Glazed Rutabagas

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Sweet glazed rutabagas offer a tender, caramelized side with rich butter and brown sugar flavors, perfect for comforting meals and versatile enough for family dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 2 medium rutabagas (about 2 lb.)
  • 1/4 cup butter or margarine
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Wash the rutabagas and pare them thinly.
  2. Cut the rutabagas into 1/2-inch cubes.
  3. Heat butter in a 10-inch skillet until melted.
  4. Add the rutabagas to the skillet.
  5. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat, stirring frequently until light brown on all sides, about 10 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle with brown sugar, water, and salt.
  7. Cover and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 20 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, try using olive oil instead of butter or margarine. If rutabagas are unavailable, turnips can be used as a substitute, though they will have a slightly different taste. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar based on your preference. To enhance the dish, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for a warm spice note.

Serving Suggestions

These glazed rutabagas make a delightful side dish for roasted meats or as part of a vegetarian meal. They pair beautifully with Crustless Carrot Quiche for a hearty brunch or dinner. Consider serving them alongside mashed potatoes or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Glazed Rutabagas contains roughly 204 calories, with 0g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 518mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

204 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.1g
Total Fat 1.3g 2% DV
Carbs 49.6g 18% DV
Fiber 0.1g 1% DV
Sugar 48.8g 98% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 517.8mg 23% DV
Potassium 82.8mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 1.4mg 2% DV
Calcium 44.7mg 3% DV
Iron 0.4mg 2% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen rutabagas for this recipe?

While fresh rutabagas yield the best texture and flavor, frozen rutabagas can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before cooking to achieve similar results.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To make glazed rutabagas vegan, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or olive oil. The recipe will still retain its delicious flavor while being suitable for a vegan diet.

What can I serve with glazed rutabagas?

Glazed rutabagas pair well with a variety of main dishes. They complement roasted chicken, pork, or beef beautifully. For a vegetarian option, serve them alongside a hearty grain salad or stuffed bell peppers.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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