Mashed Turnips Recipe (2024)

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Katerina

5 from 1 vote

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These creamy and flavorful Mashed Turnips mixed with Brussels sprouts and bacon redefine nutritious comfort food. The turnips are exceptionally buttery, irresistibly tasty, and wonderfully simple to prepare.

Mashed Turnips Recipe (2)

A savory casserole of mashed turnips mixed with sauteed Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon. It’s a perfectly delicious yet nutritious, low-carb Thanksgiving side dish!

Why We Love Mashed Turnips

  • Exciting Variation: This recipe is a nice change from the usual, adding a unique and tasty alternative to the holiday menu that might just outshine the classic potato dishes.
  • Flavorful: These mashed turnips are extra creamy and buttery, enriched with heavy cream and butter, making them a deliciously rich side dish.
  • Perfect for the Holidays: Ideal for Thanksgiving, they provide a warm, comforting, and slightly less starchy option.

What Are Turnips?

Turnips are a root veggie, similar to potatoes, carrots, and rutabagas. While larger and older turnips may have a slightly bitter taste, younger and smaller turnips have a pleasant flavor that resembles fresh cabbage. Small turnips are mild and go very well with other flavors like butter, garlic, and bacon.

Ingredients

  • Butter: You’ll need 2-1/2 tablespoons of butter, divided.
  • Onion: Finely chop one small yellow onion, or substitute a white onion.
  • Fresh Garlic: Press or mince three cloves of garlic.
  • Brussels Sprouts: This recipe uses two cups of thinly sliced Brussels sprouts.
  • Turnips: You’ll need 2 ½ pounds of turnips, rinsed, peeled, and quartered.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: While you can try substituting half-and-half or milk, using heavy cream here really adds richness and texture to the overall dish.
  • Salt and Pepper:Season to taste.
  • Bacon: I use about six slices of bacon, cooked to a crisp.

How To Make Mashed Turnips

Mashed Turnips Recipe (3)
Mashed Turnips Recipe (4)
  1. Fry the bacon. Then, remove crispy bacon from skillet; do not discard bacon grease.
  2. Sauté. Melt 1/2 tablespoon of the butter in the skillet. Add onions, and cook for 2 minutes. Next, stir in the garlic and cook for 20 seconds. Finally, add the Brussels sprouts and continue to cook for 4 minutes, or until tender.
  3. Cook the Turnips. In the meantime, put the turnips in a stockpot and cover them with cold salted water. Bring to a boil, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until very tender.
  4. Warm the Cream. Place the heavy cream, 2 tablespoons butter, salt, and pepper in a microwavable bowl or cup; cook on HIGH for 1 to 2 minutes, or until butter is melted and mixture is hot.
  5. Mash. Drain the turnips thoroughly and return to the pot. Mash with a potato masher, adding the cream mixture, until combined and fluffy. Then fold in the Brussels sprouts mixture and half of the bacon.
  6. Bake. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Bake at 350˚F for 20 minutes or until lightly browned on top. Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes.
  7. Enjoy! Top the finished casserole with the reserved bacon crumbles, and serve.

Recipe Tips and Variations

  • Peel the Turnips:The skin of turnips can be tough, which might affect the texture of your dish. Peeling ensures a smoother, creamier consistency in the mashed turnips.
  • Choose the Right Turnips: For best results, choose smooth, unblemished turnips that are no larger than a tennis ball. Larger turnips may be tough or bitter.
  • Get Creative: You can dial back the heavy cream and substitute cream cheese, yogurt, extra butter, or whatever you’d like! Try adding some additional toppings like chopped chives, thinly sliced scallions, or freshly chopped parsley for color and flavor.
  • Prepping Sprouts: To prep the Brussels sprouts correctly, first remove them from the stem (if the sprouts are sold on the stem). Then wash well in several changes of water. Then, peel away any blemished outer leaves. Finally, slice them into thin shreds.
  • To Make Ahead: Simply make the turnip mixture, omitting the bacon, up to 24 hours ahead. On the day of, stir half of the bacon into the turnips, and proceed with baking!
Mashed Turnips Recipe (5)

Serving Suggestions

These mashed turnips go with everything, from my Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Glazed Ham, this Prime Rib, or Instant Pot Turkey Breast to these gorgeous Maple Glazed Carrots and Orange and Pecans Sweet Potato Casserole.

Mashed Turnips Recipe (6)

Storage

  • To refrigerate. Simply cover the casserole tightly, or store in airtight containers. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
  • To reheat. Place leftovers in an ovenproof dish and bake, covered, at 350˚F until heated through.

More Low Carb Side Dishes

  • Keto Sausage and Cauliflower Rice Stuffing
  • Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
  • Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
  • Instant Pot Creamy Brussel Sprouts
  • Creamy Spaghetti Squash

Mashed Turnips Recipe (7)

Mashed Turnips

Katerina | Diethood

This creamy casserole of Mashed Turnips mixed with sauteed Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon is a delicious yet nutritious, low-carb side dish!

5 from 1 vote

Rate this Recipe!

Servings : 8 servings

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • pounds turnips, rinsed, peeled, and quartered
  • tablespoons butter, divided
  • 4 to 5 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups thinly shaved Brussel sprouts
  • cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350˚F.

  • Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

  • Place the quartered turnips in a large saucepan or stockpot; cover with water and add 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set the stockpot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil; continue to cook at a steady boil for 10 minutes or until very tender.

  • Drain the turnips, then return them to the stockpot and set them aside.

  • In the meantime, cook the diced bacon in a skillet set over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon from the skillet; do not discard the bacon grease. Set the bacon aside.

  • Set the skillet back over medium-high heat and add 1/2 tablespoon of butter to melt. Add onions to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until just starting to soften. Stir in garlic and cook for 15 seconds.

