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    Home > Meal Type > Sides

    Roasted Rutabaga with Maple Syrup

    Updated: Jun 13th 2019 • Published: Mar 12th 2016 • 54 Comments

    Jump to Recipe SaveSaved! Pin Recipe
    roasted rutabaga in a tray with text overlay at the bottom

    This roasted rutabaga recipe is a wonderful addition to your dinner table, the rutabaga is roasted in the oven and then finished with maple syrup to give it a wonderful crunch and sweetness.

    This is a side dish like no other! Sweet and fragrant with an earthy note, this dish will have guest begging for the recipe. And makes the perfect addition to your Sunday roast or holiday table.

    This roasted swede (roasted rutabaga) 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.

    Jump Menu

    • What is Rutabaga?
    • How to prepare Rutabaga
    • How to cook Rutabaga
    • Is a Rutabaga a Turnip?
    • Is Rutabaga a swede?
    • Is Rutabaga low carb?
    • Tips for preparing this Rutabaga recipe
    • What to serve with Rutabaga
    • Roasted Rutabaga with Maple Syrup Recipe

    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.
    Did you know that Rutabaga is called swede in many parts of the world? The term rutabaga is unique to the US.

    How to prepare Rutabaga

    No matter how you are cooking rutabaga you need to wash the rutabaga fully to remove any bits of dirt from the skin.
    After that cut off the ends and then use a potato peeler to remove the skin.
    Once the skin has been removed you can chop or slice the rutabaga ready for your recipe.

    How to cook Rutabaga

    Rutabaga can be boiled, steamed or roasted.
    Here we are roasting it with maple syrup to give it a wonderful sweet edge.
    Check out my Cheesy Rutabaga and Carrot Casserole for how to boil rutabaga.

    a metal roasting tin on a wooden table full of orange rutabaga

    Is a Rutabaga a Turnip?

    Rutabaga and turnips belong to the same family but they are not the same vegetable.
    Turnips are usually purpley while whilst rutabagas are usually a yellowy and brown maybe with hints of red or purple.
    Although they are similar, turnips have a slightly more bitter flavor than rutabaga.

    Can I use turnip instead of Rutabaga?

    Although you could use turnip in this recipe the flavor will be quite different, as turnips aren't as sweet as rutabaga. But the prep and cooking method will work the same.

    Is Rutabaga a swede?

    Yes! Rutabaga is the name used for the vegetable, but many parts of the world call this gnarly vegetable a swede.

    Is Rutabaga low carb?

    Rutabaga is is lower in carbs than say a potato, making this a really healthy alternative to potatoes. When roasted the rutabaga chunks are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside like a roast potato but with significantly lower carbs.

    close up on the caramelized bits on the roasted rutabaga

    Tips for preparing this Rutabaga recipe

    Prep in advance - You can clean and chop the rutabaga beforehand and then store it in a zip lock bag or sealed container in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

    Use real maple syrup - Please use really maple syrup here, the flavoured syrups won't give you the wonderful flavor or sticky crispy finish.

    You can use fresh or dried thyme - the recipe specifies dried thyme as most people have this in their pantry, but you can substitute in fresh thyme if you have it.

    Line your roasting dish - I always line my roasting tin with foil and then a layer of parchment paper when I cook with maple syrup. I didn't do this for these photos as I wanted the rustic look of the metal tin. Big mistake! I had to leave my tray soaking overnight. Lining the tray makes clean up a breeze.

    orange chunks of roasted rutabaga in a worn metal roasting tin

    What to serve with Rutabaga

    Serve this roasted rutabaga as an alternative to potatoes next to a seared steak and side salad, or alternatively serve them as part of your holiday table this Thanksgiving or Christmas. (Check out all my holiday side dishes)

    For an easy mid week meal, place a tray of chicken pieces in the oven as you slide in the tray of rutabaga. Everything will be cooked at the same time and you will have an almost effortless dinner.

    close up showing the roasted slides of the rutabaga

    Enjoy x

    For another amazing rutabaga recipe why not try my Cheesy Rutabaga Casserole.

