Turnip Bake

Our turnip bake—also known as a turnip puff—turns a sturdy root into something unexpectedly plush. Cubed turnips are simmered until tender, then mashed with butter, eggs, a touch of brown sugar and seasonings. Baking powder lifts the mixture just enough so it feels airy around the edges while having a custard-like center. On top, buttered dry bread crumbs turn golden and crisp, adding toasty crunch over the soft, savory interior.

This veggie bake is perfect when you want a side that plays well with meat loaf or roasted chicken but doesn’t fade into the background. The veggie side dish is earthy and slightly sweet, and the contrast between the creamy base and the crackly crumb topping gives every bite texture.

Turnip Bake Ingredients

• Turnips: The turnips provide the base and creamy texture once cooked and mashed. Their natural moisture also keeps the casserole tender.
• Butter: Butter enriches the puree for a plush, satisfying texture. It also toasts the bread crumbs on top, promoting even browning and a crisp finish.
• Eggs: Eggs bind the mashed turnips and dry ingredients into a cohesive batter. The eggs help the batter set into a custardy structure in the oven, giving the bake sliceable lift.
• All-purpose flour: Flour adds body so the mixture isn’t watery. It forms a framework with the eggs that helps the casserole hold its shape.
• Brown sugar: A touch of brown sugar rounds out the turnips’ slight bitterness. The molasses notes also deepen flavor and aid browning.
• Baking powder: Baking powder lifts the batter so the vegetable base isn’t dense. This leavening creates a soft, souffle-like texture.
• Salt and pepper: Salt sharpens the natural flavors of the turnips and the dairy, while the black pepper brings gentle heat and aromatic bite.
• Nutmeg: Ground nutmeg adds warm, fragrant complexity that pairs well with root vegetables.
• Dry bread crumbs: Bread crumbs create a crunchy, golden topping that contrasts with the creamy interior. Feel free to use store-bought, Panko or homemade seasoned bread crumbs.

Directions

Step 1: Boil the turnips

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the turnips in a small saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 10 to 12 minutes or until tender. Drain.

Step 2: Mix the filling and transfer to the baking dish

In a small bowl, combine the turnips, 2 tablespoons butter and the eggs. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, pepper and nutmeg; add to the turnip mixture and mix well. Transfer to a greased 8-in. square baking dish.

Step 3: Add the topping and bake

Melt the remaining butter; toss with the bread crumbs. Sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, 25 to 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve immediately.

Turnip Bake Variations

• Add cheese: Toss 1/2 cup grated Parmesan with the buttered bread crumbs. Sprinkle over the top and bake as directed.
• Stir in fresh herbs: Fold in 2 tablespoons chopped chives and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley with the eggs, then bake as directed.
• Go garlicky: Stir in 1 clove minced garlic with the eggs and spices; bake as directed.
• Use Dijon for tang: Whisk 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard into the egg mixture to add a gentle bite and depth.
• Try a nutty crunch: Stir 1/4 cup finely chopped toasted pecans into the buttered bread crumbs before sprinkling over the top.

How to Store a Turnip Bake

Let the turnip bake cool completely, then cover the dish or transfer leftovers to a shallow, airtight container and refrigerate. To help keep the buttery crumb topping from getting soggy, place a paper towel under the lid to absorb excess moisture before sealing.

How long does a turnip bake last?

In the refrigerator, a turnip bake keeps for three to four days when stored in a covered dish or airtight container. For the best texture, refrigerate it once cool and avoid stirring the crumb topping into the filling.

Can you freeze a turnip bake?

Yes, this turnip bake freezes well for up to three months. To freeze it, cool the bake completely, wrap the dish tightly in storage wrap and then foil (or transfer to a freezer-safe container), label and freeze; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How do you reheat the turnip bake?

For the best texture, reheat a turnip bake in the oven. Transfer the side to a casserole dish and cover the dish loosely with foil. Bake at 350° until hot in the center, 15 to 25 minutes depending on the portion size. For a quick single serving, spoon some onto a microwave-safe plate, cover and heat in short bursts, stirring once or twice, until steaming.

Turnip Bake Tips

What other vegetables can you use in addition to turnips?

You can swap in other root veggies if you want to change up the flavor. For a sweeter bake, use two medium turnips and one large carrot cut into slices, then proceed as the recipe directs. For an earthier take, use two medium turnips and two medium parsnips cut into slices, then proceed as the recipe directs.

What should you serve with a turnip bake?

This turnip bake is great next to roast chicken, where the pan juices mingle with the creamy interior. It also plays well with pork chops since the rich meat balances the mild root vegetable flavor. Round out the plate with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness.