10+ Turnip Recipes You’ll Love to Try Today

Turnips—honestly, they don’t get enough credit. They’re simple, sure, but they can really punch up your meals with flavor if you give them a chance.

You might think they’re boring, but you can cook them in so many ways. There’s a lot more to them than meets the eye.

It’s surprisingly easy to find turnip recipes that taste good and don’t take much effort. Whether you’re after something healthy or craving comfort food, turnips can slide into your cooking routine without much hassle.

1) Parmesan Crusted Crushed Turnips

Here’s a simple, tasty dish: crush cooked turnips and hit them with a crispy parmesan crust. Peel your turnips and boil them in salted water until they’re fork-tender—about 20 to 30 minutes.

Once they’re soft, gently squash each one so they flatten a bit. Sprinkle grated parmesan over the top and press it down so it sticks.

Toss in a little garlic or your favorite spices if you’re feeling adventurous. Heat some olive oil in a pan, then cook the turnips cheese-side down until you get that golden crust.

Flip them just long enough to warm the other side. Resist the urge to smash them any further.

Ingredients

• 12 small to medium turnips, peeled
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Boil peeled turnips in salted water for 20-30 minutes until tender.
2. Drain and gently crush each turnip.
3. Sprinkle parmesan cheese and press lightly on each turnip.
4. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
5. Cook turnips parmesan side down until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 2 minutes.
7. Remove and serve warm.

Curious for more? Check out Parmesan Crusted Crushed Turnips.

2) Caramelized Turnip Dauphinoise with Thyme

Caramelized turnip dauphinoise is rich, creamy, and honestly, kind of dreamy. Thinly slice your turnips and layer them with fresh thyme and cream, then bake until golden and caramelized on top.

The thyme gives a nice herbal lift. If you’re tired of regular potato dauphinoise, this is a fun twist.

Turnips bring a sweet, earthy flavor that works well with the cream. It’s a fantastic side dish for almost anything.

If you want even cooking, make sure your cream is hot before you pour it over the turnips.

Ingredients

• 4 large turnips, thinly sliced
• 300 ml heavy cream
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly butter a baking dish.
3. Layer the sliced turnips, sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Warm the cream and pour it evenly over the turnips.
5. Dot the top with butter.
6. Bake for 45 minutes or until turnips are tender and caramelized.
7. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.

If you want the nitty-gritty, peek at this caramelized turnip dauphinoise recipe.

3) Southern Turnip Supreme with Sour Cream

Southern Turnip Supreme is all about comfort. Cook your turnips in water with a bouillon cube to give them a little extra flavor.

Toss in minced onion and garlic for a boost. Once everything’s soft, stir in sour cream for that creamy finish.

It’s a quick side dish that works with just about anything. Craving more? Add cheese and fresh parsley if you want to jazz it up.

Ingredients

• 3 cups peeled, cubed turnips
• 1 cup water
• 1 cube vegetable bouillon
• ¼ cup minced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ tablespoons sour cream
• Salt, to taste
• Optional: shredded cheese and chopped parsley

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring water and bouillon cube to a boil in a pot.
2. Add turnips, onion, and garlic. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Drain excess water if needed.
4. Stir in sour cream and salt.
5. Optional: sprinkle cheese and parsley on top before serving.

Recipe adapted from Southern Turnip Supreme.

4) Roasted Turnips with Olive Oil and Herbs

Roasting turnips is probably the easiest way to get their natural sweetness to pop. Just toss diced turnips with olive oil, salt, and whatever herbs you’re into.

Rosemary, thyme, or even garlic work great. Bake them at 375°F (190°C) and you’ll get tender, browned turnips in about half an hour.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds turnips, peeled and diced
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss turnips with olive oil, salt, and herbs in a roasting pan.
3. Spread turnips evenly on the pan.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and tender.
5. Stir once halfway through cooking for even roasting.

5) Turnip Hummus

Turnip hummus is a fun twist on the classic dip. Roast your turnips first—they’ll turn soft and pick up a subtle sweetness.

Blend them up with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. The result? A creamy dip that’s perfect for veggies, pita, or crackers.

Roasting really brings out the turnip’s unique flavor. You can skip the oil if you want something lighter.

It’s a cool appetizer or party snack if you want to mix things up.

