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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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Roasted Rutabaga with Maple Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb rutabaga (about 3 small rutabaga) - see note 1
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp maple syrup - see note 2
- 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!)
Notes
- 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.
- Use real maple syrup here, the flavored syrups burn quickly and don't have the depth of flavor you need.
Nutrition
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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!!!