    And for other delicious roasted vegetables why not try these:

    • Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic
    • Roasted Brussel Sprouts
    • Roasted Cauliflower Pasta
    • Roasted Pumpkin Ramen
    • Roasted Carrot Salad
    • Roasted Fennel
    • Roasted Mushrooms
    • Roasted Beets (Bless this Mess)
    • Roasted Asparagus (Know your Produce)


    Pin this recipe for Roasted Rutabaga with Maple Syrup. Pin it here.

    close up on the brown caramelised edges of the rutabaga
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    4.48 from 42 votes

    Roasted Rutabaga with Maple Syrup Recipe

    This roasted rutabaga recipe is a wonderful addition to your dinner table, the rutabaga is roasted in the oven and then finished with maple syrup to give it a wonderful crunch and sweetness. This is a side dish like no other! Sweet and fragrant with an earthy note, this dish will have guest begging for the recipe. And makes the perfect addition to your Sunday roast or holiday table.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Cook Time45 mins
    Total Time50 mins
    Course: Side
    Cuisine: Modern Australian
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 166kcal
    Author: Claire | Sprinkle and Sprouts
    For more great recipes follow me on PinterestFollow @sprinklessprout
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    Ingredients

    US Customary - Grams
    • 1.5 lb rutabaga (about 3 small rutabaga) - see note 1
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 3 tablespoon maple syrup - see note 2
    • salt
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • black pepper
    • 1 tablespoon 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!)

    Notes

    1. Rutabaga are known as swedes in many parts of the world. Do not confuse them with turnips. Turnips are usually purpley while whilst Rutabagas/Swede are usually a yellowy and brown maybe with hints of red or purple.
    2. Use real maple syrup here, the flavored syrups burn quickly and don't have the depth of flavor you need.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 166kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 22mg | Potassium: 552mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin C: 42.5mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 1.1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @sprinklesandsprouts or tag #sprinklesandsprouts
    Close up on the crispy edges of the roasted rutabaga.

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    More Sides

    • Easy French Ratatouille
    • Indian Basmati Rice
    • Buttered Carrots and Corn
    • Cantonese Fried Rice

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Liz says

      October 10, 2021 at 1:39 am

      5 stars
      This looks delicious! Not to mention, and quick side dish to make.

      Reply
    2. Gwynn Galvin says

      October 07, 2021 at 4:04 am

      5 stars
      I love the combination of fall flavors in this recipe! Can't wait to make it for my family this week.

      Reply
    3. Bernice says

      October 05, 2021 at 11:55 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    4. Cathleen says

      October 05, 2021 at 10:59 pm

      5 stars
      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 😉

      Reply
    5. C Johnson says

      March 22, 2021 at 10:16 am

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
    6. Candace says

      January 19, 2021 at 8:44 am

      5 stars
      A crowd pleaser! fantastic. Thank you

      Reply
    7. Déborah says

      December 20, 2020 at 12:30 am

      It is also called rutabaga in France. Lovely recipe

      Reply
    8. Maureen Haddock says

      October 21, 2020 at 10:41 am

      5 stars
      My grandkids had three servings! Huge success! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
    9. Jessica says

      October 01, 2020 at 7:24 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        October 14, 2020 at 9:12 am

        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

        Reply
    10. G says

      November 17, 2019 at 4:47 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        November 17, 2019 at 11:50 am

        Oh I hope you enjoy it, we love rutabaga in our house. And everything is better with maple syrup right?
        Cx

        Reply
    11. Nika says

      October 04, 2019 at 12:24 am

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        October 04, 2019 at 5:59 am

        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!

        Reply
      • Sarah says

        October 30, 2019 at 12:07 pm

        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.

        Reply
        • Claire McEwen says

          October 30, 2019 at 5:38 pm

          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

          Reply
    12. Carmela says

      January 26, 2019 at 4:21 am

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        January 25, 2019 at 2:29 pm

        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

        Reply
    13. Michelle says

      April 01, 2018 at 4:28 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        April 18, 2018 at 10:09 am

        OH MAN!!!! Freshly boiled maple syrup sounds amazing! I bet this will be out of this world with your own maple!

        Reply
    14. Dannii says

      March 28, 2018 at 3:37 pm

      Oh that looksmperfectly Roasted. I love the combination of maple syrup and thyme.

