Cheesy Baked Turnips
Originally submitted by Mrs. Carl Albert in a 1971 cookbook, 'Favorite Recipes of our First Ladies', this dish celebrates the rustic charm of turnips, a beloved favorite of her country boy husband, the former speaker of the house. This comforting side dish pairs tender, boiled turnips in a creamy white sauce, uplifted by the delightful melt of your choice of grated cheese on top. Ideal for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, Cheesy Baked Turnips is not only a tribute to fresh vegetables but also an opportunity to personalize it with your favorite cheese. Whether you go for sharp cheddar, creamy gouda, or a tangy blue, this dish promises to please the palate. Join us in discovering the best method for crafting this timeless recipe, and let us know how your version turned out!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
turnips
3 (medium-sized, peeled and sliced)
butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
flour
2 tablespoons (none)
milk
1 ½ cups (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
cheese
½ cup (grated (your choice))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2
Begin by peeling the medium-sized turnips and slicing them into even rounds.
3
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the sliced turnips. Boil for about 15 minutes until just tender.
4
While the turnips are boiling, prepare the white sauce. In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, stirring continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
5
Gradually pour in 1 ½ cups of milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook on medium heat, stirring regularly until the sauce thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper to season.
6
Once the turnips are tender, drain them and layer them in a baking dish. Pour the prepared white sauce evenly over the turnips.
7
Sprinkle ½ cup of your choice of grated cheese generously over the top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9
Remove from the oven and serve hot, enjoying the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Baked Turnips?
It is a comforting side dish consisting of tender, boiled turnips in a creamy white sauce, topped with melted grated cheese.
Who originally submitted this recipe?
The recipe was originally submitted by Mrs. Carl Albert, the wife of the former Speaker of the House.
What is the historical origin of this dish?
This dish was featured in the 1971 cookbook 'Favorite Recipes of our First Ladies'.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
How many turnips are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 medium-sized turnips.
How should the turnips be prepared before boiling?
The turnips should be peeled and sliced into even rounds.
How long should the turnips boil?
Boil the sliced turnips in salted water for about 15 minutes until just tender.
What are the ingredients for the white sauce?
The white sauce is made from butter, flour, milk, salt, and pepper.
How much butter is used in the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
How much flour is needed for the roux?
You will need 2 tablespoons of flour to mix with the butter.
How much milk is used for the white sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of milk.
How long does it take for the sauce to thicken?
The sauce usually takes about 5-7 minutes to thicken while stirring regularly on medium heat.
What seasonings are added to the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
How much cheese should I use for the topping?
Use 1/2 cup of your choice of grated cheese.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
You can use your favorite variety, such as sharp cheddar, creamy gouda, or tangy blue cheese.
How do you assemble the dish?
Layer the drained turnips in a baking dish, pour the white sauce over them, and sprinkle cheese on top.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
Bake it for approximately 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Cheesy Baked Turnips is a vegetarian-friendly side dish.
How should the dish be served?
It should be served hot to enjoy the creamy and cheesy texture.
Can I use different types of vegetables?
While this specific recipe celebrates turnips, the white sauce and cheese method can be applied to other root vegetables.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: turnips, butter, flour, milk, salt, pepper, and cheese.
What is the key to a smooth white sauce?
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Is this a good dish for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as an ideal side dish for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
What makes this recipe a 'comfort food'?
The combination of tender vegetables, rich butter-based sauce, and melted cheese provides a classic comforting profile.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
How do you make the roux?
Melt butter over medium heat and stir in the flour continuously for 1-2 minutes.
What is the texture of the finished turnips?
The turnips should be tender and creamy once baked with the sauce.
Does this recipe have any modern variations mentioned?
The recipe encourages personalization by choosing different types of cheeses for the topping.
What type of baking dish should be used?
A standard baking dish suitable for the oven and the volume of 3 turnips and 1.5 cups of sauce.
Who was the 'country boy' mentioned in the description?
The 'country boy' refers to the former Speaker of the House, the husband of Mrs. Carl Albert.