Turnip Recipe Ideas: Tasty, Healthy & Easy Dishes

Turnip Recipe Ideas – Turnips are an often underrated root vegetable, but they can be transformed into hearty, flavorful dishes with the right preparation. They have a slightly peppery taste when raw, which mellows out and becomes subtly sweet when cooked. Turnip recipes range from simple roasted wedges tossed in olive oil and herbs, to creamy purees that serve as a low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes. They can also be diced into soups and stews to add bulk and depth, or shaved thin into salads for a crisp, refreshing crunch.

Some recipes highlight them in gratins layered with cream and cheese, while others use them as a base for pickles or fermented dishes. Combining turnips with butter, garlic, or earthy spices like cumin enhances their natural flavor, and pairing them with meats like roasted chicken or braised beef creates a comforting, rustic meal. Turnips are not only versatile but also nutrient-rich, making them a wonderful ingredient for both everyday cooking and gourmet dishes.

Turnip Recipe Ideas

Classic Roasted Turnips with Herbs

Credit @deliciouslittlebites.com

Description:
Roasting turnips brings out their natural sweetness while giving them a golden, caramelized exterior. When paired with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary, roasted turnips make a perfect side dish that feels rustic yet comforting.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium turnips, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped finely
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

How to Cook (Step-by-Step):

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a hot environment for caramelization.
• Wash and peel the turnips thoroughly to remove any bitterness from the skin, then cut into even cubes for uniform cooking.
• Place the cubes into a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil, ensuring each piece gets coated.
• Add minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Toss well so the seasoning sticks to every surface.
• Spread the turnips evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer to avoid steaming.
• Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through to allow even browning on all sides.
• Once golden brown, remove from oven, sprinkle with a touch more fresh herbs, and serve hot.

Creamy Mashed Turnips with Butter & Chives

Credit @ieatketo.com

Description:
A lighter alternative to mashed potatoes, mashed turnips are creamy, slightly sweet, and smooth. Adding butter, cream, and chives gives this dish a comforting, homestyle taste that pairs beautifully with roasts or grilled meats.

Ingredients:

• 5 medium turnips, peeled and chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or milk for lighter version)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped

How to Cook:

• Peel and cut turnips into chunks about 2 inches in size.
• Place them in a pot of cold salted water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes, or until fork-tender.
• Drain thoroughly to remove excess water.
• Return turnips to the pot, add butter and cream, and mash with a potato masher or hand blender until smooth.
• Season generously with salt and pepper.
• Fold in fresh chives before serving warm.

Turnip & Potato Gratin with Cheese

Credit @irishfoodhub.com

Description:
This creamy baked dish layers thin slices of turnips and potatoes in a cheesy, garlicky cream sauce. It’s rich, decadent, and the perfect winter comfort food.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium turnips, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 medium potatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup grated Gruyère or cheddar cheese
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

How to Cook:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Peel and thinly slice turnips and potatoes (about ⅛-inch thickness).
• Grease a baking dish with butter.
• Arrange alternating layers of turnip and potato slices.
• In a saucepan, heat cream with garlic, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Do not boil—just warm to infuse flavor.
• Pour half the cream mixture over the first layer, then sprinkle with cheese.
• Continue layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with cream and cheese on top.
• Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil, bake another 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
• Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Glazed Turnips with Honey & Butter

Credit @chefroberthernandez

Description:
A sweet and savory side dish where turnips are simmered in a buttery honey glaze until they’re tender and shiny. This works beautifully with roasted meats and poultry.

Ingredients:

• 4 turnips, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
• ½ cup vegetable or chicken broth
• Pinch of salt

How to Cook:

• Peel and dice turnips into bite-sized pieces.
• In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add turnips and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often to coat in butter.
• Add honey and broth, stirring to combine.
• Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until turnips are tender and glazed.
• Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Turnip & Carrot Soup with Ginger

Credit @hubersbutchery

Description:
A velvety soup with the natural sweetness of carrots and turnips, balanced with the warmth of ginger. Perfect for cozy evenings.

Ingredients:

• 3 turnips, peeled and diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Cook:

• In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent.

• Add diced turnips, carrots, and ginger. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring to release aroma.

• Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.

• Reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes, until vegetables are very soft.

• Blend soup with an immersion blender until smooth and creamy.

• Adjust seasoning and serve with crusty bread.

Turnip Fries (Low-Carb Alternative)

Credit @foreverfinesse

Description:
A healthy alternative to potato fries, baked turnip fries are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and great for dipping.

Ingredients:

• 3 turnips, peeled and cut into sticks

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Cook:

• Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

• Cut turnips into fry-shaped sticks.

• Toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

• Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment.

• Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway until crisp.

• Serve with ketchup or aioli.

Braised Turnips with White Wine & Thyme

Credit @cocolarkincooks

Slow-braising turnips in wine and broth softens their flavor and infuses them with rich herb notes. A sophisticated side dish.

Ingredients:

• 5 turnips, peeled and quartered

• 2 tbsp butter

• ½ cup dry white wine

• ½ cup vegetable broth

• 1 sprig fresh thyme

• Salt and pepper

How to Cook:

• Heat butter in a deep skillet until melted.

• Add turnips and sear lightly for 3–4 minutes until golden.

• Pour in white wine and cook for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.

• Add broth and thyme sprig, cover pan with lid.

• Simmer on low heat for 25 minutes, turning occasionally, until turnips are soft and infused.

• Remove thyme sprig and serve warm.

Turnip Greens Stir-Fry with Garlic & Chili

Credit @newagesoulfood.blogspot.com

Description:
Don’t discard the greens! They’re nutrient-packed and taste slightly peppery. Stir-fried with garlic and chili, they’re a bold, flavorful side.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch turnip greens, washed and chopped

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, sliced thin

• 1 fresh chili (or ½ tsp chili flakes)

• Salt and pepper

How to Cook:

• Wash greens thoroughly to remove grit. Chop into bite-sized pieces.

• Heat oil in a wok or large pan.

• Add garlic and chili, sauté until fragrant.

• Add greens and stir-fry quickly over high heat for 4–5 minutes until wilted.

• Season with salt and pepper, serve immediately.

Turnip & Lentil Stew

Credit @The Telegraph

Description:
Hearty and wholesome, this stew combines earthy turnips with protein-packed lentils and warming spices.

Ingredients:

• 3 turnips, peeled and diced

• 1 cup green or brown lentils

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 1 celery stalk, chopped

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• 4 cups vegetable broth

How to Cook:

• Rinse lentils under cold water.

• In a large pot, sauté onion, carrot, and celery until softened.

• Add diced turnips and spices, stirring to coat.

• Pour in broth, add lentils, bring to boil.

• Reduce to simmer, cover, and cook for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• Adjust seasoning before serving.

Turnip Pickles (Quick Pickled)

Credit @whole30recipes

Description:
Crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet pickled turnips make a refreshing snack or sandwich topping.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium turnips, peeled and sliced into sticks

• 1 beet (for pink color, optional)

• 1 cup white vinegar

• 1 cup water

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1 tbsp salt

How to Cook:

• Peel and cut turnips into thin sticks.

• Optional: add a small slice of beet for natural pink coloring.

• In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.

• Pour hot brine over turnips in a clean jar.

• Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.

• Ready in 24 hours, even better after a week.