This roasted rutabaga (swede) dish is a wonderful addition to your dinner table. Sweet and fragrant with an earthy note, this side dish will have guest begging for the recipe. Just be sure to cook this for long enough to get the good caramelly bits.
This roasted rutabaga was originally posted in 2016. But has been updated with new pictures, dual measurements and nutritional information.
What is Rutabaga?
Rutabaga is a yellow brown root vegetable that is part of the cabbage family.
It is a very underused vegetable, possibly because it looks pretty ugly in the shops, and people are worried about peeling and preparing it.
It is called swede in many parts of the world, but the term rutabaga is unique to the US.
What is the difference between Turnip and Rutabaga?
Although they are similar, turnips have a slightly more bitter flavour. You could use turnip in this recipe, but the flavor will be quite different.
Is rutabaga low carb?
Rutabaga is a really healthy alternative to potatoes. When roasted they are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside like a roast potato but with significantly lower carbs.
This roasted rutabaga dish is pretty special. We all know I love roasted veg!!!! If I can roast it, then I will!!! And I haven’t found a vegetable that isn’t delicious when roasted. In fact many vegetables taste better roasted! Take my roasted broccoli dish. Honestly it is amazing. And my roasted Brussels sprouts with fish sauce vinaigrette have been know to convert non-sprout eaters!!!!!
If you love roasted veg as much as I do, then check out my roasted veg recipe collection, full of delicious ways to cook your 5 a day.
I served this roasted rutabaga up with a steak and side salad, but they would be fabulous as part of a roast, or along side a grilled chicken dish.
Please use really maple syrup here, flavoured syrups won’t give you the wonderful flavor or sticky crispy finish.
Enjoy x
Why not pin these Roasted Rutabaga with Maple Syrup for later. Pin it here
Roasted Rutabaga with Maple Syrup and Thyme
This roasted rutabaga (roasted swede) dish is a wonderful addition to your dinner table. Sweet and fragrant with an earthy note, this side dish will have guest begging for the recipe. Just be sure to cook this for long enough to get the good caramelly bits.
Ingredients
You can change the measurement from US to metric at the bottom of this list
- 1.5 lb swedes (about 3 small swedes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (see notes)
- salt
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (for garnish - optional)
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 200ºC/390ºF. Place a roasting tin the oven to heat up.
- Peel the swedes and cut them into large chunks.
- Place the swedes in a and dress with the olive oil, maple syrup and dried thyme.
- Add in a good sprinkle of salt and pepper and toss to combine well.
- Spoon the swede into the roasting tin, reserving any dressing that has pooled at the bottom of the bowl.
- 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 (Or chives works well too!)
Recipe Notes
Use real maple syrup here, the flavored syrups burn quickly and don't have the depth of flavor you need.
Roasted Rutabaga with Maple Syrup and Thyme Anecdote
(aka my recipe ramble for those who love the waffle)
I have a beautiful reader called Dorothy, she and I have become friends. We have so much in common, amongst them is a love of cocktails and seafood!!!!
Anyway, Dorothy is my American interpreter 😉 If I am unsure of anything then I check with her. The international language of food isn’t always clear cut. I am pretty lucky as when I moved to Australia I had to adopt the words capsicum, zucchini and eggplant (I am sure there are plenty more!!!!) so my food language has evolved. Add to that my obsession love of the cookery channel and the plethora of US cook shows, I am pretty well versed in arugula, cilantro etc. But I still like to check things with Dorothy.
Swede isn’t something I have seen in an American cook show, so I had to get Dorothy to confirm it for me. Turns out swedes are called swedes all over the world, except in America. There they are called rutabaga. Which is the coolest name ever and I want to start a movement to introduce the name rutabaga to Australia! 😉
If you love food why not subscribe to my newsletter, I will drop you an email every now and then, just to say hi and send you a couple of recipes think you might love, like this Roasted Rutabaga with Maple Syrup and Thyme.
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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!!!