Parmesan Crusted Turnips Recipe

Crispy Parmesan Crusted Turnips Recipe: Golden Side Dish Magic

Parmesan crusted turnips bring unexpected magic to your vegetable side game.

Creamy roots underneath transform with a crispy golden exterior that surprises most dinner plates.

Humble turnips suddenly become elegant when coated in salty, nutty cheese.

Nutritious and delightful, these little beauties pack serious flavor into each bite.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the delicate crunch and rich undertones.

Simple ingredients combine to create something memorably delicious.

Parmesan Crusted Turnips – Your New Favorite Side Dish

  • Unbelievably Easy Veggie Transformation: Turn boring turnips into a crispy, cheesy delight with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prep and cook in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious side dish that doesn't demand hours of effort.
  • Healthy Comfort Food Hack: Swap traditional potato sides with nutrient-packed turnips, getting a satisfying crunch and rich Parmesan flavor while keeping meals nutritious and low-carb.
  • Budget-Friendly Gourmet Touch: Create restaurant-quality roasted vegetables at home using affordable ingredients and simple techniques that elevate humble turnips into a crowd-pleasing dish.

What Covers Parmesan Crusted Turnips

Main Ingredients:

Turnips: Hearty root vegetable with a slightly peppery flavor, perfect for roasting and creating crispy texture. Choose firm, smooth turnips without blemishes or soft spots.

Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that creates a delicious golden crust. Freshly grated provides the best flavor and melting quality.

Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create crispy exterior and enhances overall flavor. Choose extra virgin for best taste.
  • Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor to the dish. Fresh garlic provides the most robust taste.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of turnips. Freshly ground black pepper recommended.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Fresh Chives: Provides a mild onion-like flavor and bright green color. Adds freshness and visual appeal to the final dish.

How to Crust and Roast Parmesan Turnips

Step 1: Boil and Soften Turnips

Peel the turnips carefully and place them in a pot filled with salted water.

Bring the water to a rolling boil and cook the turnips until they become tender.

You’ll know they’re ready when a knife slides through them effortlessly, which typically takes about 20-30 minutes.

Once cooked, drain the turnips and let them cool down slightly.

Step 2: Flatten and Prepare

Grab a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and gently transfer the turnips onto the surface.

Using steady pressure, press down on each turnip until it flattens to approximately half an inch thick.

Allow the turnips to drain for 15 minutes, then flip them over to dry the other side completely.

Step 3: Create Flavor Mixture

In a small mixing bowl, combine:
  • Olive oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix these ingredients until well blended, creating a fragrant and zesty coating for the turnips.

Step 4: Arrange and Season

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick foil.

Carefully place the flattened turnips on the sheet.

Brush each turnip generously with the garlic-oil mixture.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top, gently pressing it into the surface.

Flip each turnip and repeat the seasoning process on the other side.

Step 5: Roast to Crispy Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

After the first baking period, flip each turnip and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes.

You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and a crispy exterior.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped chives over the roasted turnips.

Transfer to a serving plate and enjoy immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

Turnips Done Right Every Time

  • Pat turnips completely dry after boiling to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results.
  • Use consistent pressure when flattening turnips to create uniform thickness for balanced cooking and crispy texture.
  • Opt for high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese for richer flavor and better melting properties.
  • Watch turnips closely during final baking stage to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown crust.
  • Experiment with additional herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance the turnips' natural earthy flavor profile.

Parmesan Turnips You Can Enjoy Again

  • Store leftover turnips in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping them fresh and ready for quick reheating.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F, spread turnips on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-12 minutes to restore their crispy texture and original deliciousness.
  • Place turnips on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, checking to prevent overcooking.
  • Skip freezing these Parmesan-crusted turnips, as they may lose their crispy texture and become soggy when thawed.

