Comforting Turnip Bake Recipes: A Guide to Deliciousness

Turnips, often overlooked in favor of more popular root vegetables, are nutritional powerhouses and incredibly versatile in the kitchen. While they can be enjoyed raw, roasted, or mashed, one of the most comforting and flavorful ways to prepare them is in a bake. A turnip bake combines the subtle sweetness of turnips with creamy sauces, savory cheeses, and complementary ingredients, resulting in a dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a holiday side dish. This guide will explore various turnip bake recipes, offering detailed steps and instructions to help you create a truly memorable meal.

Why Choose Turnips?

Before diving into the recipes, let’s appreciate the humble turnip. Here’s why you should consider incorporating them into your diet:

* **Nutrient-Rich:** Turnips are packed with vitamins C and K, as well as fiber, calcium, and potassium. They’re also a good source of glucosinolates, which have been linked to cancer prevention.
* **Low in Calories:** They’re relatively low in calories, making them a great choice for weight management.
* **Versatile Flavor:** Turnips have a slightly sweet and peppery flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients.
* **Affordable:** They are generally less expensive than other root vegetables.
* **Sustainable:** They are a relatively sustainable crop and require minimal resources. Turnips are a cool-season crop and are best harvested in the fall and winter, but can be stored for extended periods in a root cellar or refrigerator.

Essential Tips for Preparing Turnips

Before embarking on your turnip bake adventure, keep these tips in mind:

* **Choose the Right Turnips:** Select smaller turnips, as they tend to be sweeter and less bitter than larger ones. Look for turnips that are firm and heavy for their size, with smooth, unblemished skin.
* **Peel or Not to Peel:** Whether or not to peel turnips is a matter of personal preference. Younger turnips with thin skin don’t necessarily need to be peeled. If the skin is thick or tough, it’s best to peel them.
* **Pre-Cooking is Key:** Turnips can take a while to cook, so it’s generally recommended to pre-cook them before adding them to the bake. This can be done by boiling, steaming, or roasting them.
* **Balance the Flavors:** Turnips can have a slightly bitter taste, so it’s important to balance their flavor with other ingredients. Sweet ingredients like maple syrup or honey can help to tame the bitterness, while savory ingredients like cheese, bacon, or herbs can add depth and complexity.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked turnips can become mushy. Cook them until they’re tender but still hold their shape.

Recipe 1: Classic Creamy Turnip Bake

This classic recipe is a simple and comforting way to enjoy turnips. It features a creamy sauce, a touch of nutmeg, and a crispy breadcrumb topping.

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds turnips, peeled and cubed
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Cook the turnips:** Place the cubed turnips in a pot of boiling salted water and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Drain well.
3. **Make the sauce:** While the turnips are cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4. **Assemble the bake:** In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the cooked turnips evenly. Pour the sauce over the turnips.
5. **Prepare the topping:** In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the sauce. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
7. **Let it rest:** Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Add a clove of minced garlic to the sauce for extra flavor.
* Use Gruyere or cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan.
* Mix in some cooked ham or bacon for a heartier dish.
* Substitute the milk with cream for a richer sauce.
* Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of spice.

## Recipe 2: Turnip and Potato Gratin with Gruyere

This gratin is a sophisticated twist on the classic potato gratin. The turnips add a subtle sweetness and earthiness that complements the potatoes and Gruyere cheese beautifully.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound turnips, peeled and thinly sliced
* 1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
* 1 onion, thinly sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 cups heavy cream
* 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons butter, for greasing the dish

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Prepare the vegetables:** In a large bowl, combine the sliced turnips, potatoes, and onion. Add the minced garlic, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
3. **Assemble the gratin:** Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter. Arrange the turnip, potato, and onion mixture in the dish, layering the vegetables evenly. Pour any remaining cream over the top.
4. **Top with cheese:** Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese evenly over the top of the gratin.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 60-75 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the cheese is golden brown and bubbly. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
6. **Let it rest:** Let the gratin rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Use other types of cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan.
* Add a layer of cooked bacon or ham to the gratin.
* Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish.
* Add some fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the gratin.
* For a vegan version, use plant-based cream and vegan cheese.