Ingredients

• 3 medium turnips
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2/3 cup tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Sea salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Peel and chop turnips into cubes.
3. Roast turnips on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes until tender.
4. Combine roasted turnips, chickpeas, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt in a food processor.
5. Blend until smooth, adding water if needed for consistency.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

6) Turnip Chips

Turnip chips are a crunchy snack you can whip up fast. Slice your turnips super thin so they crisp up nicely in the oven.

Toss the slices with olive oil, a pinch of salt, and maybe some garlic powder or paprika if you’re feeling bold.

Spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even crispiness.

Let them cool a bit—they get crunchier as they sit. Honestly, they’re hard to resist.

Ingredients

• Turnips
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Optional spices (garlic powder, paprika)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice turnips very thin.
3. Toss turnips with olive oil, salt, and any spices.
4. Arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway.
6. Let cool before serving.

Need some inspiration? Check out these baked turnip chips.

7) Turnip Curry

Turnip curry is simple and surprisingly delicious. Cube your turnips and cook them with turmeric and curry powder.

Use coconut oil for a smooth, rich base. Onions and garlic add flavor, but you can skip them if you’re not in the mood.

Let the curry simmer until the turnips are soft but not mushy. Serve it as a side or a light main with rice.

If you’re after a richer taste, swap coconut oil for ghee. This dish is easy, healthy, and a little unexpected.

Ingredients

• 3 medium turnips, cut into cubes
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil or ghee
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 large onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add onions and garlic; cook until soft.
3. Stir in curry powder and turmeric.
4. Add turnips and mix well.
5. Pour in enough water to cover the turnips.
6. Simmer for 20-30 minutes or until tender.
7. Serve hot with rice or bread.

8) Turnip Fries

Turnip fries are a fun, healthier swap for regular fries. You can bake them or toss them in the air fryer to get that crispiness with way less oil.

Turnips have fewer carbs and calories, so these fries feel lighter. If you want them extra crispy, try cutting the turnips into thin sticks.

Toss them with a bit of cornstarch and your go-to seasonings. I like garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder for a little kick.

Bake at 425°F (220°C) or use your air fryer for a speedier batch. Make sure to spread the fries out in a single layer—crowding them makes them soggy, and nobody wants that.

Ingredients

• 2 medium turnips, peeled and cut into sticks
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for extra crispiness)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss the turnip sticks with oil, spices, and cornstarch if you’re using it.
3. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. Pull them out when they’re golden and crispy.
6. Serve warm. Maybe with your favorite dip?

If you’re going with the air fryer, set it to 400°F (205°C) and cook for 15–20 minutes. Give the basket a shake halfway through.

Want more ideas? Check out this crispy turnip fries recipe.

9) Sweet Turnips with Leeks, Peas, and Tarragon

Here’s a dish that makes turnips taste almost buttery and sweet. You just cook them up with leeks and peas, which add a fresh, spring-like flavor.

Tarragon gives the whole thing this gentle herbal note. It’s quick, honestly, and works with just about any meal.

The turnips stay tender, not mushy, and the sugar pulls out their natural sweetness. Butter brings it all together—hard to go wrong there.

If you’re looking for a light vegetarian side or just want to use up some seasonal veggies, this one’s a keeper.

Ingredients

• 3 medium turnips, peeled and chopped
• 1 leek, cleaned and sliced
• 150 g peas (fresh or frozen)
• 30 g butter
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp chopped fresh tarragon

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add the turnips and sugar, and cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Toss in the leeks and cook for 3 minutes, until they soften.
4. Stir in the peas and tarragon, and heat through.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve warm.

10) Simple Crispy Tokyo Turnips with Garlic and Sesame Oil

Tokyo turnips cook up fast and taste awesome with just a few ingredients. Slice them thin so they get those crispy edges.

Heat up some sesame oil in a pan until it’s shimmering, then add the turnips and garlic. Keep stirring so they cook evenly and pick up a bit of color.

The garlic gets fragrant and works perfectly with the nutty sesame oil. The whole thing comes together in about 10 minutes.

This side dish goes with pretty much anything, honestly.

Ingredients

• 8 Tokyo turnips, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Soy sauce (optional, for extra flavor)

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour sesame oil into a skillet and set it over medium-high heat.

2. Toss in the minced garlic and stir it around for about 30 seconds.

3. Add your sliced turnips and sprinkle in a pinch of salt.

4. Keep stirring often. Let the turnips cook until they’re golden and crispy—usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes.

5. If you want, splash in some soy sauce and let it cook for another minute.

6. Serve them up while they’re still warm.

For more details, check Simple Crispy Turnip Recipe.