What Works With Turnips

  • Savor Turnip Taste Enhancers
  • Pair Crisp White Wine: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc will complement the turnips' earthy flavor and cut through the rich Parmesan crust, creating a balanced dining experience.
  • Match Herbal Protein Partner: Roasted chicken or grilled salmon with fresh rosemary works wonderfully, as the delicate protein allows the turnips' crispy texture to shine without overwhelming the dish.
  • Create Herbaceous Dipping Delight: Prepare a zesty herb aioli with fresh chives, garlic, and lemon zest to add brightness and tang that elevates the roasted turnips' deep, nutty notes.
  • Boost Salad Side Harmony: Serve a light arugula salad with toasted pine nuts and a light vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery contrast to the rich, cheesy turnips.

Turnip Prep With Parmesan Variations

  • Vegan Cheese Crunch: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan alternative for a dairy-free version. Sprinkle generously over turnips before roasting to maintain crispy texture.
  • Low-Carb Herb Swap: Substitute turnips with radishes or cauliflower for fewer carbohydrates. Season with rosemary and thyme for enhanced flavor profile while keeping the original roasting method.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the olive oil mixture for heat lovers. Incorporate smoked paprika for additional depth and warmth in the seasoning.
  • Mediterranean Style: Mix dried oregano, za'atar, and lemon zest into the olive oil blend. Top with crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan for a Mediterranean-inspired side dish.

FAQs

  • Why boil turnips before roasting?

Boiling softens the turnips, reduces cooking time, and helps create a tender interior before achieving a crispy exterior during roasting.

  • Can I use other cheeses instead of Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano or aged cheddar work well as alternatives, providing similar sharp and salty flavors that complement the turnips.

  • How do I know when turnips are properly cooked?

Turnips are ready when a knife easily pierces through without resistance during the boiling stage, indicating they’re tender and ready for the next cooking step.

  • Are there health benefits to eating turnips?

Turnips are low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in vitamins C and K, making them a nutritious vegetable that supports overall health and digestion.

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Parmesan Crusted Turnips Recipe

Parmesan Crusted Turnips Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy parmesan crusted turnips bring Mediterranean charm to your dinner table with golden-brown edges and rich, savory flavor. Delicate root vegetables become irresistible when topped with nutty parmesan cheese, offering you a delightful side dish that elevates any meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 small to medium turnips, peeled
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Aromatics:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
  • Chopped fresh chives (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare turnips by peeling and washing them thoroughly under cool running water.
  2. Submerge turnips in a generously salted pot of water, bringing the liquid to a rolling boil over high heat.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and allow turnips to simmer until tender, approximately 20-25 minutes, testing doneness by inserting a sharp knife through the vegetable’s center.
  4. Carefully drain cooked turnips in a colander and transfer to a clean kitchen towel to cool and remove excess moisture.
  5. Gently flatten each turnip using a firm pressing motion until they reach roughly half-inch thickness, ensuring even compression.
  6. Preheat the oven to 375°F, positioning a rack in the middle section for consistent heat distribution.
  7. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
  8. Whisk olive oil with minced garlic, creating an aromatic seasoning blend for the turnips.
  9. Arrange flattened turnips on the prepared baking sheet, brushing each side generously with the garlic-infused oil.
  10. Liberally sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the turnips, pressing lightly to help the cheese adhere.
  11. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, allowing the cheese to develop a golden, crispy exterior.
  12. Carefully flip the turnips midway through cooking to ensure even browning and maximum crispness.
  13. Remove from oven when turnips are deeply golden and the Parmesan forms a delectable crust.
  14. Garnish with finely chopped fresh chives for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
  15. Serve immediately while warm and crisp, offering a delightful side dish with complex textures and flavors.

Notes

  • Boost flavor by soaking turnips in salted water for 30 minutes before boiling to reduce bitterness and enhance natural sweetness.
  • Pat turnips completely dry before flattening to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture during roasting.
  • Experiment with alternative cheese options like pecorino or aged cheddar for different flavor profiles while maintaining crispy crust.
  • For gluten-free and low-carb diets, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or almond flour to maintain the crunchy exterior.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 170
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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