Classic Turnip and Apple Casserole π
Overview:
This Classic Turnip and Apple Casserole recipe has been a cherished part of my family’s holiday table since 1979, when I first tasted it at my husband’s aunt’s house. Combining the sweetness of apples with the earthy flavor of turnips, it’s a delightful side dish that perfectly complements a Thanksgiving or Christmas turkey dinner. The beauty of this dish is its versatility; you can prepare it ahead of time and simply add the topping before baking, making it a convenient choice for busy holiday meal prep.
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: 155.5
- Rating: βββββ (5)
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turnip |
| 1 | Butter |
| 2 | Apples |
| 2 tbsp | Brown sugar |
| 1/4 tsp | Ground cinnamon |
| 1 cup | Flour |
| 1/3 cup | Brown sugar (for topping) |
| 1/3 cup | Butter (for topping) |
Instructions:
-
Preheat oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350Β°F. Butter a casserole dish generously or alternatively, you can spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Set the dish aside while you prepare the ingredients.
-
-
Prepare turnip: Peel the turnip and dice it into small pieces. Turnips can be quite dense, so this might take some effort. Place the diced turnip into a large pot and cover it with cold, lightly salted water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
-
Boil turnip: Allow the turnip to boil until it becomes tender. Unlike potatoes, turnips may take a bit longer to cook through. Once tender, drain the turnip and return it to the pot.
-
Season turnip: Mash the cooked turnip with 1 tablespoon of butter and a splash of cream until smooth. Stir in 1/4 cup of brown sugar and the ground cinnamon. Set the seasoned turnip mixture aside.
-
Prepare apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges.
-
Layer ingredients: In the prepared casserole dish, create layers starting with 1/3 of the seasoned turnip mixture. Follow with a layer of half the sliced apples, then another 1/3 of the turnip mixture. Continue layering with the remaining apples and turnip mixture, ensuring a smooth top.
-
Optional refrigeration: At this point, if you’re preparing the casserole ahead of time, you can cover the dish tightly and refrigerate it for several hours. However, hold off on adding the topping until you’re ready to bake.
-
Prepare topping: When you’re ready to bake, mix the topping ingredients (flour, brown sugar, and butter) in a small bowl until they resemble coarse crumbs.
-
Add topping: Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the top of the turnip and apple layers in the casserole dish.
-
Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately one hour, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
-
Serve: Once baked to perfection, remove the casserole from the oven and serve it alongside your favorite holiday dishes. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet apples and savory turnips in every bite!
This Classic Turnip and Apple Casserole is sure to become a beloved addition to your holiday menu, just as it has been for my family for over four decades. Enjoy the heartwarming flavors and the memories shared around the table with loved ones.
