Rutabaga Au Gratin
Rutabaga au gratin features creamy cheesy sauce combined with tender diced rutabaga, baked to perfection, making a comforting side dish suitable for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine diced rutabaga, salt, and sugar in a saucepan.
- Add water to cover and bring to a boil.
- Simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until tender.
- Melt butter in a separate saucepan, then add flour and milk, cooking until thickened and bubbly.
- Add seasoned salt, pepper, and shredded Cheddar cheese, stirring until cheese melts.
- Drain the cooked rutabaga and stir into the cheese sauce.
- Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 1 1/2-quart glass casserole.
- Sprinkle with bread crumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of milk. If you want to reduce the sodium, opt for low-sodium cheese and omit the seasoned salt. You can also add other vegetables like parsnips or carrots for added flavor. This dish can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving, making it a great choice for gatherings alongside Grilled Turnovers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Rutabaga Au Gratin as a hearty side dish alongside roasted meats or as a vegetarian main course with a fresh salad. It pairs wonderfully with a light vinaigrette salad, like 5 Thing Salad, to balance its richness. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rutabaga Au Gratin contains roughly 479 calories, with 10g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1411mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
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 a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is traditional, you can experiment with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a combination of cheeses for a unique flavor. Just keep in mind that different cheeses will affect the melting properties and taste.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding an extra few minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I substitute rutabaga with another vegetable?
Yes, while rutabaga is key to this recipe, you can substitute it with turnips, potatoes, or even sweet potatoes. Each will impart a slightly different flavor and texture, but they all work well in a gratin.
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).