  • Add shredded Brussels sprouts to the skillet and continue to cook for 4 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat and set aside.

  • Place heavy cream, 2 tablespoons butter, salt, and pepper in a microwavable bowl or cup; microwave on HIGH for 1 to 1½ minutes, or until the butter is melted and the mixture is hot.

  • Mash the turnips with a potato masher, add the hot cream mixture to the turnips, and continue to mash until combined and fluffy.

  • To the turnips, add the Brussels sprouts mixture and half of the bacon; stir to combine.

  • Transfer the turnip mixture to the baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned and crispy on top.

  • Remove from oven; let stand 5 to 8 minutes.

  • Top with reserved bacon crumbles.

  • Serve.

Notes

  • Peel the turnips for a creamier consistency. The skin of turnips can be tough, and that can affect the texture of the dish.
  • Make the dish your own; use less heavy cream and mix in cream cheese, yogurt, or extra butter. Stir in some chopped chives or thinly sliced scallions for a different flavor. If you like a bit of a kick, spice it up with some crushed red pepper flakes.
  • To make ahead, make the turnip mixture, omitting the bacon, up to 24 hours ahead. On the day of, stir half of the bacon into the turnips and proceed with baking!
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for 2 to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 202 kcal | Carbohydrates: 13 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 15 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Cholesterol: 44 mg | Sodium: 504 mg | Potassium: 418 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 6 g | Vitamin A: 567 IU | Vitamin C: 50 mg | Calcium: 70 mg | Iron: 1 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: brussels sprouts recipe, easy thanksgiving recipe, low carb side dishes, turnips recipe

Did you make this recipe?Leave a Rating!

Categories:

  • Freezer Friendly Meals
  • Holidays
  • Recipes
  • Side Dishes
  • Thanksgiving
Mashed Turnips Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make mashed turnips not bitter? ›

Adding a little sugar to your turnips after cooking can also help to counteract any bitterness.

What is the best way to cook and eat turnips? ›

Baked, Boiled or Steamed. Use turnips any way you would use a potato, and then some. Try them baked or boiled in stews, soups and stir-fries, or lightly steamed with some butter, salt or lemon juice for flavor. homemade coleslaw.

Are mashed turnips healthier than mashed potatoes? ›

Mashed turnips are a lovely and healthy alternative to mashed potatoes. They look very similar, they cook very similarly, yet they fall on the green tier in 90/10 Nutrition, where mashed potatoes would be on the yellow tier.

How to remove bitterness from rutabaga? ›

Cook the rutabaga cubes in boiling salted water and the ½ teaspoon sugar. This will help take out some of the bitterness. Cook until the rutabaga is very tender.

How do you fix bitter turnip soup? ›

1> Dilution: Add more liquid to the soup to dilute the bitter flavor. You can use water, vegetable broth, or even a mild-flavored stock. 2> Balancing flavors: Counteract the bitterness with other flavors.

Why put baking soda in turnips? ›

Wash greens and roots well. Some suggest soaking the greens in a little salty water. 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 is the healthiest way to eat turnips? ›

Boil or steam turnips and add them to mashed potatoes for extra vitamins and minerals. Grate them raw into salads or slaws. Roast them with other root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes, and bring out their natural sweetness.

Are turnips diabetic friendly? ›

Yes, people living with diabetes can eat turnip as it is a low glycemic index vegetable that can help regulate blood sugar levels. However, it is important to monitor portion sizes and overall carbohydrate intake.

Are turnips a super food? ›

Turnips hit the health high mark by being fat free, cholesterol free and low in sodium. The bulbous portion of the turnip offers a great source of Vitamin C, known to boost the immune system, prevent scurvy, and maintain skin elasticity.

What is used for mashing cooked potatoes turnips? ›

A potato ricer can be used for either white potatoes or sweet potatoes. You can also use it for pressing other types of foods, such as parsnips, turnips, or even making fruit coulis or small amounts of baby food.

Why are my turnips tough? ›

If the soil is too heavy, the crop will rot. If the soil is too lumpy or rocky, the roots will be tough, fibrous and misshapen.

How long does it take for turnips to get soft? ›

Place the turnips in a pot and cover with about 2 inches of salted water. Bring to a boil, adjust the heat and simmer until the turnips are tender when pierced with a toothpick or the tip of a paring knife, 20 to 30 minutes. Step three: Season and serve. Drain the turnips and season with salt and pepper.

How do you keep turnips from getting soft? ›

Keep them in the vegetable crisper drawer to keep them in a more humid environment, which maintains the root's flesh and texture more effectively. If your fridge has the capability, turn the humidity up to 95 percent and the temperature to 32–40 °F (0–4 °C) to create conditions that let turnips last up to 6 months!

How to get the bitter taste out of turnip greens? ›

You can drop the bitter greens into a pot of boiling water just until they wilt, drain them, and start the cooking over to reduce the bitterness, and most eat them with a splash of vinegar, which further reduces the bitter part of the taste.

How do you get the bitter taste out of mashed potatoes? ›

Salt draws out the natural sweetness of potatoes as they boil, intensifying their earthy goodness to prevent them from tasting bland or bitter. The potatoes absorb that salty, briny quality into every nook and cranny as they cook so every bite of your mashed potatoes brims with savory, mouthwatering flavor.

Should turnips be peeled before boiling? ›

It's not essential to peel turnips before cooking. If this skin appears to be thin enough you can leave it on and cook as is. However if the skin feels thick and leathery, you can peel it off with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler. Both the roots and leaves, also known as turnip greens, are safe to eat.

Why add baking soda to turnip greens? ›

That's how to tell if the greens are clean and won't taste gritty when cooked. Add baking soda. Adding a pinch to the water once you begin the cooking process helps to keep the color of the greens more vibrant.

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