## Recipe 3: Spicy Turnip and Chorizo Bake

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, this spicy turnip and chorizo bake is a perfect choice. The chorizo adds a smoky flavor and a kick of spice that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the turnips.

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 pounds turnips, peeled and cubed
* 8 ounces chorizo sausage, removed from casing and crumbled
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Cook the turnips:** Place the cubed turnips in a pot of boiling salted water and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until tender. Drain well.
3. **Sauté the vegetables and chorizo:** While the turnips are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Add the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Add the tomatoes and spices:** Stir in the diced tomatoes, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. **Assemble the bake:** In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cooked turnips and the chorizo mixture. Stir to combine.
6. **Top with cheese:** Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the bake.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. **Let it rest:** Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Use different types of sausage, such as Italian sausage or andouille sausage.
* Add a can of black beans or corn to the bake for extra flavor and texture.
* Use a different type of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
* Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
* Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

## Recipe 4: Vegan Turnip and Lentil Bake

This vegan turnip and lentil bake is a hearty and nutritious option that’s perfect for a plant-based meal. The lentils add protein and fiber, while the turnips provide a subtle sweetness and earthiness.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound turnips, peeled and cubed
* 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 cups vegetable broth
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, use gluten-free if needed)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Sauté the vegetables:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. **Add the lentils, turnips, broth, and herbs:** Stir in the lentils, turnips, vegetable broth, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper.
4. **Bring to a boil and simmer:** Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the turnips are cooked through. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a little more vegetable broth.
5. **Assemble the bake:** Transfer the lentil and turnip mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the mixture is heated through.
7. **Let it rest:** Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
* Use different types of lentils, such as red lentils or French green lentils.
* Add a can of diced tomatoes for extra flavor and acidity.
* Stir in some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
* For a richer flavor, use coconut milk instead of vegetable broth.

## Recipe 5: Turnip and Apple Bake with Maple Glaze

This recipe showcases the versatility of turnips by combining them with sweet apples and a luscious maple glaze. It’s a delightful side dish that’s perfect for fall or winter.

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 pounds turnips, peeled and cubed
* 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), peeled, cored, and cubed
* 1/4 cup butter, melted
* 1/4 cup maple syrup
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Salt to taste
* 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the oven:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Cook the turnips:** Place the cubed turnips in a pot of boiling salted water and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until slightly tender but still firm. Drain well.
3. **Prepare the glaze:** In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. **Assemble the bake:** In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cooked turnips and cubed apples. Pour the maple glaze over the turnip and apple mixture and toss to coat evenly.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the turnips are cooked through and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
6. **Add nuts (optional):** Sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts over the bake during the last 5 minutes of baking, if desired.
7. **Let it rest:** Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving.

**Tips and Variations:**

* Use other types of fruit, such as pears or cranberries.
* Add a sprinkle of brown sugar for extra sweetness.
* Use different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts.
* Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of spice.
* Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

## Serving Suggestions for Turnip Bakes

Turnip bakes are incredibly versatile and can be served as a side dish or a main course. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **As a Side Dish:** Serve alongside roasted chicken, pork, or beef.
* **As a Vegetarian Main Course:** Pair with a side salad and crusty bread.
* **For the Holidays:** Include a turnip bake as part of your holiday spread.
* **Comfort Food Dinner:** Enjoy on a cold night with a warm blanket and a good book.
* **Potluck Dish:** Bring to a potluck or gathering.

## Storing Leftover Turnip Bake

Leftover turnip bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals until warm. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to the bake before reheating to prevent it from drying out.

## Conclusion

Turnip bakes are a delicious and versatile way to enjoy this often-overlooked root vegetable. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can create a wide variety of turnip bakes that are sure to please your family and friends. From classic creamy bakes to spicy chorizo bakes and sweet apple bakes, there’s a turnip bake recipe for every taste. So, embrace the humble turnip and discover the delicious possibilities that await!