Savory Rutabaga Bake with Sweet Crunch
This delectable Savory Rutabaga Bake offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it a perfect side dish for your holiday feast or any special dinner. With creamy mashed rutabagas enriched with butter and milk, combined with a touch of sweetness from sugars, this dish is elevated with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Easy to make ahead, it's a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can be enjoyed on its own. Experience the comforting taste of this Finnish-inspired recipe that's sure to be a hit at your dining table.
4
Servings
113
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow turnips or rutabagas
2 (medium, peeled and cubed)
butter
3 (tablespoons, divided)
milk or half-and-half cream
1 (cup, preferably homogenized)
fine dry breadcrumbs
1/2 (cup)
granulated sugar
1 (tablespoon)
brown sugar
1 (tablespoon)
salt
1 (teaspoon)
nutmeg
1/2 (teaspoon)
fresh ground black pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
additional breadcrumbs
2 (tablespoons)
Instructions
1
Peel and cube the yellow turnips or rutabagas, ensuring you have at least 9 cups of cubed vegetable.
2
Place the cubed turnips in a large saucepan and cover with water, then bring to a boil over high heat.
3
Once boiling, cover the pot and reduce the heat to let it simmer gently. Cook until the turnips are tender, about 25-30 minutes.
4
Drain the cooked turnips and mash them using a potato masher or an electric mixer until smooth.
5
Incorporate 2 tablespoons of butter into the mashed rutabagas until melted, then gradually mix in the milk until well combined.
6
In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, both types of sugar, salt, nutmeg, and black pepper. Stir this mixture into the mashed rutabagas until evenly distributed.
7
If baking immediately, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
8
Spread the rutabaga mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and use a fork to create a textured surface on top.
9
Sprinkle the top with the additional 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
10
Bake uncovered in the center of the oven for about 45 minutes, or until the center is hot and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
11
Serve immediately as a delicious side to roast turkey, chicken, pork, or beef, and delight your guests with this comforting dish.
12
Note: To prepare this dish ahead of time, complete all steps up to the baking stage. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. If baking from cold, extend baking time to 55-60 minutes. Freezing may alter the texture, so it's best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition Information
5.5g
Fat
13.5g
Carbs
1.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Rutabaga Bake with Sweet Crunch?
It is a Finnish-inspired side dish featuring creamy mashed rutabagas enriched with butter and milk, topped with a sweet and crunchy breadcrumb layer.
Can I use yellow turnips for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either yellow turnips or rutabagas for this bake.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 113 calories.
How much cubed vegetable is required?
You will need at least 9 cups of peeled and cubed yellow turnips or rutabagas.
How long do I boil the rutabagas?
Boil the cubed vegetables for about 25-30 minutes until they are tender.
How should I mash the turnips?
You can use a potato masher or an electric mixer to mash them until smooth.
What type of milk works best for this dish?
Homogenized milk is preferred, though half-and-half cream can also be used for extra richness.
How much butter is mixed into the mashed rutabagas?
Two tablespoons of butter are incorporated into the mashed rutabagas initially.
What spices are included in the seasoning mix?
The seasoning mixture includes salt, nutmeg, and fresh ground black pepper.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, it uses both 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar.
What temperature is required for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the dish.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prepare the surface of the mash before baking?
Spread the mixture in the dish and use a fork to create a textured surface on top.
What goes on top of the rutabaga mixture?
It is sprinkled with 2 tablespoons of additional breadcrumbs and drizzled with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
How long should the dish stay in the oven?
Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes or until the center is hot and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Is this a good holiday side dish?
Yes, its savory and sweet profile makes it perfect for holiday feasts and special dinners.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can complete all steps up to the baking stage and refrigerate the dish.
How far in advance can I make it?
The prepared dish can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking.
Does the baking time change if the dish is cold?
Yes, you should extend the baking time to 55-60 minutes if baking directly from the refrigerator.
Can I freeze the Savory Rutabaga Bake?
It is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing may alter the texture of the dish.
What kind of breadcrumbs are used?
Fine dry breadcrumbs are used both within the rutabaga mixture and as a topping.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 5.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 13.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this dish?
Each serving provides 1.75g of protein.
What main dishes pair well with this side?
It pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, pork, or beef.
Do I need to cover the dish while baking?
No, the instructions specify baking it uncovered to allow the topping to get crispy.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the texture of the topping?
The topping is designed to be a sweet crunch made of breadcrumbs, sugars, and butter.
Is the rutabaga peeled before cooking?
Yes, you should peel and cube the rutabagas before boiling them to ensure a smooth mash.