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Home » Recipes » Vegetables and Side Dishes

How to Cook Rutabagas

Published: Nov 16, 2022 by Bowl Me Over · 20 Comments

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Sweet Buttered Rutabagas have always been a staple on our holiday table. They are super simple to make they are boiled until tender, drizzled with milk or cream and topped with rich, creamy butter, delicious!

Click here for more Holiday Side Dish Recipes.

Southern Rudabaga Recipe in white casserole dish.
Southern Rudabaga Recipe with milk and butter.
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  • Southern Buttered Rutabagas Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • FAQ's
  • Tips
  • Related recipes
  • Favorite side dishes
  • Buttered Rutabagas

Southern Buttered Rutabagas Recipe

Today I'm serving up my favorite side dish, Buttered Rutabaga Recipe! This may be the most overlooked vegetable in the veggie aisle but I'm telling you that you are missing out!

Or perhaps I should keep my mouth shut and keep that secret so there's more for the rest of us, LOL!

A lot of people reach for the sweet potatoes, but if you've never tried rutabagas, it's time to change that. This side is quick and easy to make and so good. In our house, it's never a holiday without serving this dish!

Ingredients

Whole rutabagas on wooden cutting board.
This is what rutabagas look like.

For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. 

  • rutabagas
  • butter
  • milk
  • salt and pepper

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make boiled rutabagas. For the complete instructions refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

Slicing skin off rutabaga.
Slice and remove the skin of the waxed rutabaga.
Slicing Rutabagas into cubes.
Then slice and cube the vegetable

You'll need a sharp knife to slice the ends and peel the vegetable. Because the skin is so sharp, a knife is better than a vegetable peeler.

  1. Wash in warm water before peeling to remove dirt and debris. Dry with a paper towel.
  2. Slice off the top and bottom of the vegetables. This will give you a solid base.
  3. Setting it on the flat base, carve around the edges removing the waxy skin.
  4. Slice the rutabaga into planks then cubes.
Pot with vegetables being filled with water.
Fill the pot with water and boil until tender
Pot with vegetables topped with butter.
Drain well and add butter.
Cream being added to a pot with cooked vegetables.
Top with cream, season with salt and pepper
  1. Place rutabaga pieces in a dutch oven. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil on the stovetop.
  2. When fork tender, remove from heat and drain or remove cooked rutabagas with a slotted spoon.
  3. Add in the butter and milk, season with salt and black pepper.

FAQ's

What does a rutabaga taste like?

Rutabagas are a root vegetable. They are a cross between turnips and cabbage with the texture of a carrot. Crunchy when raw and slightly bitter in taste. Though you can certainly enjoy them in a salad or on a vegetable tray, I like them best cooked.

Are rutabagas and turnips the same thing?

They are similar in texture, though young turnips have a sweeter flavor. Rutabagas and turnips are crunchy like carrots. As they grow larger the taste becomes bitter and they are best enjoyed cooked.

How do you eat rutabagas?

They are great in soups and stews. They are terrific mashed with a bit of butter because they aren't starchy like potatoes so they get super smooth! Another great way to eat them is raw, however Buttered Rutabagas are my first choice!

Are rutabagas healthier than potatoes?

Rutabagas have less sugar and are higher in fiber than potatoes. Depending on what your diet requires, it may be a better choice.

Can you eat rutabaga skin?

The skin on the rutabagas is thick and waxy and has a bitter taste. Peel before eating, it's not tasty!

Where do you find rutabagas?

You can buy them in the grocery store, in the same section that you'll find potatoes, sweet potatoes and turnips.

Can you eat a raw rutabaga?

Yes, they are slightly sweet and have a texture similar to turnips.

How do you choose a good rutabaga?

You'll find them in the vegetable department near the turnips and parsnips. They are creamy yellow in color. Select firm, smooth vegetables with a round, oval shape.

Tips

  • Use a paring knife to peel the rutabaga, not a potato peeler. They skin is too thick to use a peeler.
  • Rutabagas should feel heavy for their size. Do not choose vegetables with punctures, deep cuts, cracks, or decay.
  • The vegetable itself is tough to peel. For this reason, I find the smaller ones easier to work with.
  • Rutabagas keep well in the refrigerator. They will last two weeks or more. If stored at room temperature, they will last about a week.

How do you choose a good rutabaga?

You'll find them in the vegetable department near the turnips and parsnips. They are creamy yellow in color. Select firm, smooth vegetables with a round, oval shape.

Buttery Rutabagas in white casserole dish topped with butter.
Top the buttery Rutabagas with a pad of butter.

Related recipes

There are a ton of different ways to enjoy rutabagas - here are more yummy recipes!

  • Rutabaga Fries - seasoned and baked just like French fries, these are super yummy!
  • Mashed Rutabagas with Garlic Butter - loaded with butter these are amazing. You could even add cream cheese to make them even creamier!
  • Add them to your favorite vegetable soup or chicken soup recipe!

Favorite side dishes

What are your favorite holiday side dishes? Brussels Sprouts, Sweet Potatoes or Mashed Potatoes? There are so many favorites!

