• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Veggie Desserts
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Vegan Recipes
    • Vegan Cake and Desserts
    • Vegan Dinner
    • Vegan Breakfast
    • Vegan Guides
  • Cookbook
    • About My Cookbook
    • Buy Veggie Desserts + Cakes
  • About Me
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Press
    • Newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram Posts
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Tumblr
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About Me
  • Cookbook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • About Me
    • Cookbook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes

    Roasted Turnips

    Published: Nov 24, 2021 by Kate Hackworthy · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe
    Collage of roasted turnips and chopped peeled turnips, with text: Roasted Turnips.
    Close up of roasted turnip chunks, with text: How to make roasted turnips.
    A table with a dish of cooked turnips, with text: Easy Roasted Turnips.

    This easy Oven Roasted Turnips recipe takes a tasty root vegetable and turns it into a comforting side dish in just 30 minutes. These herbed roasted turnips with a dash of nutmeg are a great low-carb and low-calorie alternative to potatoes.

    A table with a dish of roasted turnips.

    Easy Roasted Turnips are a quick and easy side dish that's full of flavor. It's a great way to use up the seasonal root vegetable!

    Turnips are an often-overlooked root vegetable. But they're low in calories and low carb and are budget-friendly.

    They're also delicious roasted in the oven - the outside is lightly crisp and the insides are beautifully tender.

    This roasted turnips recipe takes fresh turnips and tosses them with oil and a light seasoning of salt, pepper, and nutmeg. It's then roasted in the oven until fork-tender making a nutritious side dish that pairs well with any meal!

    These herbed roasted turnips are great with any protein and are a great way to get a helping of flavor and nutrition.

    Turnips are a deliciously unique root vegetable. They are shaped similar to beets with a round bulb shape and come topped with greens.

    The flesh is similar to the texture of an apple and it's slightly spicy when raw.

    When cooked or roasted, this root veggie becomes earthy, nutty, and slightly sweet making it the perfect vehicle for herbs and spices.

    If you're looking for more roasted vegetables, then you'll also love my Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Roasted Celeriac, Roasted Zucchini, and Roasted Baby Potatoes.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Top tips
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • FAQs
    • More vegetable side dish recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    It's a great way to introduce anyone to the fresh earthy flavor of turnips.

    You can season them however you enjoy with various herbs and spices.

    They are cooked in 30 minutes or less making it an easy weeknight side dish.

    Turnips are an inexpensive root vegetable where the root and the leaves are edible.

    They can be served on a bed of your favorite grains to make a hearty meal.

    Close up of a serving dish of cooked turnips.

    Ingredients

    You only need a few simple ingredients to make roasted turnips!

    • Turnips - This earthy root vegetable transforms into a wonderful side when roasted in the oven.
    • Olive Oil - Roasts the turnips so they get crispy on the outside and stay fork-tender on the inside.
    • Seasonings - You’ll need salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg to season the turnips before roasting. But you can switch the nutmeg to your favorite spices or just leave it out.
    • Fresh Thyme or Rosemary - Makes a great optional garnish that gives flavor and a pop of green color.

    Please see the recipe card below for quantities.

    Instructions

    Wondering how to roast turnips? It's easy! Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

    Peeling and chopping turnips.

    Prepare the turnips: After preheating your oven to 440F/200C, wash the turnips well, then peel the outside with a vegetable peeler. Cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes.

    Seasoned turnips on a baking sheet ready to be baked.

    Season the turnips: Add the cubed turnips to the baking sheet, then drizzle with olive oil and seasonings. Toss until all of the turnips are coated thoroughly.

    Roasted turnips on a baking sheet.

    Oven roast the turnips: Make sure the seasoned turnips are in a single layer on the baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes flipping halfway through. Roasted turnips should be golden on the outside and tender on the inside. Remove from the oven and top with fresh herbs before serving.

    Top tips

    Turnips are a root vegetable which means they are pulled straight from the dirt. Be sure to wash and peel them before roasting for best results.

    The time it takes to roast turnips will depend on the size of the cubes. You can make them bigger or smaller, but make sure you adjust the cooking time and check them regularly.

    The oven temperature should not go lower than 440F/200C as this will not properly create dry heat to roast the vegetables.

    Make sure the seasoned turnips are in a single layer on your baking sheet to prevent them from steaming and becoming mushy.

    Serving Suggestions

    Makes a great side dish to a hearty vegan Portobello Mushroom Steak. 

    Toss roasted turnips into a Healthy Cabbage Soup for more flavor and nutrition. 

    A great addition to a Persian Roasted Eggplant Salad. 

    Add some on top of a bed of Turmeric Rice for a filling vegan and vegetarian meal. 

    Variations

    Add some parsnips or carrots to the mix for a naturally sweet burst of flavors.

    Try adding some warming cinnamon or ginger to the seasonings to pair with the spicy savory flavors of turnip.

    Make a spicy turnip side by sprinkling with red pepper flakes or sprinkling with cayenne pepper.

    Instead of olive oil, use melted butter to roast the turnips for a decadent buttery flavor.

    Top with fresh oregano, sage, or Italian parsley for a fresh herb taste.

