French Turnips (Rutabaga): A Creamy, Cheesy Delight

The first time I tasted rutabaga prepared this way, it was a revelation. I was a young culinary student, far from home during the holidays, and a kind French family invited me to their Christmas dinner. Amidst the dazzling array of dishes, a simple, unassuming casserole stood out. The creamy, slightly sweet, and subtly earthy flavor of the rutabaga, combined with the richness of the cheese sauce, was simply unforgettable. It tasted like warmth and home, even though I’d never had anything quite like it before. Since then, this dish has become my own little Christmas tradition, a comforting reminder of kindness and unexpected flavors.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 cups of mashed rutabaga
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ⅛ teaspoon savory
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons flour
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup of grated cheese (such as Gruyere, cheddar, or a combination)

Equipment Needed

• Large saucepan or pot (for boiling rutabaga)
• Potato masher or food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Butter baking dish (approximately 8×8 inches)
• Whisk
• Small saucepan (for making the sauce)

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the rutabaga. Peel the rutabaga and cut it into uniform sized chunks. Place the chunks in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the rutabaga is tender, about 20-25 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce the chunks with a fork.
2. Drain the cooked rutabaga thoroughly and return it to the saucepan. Mash the rutabaga using a potato masher, or for a smoother texture, process it in a food processor.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed rutabaga, egg, butter, savory, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and slightly creamy.
4. Grease the baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Transfer the rutabaga mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Now, prepare the cheese sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This step is crucial to prevent a lumpy sauce.
7. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring that each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken.
8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated cheese until it is completely melted and the sauce is creamy and homogenous.
9. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the rutabaga mixture in the baking dish. Make sure the entire surface is covered for a beautiful golden topping.
10. Bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
11. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. This allows the sauce to set a bit, making it easier to portion.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, use brown butter in both the rutabaga mixture and the cheese sauce. To make brown butter, simply cook the butter over medium heat until it turns a nutty brown color and emits a fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn it!
• If you prefer a smoother rutabaga mixture, use an immersion blender to puree it after mashing.
• Don’t overcook the rutabaga, or it will become mushy. It should be tender but still hold its shape.
• Prepare the mashed rutabaga and cheese sauce a day ahead and assemble just before baking. This saves time on the day of serving.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
• If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to thicken it.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This creamy French turnip dish is a wonderful side dish for roasted meats, poultry, or fish. It is particularly well-suited for holiday meals or special occasions. Serve it warm, straight from the oven.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	135.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	96 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	10.7g	16%
Saturated Fat	6.5g	32%
Cholesterol	54.3mg	18%
Sodium	114.7mg	4%
Total Carbohydrate	6.4g	2%
Dietary Fiber	0.7g	2%
Sugars	1.3g	5%
Protein	3.9g	7%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegan Option: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter, the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and the milk with unsweetened almond or soy milk. Use a vegan cheese alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the rutabaga mixture or the cheese sauce for a touch of heat.
• Herbaceous Twist: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the rutabaga mixture for added flavor.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses in the sauce, such as Gruyere, Gouda, or Parmesan.
• Add Vegetables: Mix in other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips for a more complex flavor profile.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use white turnips instead of rutabaga?
A: While you could, I strongly recommend using rutabaga for this recipe; it has a sweeter, less bitter flavor and a smoother texture that works better with the cheese sauce. White turnips tend to be more pungent and watery.

Q: How do I know when the rutabaga is cooked through?
A: The rutabaga is ready when it is easily pierced with a fork. It should be tender but not mushy.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the mashed rutabaga and cheese sauce a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking.

Q: What if my cheese sauce is too thick?
A: Gradually whisk in a little more milk until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled dish before or after baking. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. Be aware that the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly after freezing.

Final Thoughts

This French turnip (rutabaga) dish is more than just a side dish; it’s a comforting and flavorful experience that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re searching for a new holiday tradition or simply want to try something different, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It is a testament to the fact that simple ingredients, when combined with care and technique, can create truly memorable dishes. Share it with your loved ones, experiment with different flavors, and most importantly, enjoy the process of creating something delicious. Bon appétit!