This carrot and turnip mash is the ideal comforting and creamy side dish with hints of sweetness and fresh aromatics.

Carrot and Turnip Mash

For a quick 30-minute side, consider this carrot and turnip mash. Thanks to the root vegetables, it’s subtly sweet, yet it is also filled with bright aromatics since it’s garnished with fresh parsley. Carrot turnip mash tastes delicious on its own, but you can top it with tons of fixings to upgrade it even more. Serve it with a roasted protein such as chicken or beef—or plate it on your holiday spread.
Carrot and Turnip Mash Ingredients
- Root vegetables: We use sweet carrots and hearty turnips to create this creamy mash.
- Butter: To add richness to the carrot turnip mash, we melt butter to finish the dish.
- Seasonings and aromatics: Enhance the flavor of the recipe for mashed carrots and turnips with salt, pepper and a few sprinkles of fresh parsley.
Directions
Step 1: Boil the root vegetables
Place the carrots and turnips in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat, then cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender.
Step 2: Mash the root vegetables
Drain the root vegetables and mash them. Next, add the butter, salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.
Carrot and Turnip Mash Variations
- Add cheese: To increase the decadent factor of this mash, top it with feta, Cotija or paneer.
- Add onions and garlic: To enhance the flavor, saute some onions and garlic to add to this dish.
- Top with nuts: Sprinkle some walnuts or pecans onto this dish for crunchy bites.
How to Store Carrot and Turnip Mash
Allow your mash to cool, then divide it into individual servings. Store these leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for three to five days.
Can you make carrot and turnip mash ahead of time?
If you are hosting a gathering, prepare this mash beforehand. Follow the recipe for mashed carrots and turnips, let it cool, store it in your fridge for three to five days and reheat it when you are ready to serve.
Can you freeze carrot and turnip mash?
Store this carrot turnip mash in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two months. Then, defrost it when you are ready to reheat and eat.
How long does carrot and turnip mash last?
Store this dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to five days or in the freezer for up to two months.
Carrot and Turnip Mash Tips
Can I use a different vegetable for this recipe?
While we recommend boiling carrots and turnips, this recipe also tastes delicious with hearty root vegetables such as butternut squash, acorn squash, yams and parsnips. Just keep in mind that the ultimate flavor will vary from the original version.
Can I make a vegan version of this carrot and turnip mash?
With a simple swap, you can make this recipe accessible for plant-based eaters. Instead of using dairy butter in this recipe, swap in a vegan one.
What can I serve with this carrot and turnip mash?
This mash is the ultimate side dish because it can be paired with many foods. It’ll taste delicious plated next to a juicy steak, sausage or piece of chicken. You can also take the vegetarian route and eat it with roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, kale or spinach.
Carrot and Turnip Mash
Ingredients
- 2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium turnips, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- Minced fresh parsley, optional
Directions
- Place carrots and turnips in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and cook for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
- Drain and mash. Add the butter, salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
3/4 cup: 157 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 250mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 2g protein.