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Roasted Turnips with Leeks

You will love the rich flavors of our Roasted Turnips with Leeks. This easy, 8-ingredient side dish is the perfect addition to any table. And with a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cook time of 40 minutes, this dish is quick and delicious.

Main image of Roasted Turnips with Leeks in a bowl ready to serve.

Move over sweet potatoes, we have a new favorite side for the table!

This roasted turnips with leeks is a powerful side dish loaded with flavors and might be the healthiest thing on the table too!

How can something so healthy with minimal ingredients be so delicious? We make roasted turnips with pancetta.

Pancetta brings flavors that will remind you of bacon but with more flavor.

And the extra flavor means you use less while getting more flavor which makes it healthier.

And perfectly roasted vegetables in pancetta are one of the best foods you can eat.

They have a perfect almost crispy outside and soft inside that give you a dish everyone loves.

And the best part is this is a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare, but it comes together effortlessly in just 40 minutes. And 30 of those are hands off cooking time!

So if you need an easy and delicious side dish for weeknight meals or feast days, this roasted turnips with leeks recipe is my new go to dish. It’s a crowd pleaser!

Yield: 8 Servings

Roasted Turnips with Leeks

zoomed in image of leeks and pancetta over wild rice.

Caramelized turnips and tender leeks roasted until golden and flavorful. This simple side dish is cozy, earthy, and surprisingly delicious.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°.
  2. Spread diced turnips, leeks and pancetta in a single layer on two baking sheets.
  3. Toss with olive oil, salt and pepper.
  4. Strew with thyme leaves.
  5. Roast at 400° for 15 minutes. Stir and roast for another 15 minutes, until turnips are cooked through.
  6. Serve on a platter on top of the wild rice.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 254Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 47mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 5gSugar: 7gProtein: 6g

What Do Turnips Taste Like?

Turnips offer a mild, slightly peppery flavor with a hint of sweetness.

When roasted, they develop a tender texture and a caramelized exterior, making them healthy and delicious.

What Ingredients Are in Roasted Turnips with Leeks?

  • Diced Turnip Roots: the main root vegetables of the dish, giving a hearty and slightly sweet flavor.
  • Diced Leeks: add a mild onion-like taste to the dish.
  • Diced Pancetta: brings a savory, salty kick that complements the sweetness of turnips and the freshness of leeks.
  • Fresh Thyme Leaves: adds herbal notes to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
  • Olive Oil: used to roast the turnips and leeks without them sticking to the pan
  • Sea Salt and Black Pepper: seasons the dish for a beautiful finish
  • Wild Rice: used as a beautiful garnish and tasty grain base for the dish
All ingredient slaid out on the counter before assembling.

How to Make Roasted Turnips with Leeks:

  1. Preheat oven to high heat and prepare a sheet pan lined with parchment paper for easy clean up.
  2. Spread diced veggies and pancetta on baking sheets, toss leeks, turnips, and pancetta with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and strew with thyme leaves.
  3. Roast in the oven, then stir and roast until cooked through with a nice golden crust.
  4. Cook wild rice according to package directions while turnips with leeks are roasting.
  5. Arrange the roasted turnips, leeks and pancetta on a platter and serve on a bed of wild rice.

Pro Tip: You will get more even cooking if you cut the turnips, leeks, and pancetta into equal-sized pieces and spread them in a single layer on the baking sheets.

Ingredients laid out on a baking sheet, unbaked.

Can You Make Roasted Turnips with Leeks Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make roasted turnips with leeks ahead of time!

You can make these ahead and serve them cold over a salad or you can do the prep work and heat them to serve them warm.

To serve them warm, follow the recipe and stop halfway through the cooking time.

Let it cool, then store in the fridge. When you are ready to serve them, finish cooking the last 15 minutes to get them cooked through and crisp all over.

How to Store Roasted Turnips with Leeks:

Store roasted turnips with leeks leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to get the best texture the next day.

roasted turnips and leeks on a baking tray, baked.

How Long Does Roasted Turnips with Leeks Last?

Roasted turnips with leeks can last up to a week in the fridge when stored properly.

You will need to reheat in the oven or toaster oven or in a medium saucepan over medium heat, but the dish does well kept in the fridge.

Can You Freeze Roasted Turnips with Leeks?

Yes you can freeze roasted turnips with leeks!

If you are planning to make this ahead of time to freeze for later, follow the recipe as written but stop after the first roasting period.

Let the dish cool, then spread them evenly on a parchment paper lined baking pan and freeze them for 1 hour (uncovered) in the freezer.

Once everything is frozen so they won’t stick together, pour them into a freezer safe bag or container.

When you are ready to make them, preheat the oven and place the frozen turnips and leeks on a baking pan in the oven and cook through until golden brown.

zoomed in image of leeks and pancetta over wild rice.

Is Roasted Turnips with Leeks Keto?

Yes, roasted turnips with leeks is keto friendly!

Turnips are the one root vegetable that is low enough in carbs and doesn’t spike your blood sugar that it can be included in a keto lifestyle.

Is Roasted Turnips with Leeks Gluten-Free?

Yes, roasted turnips with leeks are gluten-free!

This dish is a great option for those with gluten allergies or sensitivities.

side view of pancetta leeks in a bowl over wild rice.

Is Roasted Turnips with Leeks Healthy?

Yes, roasted turnips with leeks is very healthy for you!

Turnips have important vitamins, minerals, and lots of fiber. Leeks and thyme are also nutritional powerhouses. 

Even the olive oil gives you heart healthy fats.

This is a great recipe to serve to people who love flavor and need to eat a healthy diet.

What to Serve with Roasted Turnips with Leeks:

I like to serve roasted turnips with leeks with roasted poultry, grilled fish, or a juicy steak for a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

Other side dishes you’ll love:

zoomed in image of leeks and roasted turnips with pancetta.

Whether you need a fancy side for a holiday meal or just want to eat healthier, this recipe for roasted turnips with leeks is made with simple ingredients and always delivers great flavors. It is a dish you will come back to again and again.

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