This Roasted Rutabaga with Maple Syrup is a wonderful addition to your Sunday roast or holiday table.
This is a dish I have been making for over 10 years and it has become a staple in our house. The rutabaga is roasted in the oven and finished with maple syrup to give it a wonderful crunch and sweetness.
This wonderful side dish is a bit different and well worth a try. You can also check out my Cheesy Rutabaga and Carrot Casserole! That has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid!
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Ingredients Notes
These notes are here to help make this recipe a success; they cover some but not all ingredients. For a complete ingredient list, with quantities, check out the recipe card below.
Rutabaga: Also known as a Swede, these are a yellow brown purple root vegetable. They need to be washed and peeled before you can eat them. The recipe calls for 1.5lb/700g which is usually one very large rutabaga, two medium, or three small.
Maple Syrup: Use real maple syrup for this recipe. the flavoured syrups tend to burn and don't give the same sticky crispy finish. You can also use honey if you prefer.
Thyme: The recipe specifies dried thyme as most people will have that in their pantry cupboard, but you can definitely use fresh thyme if you have it.
Recipe Tips
We've tested this recipe at least 3 times to ensure it works well for you. Have a look at our tips for getting the best dish you can!
- To prepare the rutabaga, washout and cut the ends off then use a potato peeler to remove the skin.
- If you want to make cleaning up easier you can line your roasting tin with foil and parchment paper. If you use just foil it tends to stick to the veg and you risk getting small pieces in your meal.
- If you have a heavy duty roasting tin, you can just roast them directly in the tin. You get the best color this way, but it is hard to clean.
- To help prevent burning, the rutabaga is tossed in the oil and maple mixture and then spooned into the tin. This stops too much of the dressing going into the tin and burning. This remaining dressing is then added half way through cooking so it can get sticky and golden without burning.
Prepare Ahead
You can clean, peel and chop the rutabaga ahead of time and then store it in a ziplock bag or sealed container in the fridge for 24 hours.
Why Is This Recipe Special?
I love roasted vegetables, and am of the firm opinion that every vegetable tastes better when it is roasted! My Roasted Mediterranean Veg Pasta is one of the most popular recipes on the blog, so I think you all agree too!
- This side is a little different and variety makes mealtimes interesting.
- Rutabaga/swede are an affordable vegetable.
- The maple makes them sweet so I find the kids enjoy them this way.
- They go with plenty of dishes so you don't have to wait until your Sunday roast to try them.
- Maple and thyme just smell like the holidays.
Recipe Adaptations
These are just suggestions and things that have worked in my test kitchen for my family, but it is your dinner, so adapt it to suit your family. That is the beauty of cooking; we can all create our own delicious meals.
- Switch the maple syrup for honey.
- Add some heat with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Add some spice - cardamon, cumin and ground coriander are all delicious with the earthy vegetable and sweet maple.
- Add extra veg, carrots or parsnips mixed with the rutabaga are both delicious.
- You can use rosemary instead of thyme.
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FAQ's
These are some of the questions our testers have asked. If you have any other questions, please drop me a comment below, are I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
Rutabaga is a yellow brown root vegetable that is actually part of the cabbage family. In many parts of the world it is called a swede.
No matter how you are cooking your rutabaga you need to wash it to remove any bits of dirt from the skin. Then cut both ends off and use a potato peeler to remove the skin. Once peeled you can chop or slice the rutabaga as per the recipe you are using. (In this recipe we are chopping it)
Rutabaga can be boiled, steamed or roasted. In this recipe we roast it to get it crispy and add maple for a sweet note. Check out my Cheesy Rutabaga for how to boil and mash it.
While they being to the same family they are not the same vegetable. Turnips are usually purply while rutabagas are yellowy brown. Although they are similar turnips have a slightly more bitter flavor.
The prep and cooking method would work for a turnip, but the flavor is quite different as turnips aren't as naturally sweet as rutabaga.
What to eat with Roasted Rutabaga
This hearty and sweet side dish pairs wonderfully with roast dinners and cosy mains. It is perfect for holiday dishes like Roasted Bone in Turkey Breast, or a Roast Turkey Thigh.
Or try it next to a simple midweek meal of Chicken Breast and Gravy or Seared Steak. Or for something a bit different replace the mashed potato in this Bangers and Mash with the roasted rutabaga, it works wonderfully with the gravy!
More Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this dish, here are a few more recipes I think you'll love! They're all easy, tasty, and perfect for adding to your weekly meal plan.
Enjoy x
If you try this Roasted Rutabaga with Maple Syrup, please leave a 🌟rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I really appreciate it, and it helps others to know that this recipe is trustworthy. And in a world where AI is becoming so common, it is nice to still have real human interactions.
Any questions about the recipe? Use the comment section below and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
Get the Recipe
Roasted Rutabaga with Maple Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb rutabaga (Note 1)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (Note 2)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (Note 3)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme optional garnish
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 390ºF/200ºC. Place a roasting tin the oven to heat up.