    A squeeze of lemon juice on top of the roasted turnips helps cut through the natural spicy and earthy flavor.

    Storage

    Storing: Any leftover roasted turnips can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. 

    Freezing: Due to the high water content in turnips, they will change their texture too much when thawed. Therefore, freezing is not recommended. 

    A plate of roasted turnip on a table.

    FAQs

    What does roasted turnip taste like?

    While raw turnips have a slightly spicy flavor, when cooked they become nutty and earthy. 


    How do you get the bitterness out of turnips?

    Raw turnips will often have a bitter flavor. The best way to combat this is by cooking the turnip either by boiling or roasting in the oven.

    Do you peel turnips before you cook them?

    While baby turnips do not need to be peeled, regular-sized turnips are best when peeled as the outside can harbor dirt and impurities which can affect the taste of the cooked turnips.

    More vegetable side dish recipes

    Roasted turnips make a delicious side dish. Get your five-a-day with these other tasty vegetable side dish recipes too!

    • Buttered Sautéed Leeks
    • Vichy Carrots (Carottes à la Vichy)
    • Green Beans with Cranberries and Pecans
    • Candied Sweet Potato Casserole
    Collage of quick vegan dinner recipes.

    Sign up for our free newsletter and never miss a recipe!

    Plus, you'll get a free eBook: 15 Minute Vegan Dinners!

    📖 Recipe

    A serving dish piled with roasted turnips.

    Roasted Turnips

    Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
    This easy Roasted Turnips recipe with herbs and nutmeg takes just 30 minutes. It's a great low-carb and low-calorie alternative to potatoes.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    SaveSaved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 35 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 127 kcal

    Equipment

    • Baking sheet

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 lb 900g turnips
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper

    To serve (optional)

    • Sprigs of thyme and/or rosemary

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C.
    • Peel the turnips and cut into similarly sized chunks (about 1 inch).
    • Toss the turnip chunks in the oil and nutmeg, then spread out in a single layer on baking sheets. Season with the salt and pepper.
    • Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the turnips for about 30 minutes until soft and golden, flipping halfway through. The time will depend on the size of your turnip pieces, so check and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Serve warm.
    • If desired, serve topped with thyme.

    Notes

    • What does roasted turnip taste like? While raw turnips have a slightly spicy flavor, when cooked they become nutty and earthy.
    • How do you get the bitterness out of turnips? Raw turnips will often have a bitter flavor. The best way to combat this is by cooking the turnip either by boiling or roasting in the oven.
    • Do you peel turnips before you cook them? While baby turnips do not need to be peeled, regular-sized turnips are best when peeled as the outside can harbor dirt and impurities which can affect the taste of the cooked turnips.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 127kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 152mgPotassium: 434mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 48mgCalcium: 69mgIron: 1mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

    More Side Dish Recipes

    • Broccoli and Cheese Sauce
    • Easy Baked Polenta Fries
    • Crock Pot Black Beans
    • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Goat Cheese
    • Tweet
    • Share
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gloria

      December 23, 2021 at 2:25 pm

      5 stars
      What a delicious way to enjoy this tasty root vegetable. Perfect for the holiday dinner table. Easy to make gets bonus points too.

      Reply
    2. Jess

      November 29, 2021 at 2:25 pm

      5 stars
      This was so good! I had wanted to eat fewer carbs during Thanksgiving so I used turnips. Yum!

      Reply
    3. Michelle

      November 24, 2021 at 2:50 pm

      5 stars
      Love how quick and easy it is to roast turnips! Will have to give this a try in place of potatoes 🙂

      Reply
    4. Dana Sandonato

      November 24, 2021 at 2:41 pm

      5 stars
      Turnips really are underrated! I find them to be just as good as sweet potatoes when cubed and roasted like this. Loved the addition of the nutmeg, too.

      Reply
    5. Kate

      November 24, 2021 at 2:17 pm

      5 stars
      I LOVE turnips, (can't quite convince the rest of my family... yet!). I usually braise them in stock but roasting tastes even better, delicious!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

    Collage of press logos.

    Popular recipes

    • The BEST Easy Red Lentil Dahl
    • Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)
    • Mini Baked Potatoes
    • Easy Lentil Soup

    Healthy Recipes

    • Butternut Squash Salad
    • Easy Healthy Cabbage Soup
    • Easy Vegan Ramen (15 minutes)
    • Rajma Masala (Kidney Bean Curry)

    My cookbook

    Veggie Desserts and Cakes Cookbook cover.

    Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

    Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

    Collage of press logos.

    Popular recipes

    • The BEST Easy Red Lentil Dahl
    • Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)
    • Mini Baked Potatoes
    • Easy Lentil Soup

    Healthy Recipes

    • Butternut Squash Salad
    • Easy Healthy Cabbage Soup
    • Easy Vegan Ramen (15 minutes)
    • Rajma Masala (Kidney Bean Curry)

    My cookbook

    Veggie Desserts and Cakes Cookbook cover.

    Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About me
    • Contact
    • Work with me
    • Press
    • Veggie Desserts Cookbook

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up for newsletter updates

    Disclaimers

    • Disclosures & Affiliate Policies
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Kate Hackworthy / Veggie Desserts