22 Turnip Recipes That'll Make You Fall in Love with the Lesser-Known Root Vegetable

Turnips are a hearty root vegetable that are rustic and versatile. Similar to potatoes, they can be mashed, roasted, braised or fried, and each bite is packed with sweet, nutty flavor and fluffy texture. We whipped up some of our favorite turnip recipes to show just how versatile and impressive this simple ingredient can be—and just how easy it is to cook turnips.

If you’re looking for a warm and hearty dish for a chilly winter meal, braised turnips are the perfect thing. The nutty, sweet vegetables soak up the nourishing flavors of chicken broth in this simple recipe, while butter adds extra creamy richness. Garnish with chopped tarragon for extra herbal flavor.

Sick of mashed potatoes? Try whipping up a different root vegetable instead. Turnips are similar to potatoes in that their flesh is white, tender and fluffy. However, they have a sweeter, nuttier flavor that lends itself to light and airy buttered turnip puree.

Rich, creamy potato soup gets a nice upgrade with the addition of turnips—and a savory topping of cripsy fried onions!

If you’re looking for an impressive, rustic dish to serve at your next potluck or dinner party, this elegant gratin is a fantastic option. Grated parmesan cheese adds tangy flavor, while a pinch of cayenne adds just a bit of heat. Pro tip? Use a mandolin to slice the sweet potatoes and turnips into thin, uniform pieces that will cook quickly and evenly.

Just like beets, the greens of turnips shouldn’t be thrown away—they’re packed with flavor and nutrients that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. In this recipe, cubed country ham mixes with apple cider vinegar to create a sweet, tangy side dish that’s perfect for a barbecue.

If you’re looking for an inventive, impressive side dish to bring to a potluck party, this fun recipe is a great option. Earthy rutabaga and turnips pear with sweet pears for a refreshing gratin that’s anything but boring. The best part? You can prepare it in advance and heat it up right before you’re ready to serve.

If you're craving a peppery punch, try raw turnips. Shaved in this salad they offer a mild spiciness that's perfectly offset by the simple, savory dressing.

Mashed potatoes are a classic favorite for kids and adults alike, but if you’re looking to add a little more complex flavor to the traditional dish, try adding turnips into the mix. The hearty root vegetable cooks quickly and adds a sweet, nutty flavor. Scallions help add bright, tangy freshness.

Pan seared pork tenderloin is a hearty and nourishing entrée, and a side of nutty turnips are the perfect complement. Parmesan cheese adds tangy, salty flavor, while scallions, rosemary and chives add freshness.

This warm and nourishing side dish is perfect for a chilly winter night. Nutty turnips get simmered until tender in a mixture of milk, garlic and thyme. Once cooked, the liquid is drained away and the turnips get pureed with butter until smooth. It’s creamy, savory and filled with flavor.

This easy side dish can be ready in just 35 minutes with less than 10 ingredients. Turnips, shallots, thyme, butter and salt and pepper are all you need to create a flavorful and crispy dish that pairs perfectly with different entrees. Whether you serve it with roast chicken or braised short ribs, this earthy side dish is fast and easy to whip up.

A little bit of spicy whole-grain mustard goes a long way in perking up plain old potatoes and turnips. We've added a touch of sour cream to the mix, too—for extra tang and richness.

Turnips are very similar to potatoes, so you can prepare them in many of the same fantastic ways. We love this gratin recipe that swaps out potatoes for sweeter, nuttier turnips. Fresh thyme helps add herbal flavor, while heavy cream gives the dish a rich flavor and creamy texture.

If you’re looking for a fresh and earthy side dish that’s packed with nutrients and ready in just a half hour, turn to carrots and turnips. The root vegetables make a perfect pair—the sweetness of the carrots is a fantastic complement to the nuttiness of the turnips. Butter and sugar create a delicate glaze that’s perfectly balanced out with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

These slightly sweet turnips with a splash of vinegar are as easy as simmer, stir, season.

Every family has their own version of traditional stuffing or dressing, but if you’re looking for a fun spin on the classic recipes, try adding apples and turnips. Apples add tart sweetness while turnips add nutty richness. Fresh herbs like rosemary and sage make this a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for holidays or special occasion dinners.

Pickled vegetables are a fantastic thing to serve on a cheese or charcuterie board, and they can even be served alongside a sandwich or hamburger just like a pickled cucumber. This simple recipe uses a traditional pickling method to preserve the nutty turnips while adding bright, acidic flavor.

Five ingredients are all you need to create this simple side dish. To start, simply peel turnips and cut them into wedges, then arrange on a baking sheet and sprinkle with garlic, thyme, melted butter and salt and pepper. Roast until tender and crispy, then serve alongside your favorite entrée.

This one-pot-wonder is an impressive dish to serve at your next dinner party. Hearty lamb gets stewed with bright, vibrant spices like coriander, cumin, allspice and ginger and nourishing vegetables like carrots and turnips. Fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley help brighten up the rich dish.

Mashed turnips are a warm and creamy side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. If you’re looking for a fun way to add complex texture to the creamy dish, try topping it with crispy shallots. Serve alongside roast chicken or grilled steam for an impressive dinner that’s simple and elegant.

Turnips are such a fantastic ingredient to use because they can be prepared in so many different ways. Instead of mashing or roasting them, this recipe uses chicken stock and apple cider vinegar to impart rich, warm flavor through braising. Add the turnips to a pot with butter and stock, then simmer gently until tender. And a splash of vinegar and salt and pepper, then serve warm with your favorite entrée.