Scalloped Faux Tatoes/Turnips (Low Carb)

I remember the first time I made these “faux tatoes.” My family was trying to cut back on carbs, and frankly, I was getting bored of cauliflower mash. One Thanksgiving, staring down a lonely bag of turnips, I thought, “Why not try to scallop these like potatoes?” The result? A creamy, comforting side dish that even my potato-loving dad devoured. He never even suspected a thing, and the look on his face when I confessed was priceless!

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Servings: 3-4
• Yield: 1 baking dish
• Dietary Type: Low Carb, Keto-Friendly

Ingredients

• 4 turnips (not rutabaga)
• 1 onion
• 1 cup whipped Philadelphia cream cheese (onion flavor, one whole container)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2-3 cups grated cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Equipment Needed

• Baking dish
• Mandolin (optional, but highly recommended)
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).

2. Generously spray the bottom of your baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the turnips from sticking and make serving much easier.

3. Peel the turnips and onion. Thinly slice them using a mandolin if you have one; otherwise, slice them as thinly and evenly as possible with a knife. Uniform thickness is key for even cooking. The thinner, the better, similar to scalloped potatoes.

4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the whipped cream cheese and heavy cream. Add salt and pepper to taste. At this stage, you can get creative with your seasonings. Consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined and relatively smooth. It’s okay if there are some small lumps of cream cheese, they will melt during baking.

5. Begin layering the ingredients in the prepared baking dish. Start with a layer of thinly sliced turnips on the bottom, followed by a layer of onions, then a layer of grated cheese. Repeat these layers until all the turnips, onions, and most of the cheese are used. Make sure you end with a layer of turnips on top. Reserve some cheese for the very end.

6. Carefully pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the layers. Gently wiggle the baking dish to help the mixture seep down through the layers, ensuring that all the ingredients are moistened. If you feel the dish needs a bit more moisture, don’t hesitate to add a splash more heavy cream.

7. Top the entire dish with the remaining grated cheese. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other spices you are using.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the turnips are easily pierced with a fork and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The top should be golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil during the last 30 minutes of baking.

9. Remove from the oven and let stand for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Mandolin Magic: A mandolin is your best friend for this recipe. It ensures uniformly thin slices, which is crucial for even cooking and the right texture.
• Spice it Up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices. Smoked paprika, thyme, or even a touch of nutmeg can add a lovely depth of flavor.
• Cheese Choices: Use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor. Gruyere, cheddar, and Parmesan all work well.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: You can assemble this dish a day ahead of time. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate it. Add about 15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
• Turnip Talk: Choose smaller to medium-sized turnips, as larger ones can be more bitter.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the scalloped faux tatoes/turnips hot as a side dish with roasted meats, poultry, or fish. It pairs particularly well with ham or pork. For a vegetarian option, it’s delicious alongside a hearty lentil loaf or mushroom wellington.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until warm. Reheating in the oven will help retain the texture better.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	450 kcal	23%
Total Fat	35g	54%
Saturated Fat	22g	110%
Cholesterol	120mg	40%
Sodium	700mg	30%
Total Carbohydrate	15g	5%
Dietary Fiber	3g	12%
Sugars	5g	–
Protein	15g	30%

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

Variations & Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. You may need to adjust the seasoning to compensate for the difference in flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy twist.
• Herbaceous Delight: Stir in a tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage into the cream cheese mixture.
• Add some ham! Adding a layer or two of diced ham in between the turnip and onion layers creates a hearty casserole, perfect for a main dish.
• Vegetarian option: Add some browned mushrooms in a layer to add some umami.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use rutabaga instead of turnips?
A: While you can, turnips are preferred for their milder flavor and texture, which more closely mimics potatoes. Rutabaga has a stronger, more earthy flavor.

Q: Do I have to use whipped cream cheese?
A: Whipped cream cheese is recommended for its lighter texture and easier blending. Regular cream cheese can be used, but make sure it is softened and thoroughly whisked to avoid lumps.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: It is not recommended to freeze this dish as the cream cheese and cream can separate upon thawing, resulting in a grainy texture.

Q: How do I know when the turnips are cooked through?
A: The turnips are done when they are easily pierced with a fork, similar to how you would test potatoes.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! Sliced mushrooms, leeks, or even a layer of spinach can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy this low-carb take on a classic comfort food! It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables and enjoy a creamy, satisfying side dish without the guilt. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices and cheeses to create your own signature version. I would recommend serving this dish alongside a roasted chicken and a crisp green salad for a comforting and satisfying meal. Let me know how it turns out, and feel free to share your own variations!