Our turnip bake—also known as a turnip puff—turns a sturdy root into something unexpectedly plush. Cubed turnips are simmered until tender, then mashed with butter, eggs, a touch of brown sugar and seasonings. Baking powder lifts the mixture just enough so it feels airy around the edges while having a custard-like center. On top, buttered dry bread crumbs turn golden and crisp, adding toasty crunch over the soft, savory interior.

This veggie bake is perfect when you want a side that plays well with meat loaf or roasted chicken but doesn’t fade into the background. The veggie side dish is earthy and slightly sweet, and the contrast between the creamy base and the crackly crumb topping gives every bite texture.

Turnip Bake Ingredients

• Turnips: The turnips provide the base and creamy texture once cooked and mashed. Their natural moisture also keeps the casserole tender.
• Butter: Butter enriches the puree for a plush, satisfying texture. It also toasts the bread crumbs on top, promoting even browning and a crisp finish.
• Eggs: Eggs bind the mashed turnips and dry ingredients into a cohesive batter. The eggs help the batter set into a custardy structure in the oven, giving the bake sliceable lift.
• All-purpose flour: Flour adds body so the mixture isn’t watery. It forms a framework with the eggs that helps the casserole hold its shape.
• Brown sugar: A touch of brown sugar rounds out the turnips’ slight bitterness. The molasses notes also deepen flavor and aid browning.
• Baking powder: Baking powder lifts the batter so the vegetable base isn’t dense. This leavening creates a soft, souffle-like texture.
• Salt and pepper: Salt sharpens the natural flavors of the turnips and the dairy, while the black pepper brings gentle heat and aromatic bite.
• Nutmeg: Ground nutmeg adds warm, fragrant complexity that pairs well with root vegetables.
• Dry bread crumbs: Bread crumbs create a crunchy, golden topping that contrasts with the creamy interior. Feel free to use store-bought, Panko or homemade seasoned bread crumbs.

Taste of Home