- Peel the rutabaga and cut them into large chunks.1.5 lb rutabaga
- Place the rutabaga in a bowl and add the olive oil, maple syrup, dried thyme, salt and pepper.2 tablespoons olive oil3 tablespoons maple syrup1 teaspoon dried thyme½ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Spoon the rutabaga into the roasting tin, reserving any dressing that has pooled at the bottom of the bowl. (Note 4)
- Roast in the oven, for 25 minutes, then drizzle over the reserved dressing and cook for a further 15-20 minutes until crisp and golden.
- Serve with a sprinkling of fresh thyme (optional)1 tablespoon fresh thyme
Notes
- Also known as a Swede, these are a yellow brown root vegetable. They need to be washed and peeled before you can eat them. The recipe calls for 1.5lb/700g which is usually one very large rutabaga, two medium, or three small.
- Use real maple syrup for this recipe. the flavoured syrups tend to burn and don't give the same sticky crispy finish. You can also use honey if you prefer.
- The recipe specifies dried thyme as most people will have that in their pantry cupboard, but you can definitely use fresh thyme if you have it. Use twice as much if you are using fresh.
- Spooning the rutabaga into the tin, stops too much of the dressing going into the tin and burning. This remaining dressing is then added half way through cooking so it can get sticky and golden without burning.
Nutrition
Nutrition is per serving
Liz says
This looks delicious! Not to mention, and quick side dish to make.
Gwynn Galvin says
I love the combination of fall flavors in this recipe! Can't wait to make it for my family this week.
C Connolly says
I love you include nutritional values but HOW MUCH IS A SERVING!!!
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts says
The recipe makes enough for 4 people. So the nutritional value is based on ¼ of the dish each.
One serving is roughly ¾ of a rutabaga each.
But as with every recipe, it depends what else you are serving with it. As part of a large roast dinner this recipe could easily serve 6 people.
Hope that helps.
Cx
Bernice says
I was a touch hesitant to try this recipe, remembering the rutabaga of my youth...however they roasted up so nicely! Thank you for a recipe that makes this often overlooked veggie shine.
Cathleen says
I have been thinking about side dishes to make for Thanksgiving and this looks perfect! Bookmarked for later, thank you so much for the recipe 😉
C Johnson says
Have ALWAYS disliked my mom’s boil method. Figured there had to be a better way. Looked on online and found your recipe. You’ve changed my mind about rutabagas! Yummy! Thanks so much.
CJ
Candace says
A crowd pleaser! fantastic. Thank you
Déborah says
It is also called rutabaga in France. Lovely recipe
Maureen Haddock says
My grandkids had three servings! Huge success! Thank you for sharing!
Jessica says
This was delicious. I had bought a 10lb bag of rutabagas at the store and had never cooked with them before. Remembering my moms turnip, I was worried I would hate them haha. This recipe changed my mind, they were subtly sweet and so tasty. Thank you for sharing!
Claire McEwen says
Oh I am so happy Jessica 🙂
I remember some veg dishes from my childhood that almost put me off foods for life as well 😉
Cx
G says
Received a rutabaga in my veggie box this week and I’ve never had one before.
Your recipe looks amazing and I cannot wait to try it for dinner tonight!
Thank you for sharing!
Claire McEwen says
Oh I hope you enjoy it, we love rutabaga in our house. And everything is better with maple syrup right?
Cx
Nika says
I got a rutabaga in a veggie box and had never had one before. I was googling recipes as I had no idea what to do with it and found this recipe. It was delicious! I served it as a side to a roast chicken. Thanks for a new recipe to add to my rotation
Claire McEwen says
Oh I am so glad you enjoyed it. Love it when the veggie box delivers something new or a bit different 😀
If you get another one, you might want to try it mashed with carrot and cheese. It is a recipe that reminds me of roasts as a child 😀
Cheesy Carrot and Rutabaga ..... So yum!
Sarah says
I also got a rutabaga in a veggie box this week! At first I thought it was a turnip but it seemed too big. I've never had either before and I'm excited to try it now with this recipe. Although, I won't be having it with chicken since I'm a vegetarian so I'll have to figure out something else to make with it.
Claire McEwen says
Hi Sarah,
So pleased you'll be trying rutabaga. We love it as a side and an alternative to potatoes as well. (I have a cheesy carrot and rutabaga casserole on the blog too, so if you love this roasted recipe that might be another to try - sorry assuming you eat cheese)
As a vegetarian meal, this would be amazing with some large portabella mushrooms, roasted with some butter and thyme. YUM!
I do hope you enjoy the rutabaga Cx
Carmela says
I’m super excited I found your recipe. My daughter gets fresh vegetables delivered to our home and it’s always a surprise what’s in the box. We have never eaten rutabaga before and I never knew it was called Swede. Your recipe sounds delicious I’m looking forward to making it. We love roasting vegetables. Maple syrup is a huge plus . Thank you for sharing and God Bless.
Claire McEwen says
Oh Carmela, thank you so much for taking the time to reply.
