Mashed rutabaga is a delicious and easy way to prepare this amazing root vegetable. This simple side dish is creamy, flavorful, and a great substitute for mashed potatoes.

What is a rutabaga?

Rutabaga, swede, Swedish turnip, no matter what you call it, this root vegetable is a cross between a turnip and a cabbage. They have a yellowish color on the inside and are typically white and purple on the outside.

A great, low-carb substitute to potatoes, rutabagas are full of nutrients and have about half the calories and carbohydrates than potatoes. They can also be prepared any many different ways like roasted rutabaga, rutabaga fries, and many more rutabaga recipes.

Ingredients needed

• Rutabagas – Fresh rutabagas. This recipe uses 2-3.
• Butter – I like using unsalted butter so that I can control the sodium. You can substitute with salted butter.
• Half and half – This helps to give a creamy texture to the rutabagas.
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

How to select the best rutabaga

When you are at the grocery store produce section or farmers market, make sure to choose a rutabaga that is firm to the touch with a smooth skin. When it comes to taste, larger rutabagas tend to be a little sweeter in taste than the smaller ones so be sure to look for a medium to large size.

How to make creamy mashed rutabaga recipe

Step one: Clean and peel the rutabagas. Using a potato peeler makes it easy to remove the waxy skin. Chop the rutabaga into small cubes or chunks.

Step two: Place the cubed rutabagas into a large pot. Cover with cold water and a little salt. Bring the water to a boil and cook for 30 minutes or until they are fork tender.

Step three: Carefully drain off the water and use a potato masher to start mashing the cooked rutabaga.

Step four: Add in the butter, half and half, salt, and pepper. Mash to combine until creamy.

Tips for the best rutabaga

• If you want your mashed rutabaga extra creamy, place the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until your desired consistency.
• This recipe makes between 2-3 cups of mashed rutabaga. You can cook more for a larger crowd, just adjust the amount of butter and half and half.

Recipe variations

Cream – Don’t have half and half? You can substitute with heavy cream, heavy whipping cream, milk, or even sour cream.

Seasonings – If you would like to add a little extra flavor try 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, or substitute the salt with seasoning salt.

Fresh Herbs – Mix in some fresh herbs to add color and flavor. Some great choices are chopped chives, parsley, or green onions.

How to store swede mash

Store: Let the mash cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-6 days. You can reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Freeze: Place the mashed rutabaga in a freezer safe container or bag. Freeze up to 6 months.

What to serve with mashed rutabagas?

This is a wonderful side dish that pairs well with many meals. One great ideas is with a simple baked pork tenderloin. You could also serve it alongside this brown gravy meatloaf for a hearty meal.

Did you try this simple side dish recipe? Be sure to let me know in the comments.

More easy side dish recipes

• Baked potatoes – Make easy, perfect every time baked potatoes.
• Baked sweet potatoes – Oven baked sweet potatoes.
• Roasted red potatoes – Crispy red potatoes in the air fryer.
• Whipped sweet potatoes – Creamy, sweet whipped sweet potatoes.