dairy-free butter.
  • Parmesan (optional)
  • Scallions – For garnish.

Recipe Step-By-Step Directions:

Quick and Easy Mashed Rutabagas Recipe (3)

Step 1: Take your rutabagas and use a peeler to remove the outside peel. (Note the outer skin is thick.) Cut the rutabaga into pieces. This will allow it to cook quickly. Add the rutabagas to a pot with water.

Quick and Easy Mashed Rutabagas Recipe (4)

Step 2: Cover and boil until the rutabagas are soft.

Step 3: Drain the water. Add the rest of the ingredients to the pot.

Step 4: Take an electric mixer and whip the rutabagas until they are creamy.

What To Serve With Mashed Rutabagas:

  • Gluten Free Swedish Meatballs
  • Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
  • Easy Gluten Free Meatloaf
Quick and Easy Mashed Rutabagas Recipe (5)

Mashed rutabagas make a delicious side dish. Our other favorite side dishes are these Bacon Scalloped Potatoes and this Turmeric Lime Cauliflower.

Recipe FAQ:

What are Rutabagas?

They are that bi-colored vegetable that looks a little like a turnip. Rutabagas are one of the more underused vegetables, in my opinion. They have a robust flavor that adds so much to soups and stews. You can cook rutabagas just like potatoes, and you can even mash them the same way.

What do rutabagas taste like?

Rutabagas taste similar to mashed potatoes but have a slightly stronger flavor—almost a cross between potatoes and turnips.

How do you store mashed rutabagas?

Store the mashed rutabagas in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze in a zipper-style freezer bag for up to 4 months.

How do you make this recipe ahead?

Yes, you can peel and chop the rutabaga head. Then, make the recipe in the next couple of days.

Can you make this recipe dairy-free?

You can easily make this recipe dairy-free by using dairy-free butter.

More Gluten Free Side Dish Recipes:

  • Mashed Potato Pie
  • Roasted Fava Beans
  • Mashed Cauliflower with Cheese

Quick and Easy Mashed Rutabagas Recipe (6)

Creamy Mashed Rutabagas

Sandi Gaertner

Easy, creamy mashed rutabagas recipe

Love this recipe?Give it a star rating!

4.79 from 14 votes

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 31 minutes mins

Total Time 41 minutes mins

Course Gluten Free Side Dish Recipes

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Calories 152 kcal

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 5 in large rutabagas peels removed, chopped in large pieces
  • ½ shallot minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • scallions for garnish

Instructions

  • In a pot, put rutabagas and add water to cover.

  • Bring to a boil and cook until the rutabagas are soft.

  • Drain water out of the pot and return rutabagas to the pot.

  • In a small skillet, add butter and shallots.

  • Over low heat, caramelize the shallots in the butter until they are golden brown.

  • Add shallots, salt, and cream to the pot.

  • Use an electric hand mixer to blend ingredients into a mash.

  • Serve hot with scallions as the garnish on top.

SPECIAL NOTE

Please know that every gluten free flour blend has a different starch to grain ratio. If you use a blend I didn’t test, you may need to adjust your moisture levels in your baked goods.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 152kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 2gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 228mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7g

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @FearlessDining or tag #FearlessDining!

Nutrition Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.

This post was updated from an older November 2015 post with more details.

Fearless Dining

Your go-to haven for gluten-free living, where I share hundreds of delicious, family-friendly recipes, helpful gluten-free resources, and allergen-friendly options for everyone!

Quick and Easy Mashed Rutabagas Recipe (7)
Quick and Easy Mashed Rutabagas Recipe (8)
Quick and Easy Mashed Rutabagas Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Quick and Easy Mashed Rutabagas Recipe? ›

Because the rutabaga has such a similar taste and consistency to potatoes, you can enjoy them with all of the same toppings and additives that you prefer on your mashed potatoes like cheese, sour cream, butter, chives, bacon, etc. Moreover, you can add seasonings other than salt and pepper as well.

Does mashed rutabaga taste like mashed potatoes? ›

Because the rutabaga has such a similar taste and consistency to potatoes, you can enjoy them with all of the same toppings and additives that you prefer on your mashed potatoes like cheese, sour cream, butter, chives, bacon, etc. Moreover, you can add seasonings other than salt and pepper as well.

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.

Do rutabagas need to be peeled before cooking? ›

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 prepare rutabagas? ›

Mash: Mashed rutabaga is one of the most common preparations of the vegetable. First, cut the rutabaga into one or two-inch cubes with a sharp knife. Then, boil the cut rutabaga pieces in water until they are soft. Finally, mash the pieces until they reach the desired consistency.

Are rutabagas healthier than potatoes? ›

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 mashed rutabaga good for you? ›

Rutabagas offer plenty of health benefits, including: High in fiber. They're an ideal source of roughage in your diet. Eating rutabagas can regulate your bowel movements and help you maintain a healthy gut.

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.

Are rutabagas anti inflammatory? ›

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.

Why add baking soda to turnips? ›

One turnip website from the United Kingdom notes that if you boil them, add a little sugar to tame the scent and add baking soda to reduce bitterness.

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.

Do rutabagas need to be refrigerated? ›

Rutabagas will keep for months in a cool storage place. They store well in plastic bags in a refrigerator or cold cellar. Keep rutabagas away from raw meat and meat juices to prevent cross contamination. Before peeling, wash rutabagas using cool or slightly warm water and a vegetable brush.

Does rutabaga cause gas? ›

Since rutabaga is a cruciferous vegetable, it contains raffinose, which is a complex sugar that can sometimes cause abdominal discomfort, bloating and flatulence. There is methane-producing bacteria in the colon that feeds on raffinose, and for some people, this process can result in the release of gas.

How do you make rutabagas not bitter? ›

Now, rutabaga can be a tad bitter, so the secret to a tasty mashed rutabaga is… Yep. Sugar. Add about a Tablespoon of sugar (or sucanat or honey or whatever sweetener you like) to the cooking water and it will be perfect every time.

Is there an easy way to peel rutabagas? ›

All you need to do is start by poking a few holes in the surface of the rutabaga with a fork or the tip of a knife. Then, simply place it in the microwave and cook on high for two to three minutes. This step will soften the rutabaga, making it infinitely easier to peel and cut.

How do you know when a rutabaga is ready? ›

Begin harvesting rutabaga roots when they're 3 to 5 inches in diameter, about the size of a grapefruit. Early, small roots offer succulent, tender flavor; frost sweetens maturing roots. Harvest roots as you need them, leaving the rest of the crop in the ground. To harvest, hand-pull or carefully dig roots.

Does rutabaga taste like a potato? ›

Rutabagas are a root vegetable and are a cross between turnips and cabbage. 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.

Can rutabaga be substituted for potatoes? ›

Rutabagas can serve as a low carb potato substitute for a variety of other dishes as well. Whether it's fries, hash, or mash - the possibilities are truly endless.

What food has the same consistency as mashed potatoes? ›

Cauliflower mash

Cauliflower has been gaining a lot of attention as an excellent alternative to rice, but it also makes a worthy contender in place of mashed potato. Boil the cauliflower until it is soft enough for you to pierce with a knife, drain and then mash with milk, butter and salt/pepper.

Do rutabagas get soft when cooked? ›

Yes! I love using rutabaga to make low carb french fries or combine it with other roasted root vegetables. You can also boil it in place of celery root in my keto beef stew or celery root soup. Or cook it until soft, then mash or blend into a puree with butter or cream, similar to my mashed cauliflower.

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