This turnip casserole recipe is a creative and delicious way to incorporate turnips into your meal. The unique blend of flavors from the applesauce, cinnamon, and turnips offers a comforting dish that's perfect for any time of the year.
This recipe uses one ingredient that you might not always have on hand: turnips. Turnips are a root vegetable that are often overlooked, but they're packed with nutrients and have a sweet, slightly earthy flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in this dish. If you're planning to make this recipe, you might need to pick up turnips on your next trip to the supermarket.
Ingredients for the Perfect Turnip Casserole
Turnips: A nutritious root vegetable that adds a sweet and slightly earthy flavor to the dish.
Applesauce: Adds a hint of sweetness and moisture, complementing the turnips.
Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
Brown sugar: Enhances the natural sweetness of the turnips.
Panko bread crumbs: Adds a nice crunch to the topping.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Flour: Used to make the streusel topping of the casserole.
One reader, Eduardo Breeden says:
This turnip casserole recipe is a game-changer! The combination of turnips, applesauce, and the streusel topping creates a delightful blend of flavors and textures. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. I highly recommend giving it a try!
Cooking Techniques for Turnip Casserole
How to boil turnips: Place the turnips in a pot of water and bring to a boil. Allow the turnips to cook until they are fork-tender, about 10 minutes.
How to make streusel topping: In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and butter. Mix until the ingredients are crumbly and well combined. Set the streusel topping aside to use later in the recipe.
How to mash turnips: Place the boiled turnips in a large bowl and use a potato masher or fork to mash them until they are smooth in texture.
How to sprinkle topping over the casserole: Evenly distribute the streusel topping over the turnip mixture in the baking dish, ensuring that it covers the entire surface.
How to bake the casserole: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and bake the turnip casserole for 35 to 40 minutes, or until it is hot and the streusel topping is golden brown.
How To Make Turnip Casserole
Serve a warm turnip casserole dish for that neutral flavor with slightly earthy undertones. Mix it with applesauce and brown sugar to unleash the sweetness.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3large turnips,peeled and diced
- 1cupapplesauce
- ¼cupbutter,melted
- 3tbspbrown sugar
- ½tspsalt,or to taste
- ¼tsppepper
- ½cuppanko bread crumbs
- ½tspcinnamon
For the Streusel Topping:
- ¼cupflour
- ¼cupbrown sugar
- 2tbspbutter,softened
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine topping ingredients in a bowl and mix until crumbly. Set aside.
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Boil turnips until fork tender, about 10 minutes.
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Place turnips in a large bowl and mash until smooth. Add applesauce, butter, brown sugar, bread crumbs, cinnamon, and salt and pepper to taste.
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Spread into a 2-quart baking dish.
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Sprinkle topping over the casserole and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until hot and crumbs are golden.
Nutrition
- Calories: 166.45kcal
- Fat: 8.90g
- Saturated Fat: 5.49g
- Trans Fat: 0.35g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.25g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.38g
- Carbohydrates: 21.43g
- Fiber: 1.91g
- Sugar: 13.31g
- Protein: 1.55g
- Cholesterol: 22.88mg
- Sodium: 200.80mg
- Calcium: 40.82mg
- Potassium: 172.86mg
- Iron: 0.44mg
- Vitamin A: 73.16µg
- Vitamin C: 20.88mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Turnip Casserole
When preparing the turnips for this turnip casserole, it's important to cut them into evenly sized pieces before boiling. This ensures that they all cook at the same rate, resulting in a smoother and more consistent mash. Additionally, when mashing the turnips, you can use a potato masher for a chunkier texture or a hand blender for a smoother consistency, depending on your preference.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Turnip Casserole
Prep ahead: Chop and boil the turnips in advance to save time when assembling the casserole.
Use food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly mash the turnips and mix the ingredients for the casserole.
Bake in advance: Prepare the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate. Simply add the topping and bake when ready to serve.
Multi-task: While the turnips are boiling, prepare the streusel topping to maximize efficiency.
Organize ingredients: Gather and measure all ingredients before starting to streamline the cooking process.
Efficient peeling: Use a vegetable peeler or paring knife to quickly peel the turnips for the casserole.
Easy cleanup: Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup after baking the casserole.
Substitute Ingredients For Turnip Casserole Recipe
turnips - Substitute with rutabaga: Rutabagas have a similar flavor and texture to turnips, making them a great substitute in this casserole recipe.
applesauce - Substitute with mashed bananas: Mashed bananas can provide a similar sweetness and moisture to the dish, while adding a hint of banana flavor.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, adding a subtle coconut flavor to the casserole.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can bring a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the dish, complementing the other flavors in the casserole.
panko bread crumbs - Substitute with crushed crackers: Crushed crackers can provide a similar crunchy texture and can be seasoned to add extra flavor to the casserole.
flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour: For those with gluten sensitivities, using gluten-free flour can ensure the casserole is suitable for their dietary needs.
