Creamy Mashed Turnip Recipe (2024)

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4.85 from 20 votes

45 minutes minutes

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This creamy, dreamy mashed turnip recipe will have you thinking about turnips differently. Infused with rosemary and garlic, this humble root vegetable is elevated to elegant new heights! Great with so many things, especially Italian Meatloaf, Stracotto, or my Boneless Short Rib Recipe.

This was absolutely scrumptious and so easy!

Creamy Mashed Turnip Recipe (1)

IN THIS ARTICLE

Why This Recipe is a Keeper!

Some recipes like meatloaf, braised short ribs and roast turkey breast just call out for something creamy and mashed on the side. If you’re looking for something a little different, try mashed or pureed turnips! This is one of the best mashed turnip recipes I’ve made because even with the addition of a little heavy cream, it’s still very light.

Turnips are often associated with other root vegetables like potatoes and rutabagas, but did you know turnips are actually related to broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale and other cruciferous vegetables? Turnips have a significant amount of vitamin C and fiber along with being low in calories (according to WebMD).

What tends to scare a lot of people away from turnips is their bitter, peppery flavor. Although it doesn’t completely remove the bitterness, cooking turnips with potatoes and in chicken broth, as I did here helps to reduce it.

This mashed turnip recipe is:

  • Easy!
  • Light and creamy!
  • Delicious!
  • Make-ahead.
  • Reheats easily in your microwave.

Here’s how to make it!

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How to Make a Mashed Turnip Recipe:

Recipe Ingredients:

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this mashed turnip recipe along with how to prep the ingredients. See the recipe card below for the exact quantities.

Creamy Mashed Turnip Recipe (3)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:

  • Turnips: You’ll need approximately 2 pounds of turnips. Try to use small to medium turnips because the larger turnips get, the bitterness becomes more pronounced.
  • Russet Potatoes: I like to use Russets because of their starch content. Turnips contain a fair amount of water so the Russets help to thicken the mash.
  • Rosemary: I highly recommend using fresh rosemary. Dried rosemary seldom softens up and can lend an unpleasant texture to the mash.
  • Chicken Broth: Can also use 4 cups water and 1 tablespoon chicken broth concentrate such as Better Than Bouillion.
  • Heavy Cream: Also called whipping cream.

Step-By-Step Instructions:

  • Gather and prep all the ingredients.
  • Peel the turnips and potatoes and cut them into approximately 1-inch chunks.
  • Place in a medium-sized pot with the garlic and rosemary.
Creamy Mashed Turnip Recipe (4)
  • Pour enough chicken broth over the turnips and potatoes to just cover them.
  • Bring to a boil. Cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until the turnips and potatoes are very tender.
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  • Remove the rosemary sprig before the leaves begin to fall off, approximately halfway through cooking.
  • Drain off and reserve the cooking liquid for another purpose or discard it.
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  • Place the pot back on the hot burner so that any excess moisture evaporates away.
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  • Add the cream.
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  • Mash with a potato masher or puree with an immersion blender until smooth.
  • Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
  • Transfer to a serving bowl and top with butter if desired.
  • MAKE AHEAD: Can be made 1 to 2 days ahead of time. Cool and refrigerate. Reheat in the microwave.
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  • Transfer to a serving bowl and top with butter if desired.
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Chef Tip:

  • The size of the turnips can have a big impact on the flavor of the finished dish. Choose baby or young turnips for a lighter, more delicate flavor. The older and larger the turnip, the more intense the flavor. Cooking mellows the flavor, but there is still a difference.
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Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make a mashed turnip puree ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! Can be made 1 to 2 days ahead of time. Cool and refrigerate. Reheat in the microwave.

Can you freeze a mashed turnip recipe?

Yes, but expect it to be a bit more watery than when you froze it initially. Drain off any excess liquid. Reheat uncovered in the oven.

How do you fix a watery mashed turnip recipe?

There are a few things you can try:
>>>Push the turnip puree off to the side in the pot and let it sit for a while. The excess liquid will separate from the mashed turnips and you can remove it with a ladle or turkey baster.
>>>If carbs are not a problem, add some potato starch or flour. Start with a tablespoon then try one more. Make sure the mashed turnips are still good and hot because you don’t want to consume raw flour. This food starch product is amazing for this purpose: Cornaby’s EZ Gel Instant Food Thickener.
>>>Place uncovered in a 350-degree oven for 10 to 15 minutes. The dry heat of the oven will help evaporate some of the liquid.

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Storage:

  • Refrigerate any leftovers. Consume within 4 to 5 days for best results.

Serve with:

  • Turkey Apple Meatloaf with Balsamic Ketchup Glaze
  • Nashville Style Hot Fried Chicken
  • Pecan-Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Bourbon Mustard Sauce
  • Baked Tilapia with Spinach Pecan Pesto
  • Beef Braciole Recipe (Braciola)

More turnip recipes you’ll love!

  • Parmesan Crusted Crushed Turnip Recipe
  • Indian Root Vegetable Curry
  • Rustic Cabbage and Root Vegetable Soup
  • Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables

Get all my vegetable side dish recipes at:Vegetable Side Dishes – From A Chef’s Kitchen

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Creamy Mashed Turnip Recipe (13)

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Creamy Mashed Turnips

4.85 from 20 votes

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By: Carol | From A Chef’s Kitchen

This creamy, dreamy mashed turnip recipe will have you thinking about turnips in a new way. Infused with rosemary and garlic, this humble root vegetable is elevated to elegant new heights!

