Savory Apple and Turnip Bake
This Savory Apple and Turnip Bake is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that has become a cherished staple in my family's holiday gatherings since I first enjoyed it at my husband's aunt's house in 1979. The hearty texture of the turnip, known as rutabaga or Swede, complements the sweet, tart notes of fresh Macintosh apples perfectly. A sprinkle of brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon elevate the dish, making it the perfect accompaniment to any turkey dinner or festive feast. The recipe allows for make-ahead convenience, as it can be prepared up to the layering stage, meaning you can enjoy more time with family and friends during the celebrations. This dish not only nourishes the body but also warms the heart with each comforting bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Yellow Turnip (Rutabaga)
1 large (Peeled and diced)
Butter
3 tablespoons (Divided (1 for mashing, 2 for topping))
Light Cream (or Milk)
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Macintosh Apples
2 (Peeled, cored, and sliced)
Brown Sugar
1/2 cup (divided) (Packed (1/4 cup for mash, 1/3 cup for topping))
Ground Cinnamon
1 pinch (N/A)
Flour
1/3 cup (N/A)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
2
Begin by peeling and dicing the large yellow turnip. This step can be tricky because of the turnip's density, so take care while doing it. Once diced, place it into a large pot.
3
Cover the diced turnip with cold, lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
4
Boil the turnip until tender, which may take longer than boiling potatoes, usually about 20-25 minutes. Once cooked, drain the turnip well and return it to the pot.
5
Mash the drained turnip with 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of light cream (or milk) until smooth. Stir in 1/4 cup of packed brown sugar and a pinch of ground cinnamon until evenly combined. Set the mashed turnip aside.
6
Next, peel the apples, core, and slice them into thin wedges.
7
In the prepared casserole dish, start layering the ingredients: place 1/3 of the mashed turnip on the bottom, followed by half of the sliced apples. Add another 1/3 of the turnip, then the remaining apple slices, and finish with the final layer of mashed turnip, smoothing the top to create an even surface.
8
If you wish to prepare this ahead of time, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for several hours. Remember not to add the topping until you are ready to bake.
9
When ready to bake, combine the remaining topping ingredients (1/3 cup flour, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of butter) in a small bowl, mixing until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the turnip layer.
10
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for one hour, or until the top is golden and the dish is heated through. Once done, remove from the oven and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Apple and Turnip Bake?
It is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors featuring rutabaga and Macintosh apples, often served at holiday gatherings.
What type of turnip should I use?
The recipe calls for a large yellow turnip, which is also known as a rutabaga or Swede.
Which apples are best for this recipe?
Fresh Macintosh apples are recommended for their sweet and tart notes.
What is the history of this recipe?
This recipe has been a cherished staple in the creator's family holiday gatherings since they first enjoyed it in 1979.
How long does it take to boil the turnips?
It usually takes about 20-25 minutes for the diced turnips to become tender when boiled.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the layering stage and refrigerate it for several hours before baking.
When should I add the topping if I prepare it early?
Do not add the topping until you are ready to put the dish in the oven to bake.
What ingredients are in the topping?
The topping consists of 1/3 cup flour, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons of butter.
What is the baking temperature for this casserole?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the bake take in the oven?
The casserole should bake for one hour or until the top is golden and it is heated through.
What size casserole dish is needed?
A 2-quart casserole dish is required for this recipe.
How do I prepare the turnip for mashing?
Peel and dice the turnip, boil until tender, drain well, and return to the pot to mash.
What do I mix into the mashed turnips?
Stir in 1 tablespoon of butter, 2 tablespoons of light cream or milk, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon.
Can I use milk instead of light cream?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of milk if you do not have light cream.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and sliced into thin wedges.
How many layers of turnip are in the dish?
There are three layers of mashed turnip: the bottom, the middle, and the final top layer.
How many layers of apples are in the dish?
There are two layers of sliced apples alternating between the turnip layers.
What should I do before layering ingredients in the dish?
Grease the 2-quart casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Yes, it is tagged as a Thanksgiving side dish and is perfect for turkey dinners.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is classified as a vegetarian side dish.
What is the texture of the topping?
The topping is a crumbly mixture of flour, brown sugar, and butter.
Why is it important to take care when dicing the turnip?
Yellow turnips are very dense, which can make peeling and dicing them tricky and difficult.
What spices are used in this bake?
The recipe uses a pinch of ground cinnamon to elevate the flavor.
How much brown sugar is used in total?
A total of 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar is used, divided between the mash and the topping.
How do I know when the turnip is done boiling?
The turnip is ready when it is tender, which usually takes longer than boiling potatoes.
What is the final step before serving?
Remove the dish from the oven once golden and serve it warm.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
The instructions do not specify covering during baking; it is baked until the topping is golden.
How much butter is needed for the entire recipe?
3 tablespoons of butter are used: 1 for mashing and 2 for the topping.
Can I use a different type of apple?
While Macintosh is recommended for its sweet-tart profile, you could likely substitute with similar baking apples.
How should the top turnip layer be finished?
The top layer of mashed turnip should be smoothed to create an even surface before adding the topping.