Topping vegetables with a creamy cheese sauce, like a classic green bean casserole, is an easy way to get your family saying “Yes please!” to a generous helping of veggies, and even asking for seconds!
What is a Rutabaga?
Rutabagas are a root vegetable in the cabbage family with a yellowish-orange flesh, and a sweetness and bite similar to but slightly stronger than turnips, which have white flesh. In fact, a common question is “What is the difference?”. Both have purple tops, but turnips tend to be smaller and cleaner in appearance. Rutabagas often look like they’ve been knocked around a bit, but those scars are all erased once you peel them. Rutabaga has a spicy, pungent edge that pairs well with a smooth creamy cheese sauce!
How to Prepare Rutabaga Gratin
You’ll want a sharp knife and a safe technique. Here’s how to peel, prep, and keep your fingers intact.
Cut off bottom and top to prepare a flat surface. Stand on end and slice off strips all the way around (or use a vegetable peeler). Flip to the other flat edge and remove the rest of the peel. Cut into bite-size cubes, and simmer in water until partially cooked.
How to Make Rutabaga Gratin
With the rutabaga prepped and parboiled you are ready to make a cheesy rutabaga casserole in 3 simple steps!
Once you have the basic idea, go ahead and experiment. You can soften rutabagas’ bite by combining with equal parts of potato or turnip cubes. Brussel sprouts or broccoli can add some extra color. Plus their flavors are complementary to rutabagas and equally enhanced by cheese. Alternatively, you could slice the rutabagas thinly instead of cutting into cubes, and layer the slices with the sauce, scalloped potato style. If you go this route, don’t parboil.
Can You Freeze Rutabaga Gratin?
This is one dish you probably want to leave out of the freezer. That smooth and luscious cheese sauce is likely to separate and get gummy when thawing.
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or with a foil cover in the oven, to prevent the top from burning.
More Cheesy Sides Please
We love serving roasted root vegetables and dishes like brown sugar roasted rutabaga, but there is something irresistible about covering veggies in a creamy cheese sauce! You will definitely want to make extras when serving side dishes like cheesy broccoli casserole or a classic potatoes au gratin for supper! © SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