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Side Dishes – Vegetables

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 182 kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds turnips - (approximately 8 medium turnips)
  • 1 pound Russet potatoes - (approximately 2 large)
  • 4 cloves garlic - left whole
  • 1 large sprig fresh rosemary - or 2 smaller
  • 4 cups chicken broth - or 4 cups water and 1 tablespoon broth concentrate (such as Better Than Bouillion) or as needed to cover the turnips and potatoes
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

  • Peel the turnips and potatoes and cut into approximately 1-inch chunks.

  • Place in a medium-sized pot with the garlic and rosemary.

  • Pour just enough chicken broth over the turnips and potatoes to cover.

  • Bring to a boil. Cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes or until the turnips and potatoes are very tender. Remove the rosemary sprig before the leaves begin to fall off, approximately halfway through cooking.

  • Drain off and reserve the cooking liquid for another purpose or discard.

  • Place the pot back on the hot burner so that any excess moisture evaporates away.

  • Add the cream.

  • Mash with a potato masher or puree with an immersion blender until smooth.

  • Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

  • Transfer to a serving bowl and top with butter if desired.

Notes

MAKE AHEAD: Can be made 1 to 2 days ahead of time. Cool and refrigerate. Reheat in the microwave.

FREEZER-FRIENDLY: Expect it to be a bit more watery than when you froze it initially. Drain off any excess liquid. Reheat uncovered in the oven.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 182kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 24mg | Sodium: 719mg | Potassium: 651mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 267IU | Vitamin C: 37mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 1mg

These are estimated values generated from a nutritional database using unbranded products. Please do your own research with the products you’re using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment, star rating or post your photo on Instagram and tag @fromachefskitchen.

Creamy Mashed Turnip Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make mashed turnips not bitter? ›

Turnips, however, are absolutely delicious when cooked properly. This recipe mashes turnips with butter and a little bit of sugar for a rich side dish with an unexpected sweetness. The sugar helps counteract the bitterness, and this recipe is enough to convert any turnip skeptics in your family.

Why are my mashed turnips watery? ›

Mashed carrots and turnips are always watery because the vegetables have a lot of water in them. This is fine, you can simply stir the liquid in again when it separates out. If you prefer them to be a bit thicker, you can put them in a fine mesh strainer to drain for a bit after cooking and mashing them.

Why put baking soda in 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.

Are mashed turnips good for you? ›

As a product of this group, the turnip is known for its high nutrient count and its low calorie density, which makes it a perfect food to add to your healthy eating plan. In one medium-sized turnip there are just 34 calories, 4 grams of fiber when cooked and 1 gram of protein.

How to make turnips taste nice? ›

Roasting mellows the flavor of turnips and concentrates their texture into a tender, melting vegetable. Serve these easy roasted turnips with other roasted vegetables (the sweetness of carrots is a good complement) alongside roasted meats or with a simple roasted chicken.

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.

What does turnip do to the body? ›

Turnips and other cruciferous vegetables that are high in fiber help make people feel fuller for longer, and they are low in calories. Eating high fiber meals also helps keep blood sugar levels stable. The fiber content in turnips may also prevent constipation and promote regularity for a healthy digestive tract.

How to make turnips less watery? ›

That being said, there are a few ways you can thicken your mashed turnips:
  1. Drain the water. Once you make the mashed turnips, let them sit for a bit. ...
  2. Add some starch or flour. There are quite a few paleo and gluten free flour alternatives and starches that can help thicken things up a bit.
  3. Make a turnip + potato blend.
Oct 8, 2020

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.

Why shouldn't vegetables be cooked with baking soda? ›

This is a bad practice, however, and you should avoid adding baking soda when boiling any type of vegetable. It has various unwelcome effects, such as softening the vegetable, altering the vegetable's flavor, destroying thiamine content, and hastening the loss of vitamin C.

Is a turnip the same as a rutabaga? ›

Rutabagas are also generally much larger than turnips. So for a quick rule of thumb, the brownish-yellowish ones are rutabagas, and the smaller white and purple ones are turnips. In terms of their flavor, rutabagas are slightly sweeter-tasting than turnips whereas turnips have a slightly more radishy flavor.

Do turnips spike blood sugar? ›

Does Turnip Spike Insulin? Turnips have a low glycemic index and do not typically cause a significant spike in insulin levels. They are a root vegetable that is relatively low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, which helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Are turnips healthier for you than potatoes? ›

Turnips are a healthy alternative to potatoes; they're lower in calories and have fewer carbs. Smaller, sweeter turnips can be sliced into wedges and eaten raw like an apple. Raw baby turnips can be sliced or diced and used in salads. Raw turnips can also be grated and used as a garnish.

Are mashed turnips healthier than potatoes? ›

My research revealed that turnips lower blood sugar levels and help correct other metabolic disorders associated with diabetes, such as high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Unlike potatoes, your blood glucose level doesn't spike after you consume turnips.

How do you fix bitter turnip soup? ›

If your turnips are more bitter than you care for, try a pinch of salt if you're salt is not optimized or try a tiny pinch of sugar, although salt is purported to be better at decreasing bitterness: http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/07/salt-trumps-bitter/?_r=0).

How to take bitterness out of rutabaga? ›

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.

Which is more bitter turnip or rutabaga? ›

So for a quick rule of thumb, the brownish-yellowish ones are rutabagas, and the smaller white and purple ones are turnips. In terms of their flavor, rutabagas are slightly sweeter-tasting than turnips whereas turnips have a slightly more radishy flavor.

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