  • One of my favorites is this recipe for pan roasted vegetables. Pan fried in olive oil and butter these are always a hit!
  • Crockpot Cream Corn is easy to make and terrific wish mashed potatoes and turkey or ham - yum!
  • Oven Roasted Delicata Squash is so pretty and festive! It's a great side dish, perfect for your Christmas table or Thanksgiving dinner.
Cooked buttered rutabagas iin casserole dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
5 from 15 votes

Buttered Rutabagas

This is an easy recipe using only a handful of simple ingredients. Buttered Rutabagas are a staple on the holiday table!
Prevent your screen from going dark
Prep Time15 minutes mins
15 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Vegetables and Side Dishes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 154kcal
Author: Deb Clark
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • 4 large rutabaga
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Carefully peel rutabaga with a paring knife. Cut rutabaga into one-inch pieces.
  • Place in a medium-sized pan. Cover with enough water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
  • Boil until fork tender, about 15 minutes or so.
  • Drain cooked rutabaga. Add the butter and milk, season with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Serve warm.

Notes

Rutabagas from the grocery store or farmers market have a waxy coating that need to be removed. The coating it to keep the rutabagas from drying out.
You can use a good vegetable peeler or a pairing knife to peel the skin off. I use a knife because the skin is tough.

Nutrition

Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 372mg | Potassium: 839mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 183IU | Vitamin C: 64mg | Calcium: 157mg | Iron: 1mg
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About Bowl Me Over

Welcome to Bowl Me Over! My name is Debra and I send warm greetings from sunny California. I am a serious foodie – I’ve been known as the go-to girl in our family for years, catering weddings and anniversary parties. In the summer I help cook mountains of food for our family reunions. Often times things I create end up in a bowl, hence the name Bowl Me Over! Let's stay connected, you can email me at [email protected] and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Margaret Bailey

    January 02, 2023 at 6:24 am

    I’m trying this today I’ve never cooked rutabaga but first time for everything I love cabbage and turnips si I know they will be good they wer given to me by marketplace because they closed 2 weeks and gave everything away I’m thankful

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      January 02, 2023 at 3:37 pm

      It's sad the market closed, but what a treat for you Margaret! Enjoy the Rutabagas, they are definitely a favorite!

      Reply
  2. Eileen

    November 16, 2022 at 7:54 pm

    5 stars
    This is a great recipe. It brought me right into my Granny's kitchen. We made this together so very often when I was a little girl. It is just delicious.

    Reply
  3. Lois

    February 15, 2020 at 1:26 pm

    5 stars
    I just love rutabagas they are just so good. Love them.

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      February 16, 2020 at 3:35 pm

      Me too, I could eat that whole bowlful, they are so yummy!

      Reply
      • Rosemary Doyle

        November 24, 2022 at 10:28 am

        Love them

        Reply
  4. Erin Parker

    November 20, 2019 at 8:24 pm

    5 stars
    We've never made rutabagas before this recipe. Our entire family loves them now! So good and so great for the upcoming holidays, too!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 21, 2019 at 12:18 pm

      I'm so happy you tried and enjoyed this recipe Erin, we love rutabagas!

      Reply
  5. Brandi Burgess

    November 20, 2019 at 8:07 pm

    5 stars
    Never had a rutabaga but now I definitely want to try this!!!!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 21, 2019 at 12:20 pm

      You should, they are sooo good!

      Reply
  6. Michaela Kenkel

    November 19, 2019 at 9:19 pm

    5 stars
    That buttery goodness reeled me in on facebook for this recipe! I had to try them for myself, and OH MY!! These will be on OUR table this year, too!!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 21, 2019 at 12:22 pm

      They are the BEST!! I'm so happy you enjoyed them!!

      Reply
  7. jennifer stewart

    November 19, 2019 at 4:07 pm

    5 stars
    I keep seeing these everywhere so I am all in for a new side dish!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 21, 2019 at 12:23 pm

      Wonderful, I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!!

      Reply
  8. Madi

    November 18, 2019 at 3:28 pm

    5 stars
    Rutabagas are so popular where I live! I can't wait to try this version!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 21, 2019 at 12:24 pm

      Awesome - enjoy!

      Reply
  9. Kathleen

    November 18, 2019 at 6:03 am

    5 stars
    5 stars, because rutabaga's deserve a chance to shine too! And these are sparkling with yumminess!

    Reply
    • Bowl Me Over

      November 21, 2019 at 12:26 pm

      Yes!! The lowly rutabaga's getting some <3

      Reply
  10. Julie Menghini

    November 16, 2019 at 4:10 pm

    5 stars
    I love turnips and cabbage so I know I'll love rutabagas! Especially the way you've prepared them here!

    Reply
  11. Michele

    November 16, 2019 at 9:33 am

    5 stars
    I bought some rutabagas at the farmer's market and made this recipe! WE LOVED them! Super easy, and it was such a nice change from potatoes or rice as a side dish! Definitely going to make these again!

    Reply

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