Presentation Tips for Serving Turnip Casserole
Elevate the plating: When presenting the turnip casserole, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use edible flowers and microgreens to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Incorporate texture: Add a crunchy element to the dish by garnishing with toasted hazelnuts or almond slivers. This will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy casserole.
Highlight the turnips: Showcase the star ingredient by arranging thinly sliced turnip chips in a delicate pattern on top of the casserole. This will emphasize the main component of the dish and add a touch of sophistication.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Choose ceramic ramekins or individual cast iron skillets for a more upscale and personalized presentation. This will elevate the dining experience and impress the judges with attention to detail.
Balance flavors: Consider serving the turnip casserole with a side of homemade cranberry chutney or a drizzle of balsamic reduction to add a sweet and tangy element that complements the savory flavors of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Turnip Casserole
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for a variety of tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Baking dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking casseroles, roasting, and cooking various dishes in the oven.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients, preparing batters, and holding prepped items.
Pot: A cooking vessel used for boiling, simmering, and stewing ingredients.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
Storing and Freezing Turnip Casserole
Let the turnip casserole cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the casserole soggy.
To store in the refrigerator, cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
If you want to freeze the casserole, follow these steps:
- Divide the cooled casserole into individual portions or leave it whole, depending on your preference.
- Wrap each portion or the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
- Place the wrapped casserole in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. If using a bag, remove any excess air before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of your frozen meals.
Frozen turnip casserole will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months. However, it will remain safe to eat beyond that time, as long as it's stored at a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below.
To reheat the casserole, first, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, bake the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's heated through and the streusel topping is crisp and golden brown. If reheating from frozen, increase the baking time to 45-50 minutes, covering the dish with foil for the first 30 minutes to prevent the topping from burning.
How To Reheat Turnip Casserole Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover turnip casserole to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the streusel topping.
For a quicker option, reheat individual portions of the casserole in the microwave. Place a serving in a microwave-safe dish and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature. If the topping becomes soggy, you can crisp it up by placing the dish under the broiler for a minute or two.
If you have a toaster oven, you can use it to reheat smaller portions of the casserole. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place a serving of the casserole on a toaster oven-safe dish. Heat for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping is crispy.
For a stovetop method, transfer the leftover casserole to a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk or cream to help maintain the casserole's moisture and prevent it from drying out. Heat until the casserole is warmed through, then serve immediately.
If you want to get creative with your leftovers, try repurposing the turnip casserole as a filling for stuffed peppers or portobello mushrooms. Cut the top off the pepper or remove the stem from the mushroom, fill it with the leftover casserole, and bake until the pepper or mushroom is tender and the filling is heated through.
Interesting Fact About Turnip Casserole
The turnip casserole recipe is a great source of dietary fiber, which is essential for a healthy digestive system. Turnips are also rich in vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system and promote overall health. Additionally, turnips are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them a great addition to a balanced diet.
Is Making Turnip Casserole Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this turnip casserole recipe is quite high. Turnips are an affordable and nutritious vegetable, and the additional ingredients are also budget-friendly. The use of applesauce adds natural sweetness and moisture, reducing the need for excessive sugar and butter. The dish provides a satisfying and flavorful option for a family meal without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12, making it a budget-friendly choice. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?
The turnip casserole recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to the presence of butter, brown sugar, and refined carbohydrates. While turnips are a nutritious vegetable, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, the addition of applesauce and brown sugar increases the overall sugar content of the dish. The use of butter and panko bread crumbs also adds saturated fat and refined carbohydrates, which may not be ideal for those following a balanced diet.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of butter used in the recipe or replace it with a healthier alternative, such as olive oil or coconut oil
- Swap the brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, or simply reduce the amount used
- Use whole wheat bread crumbs instead of panko to increase the fiber content and reduce refined carbohydrates
- Add more vegetables to the casserole, such as carrots or parsnips, to boost the nutrient profile and fiber content
- Experiment with different spices and herbs, like nutmeg or thyme, to enhance the flavor without relying on added sugars or fats
Editor's Opinion on This Turnip Casserole Recipe
The turnip casserole recipe is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors. The use of applesauce adds a unique twist to the traditional turnip dish, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The streusel topping provides a satisfying crunch and a hint of sweetness, complementing the creamy turnip mixture. This dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering, offering a comforting and delicious addition to the table.
Enhance Your Turnip Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Turnip Casserole
Why trust this Turnip Casserole Recipe:
This turnip casserole recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dish, combining the earthy flavor of turnips with the sweetness of applesauce and a hint of warmth from cinnamon. The use of butter and brown sugar adds richness and depth to the dish, while the panko bread crumbs create a satisfying crunch. The streusel topping, made with flour, brown sugar, and butter, provides a delightful contrast in texture. Trust in the harmonious blend of flavors and textures in this recipe for a comforting and satisfying casserole experience.
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