Way back in the summer of 2010, I tried my first rutabaga! Back then I was on a big “veggie fries” kick and loved transforming my favorites vegetables into fries. I bought my first two rutabagas at the downtown Orlando farmer’s market and made a batch of rutabaga fries that were an instant success.
Well, for some unknown reason, I’m pretty sure I haven’t made rutabaga fries since 2010 and this week I figured it was time to change that! Plus, the old photos and recipe I initially shared on the blog left a lot to be desired, so why not revamp the recipe and give everything a little update in the process?
While I opted for chili powder, salt and pepper in my initial recipe, I changed up the spices for this batch of oven baked rutabaga fries since Ryan and I are on a huge rosemary kick. We stumbled upon a wild overgrown rosemary bush on a recent walk with Sadie and now that we have constant access to one of our favorite herbs, it’s making its way into lots of recipes in the Fagan household!
![Oven Baked Rutabaga Fries[4]](https://i2.wp.com/pbfingers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Oven-Baked-Rutabaga-Fries4.jpg "Oven Baked Rutabaga Fries[4]")
Coupled with garlic and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, the rosemary shines and gives the rutabaga fries a rustic feel and fresh flavor that kept us coming back for more.
Oven Baked Rutabaga Fries
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Category: side dishes
Description
Oven baked rutabaga fries are healthy and simple to prepare and make a great alternative to greasy french fries. Oven baked and full of flavor, rutabaga fries taste delicious dipped in ketchup and served alongside everything from hamburgers and grilled chicken to salmon and veggie burgers!
Ingredients
- 1 large rutabaga (or several small rutabagas – approximately 1.5 lbs. total)
- 1 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus more after baking)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Wash and peel rutabaga before slicing into long, thin fries.
- Place fries in a large bowl and toss with remaining ingredients, taking care to coat them well.
- Divide fries between two baking sheets and bake for approximately 30 – 40 minutes, flipping them every 10 minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle with additional salt (if desired) and serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
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I have never had a rutabaga, but I love veggie fries so I definitely need to try these ; )
I’ve done the sweet potato fry deal and they are delicious but never have I considered rutabaga~! I love it. My mom always mashes it up for Thanksgiving and it’s sweet but someone pungent too. Just the right flavor. I can’t wait to try these on fries. Great idea Julie. Thanks.
I don’t think I’ve ever had rutabaga but hey I’m all about fries!! Is it hard to peel?
They’re super easy to peel!!
I just made rutabaga fries for the first time last week! I loved them as a change from sweet potatoes or parsnips!
Love rutabagas! I also loved the sneak preview of this recipe on Snapchat yesterday too 😉 Your snapchats are seriously my favorite because, let’s be honest, Chase and Sadie make my day! 🙂
Thank you, Marina! They are definitely the stars of my Snapchat so I’m happy to hear you enjoy little glimpses of them! 🙂
I’ve never had rutabagas! Are they tough to peel and cut? Looks really good!
One of the BEST things about rutabagas is that they are actually REALLY easy to cut and peel! Much easier than butternut squash, etc.
Soooooo good! I’ve never cooked with rutabaga before and clearly that needs to change!
I’ve never had rutabaga! But you’re not the first blogger to rave about it so I might have to try it now.
looks delish! Pinned it AFAP!
I’ve never had rutabaga either!! Is it bitter or sweet? My boyfriend HATES sweet potatoes (I know, what’s wrong with him?!), even in french fry form. So, I’m hoping this might be a winner!
have you ever tried turnips? it reminds me of a more mild turnip! it’s a pretty neutral flavor so it might actually be more appealing to your BF!
That sounds perfect!! 🙂 We will give it a try!
I have never tried rutabaga, this post makes me want to give it a chance. Thank you 🙂
I remember watching your “rutabaga fries” video and afterwards I was on a huge veggie fries kick too! How was that so long ago?! I’ll have to make these again soon, I remember them being delicious! 🙂
oh man!!! that video takes me baaaack! thanks for reading for so long! 🙂
Me too! I was on some website that linked to your post and it was the first time I read your blog (and the first time I tried any type of roasted veggie fries)! Having serious flashbacks!
Wow! This is a definite must-try. They look delicious =) Thanks for sharing.
Hope you enjoy them!!
I have literally never had a rutabaga in my lifetime. These might be a game changer!
These look so yummy! French fries are one of my favorite foods, so I’m all about finding healthy alternatives for them! Do these taste similar to sweet potato fries because they totally look like it!
Thanks for sharing Julie!!
I make “fries” out of everything! Green beans are one of my favorite veggies to transform into a healthy treat!
Rutabaga fries is an excellent idea. The root veggies are so healthy.
Yum! I love sweet and regular potato fries, but am into experimenting with other veggies lately. I’ve never tried rutabagas but now I think I must. With rosemary and thyme together 🙂
Am I the only healthy living blogger that hasn’t tried a rutabaga? Potentially. But hey, I’ll give it a shot!
A neighbor of our’s has mint galore, so I’ve been adding those to every recipe. It’s wonderful to have fresh herbs at the ready!
Thanks for sharing!
XO, Jessica
http://www.semisweettooth.com
I’ve never tried rutabaga but these look mighty tasty!
Wow, I don’t think I’ve ever had a rutabaga before. In fact, I wouldn’t be able to pick one out in the grocery store. **crawling out from beneath my rock 🙂
I’ve never tried a rutabaga, but I’m going to be on the lookout for them now! I’m always up for new forms of fries 🙂
I’ve never ever had rutabaga at all. I will have to try these!
Hmm, I’ve made jicama fries, but never rutabaga. Like others, I’m not 100% I’ve eaten one before. Maybe? One thing’s for certain, I’m going to have to pick one up next grocery trip!
Yum! My husband is really trying to eat healthier, so these would be awesome!
Super long time blog reader here…. I totally remember your veggie fries kick! I actually made parsnip fries with your recipe back in the day. 🙂 Glad the fries are back, great way to get extra veggies in!
Yummy Julie, these look so yummy! Rutabagas are a really tasty flavorful vegetables. I love veggie-themed fries.
I’ve never had rutabaga.. but this is making me want to try it!!
I have never tried a rutabaga! But I love using other veggies in place of traditional potato fries.
I HAVE to try rutabaga before I die. These look so good–they don’t even look healthy!
Hi, can I use turnip instead of the rutabaga?
Yum, those look absolutely divine and perfect for a Sunday bbq! Never tried rutabaga before but going to check out my local farmer’s market tomorrow!
Have you ever tried freezing these? A friend and I are getting together to do some food prep and I’d like to use these as the side dish for one of our meals. We wanted to make meals that we could toss, assembled, into the freezer, so we can make a couple batches.
Definitely easy enough to make these fresh, but I was just curious!
Thanks 🙂