I love the food delivery boxes as they introduce people to such delicious ingredients.
I hope you and your daughter enjoyed the rutabaga.
Claire x
Michelle says
We call them rutabaga here in Canada too. I have never heard them called a swede. Love them! I’ve never tried them roasted before - only boiled and mashed or parboiled then finished in a quick sauté. I am about to put it in the oven with freshly boiled maple syrup to go along with local trout. Yum!
Claire McEwen says
OH MAN!!!! Freshly boiled maple syrup sounds amazing! I bet this will be out of this world with your own maple!
Dannii says
Oh that looksmperfectly Roasted. I love the combination of maple syrup and thyme.
Claire McEwen says
Thank you Dannii, I just love maple syrup on veg 😀
Veena Azmanov says
mmm this rutabaga looks very tasty! I like the fact that this recipe can be prepared quickly and easily. It's great for dinner for me and my family. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Claire McEwen says
It is such a great side for the family as the maple syrup gets the kids excited and when they eat their veg I get excited 😉
Alyssa says
You know, I haven't cooked much at all with rutabagas, and I also didn't know they go by swedes outside the US! Love this roasted healthier alternative to potatoes with the maple syrup.
Claire McEwen says
It really does seem to be an underused veg! I don't know why, but yes a perfect alternative to roast potatoes 😀
Gunjan says
I have never tried rutabaga before. Could you please let me know what is it and where can I find it?
Claire McEwen says
It is a root vegetable Gujan. You can usually find it near the carrots and parsnips in the grocery store. It is yellowy brown and similar shape to a turnip.
It has a earthy taste and is delicious roasted 😀
Jessica Robinson says
Roasted Rutabaga sounds amazing! My parents produce pure maple syrup on their farm, so we'll definitely be trying your dish! Bet these flavors would be perfect on fingerling potatoes as well!
Claire McEwen says
OH!!! I am super jealous of that Jessica!!!! I want home-made maple syrup!
Ooooh it would be fabulous with fingerlings!
Jennifer says
This is the perfect alternative to potatoes and the seasonings in this recipe are perfect for getting the kiddos to eat them too!! Love!!
Claire McEwen says
If I even mention a dish has maple syrup in it then my kids will demolish it 😉
Lisa | Garlic & Zest says
I agree - rutabagas are under utilized -- and that's too bad, because they're really delicious. I've used them in soups and salads before, but this preparation looks delicious -- and fairly easy to do. Will give your recipe a go this week -- maybe with a rotisserie chicken.
Claire McEwen says
It is definitely an easy side dish and so packed with flavor. Hope you love them 😀
Shashi at SavorySpin says
You have such a lovely roast here! I've never tried roasting rutabaga before - this looks fantastic - such a perfect char!
Claire McEwen says
I hope you get a chance to try it soon Shashi
David @ Cooking Chat says
I like the idea of having this roasted rutabaga in place of potatoes. Need to try that!
Claire McEwen says
It is a great way to eat lower carbs without feeling like you are missing out 😀
Emily says
Oh I need to try this, looks delicious and easy peasy!
Claire McEwen says
It really is super easy! Especially if you have the oven on for a roasted meat etc
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
Why do I never cook rutabagas? Have I been living under a rock? I love it as an alternative to potatoes and the spices look spot on!
Claire McEwen says
They are such an underused veg, I don't know why.
Amy | The Cook Report says
Ahh that syrupy glaze looks amazing!
Claire McEwen says
The sticky crispy caramelised bits are the best!
Adriana Lopez Martin says
I have yet to try rutabaga now I am inspired definitely roasting is the way to go. Intrigued on the addition of maple syrup I need to make this soon.
Claire McEwen says
They are a delicious vegetable Adriana, especially with the sweet maple syrup.
Paul says
Love your recipes.. My granddaughter is Claire too.
Thank you
Claire McEwen says
Thank you Paul 😀
(All the best people are called Claire...or know a Claire 😉 )
Lita Watson says
What a great recipe of swede! I think it's better and healthier than the potato one! Thank for sharing
Claire McEwen says
Definitely healthier than potatoes and they add a great different flavour to dinner. Thank you for stopping by 😀
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Claire! Had to tell you I was so excited to find swedes at my local store today!!! Gary looked at me and asked "what is that?" and I told him it was a swede (confused him even more until I said it is a rutabaga!), I'm thinking this recipe with a nice ribeye steak, some creamed spinach and, of course, wine! My tum is growling just thinking about it!
Claire McEwen says
Oh yeah!!!
How was it? Did Gary approve of swede? and I want ribeye and wine now!!!!!! xx
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Claire! You flatter me! I certainly don't claim to know all, I just know how to dig around and find out what I want to know! What I do know is that these sound delicious! I love roasted vegetables, so much better than steamed!! So good with a nice juicy steak or roast chicken! And a glass of wine! 🙂
Claire McEwen says
I don't flatter!!!! You are my US knowledge bank!! x
Roasted veg, steak and a glass of wine! That will be you and I one day Dorothy!!!