Mashed turnips are a Southern holiday staple, creamy and simple, and a welcome break from all the heavy hitters on the table. This easy recipe is ready in 30 minutes and goes with just about everything.
You’ll find the full recipe with ingredient amounts and instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. Be sure to check out the blog post itself for extra tips and tricks!
Every time we have a Holiday at my in-laws', there's a bowl of mashed turnips on the table. It's a Southern tradition.
When mashed, turnips become a light vegetable that pairs nicely with heartier dishes like my Southern Candied Sweet Potatoes or Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese. Serve alongside a tasty Air Fryer Fried Chicken or Baked Turkey Thighs & Vegetables.
Mashed turnips are a lighter side dish, giving a nice, refreshing break between all the other heavy foods.
Ingredients For Mashed Turnips
Ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions are on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Turnips - peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces. If your turnips come with greens, don't toss them; you can cook those too!
- Salt and Pepper - to taste
How to make Mashed Turnips
Peel and dice the turnip into 1-inch pieces.
Place the turnip pieces into a large pot and cover them with 2 inches of water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until the turnips are tender about 20-25 minutes.
Drain the turnips and return them to the pot.
Use a potato masher or electric hand mixer until they are smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
How do I choose a turnip?
The size of the turnip you buy determines whether it gives off a bitter or sweet flavor. Larger turnips tend to be more bitter, while smaller turnips are sweeter. Bigger isn't always better in this situation; I'd pick a small to medium-sized turnip.
Storing leftovers
Store leftover mashed turnips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Mashed turnips can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container, though they may release some water when thawed.
Are mashed turnips healthier than mashed potatoes?
Yes, and it's not even close. Turnips have fewer calories and carbs than potatoes. We're talking 18 calories and 4 grams of carbs per cup compared to 59 calories and 13.5 grams of carbs in mashed potatoes. So if you're watching your carbs or just want a lighter side dish, mashed turnips are the move.
Why are my mashed turnips watery?
Turnips have a much higher water content than potatoes, about 94% compared to 80%, so some extra liquid is totally normal. To avoid a soupy mash, drain them well, then put them back in the hot pot with the burner off for a few minutes before you start mashing. That extra time lets the steam do the work and dries them out nicely. If they still seem too wet after mashing, just stir them over low heat for a minute or two until they tighten up.
Pro Tips
- You can add milk, cream, or butter to make it creamy, similar to mashed potatoes. If adding milk or cream, add about ½ cup of milk and 2-3 Tablespoons of butter.
- You can also add fresh herbs, like chives or parsley, for additional flavor or garnish.
Looking for more side dish recipes? Try these out:
- Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
- Air Fryer Carrots (Sweet or Savory)
- Jamaican Rice and Peas
- Creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Collard Green Soup
If you have tried this recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please rate it and let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
Mashed Turnips Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the turnip pieces into a large pot and cover it with 2 inches of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer until the turnips are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Drain the turnips and return them to the pot. Use a potato masher or electric hand mixer until they are smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
Nutrition
Notes
- You can add milk, cream, or butter to make it creamy, similar to mashed potatoes. If adding milk or cream, add about ½ cup of milk and 2-3 Tablespoons of butter.
- You can also add fresh herbs, like chives or parsley, for additional flavor or garnish.
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