Mashed Rutabaga is a slightly sweet, creamy, and and unexpected, yet delicious, side dish option.

Easy Mashed Rutabaga
Get a new side dish on the table in under 30 minutes with our simple step-by-step guide on how to cook mashed rutabaga. It’s creamy, has a hint of sweetness, and has less calories and more vitamin C than the classic potato, making it a simple way to add nutrition to your next meal.
Looking for More Recipes Like This?
Then you’ve got to try our Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Its another simple recipe that yields creamy, sweet, and also pack a nutritional punch.
What You Will Need
- rutabaga – These look like oversized turnips and should be in the produce section at your local grocery store.
- butter – Just a bit to add creaminess.
- almond milk – You could easily sub with regular milk if dairy-free isn’t a goal. Either one will help to yield a nice creamy texture.
- kosher salt & ground black pepper – Just some classic seasonings go a long way to enhance the natural flavors.
What Is A Rutabaga
Chances are that you probably overlooked the rutabaga, also known as the Swedish turnip, when scanning the root vegetables at your local grocery store or farmers market. The look like oversized turnips and have a waxy brown or almost purple skin. In terms of flavor, rutabagas have been described as a cross between a turnip and a cabbage, with a slightly bitter taste when raw, and a slightly sweet flavor once cooked. They’re a great substitute for traditional mashed potatoes when you’re looking to cut calories but still get that creamy mashed potato-like side dish that you know and love.
How To Make Mashed Rutabaga
To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat while you peel and cube your rutabaga. We found using a vegetable peeler to be easiest, but you could also use a pairing knife.

How Long To Boil Rutabagas For Mashing
Add the cubed rutabaga to the boiling water and let them cook for 25-30 minutes.

Use a colander to drain the cooked rutabaga and place them in a large mixing bowl. Then place a little butter on top along with some salt and pepper.

Use a potato masher to mash the rutabaga, butter, and seasonings until you notice a uniform, creamy consistency throughout. Move it all over into a serving bowl and dig in!

Recipe FAQs and Tips
- Are rutabagas healthier than potatoes – Rutabagas have less calories and more vitamin C than the traditional potato. This makes them a great low-carb substitute.
- What does rutabaga taste like – Similar to a mashed potato, but a bit more pungent with some sweet undertones.
- What is the best way to eat rutabagas – Skies the limit, but we prefer ours mashed.
- Immersion blender – You could always use an immersion blender or food processor to make this recipe go quicker. You might even notice that this method yields a creamier consistency.

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Mashed Rutabaga
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
Our quick and easy Mashed Rutabaga recipe is a delicious side dish to serve with a weeknight dinner or dress it up for your holiday table!
Ingredients
- 2 rutabaga, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 tablespoons butter (regular or plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons almond milk (add more, if needed)
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Boil Rutabaga: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add rutabaga cubes to the boiling water and let cook for 25-30 minutes, or until soft. Drain and return to the pot or put in a large bowl.
- Mash + Combine: Use an electric hand mixer (or use a stand mixer with paddle attachment) to mash. Add the butter, almond milk, salt and pepper. Continue mixing to fully combine.
- Serve: Enjoy with a little more butter and salt on top!
Notes
- Dairy Free: Use a plant-based butter and any type of plant-based milk.
- Storage: leftover mashed rutabaga can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 52
- Sugar: 1.3 g
- Sodium: 99.3 mg
- Fat: 4.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 2.5 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
- Cholesterol: 12.2 mg
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