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        May 06, 2018 at 5:12 am

        Thank you Dannii, I just love maple syrup on veg 😀

        Reply
    15. Veena Azmanov says

      March 28, 2018 at 3:14 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        May 12, 2018 at 12:01 am

        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 😉

        Reply
    16. Alyssa says

      March 12, 2018 at 10:38 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 27, 2018 at 9:53 am

        It really does seem to be an underused veg! I don't know why, but yes a perfect alternative to roast potatoes 😀

        Reply
    17. Gunjan says

      March 12, 2018 at 9:54 pm

      5 stars
      I have never tried rutabaga before. Could you please let me know what is it and where can I find it?

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 12, 2018 at 9:57 pm

        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 😀

        Reply
    18. Jessica Robinson says

      March 12, 2018 at 9:51 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 12, 2018 at 9:56 pm

        OH!!! I am super jealous of that Jessica!!!! I want home-made maple syrup!

        Ooooh it would be fabulous with fingerlings!

        Reply
    19. Jennifer says

      March 12, 2018 at 9:29 pm

      5 stars
      This is the perfect alternative to potatoes and the seasonings in this recipe are perfect for getting the kiddos to eat them too!! Love!!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 12, 2018 at 9:47 pm

        If I even mention a dish has maple syrup in it then my kids will demolish it 😉

        Reply
    20. Lisa | Garlic & Zest says

      March 12, 2018 at 8:55 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 12, 2018 at 9:48 pm

        It is definitely an easy side dish and so packed with flavor. Hope you love them 😀

        Reply
    21. Shashi at SavorySpin says

      March 12, 2018 at 8:45 pm

      You have such a lovely roast here! I've never tried roasting rutabaga before - this looks fantastic - such a perfect char!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 12, 2018 at 9:49 pm

        I hope you get a chance to try it soon Shashi

        Reply
    22. David @ Cooking Chat says

      March 12, 2018 at 7:47 pm

      5 stars
      I like the idea of having this roasted rutabaga in place of potatoes. Need to try that!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 12, 2018 at 8:55 pm

        It is a great way to eat lower carbs without feeling like you are missing out 😀

        Reply
    23. Emily says

      March 12, 2018 at 7:43 pm

      5 stars
      Oh I need to try this, looks delicious and easy peasy!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 12, 2018 at 8:56 pm

        It really is super easy! Especially if you have the oven on for a roasted meat etc

        Reply
    24. Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says

      March 12, 2018 at 7:27 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 12, 2018 at 8:56 pm

        They are such an underused veg, I don't know why.

        Reply
    25. Amy | The Cook Report says

      March 12, 2018 at 5:43 pm

      5 stars
      Ahh that syrupy glaze looks amazing!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 12, 2018 at 9:49 pm

        The sticky crispy caramelised bits are the best!

        Reply
    26. Adriana Lopez Martin says

      March 12, 2018 at 5:42 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 12, 2018 at 8:57 pm

        They are a delicious vegetable Adriana, especially with the sweet maple syrup.

        Reply
    27. Paul says

      March 11, 2018 at 4:50 pm

      5 stars
      Love your recipes.. My granddaughter is Claire too.

      Thank you

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        March 11, 2018 at 5:42 pm

        Thank you Paul 😀
        (All the best people are called Claire...or know a Claire 😉 )

        Reply
    28. Lita Watson says

      June 19, 2017 at 6:48 pm

      What a great recipe of swede! I think it's better and healthier than the potato one! Thank for sharing

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        June 25, 2017 at 8:15 am

        Definitely healthier than potatoes and they add a great different flavour to dinner. Thank you for stopping by 😀

        Reply
    29. Dorothy Dunton says

      October 29, 2016 at 5:52 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        November 04, 2016 at 12:27 am

        Oh yeah!!!

        How was it? Did Gary approve of swede? and I want ribeye and wine now!!!!!! xx

        Reply
    30. Dorothy Dunton says

      August 24, 2016 at 11:54 pm

      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! 🙂

      Reply
      • Claire McEwen says

        August 27, 2016 at 11:22 am

        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!!!

        Reply

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